Assembly Meeting Highlights – April 16, 2025

Final Meeting of the 74th Assembly
The Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSA) held its final meeting for the 74th Assembly, celebrating a year of achievements, student advocacy, and community building.

Special Recognitions
Kenneth Martin Exemplary GPSA Service Award: Samuel Allcorn
Delegate of the Year: Jessica Shaw
Philip J. Burlingame Advocate for the Arts Award: Adelaide Klutse
Zhao-Kelling GPSA Executive Award: Fawaz Motolani
Zebrowski Miller Kerr Award for Innovation: Robert Robertson

Award plaques will be available for viewing in the student government and GPSA offices.

Key Legislation and Resolutions

Resolution 74-06: GPSA Signage Amendment
Amended and passed. Organizations receiving GPSA funding must use GPSA-branded advertising; failure to comply will restrict future funding requests for the remainder of the assembly term.
Resolution 74-09: Zoom Policy Amendment
Amended and passed. Zoom links for meetings will be distributed upon request, with stricter attendance and absence policies. Members are allowed two remote attendances without penalty; further absences require proxies or will be counted as unexcused, except for approved special circumstances.
Resolution 74-10: Executive Director Renaming
Passed after brief discussion.

Funding Bills Approved

Pride Picnic (Bill 74-47): Funding increased to $1,000 to support networking and engagement for the LGBTQ+ community.
Blue and White Tailgate (Bill 74-48): Funding increased to $1,000 to support the spring event, expected to serve 100–125 students.

Executive Updates
President (Seth Hojnacki): Announced new Fox Graduate School resources for international students, including an FAQ page and upcoming merit-based scholarships.
Vice President (Anthony Miduri): Reflected on a successful year and thanked the assembly for their dedication.
Chief of Staff (Morgan Milhollen): Reminded graduates to collect cords and expressed gratitude for the year.
Finance & Business (Ayan Bhatnagar): Working to finalize all outstanding reimbursements and thanked members for their support.
Advocacy & Diversity (Mahmudul Hasan): Highlighted ongoing work on housing and transportation issues for graduate students.
Marketing & Communications (Fawaz Motolani): Noted improvements in GPSA’s visibility and engagement across platforms.
International Student Affairs (Vaibhav Pal): Invited everyone to the upcoming Family Day event.
Faculty Senators (Cierra Chandler & Adelaide Klutse): Shared updates on faculty senate activities, new scholarships, changes to the Office of Graduate Educational Engagement Programs, and advocacy for international students facing visa challenges.

Committee Reports

Advocacy & Diversity: Focused on planning the Pride Picnic.
Climate Action Subcommittee: Reflected on establishing the committee and progress made.
Internal Development: Introduced a new delegate nomination form to encourage broader participation from all colleges and campuses.
Student Engagement: Promoted the Blue and White Tailgate and encouraged attendance.

Advisor’s Closing Remarks
Advisor Talea Drummer-Ferrell congratulated the 74th Assembly for their dedication and impact throughout the year.

Looking Ahead

The assembly celebrated its successes and transitions, with new leadership preparing to continue the work of advocating for and serving Penn State’s graduate and professional students.

Upcoming events include Family Day and continued support for student initiatives and engagement.

Thank you to all members, delegates, and executive officers for a productive and impactful year!

Assembly Meeting Highlights – April 2, 2025

Bills and Funding Decisions

• Approved Bills:

  • Bill 74-36: $1,000 approved for LAGRASA Carnaval, a celebration of Latin American culture featuring music, dance, food, and performances on April 26.

  • Bill 74-38: $1,000 approved for Bangladesh Night 2025, showcasing Bangladeshi culture through performances and authentic cuisine.

  • Bill 74-40: $5,000 approved for Celebration of Black Lives, emphasizing resilience and civic engagement with culturally significant catering.

  • Bill 74-41: $1,024 approved for Graduate Students and Family Day, covering food and painting activities at an off-campus park.

  • Bill 74-42: $1,000 approved for Graduate Students Career Event focusing on academic and industry career paths.

  • Bill 74-43: $800 approved for the SAESE Environmental Research Symposium to support food costs for the two-day event.

  • Bill 74-44: $345 approved for the Immigration Law Symposium to cover unexpected dinner costs.

  • Bill 74-45: $175 approved for ASL and Deaf Culture Workshop addressing communication gaps in legal fields.

• Denied Bill:

  • Bill 74-46: Diamond Jubilee event funding denied due to feasibility concerns. A simpler tailgate event proposal was recommended.

