GSA Advocacy

The Graduate Student Association is dedicated to advocating for graduate student interests, on this campus, throughout the
state of California, and 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 and the Deputy External Chair is also responsible for meeting with legislators in the state capitol and in Washington D.C. The GSA is a member of the National Association of Graduate-Professional Students (NAGPS) who advocates at local and national levels on our behalf.

The External Chair and the Deputy External Chair meet frequently with legislators in the state capitol and in Congress at the federal level. To increase transparency you can see a list of our State Level Meetings and our Federal Level Meetings.

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

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.

Current Issues Include:

Avoid the Fiscal Cliff — The so-called fiscal cliff and the cuts associated with it are set to take place January 1st if Congress does not act. The National Association of Graduate-Professional Students has launched a major national campaign to give graduate students a voice on Capitol Hill.

Proposition 30 — Proposition 30 will be on the California ballot in November 2012. This proposition will have a significant effect on the UC budget. If it fails to pass, the UC will face an additional $250 million dollars in cuts for the 2012-2013 year.

Senate Bill 259 — Senate Bill 259 would classify students whose employment is contingent on their status as students as employees under the Higher Education Employer-Employee Relations Act (HEEERA). This would provide the opportunity for graduate student researchers to unionize and engage in collective bargaining if they choose to do so. Effective March 7, 2012, the Graduate Student Association voted to officially endorse the bill.

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.