Dear Niner Nation,
I want to share news of the vote earlier this spring to separate the Graduate & Professional Student Government (GPSG) from the Student Government Association (SGA).
During the spring 2019 SGA elections, Referendum 3 on the ballot asked “Do you accept the GPSG Independence Act, which would separate the Graduate & Professional Student Government from the Student Government Association?” 91 percent of student voters responded “Yes.”
With that, GPSG is now an independent governing body for the graduate and professional students at UNC Charlotte (more than 5,400 students) and will be governed separately from SGA effective immediately.
The importance of this vote is well-summarized by the outgoing president of GPSG, Priyanka Grover. I find her perspective as a student representative invaluable to understanding why this decision is important to GPSG and what comes next for the organization.
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Q: What is the benefit of this for graduate students?
A: Graduate students will greatly benefit from the independence. It provides equality between undergraduate and graduate students. Under the previous government structure, graduate students fell under the jurisdiction of SGA, which is predominantly composed of undergraduate student representatives. Due to graduate students having different objectives on campus, we will now be better able to tailor professional and personal development programs to graduate students. Finally, we will be able to consolidate the graduate voice on campus and better advocate for graduate student concerns.
Q: Does this impact GPSG funding?
A: No, this will not impact GPSG funding. SGA and GPSG already had separate funding budgets.
Q: Does this impact graduate student organization registration?
A: Yes, GSO registration will be easier. If a new GSO is created, they no longer have to formally enroll with both SGA and GPSG. All GSOs will only fill out one form in Niner Engage.
Q: Will there be another student on the Board of Trustees?
A: No, the SGA president is the Student Body President. As per NC State legislature, only one student representative (the Student Body President) will be on the Board of Trustees. The Student Body President will seek the advice of the GPSG President if there are issues that could impact graduate students directly or indirectly.
Q: Will fees be different for undergraduate and graduate students?
A: Fees will not be different for undergraduate and graduate students. However, for the next couple of years, GPSG will be compiling the data of graduate student attendance at fee related activities and events.
Q: Will additional students be appointed to University committees?
A: University committees are welcome to add graduate student representation. In fact, GPSG will be advocating for graduate representation in committees that impact the student body population.
Q: Will GPSG be under the Graduate School?
A: No, GPSG is the graduate student government. As an independent representation of the graduate students, GPSG will remain under Student Affairs.
Further questions can be directed to gpsgpresident@uncc.edu.
Sincerely,
Kevin W. Bailey
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs