University Park

Faculty Senate to discuss graduate education with GPSA at upcoming meeting

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — On Monday, Feb. 19, officers from the University Faculty Senate will meet with members of the Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSA), one of the official representative bodies of graduate and professional students at Penn State, to discuss topics related to graduate education and to voice concerns and share ideas. These meetings are part of ongoing efforts by the Faculty Senate to hear from graduate students.  

Faculty Senate officers visit with academic colleges and administrative units on a rotating basis, and throughout spring 2018 will meet with several groups, including student government leaders and students representing a cross-section of academic programs, related to graduate education. At the meeting, GPSA members will have the opportunity to speak with senate officers Matthew Woessner, chair; Michael Bérubé, chair elect; Ann Taylor, secretary; and James Strauss, immediate past chair.

Graduate students have a voice in University issues at various levels through GPSA representation on Faculty Senate, Graduate Council, the Board of Trustees and other organizations, and as individuals have a variety of ways to bring concerns forward, including through the Associate Dean for Graduate Student Affairs, who serves as an ombudsperson and advocate for all Penn State graduate students. Additionally, graduate students at the College of Medicine have their own Graduate Student Association.  

The University Faculty Senate — which represents more than 5,600 full-time faculty at 23 Penn State campuses — is comprised of faculty senators who serve as a legislative body on matters pertaining to educational interests of the University and issues affecting faculty members throughout Penn State’s colleges. In addition, the group serves as an advisory and consultative body to the President on educational matters. 

Last Updated February 27, 2018