One of the three primary goals of the GSC is to advocate for graduate students' well-being. (The other goals are programming and funding.) The GSC in part determines its advocacy goals based on the results of graduate student surveys. Major advocacy issues the GSC is focusing on include:
ACADEMIC ISSUES
Recently, the GSC conducted a "Graduate Academic Life Survey" that explored Stanford grad students satisfaction with coursework, advising, conflicts, qualifying exams, dissertations, work space, career preparation, and other academic issues. The GSC will use the results of the survey to guide its advocacy efforts in the coming months. Read more
CHILD CARE
The GSC has begun a concerted effort to provide better child care options to graduate student parents. We are actively seeking graduate student parents that can provide their voices and support to illustrate to the administration the need for improved child care options. Read more
COMMUTING
The GSC is working with the University to establish a sustainable Caltrain program for grad students. As a major step forward, the TEMPORARY PILOT GO Pass program for off campus grad students has been extended for 2006. The GSC is continuing their efforts to extend this program into the future through a Special Fees referendum to be voted on by grad students in April 2006.
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DIVERSITY
Recruiting and retaining diverse students and faculty has been a goal of the GSC for years that, with the recent formation of a GSC committee specifically to address this issue, will be gaining increased attention in the coming months. Read more
HEALTH CARE & WELLNESS
With the cost of health care skyrocketing, the GSC hopes to build on its successful advocacy for health care subsidies, particularly to expand the 50% subsidy enjoyed by TAs, RAs, and CAs to professional and Master's students. The GSC is also advocating for comprehensive health care that includes dental and vision care, and for more sustainable solutions for dependent care. Read more
HOUSING
The GSC continues to advocate for improved housing lottery policies and for the University to build additional on-campus units. In doing so, the GSC hopes to make continuous housing more feasible and to address student demand for on-campus housing. Read more
STIPENDS
The GSC advocates for increased stipends for graduate students to offset the rising cost of living in the Bay area. Read more
STUDENT LIFE
After years of GSC efforts, the Graduate Community Center is finally under construction in Escondido Village! Scheduled to open in November 2004, the GCC will feature a pub, food service and major event space, and will serve as a hub for graduate life. Read more
TAX RELIEF
The GSC is participating in a nationwide grassroots lobbying campaign in support of HR 3412, a proposed national legislation that would exempt most of graduate students' stipends from taxation. Read more
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The GSC is a member of the National Association of Graduate-Professional Students.
As a Stanford graduate or professional student, you have access to their job bank and other member services.
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