Payment Delays
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GSA advocacy to University Administration regarding late or absent stipend payments to graduate workers. (University wide issue)
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Provost's Office is aware of the issue and is working on University level Solutions (currently SOM and University Working groups analyzing and restructuring how payment occurs)
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The GSA asks that you please inform us and OGBE if this happens to you so we can catalog the extent of the issue and bring this information to University Administration.
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Cooley Center Closure
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GSA advocacy with University Administration regarding closure of Cooley Rec Center and negative impact to student well-being
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Multiple working groups created to discuss student concerns. Administration to open multiple locations across East Baltimore Campus.
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Cooley not set to close until late July or early August due to delay of permits.
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Intermediate Masters
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GSA/Student advocacy to MA/PHD Committee about Intermediate Masters degree for PhD Students in the SOM after passing DBO.
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Presented to the Masters Program Directors and MA/PHD Committee to obtain feedback. Currently working to implement a pilot with a single PhD program before applying to all PhD Programs
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BME agreed to pilot Intermediate Masters program.
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Transportation
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GSA advocacy to Transportation Office regarding Johns Hopkins BlueJay Shuttle System which replaced the Lyft SafeRide Program in Fall 2022.
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GSA has sent out several surveys to capture student feedback on transportation changes (BlueJay Shuttle, Lyft Program). Feedback has been provided to the Transportation Office.
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GSA Advocacy had resulted in expansion of route to include Mount Vernon areas as well as incorporate after hours (12pm - 5am) Lyft Services for students who work late. GSA is still meeting regularly with them to advocate for student issues with this new system.
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Menstrual Products in Restrooms
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GSA/Student advocacy for restrooms to be stocked with menstrual products and sexual wellness products.
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Issue was raised to Administration - OGBE, Vice Provost of Student Health and Well-Being, Student Affairs.
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Feminine Hygiene products have been placed across the EB campus in multiple restrooms. Please visit our Diversity Webpage for a list of rooms.
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Emergency Funds 2023
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Based on student feedback and GSA survey data, GSA advocated for OGBE to secure funds for students experiencing emergencies
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OGBE secured funds for 22/23 school year with two application periods in Fall & Spring.
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Spring applications closed Feb 23rd.
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Financial/Tax Literacy
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The GSA aims to improve student tax and finance literacy through informational opportunities and resource sharing.
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The GSA is currently meeting with University and local banking and tax offices to discussing logistics of hosting recurring information sharing events. Updates of resources to our Tax and Finance Page are ongoing.
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The GSA's Finance Committee has organized an information session with experienced tax experts for students to ask their most burning questions regarding tax filing, quarterly taxes, what tax forms mean, and everything in between. The recording is linked on our Tax/Finance Page!
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Health Literacy
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The GSA aims to improve students understanding of health insurance benefits and medical bills.
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The GSA is working with University Health Services and Student Health Program on developing informational sessions. Updates to our Health and Wellness Page are ongoing.
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Medical bills cause significant financial burden to graduate students, and this can be exacerbated when students struggle to understand their health insurance benefits and medical bills. The GSA's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee recently held an informational session with SHP and UHS. Find the recording here!
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