Organization represents graduate students

The IU Graduate and Professional Student Organization has passed eight resolutions and statements this year — more than the last four academic years of GPSO administrations combined, according to President Brady Harman.

In 2010 and 2011, the graduate student government did not pass any resolutions. In 2012, it passed two resolutions.

“We are passing more resolutions, centralizing more resources and creating more professional development events than before, while still offering the same large number of awards and grants to help students contribute directly to their fields,” GPSO Communications Coordinator Cayla Bellamy said.

Harman attributed this increase in the administration’s productivity to a strong assembly and executive committee, as well as an increased online presence.

Although GPSO makes decisions affecting the whole campus, many students seem unaware of the organization or confused about its purpose, Harman said.

The graduate student government operates very similarly to IUSA. However, GPSO offers graduate students scholarship money for research and travel, among other academic uses.

“GPSO is equal to IUSA in the eyes of campus administration and is charged with providing graduate student representation in campus decision-making processes,” Harman said.

Bellamy said the Bicycle Master Plan is one resolution that will affect the whole campus. It will make the campus more accessible and safe for cyclists. 

Improvements would include an extension of the Seventh Street bike lane between Woodlawn and Jordan avenues, construction of a bike path on the north side of the IU Auditorium and a bike route through the Arboretum.

Of the students and employees who drive to work, 55 percent of students and 50 percent of staff said they would be more likely to bike to work if campus
infrastructure improved, according to a Transportation Demand Management study.

This year’s other resolutions advocated for fossil fuel divestment, a more fair pay schedule for graduate assistants, prioritization of preferred names and support of the Freedom Indiana movement, among other initiatives.

As the end of the term approaches, GPSO’s next step will be working to solicit feedback about the Strategic Plan and helping to make the transition smooth, Harman said.

“Much of the first portion of my term has been spent on building a stronger organization, especially focusing on advocacy efforts,” he said. “I am pleased to report that these efforts have been successful.”