On February 14, 2018, GPSA discussed the university-wide transition to Office 365 and passed three bills.

The meeting opened with a presentation from the Office 365 Project Team. The assembly was informed that there were two transition options, and they team was able to take feedback as to the most impactful way to roll out the new e-mail and collaboration toolset.

President Matt Krott addressed the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board decision to allow Penn State graduate assistants to be considered employees under the Public Employee Relations Act, and therefore have the right to bargain collectively. Krott urged the assembly to talk with their constituents and help them understand the implications of unionizing. He additionally emphasized that every eligible graduate assistant should take the responsibility to educate themselves about the unionization process prior to voting on the issue. To read GPSA’s full comment on this matter please click here.

Bill 67-30 “Sustainable Urban Planning Panel” passed unanimously, allowing for funding to go towards an expert panel that will be discussing how projects like the Toll Brothers luxury apartment complex affect the sustainability of the Centre County community. The event will additionally have locally sourced refreshments, on March 1, 2018 in 132 HUB.

Bill 67-31 “Grad Cup 2018” was approved and provided funding for the annual Grad Cup field day event. This event will be in late March or early April, and will give graduate students a chance to participate in fun, outdoor activities. There will be lunch provided, and a social (location TBD) after the field day.

Bill 67-32 “HHD Co-Sponsorship for a Diversity Movie Night,” was unanimously passed. Funding for this event will go towards refreshments during a the viewing and discussion of the Documentary 13^th.

On January 31, 2018 the GPSA Assembly passed two bills and one resolution.

The assembly meeting opened with a presentation from the Interim Assistant Vice President for Diversity & Inclusion, Peggy Lorah. Lorah discussed Student Affairs’ efforts to address the diverse student body’s needs. Her office can assist with academic advocacy for students, financial aid and career placement. Her staff are located in the Paul Robeson Cultural Center (PRCC), Boucke Building  and the Spiritual Center.

Bill 67-28, “SPS and WE ARE Mixer + Scholar Speed Dating Co-sponsorship” was approved and will aid to fund a scholarly social at Cafe 210 West. This event will bring together graduate and professional students from varying departments to talk about their work in a “speed dating” setting.

Bill 67-29 “Graduate Open Skate” passed unanimously, providing funding for a two-hour block of time at the Pegula Ice Rink. Graduate and professional students can skate at a significantly discounted cost, and children can skate for free. This will be a family friendly event, and will allow graduate and professional students to enjoy the ice rink with friends and family, with some light snacks.

Resolution 67-06 “GPSA Constitution and Bylaws Changes” passed unanimously after an amendment. This resolution allows Graduate Council members voting privileges within the GPSA Assembly.

On January 18, 2018, two resolutions were passed by the GPSA Assembly, in addition to two co-sponsorship bills.

Resolution 67-04, “Support of Undocumented Penn State Students,” passed by unanimous consent. This resolution expressed the assembly’s support for a legislative solution from Congress to address the status of individuals who were able to remain in the United States legally under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. We urge students who share the Assembly’s view to contact their legislators and voice their opinion. The Assembly commends President Barron’s statement expressing his desire to ensure permanent residency to childhood arrivals to the United States, and also called upon Penn State to help students who may be removed from the country to finish their degrees, whether that be online or through other means.

Resolution 67-05, “2018 GPSA Elections,” passed, which ensures that all new Assemblies will be guaranteed two Assembly meetings after the elections at the end of the spring semester. This will ensure proper time to transition assemblies. The resolution also established this year’s timeline for the intent to run, campaign, and election periods. The 2018 GPSA Elections will be held on March 28th and 29th.

Bill 67-26, “CERS 2018 Co-sponsorship,” helps to fund the 15th Annual College of Engineering Research Symposium (CERS). CERS features research papers, posters and oral presentations by undergraduate and graduate students in several engineering and science disciplines.

Bill 67-27, “Fossil Free Future,” supports an event on January 31st hosted by Eco Action and Graduates in Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies. The event is designed to educate the public on the importance of mitigating climate change and build social connections between current and future civic leaders.

6 pieces of legislation passed in last fall meeting

At the last meeting of the fall semester, GPSA’s Assembly passed five bills and one resolution. The legislation funds both new and recurring events, and formally expresses GPSA’s stance regarding provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act which would directly affect graduate students.

New Event:
Bill 67-25 passed, which allows for a LinkedIn Workshop hosted by GPSA in hopes of furthering graduate and professional students’ networking knowledge. The event will take place on January 30, 2018 from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m., location TBD. There will additionally be a light meal provided for attendees.

Recurring Event:
Bill 67-24, Graduate Writing Boot Camp, was passed. These events will run from January 22 through February 26. There is a registration fee, but lunch and refreshments will be provided, as well as quiet writing space.

Co-Sponsorships
Three co-sponsorship bills were additionally passed. Bill 67-21 funds a portion of the food costs for the Voices 2017 Conference hosted by Graduate Women in Science (GWIS). Bill 67-22 provides funding to State of State 2018 to help offset equipment setup costs. Lastly, Bill 67-23, TEDxPSU Co-Sponsorship, provides funding for the lunch that is given to speakers and their guests.

Tax Reform Resolution:
Finally, Resolution 67-02 states that GPSA opposes any federal legislation that would consider waived tuition as taxable income. GPSA commends efforts on behalf of the Pennsylvania State University to oppose any legislation that would increase the tax burden on its graduate students. The Resolution passed unanimously.

Assembly hears presentation about CAPS, three event funding bills pass

The meeting opened with a special presentation from Dr. Ben Locke, the director of Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS). He informed the Assembly that they were able to expand due to recent increases in funding and now have three separate offices in the Student Health Center, Career Services Building, and the Allenway downtown (map). Dr. Locke emphasized that there are rapid access services to insure accessibility for immediate care. He finally noted that any student organization or department in the university can request a presentation from CAPS to help inform students about mental health resources and promote their services.

President Matt Krott gave his executive update reiterating the importance of taking the Penn State Values and Culture Survey. The deadline was extended to Oct. 31, so check your Penn State e-mail if you’re interested in taking it and making your voice heard. Vice President Brianne Pragg added that the functionality of the survey has been improved, and now provides more options so participants can provide a more accurate opinion.

Bill 67-18, “Climate Justice Panel Co-Sponsorship” was passed. GPSA is helping to provide refreshments to give participants interested in discussing climate change an opportunity to mingle. The event will take place on October 30 from at 6 PM in the HUB’s Freeman Auditorium.

Bill 67-19, “Graduate and Professional Student Mixer” was passed. On Nov. 14, GPSA will be hosting a mixer at Café 210 West, with more details to come.

Bill 67-20, “Ph.D.: The Movie Screening” was passed. This bill allows for the screening of PhD The Movie 1 and 2, with refreshments, and will take place in January.