Supporting Graduate Students through Advocacy: Insights from GPSC Leaders

This article explores the role of the Graduate and Professional Student Council (GPSC) at the University of Arizona, drawing upon insights from key members:

• Jeremy Bernick: GPSC President
• Samuel David Jesse: Administrative Vice President
• Kris Gregory: Funding Director
• Akhilesh Khadse: Eller College of Management Representative

Their perspectives offer a comprehensive understanding of GPSC's functions, accomplishments, and the significance of student involvement in shaping a better graduate experience.

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What is GPSC?

GPSC serves as the representative voice for graduate and professional students at the University of Arizona. It provides a platform for students from various colleges to come together, address shared concerns, and collaborate on initiatives that enhance the overall graduate experience. As Samuel David Jesse, Administrative Vice President, explains: "It's a way for us as graduate students to elect representatives from different colleges, to come together and be able to work together through issues that graduate students are facing, voice those concerns, share resources, organize, and get folks connected with people that they need to talk to."

GPSC is structured to ensure comprehensive representation and effective action. The General Council, composed of representatives from each college proportional to the size of its graduate student population, forms the core of this structure. In addition to college-specific representatives, there are at-large seats open to any interested student, ensuring a voice for those from smaller programs or who may not have secured a college-specific seat. This council meets regularly to discuss issues affecting graduate students and strategize solutions.

To ensure effective leadership and facilitate its activities, GPSC has several key paid positions, including president, executive vice president, administrative vice president, and various director roles. These roles are graduate assistant/associate positions and offer tuition coverage, a stipend, and health insurance, making them attractive opportunities for students seeking to contribute significantly while managing their financial obligations. General Council Representatives are also paid a stipend for their service. Beyond the paid positions, numerous volunteer roles within the committees provide opportunities for students to contribute their skills and time to areas they are passionate about.

How GPSC Makes a Difference: Tangible Wins for Students

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GPSC's advocacy efforts have yielded tangible results, directly improving the graduate student experience. Below we focus on a recent win for students, and two initiatives that are in progress.

Eliminating Graduate Assistant Fees

A major accomplishment has been the reduction of the financial burden on graduate assistants by eliminating most fees. Previously, graduate students faced a significant financial strain, paying around 10% of their stipend back to the university in fees. These fees often covered services like health, recreation and the student union, adding a substantial cost to already limited stipends. 

Recognizing the inequity of this system, GPSC collaborated with university leadership and the Arizona Board of Regents to advocate for change. Their efforts successfully led to the incorporation of most fees into graduate assistantship packages, significantly alleviating the financial pressure on students. This change means that departments now cover most fees based on the student's FTE (full-time equivalency), effectively providing financial relief to thousands of graduate students.

Administrative Vice President Jesse emphasizes that being aware of the financial landscape is crucial when you are beginning graduate school. Knowing that assistantship-related fees have been reduced is a relief for students who can now focus on their studies and responsibilities.

Promoting Menstrual Equity 

Another impactful initiative spearheaded by GPSC is the implementation of a program providing free menstrual products in all first-floor campus bathrooms. This initiative directly addresses the financial and accessibility dimensions of "period poverty," recognizing the disproportionate financial burden the cost of essential hygiene products places on women and individuals who menstruate.

Although still in the works, GPSC's collaborative approach to lifting this burden is crucial to the nature of the issue. By working closely with Facilities Management, they are increasing accessibility to these essential products for all members of the university community, not just graduate students. This effort demonstrates GPSC's commitment to not only addressing immediate student needs but also advocating for broader social justice issues that impact the entire campus.

Advocating for Comprehensive Healthcare 

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GPSC continues to advocate for improvements to student healthcare, focusing particularly on expanding dental coverage. The current student insurance plan does not include essential dental care, leading to many graduate students foregoing routine checkups and necessary treatments due to the high costs. This lack of access to affordable dental care can have a significant impact on student health and well-being, further impacting their ability to succeed in their studies.

To address this issue, GPSC is actively engaged in conversations with the state government, aiming to integrate essential dental care into the existing student insurance plan. This initiative requires collaboration with other state universities, including Arizona State University and Northern Arizona University, to present a unified front and advocate for a system-wide change.

President Bernick relays that adequate healthcare access, including dental care, is a critical part of a positive student experience. GPSC's dedication to improving healthcare coverage showcases their understanding of the interconnectedness of student well-being and academic success.

Empowering Students Through Grants

A key element of GPSC's support for graduate students is its robust grant program. Managing a substantial annual budget, GPSC dedicates a significant portion – approximately 80% – directly to student grants. These grants address various needs, providing financial assistance for research, travel, professional development, and even emergency situations.

