GSS discusses needs of Academic and Global Communication Program, Cats’ Cupboard
Graduate Student Senate met with Joseph Lee, the associate director of the Academic and Global Communications Program (AGC), who spoke about the recent cutting of the AGC program at the body's virtual meeting Tuesday night.
The program, also known as ELIP, which offers academic and communications assistance for students across campus, was recently cut due to a lack of funding. After several cuts to faculty and academics across the university, AGC was next in line because it did not offer a degree program and had no instructors with tenure, according to Lee.
AGC offered reading, writing, speaking and presentation labs for graduate and undergraduate students, as well as courses in communication and composition. Lee said it has been described by students, staff and outside reviews as a vital resource to the Ohio University community, especially to its international students who are able to receive help with English skills.
Many GSS members said they have seen the effects of this program through themselves, their friends and their peers.
Lee, who has been with AGC since 2011, helped construct many of the department’s opportunities students have today. He expressed devastation with the university’s decision, saying the program served students greatly over the years and the loss of this program would surely be felt.
Many questions still stand as to how the university plans to handle the lack of academic aid after this semester comes to an end including how the university will fill gaps in programming, whether future instructors will be as experienced or qualified to teach curriculum and if students will be getting proper help necessary to maintain grades.
Lee said he suspects that other similar programs on campus will fill some of the gaps left in programming and that AGC’s funding may also be allocated towards the OPIE program, which aims to enhance English communication skills for international students looking to apply for higher education in the United States.
GSS expressed its support for the AGC program and plans to write a resolution to attest to graduate student’s need for its services. They also plan to set up a meeting with the provost to discuss the topic in further detail.
The body called a budget for the whole session to discuss emergency funding for the food pantry, Cats’ Cupboard.
Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic and relocation of classes to online platforms, the food pantry has seen a drastic decline in food and supplies available to students. GSS members said this is primarily due to reduced production in culinary services and the closing of campus markets, which frequently and regularly made donations.
GSS made a motion to allocate $1,000 toward purchasing items for the student food pantry. According to Cats’ Cupboard, every $25 will provide one student with food and supplies for three days. By these figures, the Senate's donation will cover 40 students on campus.
The body agreed to reevaluate its budget later in the semester to determine whether they will make another donation.
In other business, members expressed concern with on-campus parking costs. With many students remaining at home and online, GSS is looking to speak with Ohio U’s Transportation and Parking Services to discuss the possibility of reduced costs or waived fees for students in Athens who must travel on campus.
In addition, GSS President Kaelyn Ferris discussed Ohio U’s plans to roll out a new health insurance system. While there will be no increase in price, students will only be covered for the semester they’re enrolled. This means that spring, fall and summer semesters will be charged separately instead of making payments that cover six months at a time.
The body will also be actively encouraging people to get their COVID-19 vaccinations when rollouts become readily available for graduate students.