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.

The second meeting of the semester opened with a special presentation from Jim Leons from Research Computing Cyber Infrastructure. He looked for help from graduate students with an interest in research computing, storage, internet of things, and high performance computing. Jim sought to recruit student volunteers to serve on working committees for his organization.

In Executive Office Reports, President Claire Kelling discussed an increase in graduate apartment rates as well as access to leave time for graduate students. Vice President Charles Tierney discussed the recent Board of trustees meeting, where the agenda for the upcoming year was reviewed.

The Faculty Senate Report revealed that graduate applications are up 4% this year.

The Graduate Council spoke about the upcoming Alumni Society Career Exploration Workshop and the topics that it will cover.

In New Business, three new delegates were confirmed. Aaron Rill (Education), Yasha Duggal (Science), and Grace Usher (Science), were all approved with unanimous consent.

Bill 69-08 was passed in order to confirm this year’s Winter Gala, which will take place on December 7^th. Ticket prices and the menu are in the process of being planned.

In committee reports, Rob Griggs spoke about the headshots Bill as well as the budget, which will be discussed more in depth later in the week.

The programming committee discussed upcoming events such as the football tailgate.

Student Trustee Bryan Culler spoke about the Board of Trustees and their role, as well as about his responsibility to represent the student perspective. He also expanded on the in-state tuition freeze.