In response to cOVID-19, GPSA held its first virtual meeting via Zoom on April 1st. Prior to the start of the meeting, proper guideline for participation were outlined by the executive board.
In special presentations, Michael Verderame and Sarah Aides from the graduate school spoke in order to give some insight into graduate school representation in Penn State’s response to the pandemic within the crisis team. Jessie Barlow from the State College Student Council also spoke on the emergency and how it is being handled at the government level.
In Executive Reports, President Claire Kelling touched on the upcoming elections as well as the transition process that will occur at the end of the current term. The Faculty Senator spoke on the way that undergraduate grades will be handled this semester.
In New Business, a number of resolutions were passed. These include the funding of Lyft rides to grocery stores and medical facilities, funding free subscriptions to virtual workout classes for graduate students, and the funding of takeout meals from local restaurants in the State College area.
In Committee Reports, the committees urged the assembly to submit any ideas they have to help graduate students navigate through these difficult times.
In Liaison Reports, Nick Dietrich announced that GPSA elections will be postponed until April 15th.