Resolutions Passed

• Resolution 74-04: Assembly granted power to amend vetoed bills to address funding adjustments.

• Resolution 74-05: Co-Sponsorship Presentation Amendment passed.

• Resolution 74-06: GPSA Signage Amendment updated to require logo display at funded events.

• Resolution 74-07: Maximum meeting time reduced to two hours.

• Resolution 74-08: Meeting start time amended to begin at 7 PM with quorum.

Resolutions Tabled

• Resolution 74-09: Zoom Policy Amendment tabled after extensive discussion on accessibility concerns.

• Resolution 74-10: Executive Director Renaming resolution tabled for voting in the next meeting.

Special Presentation

Daniil Rose, a candidate for the GPSA presidency in the upcoming elections, presented his vision for improving programming and outreach to underrepresented graduate student groups.

Executive Updates

• President Seth Hojnacki invited delegates to share concerns for his final meetings with PSU administration before transitioning leadership to the next assembly.

• Vice President Anthony Miduri announced that elections will be held on April 9. Flyers were distributed to encourage interest in GPSA positions.

Upcoming Events

Delegates are encouraged to attend and promote:

• LAGRASA Carnaval (April 26)

• Graduate Students and Family Day

• Celebration of Black Lives

The next GPSA Assembly meeting will include voting on tabled resolutions and further discussions.

Assembly Meeting Highlights – March 19, 2025

Bills Passed

• Bill 74-32: Sport and Entertainment Law Society event approved for $950 funding

• Bill 74-35: Food Science in Action program approved for $400 funding

• Bill 74-37: Think Green Win Green sustainability event approved for $637 funding

Bills Tabled

• Bill 74-36: LAGRASA Carnaval ($2,800 request) tabled for further discussion on funding options

• Bill 74-38: Bangladesh Night 2025 ($4,965.94 request) tabled for clarification on itemized expenses

Bill Denied

• Bill 74-34: African Diaspora Exploration event denied due to concerns about fund allocation

New Resolutions Introduced

Five new resolutions were presented for consideration:

1. Assembly Amendment Power to Vetoed Bills

2. Co-Sponsorship Presentation Amendment

3. GPSA Signage Amendment

4. Maximum Meeting Time

5. Meeting Start Time

6. Zoom Policy Amendment

These resolutions will be voted on in the next meeting.

Executive Updates

• President Seth Hojnacki announced a funding increase for GPSA’s fiscal year 2027 budget to $65,497

• Night of Remembrance for students who passed during the school year scheduled for April 24

• GPSA is planning an end-of-semester carnival event to celebrate its 75th year on campus

• Graduating delegates are requested to inform about honor cord color restrictions in their colleges

Upcoming Events

• Graduate Exhibition and Three Minute Thesis final round

• Graduate Family Event on April 2nd at an off-campus location

Elections

• Intent to run forms for GPSA executive positions will be sent out soon

• Delegates were encouraged to find potential candidates for the 75th Assembly

The next GPSA Assembly meeting will include voting on the presented resolutions and further discussion on tabled bills

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!

Assembly Meeting Highlights – February 12, 2025

The 74th GPSA Assembly meeting was called to order at 7:32 PM by Seth, with the agenda and prior meeting minutes approved.

Old Business:

• Resolution 74-02: A resolution condemning anti-Palestinian racism at Penn State was vetoed due to conflicts with a new executive order. The Assembly voted on overriding the veto, but it did not pass.

Special Presentation – GPSA Elections:

• The Executive Board provided an overview of GPSA positions, responsibilities, and election details for the upcoming 75th Assembly.

New Business:

• Resolution 74-03: The Assembly discussed and passed a resolution affirming graduate workers’ right to a fair union election in Spring 2025.
• Funding Bills: The Assembly considered several funding requests, including:
  • Ghanaians at Penn State (GaPS) Independence Day Seminar – Approved for $500 (requested: $760).
  • MSA Ramadan Community Iftar – Approved for $1,200 (requested: $2,100).
  • Pan-African Professional Alliance Conference & Gala Night – Tabled for further discussion.

Executive & Committee Reports:

• Updates included ongoing advocacy for graduate students, financial planning, and event preparations.
• The Climate Action Subcommittee announced an environmental education workshop for April 10.
• The Student Engagement Committee is planning a family picnic event.

Key Discussions:

• Strategic planning meetings regarding university funding are upcoming.
• A resolution to automatically end meetings at 10 PM is in development.

The meeting adjourned at 10:13 PM. The next meeting will include final election dates and additional discussions.