The December 4^th meeting opened with Dan Murphy, speaking during the Open Student Forum, who provided insight into the process of appointing a new mayor for State College. In Special Presentations, Fallan Frank from the Paul Robeson Cultural Center spoke to the assembly about the PRCC’s commitment to offering programs based in social justice, cultural enrichment, and leadership development to all students. Ms. Fallan also spoke on the facilities for use in the center, as well as the array of programming offered by the center throughout the year.

 

In Executive Office Reports, President Claire Kelling spoke on the upcoming Town Hall event, where 115 people are registered to attend. She also touched on the Winter Gala event, which will be held on Saturday. In the Faculty Senate report, Star Sharp reported that Penn State’s decision to allow the Common App has resulted in an increase of applicants. She also mentioned that the border program allows for some students living outside of Pennsylvania to qualify for in state tuition.

 

In New Business, Bill 65-19 in support of the co-sponsorship of an Association of Women in Geoscience outreach event was passed with unanimous consent, focused on bringing women in geoscience together. Bill 69-16, in support of the GWIS Voices 2020 Conference Co-Sponsorship was also passed with unanimous consent. Bill 69-17, concerning the budget for the Spring 2020 Graduate Writing Boot Camp was passed as well

 

In reports, the committees updated the assembly on their activities. The advocacy and Human Diversity committee is working to promote mentoring and internships to GPSA members. The community service committee will be accepting donations for the Women’s Resource Center at the Winter Gala.

The November 13^th meeting began with a special presentation from Perry F. Dripps, the program coordinator at the Sustainability Institute. Perry spoke about a number of strategies that GPSA members can utilize in order to help make Penn State a more sustainable university.

 

In Executive Reports, President Claire Kelling spoke on a number of topics affecting graduate students, including best communication practices among liaisons, working to promote the upcoming town hall event, and correcting mistakes with administrative pay. Treasurer Alex Zhao spoke about the allocation process for the upcoming year, and encouraged delegates to propose ideas for events for the upcoming semester.

 

In New Business, two new delegates were confirmed with unanimous consent. Emma Robertson and Melanie Ouma will serve as delegates for the Law School and are eager to get started with their roles. Bill 69-14 passed with unanimous consent in order to approve the after-hours bowling event.

 

In reports, Amanda Burton shared that the Advocacy and Human Diversity Committee is working on a statement for inclusion. The Programming committee also shared information about the upcoming Winter Gala.

The meeting on October 30 began with a presentation from Cheryl Zeljak who spoke about the Student Parent Child Care Subsidy. This program helps fund childcare for Penn State student parents and is funded through student fees and a national grant. Cheryl spoke on the eligibility requirements for the program as well as outlined her goals to spread awareness of the program to student parents on campus.

In executive office reports, President Claire Kelling spoke about the importance of quorum and how it is needed at each meeting in order to conduct business. She also touched on her recent meeting with the Dean of the Graduate School and the progress being made in regard in regard to the leave of absence policy. Vice President Charles spoke about the PSU Votes steering committee and its efforts to increase student voter turnout.

In New Business, four new delegates were confirmed by unanimous consent. Katy Gerace, Samantha Staskiewicz, Emily Lesher, and Frank Ross are each excited about joining the association and hope to make positive contributions through their positions. The Town Hall, which will take place on December 9th, was approved with unanimous consent. This event will be held to gather feedback from graduate and professional students and encourage more conversation around difficulties they face. A resolution was also passed by unanimous consent in support of holistic application review and abolishing the GRE requirement for the Graduate School at Penn State.

In Reports, Speaker of the Assembly Terry Torres Cruz congratulated the committees for their hard work this year and encouraged them to keep improving. The committees each updated the assembly on their upcoming plans, particularly focusing on the annual Winter Gala. Tickets are on sale now!

The October 16th meeting began with a special presentation from Dr. Daniel Newhart, the Assistant Vice Provost for Planning, Office of Planning and Assessment. He spoke with the assembly about Penn State’s Strategic Plan, its purpose, and goals for the future. The Office of Planning and Assessment is taking suggestions for implementing this strategic plan. Mr. Newhart also encouraged graduate students to apply for funding for programs so that the students as well as the strategic plan can be successful.

In Executive Officer Reports, President Claire Kelling spoke about the increased White Course housing rates, and assured the assembly that different housing options will be investigated further. She also discussed the Stipend Equity Report and efforts she is taking to secure a more detailed report. Vice President Charles Tierney spoke about the meeting he recently attended about the HUB and its potential changes.

In Unfinished Business, the resolution regarding the faculty senator elected by the graduate student body returned to the floor. The resolution stating that they are no longer considered a voting member was approved by a unanimous vote.

In New Business, three new delegates were confirmed by a unanimous vote. The bill to hold the American Red Cross Blood Drive on November 7th as a part of the MSU vs. PSU blood drive challenge passed. The resolution in support of graduate students to be excused from assistantship and thesis/dissertation duties for vacation time and to receive family leave was also passed.

In Reports, the Speaker of the Assemble Terry Torres Cruz reminded the assembly to be actively engaging in their committee meetings. The committees updated the assembly on the various initiatives currently being worked on, including updates on recent and upcoming programming events and community service initiatives.

The October 2^nd meeting began with a special presentation from Dr. Katharine c. Stanley from Penn State CAPS. She spoke to the assembly about the stress and pressure brought on by graduate school, and that sometimes students may hit their limits of coping abilities. Dr. Stanley emphasized the importance of referring students to CAPS when it seems that something is not right, and she also spoke about the extensive services offered by CAPS to students at Penn State.

In Executive Office Reports, President Claire Kelling addressed upcoming GPSA events including the professional exploration workshop as well as the food security summit in Harrisburg. Vice President Charles Tierney spoke about a new rule instituted by the National Labor Relations Board regarding graduate students at private school.

In New Business, seven new delegates were confirmed with unanimous consent. GPSA is excited to see what these new delegates will bring to the organization! Bills regarding GPSA Pottery Decorating, Fall Social Hour, and the Professional Headshot Fundraiser were passed, and these events are scheduled to take place soon. A resolution was proposed to change the voting rights of the GPSA faculty senator.

In committee reports, the various committees updated the assembly on various events and happenings, including the upcoming Penn State vs. Michigan State Blood Drive.