2009-2010 Graduate and Professional Student Council Priorities

The Graduate and Professional Student Council of Duke University (GPSC–pronounced ‘gypsy’) is the umbrella student government organization for Duke’s graduate and professional schools. GPSC meets biweekly to address student concerns and issues raised by the administration. These meetings are open to all students. The GPSC Executive Board (see sidebar) presides over these meetings and has set the following priorities for GPSC’s operation during the 2009-2010 academic year.

• Transparency: All GPSC business will be open to scrutiny by the membership and sharing of information among board members will be encouraged. GPSC executive board members will speak openly with campus news, but statements on behalf of the Council will come from the GPSC president.
• Inclusiveness: GPSC will encourage greater graduate and professional (GnP) community involvement in committees, activities, and events. GPSC programming and activities will be planned to include all segments of the GnP community, including but not limited to LGBTQ members, married members, students over 30 years old, and members with families.
• Communication: GPSC will strive to communicate with the GnP community in an effective and timely manner. Executive Board members are expected to respond to e-mail or other communication from GnP students, executive board members, or administrators within 48 hours. Meeting minutes and podcasts will be available within one week of the meeting.
• Fiscal Stewardship: The GPSC Executive committee will spend GPSC funds in accordance with the guidelines of the treasurer. Every effort will be made to get the best value for price in every purchase.
• Environmental Stewardship: GPSC fully supports reducing the carbon footprint of GnP students individually and collectively. GPSC will actively promote reduction, reuse, and recycling during all official activities and will be proactive in advocating for an increase of recycling bins across campus.

• Yvonne Ford