Assembly Meeting Highlights – February 26, 2025
Key Discussions & Decisions
Event Funding Approvals:
- GPSA Bowling Night – $800 approved for a networking event featuring bowling, trivia, and food.
- Pan-African Professional Alliance (Pan-APA) Annual Conference – $2,000 approved to support the eighth annual conference focused on Afrofuturism.
- Pan-APA African Gala Night – $2,000 approved for a cultural celebration featuring African music, food, and performances.
- Sports Entertainment Law Society (SELS) Symposium – Tabled till the next meeting.
- Penn State Global Engagement Boston Spring Break Trip – Rejected after budget discussions.
President’s Report:
- Student Unionization Efforts – GPSA’s endorsement was shared with the Board of Trustees, who responded positively. Penn State has committed to neutrality in negotiations.
- Executive Orders Impacting Higher Education – President Bendapudi reassured that Penn State will not preemptively comply with recent executive orders and is working with advocacy groups.
- Fee Board Update – The proposed increase in GPSA funding was capped at $65,497 for FY2027 due to student fee regulations. Future adjustments may be needed.
Upcoming Events & Initiatives:
- CGE Rally – March 4, protesting Penn State’s stance on RAs as non-workers.
- Graduate Research Symposium – Includes a research image contest; participation encouraged.
- International Student Career Event – Planned for April, featuring faculty and industry professionals sharing career guidance.
- Sustainability Event – April 10, featuring speakers, games, and prizes.
- April 16 GPSA Meeting & End-of-Year Celebration – Food and social activities planned for the final meeting of the term.
Faculty Senate & Graduate Council Updates:
- Federal Funding Crisis & Research Impact – Concerns raised about how executive orders may affect research funding and tuition costs.
- Pass/Fail Policy Review – Ongoing discussions on potential grading policy standardization.
- Vote of No Confidence in President Bendapudi – Discussions continue regarding faculty concerns over university leadership.
- Graduate Mentorship & Advising Standards – New policies being developed to improve faculty advising.
- Graduate Student Appreciation Month (April) – Students encouraged to participate in events and self-care activities.
Reminders & Announcements:
- Graduate Exhibition & Three Minute Thesis – Events taking place in March; participation encouraged.
- Civil Rights Forum – February 28 at the Katz Building, featuring MLK Jr.’s nephew and expert panels.
The meeting adjourned at 9:15 PM.
📢 Stay engaged and reach out with any questions or suggestions!