Assembly Meeting Highlights – January 29, 2025
The GPSA 74th Assembly held its latest meeting on January 29, 2025, covering key topics including graduate student unionization, student advocacy, and funding for major events.
1. Graduate Worker Unionization Discussion
Representatives from CG UAW (Coalition of Graduate Employees at Penn State) shared insights on the ongoing graduate worker unionization efforts. They discussed the benefits of forming a union, such as improved wages, subsidized healthcare, and stronger legal protections for international students. The process of forming a union, including recent milestones like the submission of over 3,000 union support cards, was outlined.
2. Special Presentation from State College Borough Council
Josh Portney from the State College Borough Council spoke about the borough’s support for graduate worker unionization, student representation on advisory boards, and local initiatives to improve walkability, bikeability, and housing affordability in State College.
3. Legislative Actions
- People’s Choice Awards for Graduate Exhibition (Bill 74-21): Approved funding to support awards for outstanding graduate student research presentations.
- Resolution Condemning Anti-Palestinian Racism (Resolution 74-02): After discussion and amendments, the resolution was passed, calling for stronger university action against incidents of discrimination.
- Immigration Law Symposium (Bill 74-23): Funding of $1,653 was approved to support this event, which will provide legal education and networking opportunities.
- Criminal Justice Reform Conference (Bill 74-24): Approved funding for this annual conference, which focuses on critical issues in criminal justice policy and reform.
The meeting adjourned at 10:03 PM. The next assembly meeting is scheduled for February 12, 2025.