GPSA November Meeting Summary

On Nov. 3, the Graduate and Professional Student Association met in Genentech Hall at the Mission Bay campus to discuss the current and upcoming events surrounding student affairs. This article provides a short summary of items discussed.

• One of the topics discussed at the meeting was the UCSF campus housing shortage, which affects the incoming students. It has been brought to attention that students accepted into UCSF programs turn down matriculation due to lack of guaranteed housing and high cost of living in San Francisco. The Housing Advisory Committee reviewed 934 applications for UCSF housing this year, but only 294 of the students were accommodated with 157 remaining on the waitlist. The process of selection for student housing is lottery-based. During the HAC committee it was proposed to add a tenancy term limit of one year, give preference to students in financial need and consider giving preference to students with families. The issue of student housing remains an ongoing discussion.
• Joey Convento representing UCSF Arts & Events spoke of the success of the Halloween Celebration held in collaboration with the Multicultural Resource Center. Joey invites UCSF students to purchase discounted tickets for Golden State Warriors games and a special training event at the office of Arts & Events.
• The GPSA assembly welcomes students interested in developing leadership skills. Currently, GPSA is seeking student representation for the following committees:

Student Services Fee Advisory Committee. SFFAC is an annual committee composed of diverse UCSF students, faculty and staff. The committee evaluates budget proposals given by services funded by student fees, and provides recommendations on how to best meet students’ needs through budget allocation to services.

Public Safety and Emergency Management Advisory Groups. This is a new group started by UCPD that plans emergency responses on campus and at UCSF-associated medical centers.

Sexual Violence Task Force is seeking 1-2 students to attend a UC-wide committee. Students can be compensated by GPSA for travel expenses. Those who are unable to attend may participate via phone conference.

Libraries and Scholarly Communication committee is also looking for students to help manage the library budget and policy.

For more information on GPSA-sponsored events and GPSA monthly meetings, please visit gpsa.ucsf.edu. If you would like to get involved in student government or sit on a committee, please email us at gpsa@ucsf.edu.