GSA Advocacy

The Graduate Student Association is dedicated to advocating for graduate student interests, on this campus, throughout the
state of California, and even at the national level.

The External Chair, with the assistance of the Chair and Campus Organizing Director, is responsible for representing UCD GSA outside of the University. As such, we will attend UC Regents' meetings and help to get our students on systemwide committees. The External Chair is also in the process of turning the External Affairs Committee into a fully-functioning Lobby Corps, which regularly meets with legislators in the state capitol. The GSA is also a member of the National Association of Graduate-Professional Students (NAGPS) who advocates at local and national levels on our behalf. Here is the 2008-2009 NAGPS Legislative Platform.doc approved at the 22nd annual meeting October 31, 2008. Former NAGPS board members generated a proposal for constitutional and bylaws amendments to be presented at the 23rd NAGPS National Conference. Please review these proposed changes at NAGPS Amendments.

To get involved in this form of advocacy, contact the External Chair at <gsaexternalchair AT ucdavis DOT edu> or see External Chair Page.

The undergraduate student government (ASUCD) has an advocacy unit as well. Lobby Corps meets every week to hone their lobbying skills and make routine visits to the State capitol in Sacramento to lobby legislators and staffers about issues concerning higher education. If you are interested in either attending weekly meetings or joining the legislative visits, please contact the director of Lobby Corps, Chris Lewis, at <cplewis AT ucdavis DOT edu>.

GSA also advocates for students on this campus as well. The Vice Chair is responsible for appointing students to serve on University and Academic Senate committees.

There are many issues which affect life for grad students. GSA, as a student association, is responsible for representing you on these issues.

Some issues which the GSA Assembly have been working on for quite a long time include:

Nonresident Tuition — Reducing Nonresident Tuition, and making it so that international students are eligible for in-state tuition after one year. This will improve the diversity and competitiveness of our programs, and make a better university experience for all.

Student Fees — Student Fees continue to increase, and we're working with the state legislature to slow these increases.

Housing Issues — We believe that housing in Davis should be fair and affordable. To that end, we're working to ensure that tenants can participate fully in the community during elections, and that they are treated fairly with apartment deposits.

Health Care Issues — Getting dependents covered and affordable health care are top GSA priorities.

Graduate Student Centre Proposal — Grad Studies has proposed a one-stop resource center, administration center, and hang-out spot for grad students. The project is currently on the back burner, though.

Know Your Rights — Getting everyone to know their civil rights is an important issue to us. Read up on your rights today!

UCSA and Student Representation — GSA has withdrew from UCSA in 2007, citing how ineffectual the organization is and how poorly it represents graduate student interests. This page has a wealth of information about UCSA and our current status.