Empowering Students, Building a More Inclusive and Engaged Campus Community.

“A truly effective leader excels first as a follower, understanding that leadership is not merely about leading from the front but about guiding from within, listening actively, and learning continuously from those they aspire to lead." - John Arigbede.

In my years of dedicated service within the student parliamentary system and as the former member of the UMass Amherst Graduate Student Senate Executive Committee, the current senator for the prestigious l Engineering Department, a current member of the UMass Amherst Strategic Planning Working Group, and the current Vice President of the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE) UMass Amherst chapter, I have been privileged to witness firsthand the transformative power of student governance.

My journey has been a profound learning experience, one that has led me to a pivotal realization: the path forward for the Graduate Student Senate (GSS) must be charted with, by, and for the people.

Our core mission— to represent, advocate for, and serve the graduate students of UMass Amherst —demands a shift towards a model that is inherently people-oriented, inclusive, and transparent. Our focus must pivot towards cultivating an environment where open-door policies are not just a principle but a practice, where every decision and action is inspired by the voices and needs of you, our graduate students. 

We envision a future where policies are crafted not above but among us, with every action and decision deeply rooted in the aspirations and concerns of our graduate student community. Active, open communication and the direct involvement of every student in our decision-making processes are not just goals but imperatives.

Our vision is clear: to transform the GSS into a more inclusive, transparent, and responsive body that champions the interests (professional and personal), well-being, and growth of our graduate community. This means prioritizing direct engagement with students from all departments, ensuring that their concerns and aspirations are not just heard but are the driving force behind our ambitions and initiatives.

"Leadership is not about being in charge. It's about taking care of those in your charge."- Simon Sinek. In this great endeavor, we are committed to implementing policies and politics that are exclusively open-door, creating a GSS that is accessible to every graduate student and reflective of our diverse voices. By concentrating on the issues our students face, (our constituencies) we remind ourselves of the Senate's foundational purpose. Our aim is not merely to serve as a bridge between the student body and the university administration but to be a dynamic, student-driven forum that actively shapes our collective experience at UMass Amherst.

We stand before you, ready to lead this charge, guided by a belief in the power of collective action and a commitment to a governance model that places the welfare and aspirations of the graduate student body at its heart. We, John and Dhruv, invite you to join us. Together, we can forge a GSS that not only addresses our immediate needs but also anticipates and navigates the challenges and opportunities of the future.

With your support, we'll make the Graduate Student Senate a Student Government body that truly embodies the spirit of our mission: to serve as a steadfast advocate for every UMass Amherst graduate student, to represent our shared objectives with unwavering integrity, and to foster a sense of community and solidarity that transcends academic disciplines.

Now is the time to create a legacy of empowerment, collaboration, and inclusive excellence.

Vote Senator John Arigbede and Dhruv Tiwari for a unified, empowered Graduate Student Senate. Together, let's shape a future where every graduate student's voice matters and every contribution is celebrated.

For a GSS that genuinely represents us all, the choice is clear. Vote for Senator John Arigbede and Dhruv Tiwari. Let's build our shared future together.

 

Dear fellow graduate students,

In addition to showcasing our prior efforts and expressing our strong desire for campaigning and policy-making, this statement also outlines our goals for the future as the President & Vice President of GSS.

The key elements of our election manifesto are as follows:

Innovative Strategies for Grad Assistance: Revitalizing the FY23 GSS Summer Grant Program, which provides financial support to graduate students.

Promote the Graduate Employee Organization (GEO) Union: Promoting better working conditions and perks for graduate hourly employees.

Offering international graduate student scholarships: Initiating an annual GSS fundraising drive that includes programs such as Minutefund and UMass Gives to systematically increase the number of International graduate student scholarships available across campus.

Offer Senators Robust Training and enhanced interaction to Empower Them: 

Provide extensive instructional resources covering the GSS constitution, bylaws, and viewpoint neutrality in detail to strengthen senators' effectiveness and expertise. We also plan to enhance communication channels to increase awareness and fund activities, such as coffee hours and meetings, to promote regular face-to-face interaction with student constituencies.

