Grad students can count on GSA for resources, guidance

“If the facts don’t fit the theory, change the
facts.” — Albert Einstein

I am a strong believer in the theory that anything is possible.
With focus, determination and persistence, we can achieve not just
goals but dreams. However, with wisdom gained from our life
experiences we know that there is more at play than personal will.
It takes support, guidance, resources and sometimes even luck to
achieve the greatness of which we are capable. There are many
hindering forces at work that directly affect the graduate and
professional student population. Compared to last year, we have
seen a 33 percent increase in resident graduate fees and an
astonishing 52 percent increase for the resident professional law
students. At the same time, academic fellowships and scholarships
saw little or no increase to compensate, and student service
budgets have been reduced up to 30 percent compared to the prior
academic year. In essence, we are paying more for less. The 2001
Graduate Student Support Survey, released by Office of the
President, concludes that the UC financial support package is below
par and thus, not competitive. Graduate and professional students
in turn, have experienced increased financial hardships and the UC
system has lost excellent students to other institutions. In
September 2001, the committee on educational policy recommended
multiple initiatives to augment graduate student support. Several
of these initiatives require lobbying efforts. Recognizing the
importance of developing relationships with local representatives,
the GSA will aim to strengthen its capability to advocate through
the creation of a new legislative program. If we are silent to the
ears of those who control funds, we will be ignored. We will also
continue participating in lobbying efforts in Washington, D.C. and
in Sacramento. One particular initiative, in conjunction with our
colleagues around the country, is to advocate for a tax exemption
for academic fellowships and scholarships. Upon implementation,
graduate students stand to retain up to a thousand dollars more a
year. Currently, we have drafted language arising from the office
of Rep. Rush Holt of New Jersey. Budget issues are just one of the
many hindrances that we all currently face. The GSA is also working
on transportation issues such as BruinGO!, student health, housing
and academic rights. Due to the vision and determination of prior
administrations, the GSA will proudly open its new resource center
this fall, located in the remodeled student activities center. The
center aims to assist in handling academic and administrative
problems while providing easy access to various resources. One such
resource is funding for programming. We have a significant amount
of funds set aside to sponsor programming directed by or aimed at
graduate and professional students. We have sponsored lecture
series and cultural events. We encourage students to apply and
utilize this resource. We also provide funding for student-run
publications and show free movies through the Melnitz Movies
program. Aside from sponsoring individual departmental events, we
also provide GradBar as a campus-wide event. GradBar is a monthly
social event with music, dancing, food and drinks that allows
students to de-stress and socialize with graduate students from all
parts of campus. We encourage graduate students to take full
advantage of the new student activities facility and all the
resources we have to offer. The strength and effectiveness of your
student government has arisen from the many dedicated individuals
who have put in countless hours. To them, we would like to extend
our thanks, and we appreciate their hard work. We also encourage
our fellow graduate students to get involved. We have many
opportunities from participating in lobbying efforts to
appointments in various committees on campus. There is an
opportunity to voice your opinions and start pushing for change.
Here at the Graduate Student Association we recognize roadblocks
and strive to clear them so that our graduate students may focus
and aim to become the future leaders in their respective
professions. We hope your year is rewarding and enjoyable.
Remember, we are here to help and represent you. If you have ideas,
comments, concerns or would like to get involved, please feel free
to contact us. Visit our Web site at
http://gsa.asucla.ucla.edu.With that, we welcome you to UCLA!

Rathod is the GSA president.