The grant program offers a variety of grants, each designed to address particular needs. These include:

• Travel Grants: The most widely utilized grant, helping students cover the costs of attending conferences, presenting research, and engaging in other academic travel.
• Research and Project Grants: Supporting students in conducting research, collecting data, and pursuing academic projects crucial to their fields of study.
• Completion Grants: Providing financial assistance to students in the final stages of their degree programs, helping them overcome financial hurdles to graduation.
• Professional Opportunities Development Grants: These grants empower students to fund on-campus professional development, organize skill-building workshops, and support initiatives that enhance the career prospects of the graduate student body.
• Basic Needs Micro-Grants: Offering emergency financial assistance to students facing unexpected hardships, such as medical emergencies, car repairs, or unforeseen living expenses.

These grants provide not only financial support but also a sense of empowerment, allowing students to pursue their academic and professional goals without being solely burdened by financial constraints.

Why Join GPSC? Personal Motivations and Insights

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For many GPSC members, joining GPSC represents a commitment to supporting their community and building connections. Representative Akhilesh Khadse, for example, was driven by his long-standing commitment to student advocacy, stemming from his experiences during his undergraduate years. He witnessed firsthand the power of collective action when he spearheaded a successful initiative to adjust bus schedules during exam periods, easing the burden on students who faced long commutes. This experience instilled in him a belief in the effectiveness of student-led initiatives.

Khadse's passion for advocating for his peers continued into his graduate studies. He recognized the need for a platform that would amplify the voices of graduate students and ensure their needs were addressed by the university administration. GPSC emerged as the perfect avenue for him to channel his passion for student leadership and contribute to improving the graduate student experience at the University of Arizona.

Similarly, Funding Director Kris Gregory's involvement in GPSC is intertwined with her dedication to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for Black graduate and professional students. As the president of the Black Graduate and Professional Student Association, Gregory recognized the importance of connecting with students from diverse backgrounds and advocating for their unique needs. She saw GPSC as an opportunity to extend her advocacy efforts beyond her college and contribute to creating a more equitable and welcoming environment for all graduate students.

For President Jeremy Bernick, a driving force behind their involvement in GPSC is their deep-seated passion for workplace justice, particularly in advocating for workers' rights and fair labor practices. Their background in labor law and their commitment to supporting unions align perfectly with GPSC's mission to empower graduate students and ensure their well-being. Bernick views GPSC as a platform for working to implement meaningful changes on behalf of the graduate student body.

How to Get Involved: Shaping Your Graduate Experience

GPSC offers a multitude of ways for students to get involved, regardless of their time commitment or specific interests.

• Leadership Roles: For those seeking to take on a more active role in shaping the graduate experience, GPSC holds annual elections in the spring semester, opening all positions for re-election. Students can run for representative positions in the General Council, advocating for their respective colleges or serving as at-large representatives. The candidacy process is straightforward, requiring interested students to collect signatures, complete a form, and submit their materials to the Elections Director. A special election will be held soon to fill the vacancy in the Executive Vice President position, follow the GPSC Instagram for more information on how to vote. 
• Director Positions: GPSC also offers student staff director roles, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in specific areas, such as policy, communications, and grants. These paid positions are ideal for those who want to deepen their involvement while developing professional skills. Directors oversee GPSC projects and initiatives, and work closely with council members. Visit the GPSC Directors and Staff page for more information on current positions and application details.
• Grant Review: Students can contribute their time and expertise by participating in the grant review process. Serving as a reviewer offers valuable insights into grant writing, funding criteria, and the evaluation process, skills that are beneficial for future grant applications.
• Events and Workshops: GPSC organizes various social events, workshops, and networking opportunities throughout the year. These events allow students to connect with their peers, build community, and access resources that support their academic and professional development.
• Communication Channels: Stay informed about GPSC initiatives, events, and opportunities by subscribing to the weekly newsletter, following their Instagram page, and checking their website. These platforms provide regular updates on GPSC's work, upcoming elections, grant deadlines, and other valuable information.

A Call to Action: Shaping the Future for Graduate Students

GPSC serves as a vital force for positive change within the University of Arizona's graduate community. By advocating for student needs and providing essential resources, GPSC empowers students to thrive academically and personally. As the university undergoes significant transitions, active student involvement in GPSC becomes increasingly crucial.

Whether driven by a passion for leadership, a desire to contribute through service, or a commitment to building a stronger graduate community, GPSC provides a platform for students to make a difference. By participating in GPSC's various initiatives, students can help shape the future of graduate education at the University of Arizona.