Through services of the Center for Counseling and Psychological Health (CCPH), promote and advance wellness initiatives: According to the Healthy Minds Network, a significant nationwide study revealed a 50% increase in UMass Amherst students reporting at least one mental health concern. We plan to take swift action in collaboration with the Center for Counseling and Psychological Health (CCPH) to address this growing issue, advocating for increased counselor availability and reduced wait times.

Graduate Life Vent Podcast: We will launch “Graduate Life Vent,” a podcast dedicated to our graduate community. This will be an anonymous platform on the radio where students can share their life experiences, challenges, and triumphs. It is a space for expression, connection, and solidarity—a place to find solace and support in the understanding that they are not alone in their journey. Through sharing, we find strength, and through listening, we become better advocates and allies.

Financial Expansion of GSS: To strengthen the GSS financially, we plan to revise fund allocation to include other Graduate Student Organizations (GSO), thereby fostering our growth. Additionally, we will implement a basic finance strategy to optimize the use of GSS funds.

Graduate Student Emergency Fund: A new initiative to establish a robust emergency fund, designed to provide immediate financial assistance to graduate students facing unforeseen financial crises. This fund will ensure that our community members can access the support they need when they need it most, reinforcing our commitment to a safety net for all.

Enhance Career Development Opportunities for Graduate Students: 

We aim to establish an exclusive Graduate Alumni Network in partnership with the UMass Amherst Foundation and Alumni Association, enhancing networking, mentorship, and job referral opportunities. Furthermore, we advocate for an increase in STEM program courses that offer field experiences and experiential learning, through collaboration with the Academic Affairs Student Advisory Board. We also propose policy amendments to allow full-time CPT/CO-OP opportunities for all departments during their graduation term and urge the Office of Professional Development to rethink career-fair strategies to attract more companies.

International Student Career Fair: Advocating for career opportunities by creating a career fair tailored specifically to the needs of international graduate students, connecting them directly with potential employers. We recognize the critical importance of career opportunities for our international students, who often face uncertainties about life post-graduation. This initiative will focus on bridging the gap between graduate students and potential employers by either bringing students to recruiters or inviting recruiters to our campus. We aim to create pathways for meaningful employment and ease the anxiety many face about the future.

Enhancing Student Transit: We are developing a transportation program and suggesting route expansions to UMass transportation services to increase accessibility for international students. The goal of this project is to reduce the amount of time students spend traveling for necessities and consumables.

We propose enhancing the minimum wage for hourly workers in dining services to ensure fair compensation for their essential work. Additionally, we advocate for reducing the costs associated with using fitness and recreation services on campus, making wellness and health maintenance more accessible to all students. 

Furthermore, we are committed to promoting affordable housing options, recognizing that a secure and stable living situation is foundational to academic success and overall well-being. Our goal is to address the economic challenges faced by our student body, ensuring that every student has access to the resources they need to thrive at UMass Amherst

Enhance GSS Internal Procedures and Office Operations: Through developing extensive instructional resources for members and personnel, strengthening accountability mechanisms, and increasing efficiency. Enhancing community development by holding more events and setting up reliable feedback mechanisms so students can interact with staff members easily. Ensuring consistent representation on all committees, councils, and student advisory boards; ensuring prompt action on critical matters; and proactively preparing for the future by examining and resolving the growing budgetary concerns stemming from enrollment figures as a result of the UMass flex policy.

We need your help more than ever on our path to make the environment safe, supportive, and egalitarian for everyone. By working together, we can create equitable policies, improved student experiences, and a community where each individual's voice is respected and heard.

If you wish to speak to us and discuss any of these points, please feel free to email us at: jarigbede@umass.edu or dhruvvinodti@umass.edu   

"Together, with your vote, your voice, and your support, we can make a difference”