When I first began at NC State as a graduate student in the fall of 2020, I knew that Ph.D. work was not built for the faint of heart. If you are a graduate student, then you know the realities: long nights spent in the lab or at a desk reading journal articles, the endless revisions of our manuscripts, the constant worry over funding, grant applications and job prospects.
I know these feelings. I am currently living through the late nights and the stress and the chaos, and knew I wanted better for you and for me. In the immortal words of Thanos, “Fine, I’ll do it myself.”
As I got more involved in advocacy efforts, I discovered I was not alone. Across our campus, there are students, faculty, staff and administrators who shared my passion for improving the graduate student experience.
Through the Graduate Student Association, grad students from all disciplines and departments continue to come together to voice their concerns and propose solutions to our administration and other stakeholders throughout the institution. The GSA exists to represent graduate students in any matters relevant to them.
This student-led, student-driven organization cultivates relationships within and outside NC State to make sure your student needs are being met. As the president of the GSA, I and our entire GSA are committed to advocating for the needs and rights of graduate students throughout our institution.
Over my time in the GSA, I have witnessed the power and determination of our community as we come together to address common challenges and make positive changes.
Over the past year, the GSA and other student advocates on our campus have championed graduate student needs, such as increased graduate student assistant funding and better campus mental health resources. While there is still work to be done, I am proud of what we’ve accomplished so far. Our efforts have not gone unnoticed, and the University has responded to the specific and unique needs of our population.
This academic year, the Provost’s Office raised the minimum stipend as part of the Graduate Student Support Plan.
The phased rollout of minimum stipend increases will include additional increases to come in fall 2024 for some programs. This change, the first minimum stipend raise on our campus in 26 years, is a step in the right direction for providing financial security and support for the graduate student population.
While we celebrate these accomplishments and this progress, it is imperative to acknowledge there is still work to be done. Affordable housing, livable wages and the ongoing mental health crisis of students on our campus continue to be pressing concerns.
The GSA remains steadfast in our dedication to advocating for further progress in these areas, and we value ongoing conversations with administrators, students and other University stakeholders. Graduate student advocacy is not a battle between “us” and “them,” but a collective effort toward a shared vision of a thriving graduate education environment.
Graduate student advocacy is happening across our campus. As we continue to push for improvements in the graduate student experience, we must recognize the power of our community’s collective voice and use it to amplify and uplift the needs and concerns of the vulnerable. By working together, we can create a supportive and inclusive community that prioritizes the well-being and success of all students.
The fight for graduate student rights and resources is ongoing, and we must remain determined and persistent in our efforts. We encourage all graduate students to get involved in advocacy, whether through the GSA or other graduate organizations on campus. Your voice matters; you can make a difference, and we want you to be heard. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the graduate student experience here at NC State.
