Here are the highlights from the GPSA 74th Assembly Meeting on December 4, 2024

• Meeting Commencement: The 74th GPSA Assembly meeting began at 7:32 PM.
• Adoption of Agenda & Approval of Minutes: Both items were moved, seconded, and approved.

1. Bill 74-16: Approved funding for a Culture Night bowling event aimed at fostering community among students.
2. Bill 74-17: BSASIA’s Civil Rights Forum proposal was tabled for clarification on financial details. The forum will feature prominent civil rights speakers and is scheduled for February.
3. Bill 74-18: Passed funding for SIA’s De-Stress Week activities, including goodie bags and hot chocolate.
4. Bill 74-19: Approved funding for PGSA’s Movie Night, set to take place at the State Theater.

• Transportation Services: Rick Ward discussed sustainable initiatives, parking management improvements, and challenges related to the RidePASS program.

• President: Spring semester priorities include enhancing communication between students and university leadership. Upcoming meetings with Graduate School Deans were announced.
• Finance: Current spending stands at $24,425, with sufficient funds for ambitious spring activities. Members are encouraged to plan events during the break.
• Marketing: GPSA’s first newsletter launches January 6. Efforts to expand its reach will include flyers and email campaigns.
• International Student Affairs: A resource document for international students covering key topics will be released in January.

• Advocacy & Diversity: Engaging with GSAs to address student feedback.
• Climate Action: Four sustainability projects planned, including a roundtable and education workshop.
• Professional Development: Soliciting input from students to prioritize upcoming events.
• Student Engagement: Winter Gala scheduled for December 7, with only 14 tickets remaining.

• Winter Gala: Attendees should arrive by 6:45 PM; the event includes dinner, a DJ, and a photo booth.
• Self-Care: Leaders emphasized prioritizing wellness during exams and the winter break.

• The meeting concluded at 9:36 PM.

🎉 Join Us for the GPSA Winter Gala 2024! 🎉

Get ready to celebrate the season in style! The Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSA) invites you to our Winter Gala, an evening of elegance, entertainment, and connection.

📅 Date: December 7, 2024
🕖 Time: 7–11 p.m.
📍 Location: The Nittany Lion Inn

✨ What to Expect:

• Delicious food
• A DJ to keep you dancing all night
• A cash bar
• A photo booth to capture unforgettable moments

Each graduate student is welcome to bring ONE guest. Tickets are $30 per person, and seating is limited to 200 attendees—so act fast before they sell out!

🎟️ Purchase Your Tickets Here: Get Tickets Now

✨ How to Get Involved:
Scan the QR code in our flyer (below) to purchase tickets or click Get Tickets Now

Let’s come together to celebrate the holiday season in the spirit of our vibrant graduate community. Don’t miss out on this incredible evening!

📌 Questions? Email us at gpsa@psu.edu.

We can’t wait to see you there!

Here are the highlights from the GPSA 74th Assembly Meeting on November 13, 2024

1. Special Presentation
Dr. Talea Drummer-Ferrell, the new Associate Vice President of Student Affairs, shared her background and vision, emphasizing authenticity, leadership, and centering student voices. She expressed excitement about serving as the new GPSA advisor.

2. New Appointments

• Gopi Yalavarthi was unanimously appointed as an At-Large Delegate. Gopi brings his PhD experience in nutrition science and previous leadership roles in graduate student governance.
• Dr. Talea Drummer-Ferrell was unanimously confirmed as the new GPSA Advisor.

3. Approved Funding Bills

• Three Minute Thesis (3MT) People’s Choice Award: Unanimous approval for funding to support this prestigious graduate competition.
• Winter Gala Florals: Funding passed to reduce costs and create elegant centerpieces for the Winter Gala.
• Solidarity Celebration: Financial support approved for a pre-Thanksgiving event hosted by the Law and Equity Committee, targeting international students.

4. Executive and Committee Updates

• Winter Gala Planning: Significant progress, with catering finalized and ticket prices adjusted to $30. The event will utilize Eventbrite for digital ticketing.
• Advocacy & Diversity: Plans for a housing survey to address affordability and lease timing challenges faced by students.
• Marketing: Flyers for the Winter Gala were shared, and volunteers are being sought for setting up a new graduate space.
• Finance: Updates on reimbursements and financial status; replenishment of funds expected by the end of November.

5. Remarks for the Good of the Order
The Speaker of Assembly addressed the increase in hate speech and intolerance on campus, urging students to support one another and report incidents. GPSA plans to issue a formal statement with resources for students.

The meeting concluded with a renewed focus on solidarity, inclusion, and student engagement.