Graduate Student Organization Hosts Seventh Regular Meeting (RM7)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Prasad Ravindra Ranka
Communications Secretary
Graduate Student Organization
gsocomsec@syr.edu
Graduate Student Organization Delivers Historic Censure, Approves Key Funding
Lyman Hall 132 – The Graduate Student Organization (GSO) hosted their seventh regular meeting (RM7) of the academic year on March 26, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. The meeting opened with a land acknowledgment honoring the Onondaga Nation, an followed with reports from executive cabinet members, a resolution to censure Dean Peter A. Vanable, approval of funding requests for six graduate organizations, and general remarks.
Reports & Updates
Daniel J. Kimmel, President (State of the GSO) – GSO has evolved from financial instability to achieving consecutive balanced budgets—a feat accomplished while expanding the PAC Grant program by 300%. Kimmel further detailed reforms such as the 20% minimum funding line for research grants and service provider audits.
“We’ve built systems that will outlast any administration,” Kimmel noted. “The moment we become comfortable taking orders instead of giving them, we betray every graduate student we represent.”
Roger Rosena, Vice President of Internal Affairs – Announced appointment of Ethan Jackson as DEIA Co-Chair and the April 14 deadline for RGSO re-registration.
Alexis Faison, Interim Director of External Affairs – Rare Disease Day campaign led to over 15,000 impressions on Instagram, and previewed plans for Women’s History Month and Disability Pride celebrations. Social media engagement also increased by 5,266%. The DEIA committee is preparing for the GSO Senate Ball—an annual tradition honoring legislative service.
Aditee Malviya, Comptroller -Confirmed the upcoming service provider audit cycle beginning April 1, with all documentation due by April 14. Emphasized that RGSOs must complete re-registration by the April 14 deadline to maintain funding eligibility. Announced the final Finance Committee meeting of the semester will convene on April 23 to review FY25 budget proposals.
Funding Approvals
- Biotechnology Graduate Student Organization – Approved for $2,500 to fund catering for their annual research symposium on April 5, featuring presentations from 27 graduate researchers and keynote speakers from industry and academia.
- Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Honors Society – Approved for $1300 to host their induction ceremony on April 19, honoring 52 graduate students and 6 faculty mentors and 1 keynote speaker in the counseling program. Funds will cover awards, venue costs, and refreshments.
- Public Administration and International Relations Association (PAIRA) – Approved for $2,500 to support their Spring Networking Formal at the SU Sky Barn, connecting 120+ Maxwell School graduate students with alumni and public service professionals.
- School of Education Graduate Student Council – Approved for $1,300 to co-sponsor their annual Graduate Research Colloquium, highlighting interdisciplinary education research from 35+ presenters.
- Upstate Emerging Museum Professionals Network – Approved for $100 to subsidize member attendance at the New York Museum Association’s virtual conference, featuring career development workshops.
- Iranian Student Association – Approved for $1,250 (amended from 1,000) to host Nowruz (Persian New Year) celebrations on March 20, including cultural performances and a community dinner open to all graduate students.
Resolutions
25.03: A Resolution to Censure the Conduct of Dean Vanable During the GSO Executive Board Meeting on 21 February 2025
The Senate voted to censure Graduate School Dean Peter Vanable, delivering a response of alleged administrative overreach. The resolution condemns what senators called “a pattern of unilateral decision-making,” including the implementation of stipend cuts without graduate student consultation and alleged retaliation against student advocates.
“This censure isn’t about personalities—it’s about protecting the principles of shared governance,” President Daniel J. Kimmel stated. The action marks the first time in seven years the GSO has taken such formal disciplinary measures against a senior administrator.
General Remarks:
APS Political Science Senator Jordan Koster detailed summer stipend reductions in their department. President Kimmel response included, “Arm yourselves with enrollment data and employment outcomes. A petition with fifty signatures moves administrators faster than fifty protesters.”
The GSO Senate will reconvene on April 30 at 5:30 in 132 Lyman Auditorium. All graduate students are welcome to attend and participate in shaping their community’s future.
About the GSO:
The Graduate Student Organization at Syracuse University serves as the official representative body for over 6,000 graduate students, advocating for their academic, professional, and social needs through direct action, funding initiatives, and institutional engagement.
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