Graduate Student Organization Hosts Fifth Regular Meeting (RM5)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Alexis Faison, Communications Secretary
Lyman Hall 132 – The Graduate Student Organization (GSO) hosted their fifth regular meeting (RM5) on January 29, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. The meeting included the election of a university senator, reports from executive cabinet members, the approval of funding for two graduate organizations, and general remarks.
Election
Representative Ethan Engelhart was elected as a University Senator. University Senators are elected by the Senate, and they represent all graduates at Syracuse University as a whole. They serve in both the University Senate and the GSO Senate.
“It’s an immense privilege to be entrusted with this role, I look forward to advocating for all of our graduate body,” Engelhart shared. “President Kimmel, the Cabinet, and fellow Senators, are greatly dedicated to those we serve. I look forward to learning from them!”
Reports & Updates:
- Daniel J. Kimmel, President – Addressed awareness of President Trump’s executive orders and reaffirmed GSO’s role in advocating for student rights, including the underrepresented. Appointed University Senator Abuhamdiya to the Free Speech & University Policy Committee, which will assess rights to protest and free speech policies on campus; a report expected toward the end of the semester. Additionally, President Kimmel emphasized the ongoing success of cost-sharing negotiations with departments and urged Senate members to ensure departments partner with the GSO and contribute fairly to the financial support of graduate students.
- Roger Rosena, Vice-President of Internal Affairs – Announced a mock meeting scheduled for February 12 at HBC Gifford Auditorium, following last semester’s success with the inaugural mock meeting. A co-chair is being sought for the DEIA Committee, and additional assistance is needed for the PAC Committee Grant process. Secretary applications will open in September, with staff appointments to follow. Discussions on senator pay continue, with the potential for a voucher system being explored.
- Becca Vinciquerra, Director of External Affairs – Plans include a GSO Service Night, a potential Climate Action Committee collaboration, a Grab-and-Go event for May finals week, and prep for the annual Senate appreciation event. For senator recruitment, External Affairs is continuing to reach out to department heads and posting on socials. The Outreach and Civic Engagement Committee will hold bi-weekly meetings on Wednesdays from 1:30 – 2:00 p.m. this semester.
- Aditee Malviya, Comptroller – An audit will be taking place in coming weeks and links will be shared with providers along with a receipt upload effort.
Funding Approvals:
- Geology GSO – Approved for $1,300 to fund attendance and host the Central New York Earth Science Student Symposium (CNYESSS) featuring poster presentations, oral sessions, keynote speakers, and a networking event. A registration link will be provided through their GSO.
- Mathematics GO – Approved for $3,000 to fund attendance for the 50th Anniversary of the New York State Association of Mathematics Conferences (NYSAMC). Registrants include graduate students from across New York State, and funding will also support special alumni sessions, meals, and keynote speakers.
General Remarks:
Prompted by Senator Gentry of Public Communications, President Kimmel reaffirmed GSO’s commitment to international student advocacy, emphasizing the importance of standing firmly on organizational values to ensure continued support and protection for all students.
GSO’s next regular meeting will be taking place on Wednesday, February 26 at HBC Gifford Auditorium. All are welcome to attend.
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