Official Blog | UCGPC

Hosts:

• Ryan Manriquez (UC Berkeley/UCGPC)
• Alex Seto (Purdue/NAGPS)
• Ludwig Zhao (UPenn/NAGPS)
• Pat Ordoñez-Kim (UCGPC)

Introductions and Meeting Setup

The meeting began with introductions from the hosts. Ludwig Zhao from UPenn/NAGPS introduced himself as the NAGPS president and mentioned the co-hosts. Ryan Manriquez from UC Berkeley introduced himself as the UC Graduate and Professional Council president. Pat Ordonez-Kim introduced herself as the Executive Director of UCGPC, representing graduate professional students across the University of California.

Agenda Overview and Meeting Structure

Ludwig outlined the meeting agenda, which included discussions on funding situations, DEI, immigration and international students, and other issues. The structure of the meeting included brief introductions, policy discussions, an open floor for discussion, and sharing of policies and advocacy efforts.

Funding Situation and Research Funding Cuts

A representative from UMassD shared personal experiences with long COVID and the impact of NIH funding cuts on their ability to graduate. Another participant from Florida State discussed diversified funding sources at their institution and efforts to increase state funding for research. A participant from the University of Michigan highlighted the impact of grant cuts on faculty and students, including concerns about admissions and job prospects for international students. A representative from Tuskegee University emphasized the impact of funding cuts on HBCUs and the need for continued research and support for international students.

Impact of Funding Cuts on Graduate Students

Ryan Manriquez shared personal experiences and the broader impact of NIH funding cuts on medical research and patient welfare. He mentioned actions taken by the University of California system and the involvement of state attorneys general in challenging the funding cuts.

Advocacy and Testimonials

Participants discussed the importance of sharing personal stories and testimonials to highlight the impact of funding cuts on graduate students. A representative from MIT shared their experience with federal advocacy and the importance of collecting student testimonials to influence congressional support.

International Students and Travel Concerns

Ryan Manriquez discussed the targeting of international and undocumented students by the Department of Homeland Security and the impact of the new immigration registry. Participants emphasized the importance of transparency and clear communication from university administrators regarding travel advisories and restrictions. Representatives from MIT and Carnegie Mellon shared their institutions’ travel advisories and the challenges of balancing research needs with travel restrictions.

DEI and Federal Actions

A participant from Purdue discussed the impact of federal actions on DEI initiatives and the lack of assurances from university administration. Another participant from Carnegie Mellon shared changes in office titles and efforts to maintain DEI initiatives through student-led activities. A representative from Purdue described legislative efforts to defend DEI initiatives and the importance of unity among student bodies in advocating for these policies. A participant from MIT noted that their institution’s DEI statement remained unchanged.

Decentralization and Inconsistency in DEI Initiatives

A representative from Carnegie Mellon discussed the inconsistency in the removal of DEI resources across different colleges. Ryan Manriquez mentioned a department meeting with the chancellor to reassure staff and community about upholding values quietly. A participant from UPenn shared that their institution had been scrubbing DEI initiatives without notification and mentioned the bargaining committee’s efforts for graduate student protections.

University Responses to DEI and Graduate Student Concerns

A representative from UPenn discussed the university’s resistance to engaging with graduate student demands, using executive orders as justification. The participant highlighted the university’s lack of transparency and willingness to weaponize fears to deter organizing efforts.

Taxation Concerns and Graduate Student Advocacy

A participant from Purdue explained the potential impact of the endowment tax on private universities and the tuition waiver elimination on graduate students. They mentioned the role of graduate student advocacy in removing the tuition waiver provision in the past. A representative from the University of Missouri raised concerns about international students being double-taxed due to the lack of income tax treaties with their home countries.

Additional Concerns and Support for Vulnerable Communities

A participant from UPenn raised concerns about the targeting of trans and queer students and the impact on healthcare coverage and anti-discrimination protections. They also mentioned the targeting of Native American populations and the increase in hate crimes and murders against indigenous people. Ryan Manriquez supported indigenous communities through tuition waivers and the Native American Opportunity Plan, emphasizing the need for system-wide support for indigenous students.

Statements and Upcoming Events

Ludwig mentioned the reaffirmation of commitment to graduate students and the upcoming National Graduate Professional Students Appreciation Week. Ryan Manriquez shared a letter addressing transphobia, Islamophobia, and other attacks on student communities. He also mentioned remarks made at the UC Board of Regents meeting on NIH funding and supporting international and undocumented student communities.

Advocacy and Organizational Strength

A participant from the Framework for Accountability in Academic Research and Mentoring (FAARM) emphasized the importance of sustaining advocacy efforts and equipping successors. They suggested building the power and capability of organizations and fighting for independent communication channels.

Finalizing Day on the Hill and Next Steps

Participants agreed to finalize the date for the “Day on the Hill” advocacy event, tentatively set for April 28th, and organize a preparatory meeting/workshop for participants. They planned to reach out to representatives and set up meetings for the event, coordinating a common advocacy agenda.

Action Items

• Follow up on the tax implications for graduate students, including the potential elimination of the tuition waiver tax exemption, and discuss strategies to address this.
• Explore the possibility of income tax treaties for international students from countries without existing agreements.
• Distribute the toolkit and power mapping sheet provided by UCGPC to participants
• Finalize the date for the “Day on the Hill” advocacy event and organize a preparatory meeting/workshop for participants.
• Reach out to representatives and set up meetings for the “Day on the Hill” event, and coordinate a common advocacy agenda.
• Grad Associations cosign this document: “NAGPS Joint Statement on Affirming Our Commitment to Graduate and Professional Student Success and Well-Being“

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