BRAINSTORMING ABOUT INITIATIVES
During the November 2012 general council meeting, representatives from every department brainstormed about what issues are most pertinent to them and their graduate constituents. Our president, Julia, compiled the comments into this fun video
LATE NIGHT AND WEEKEND PUBLIC TRANSIT
The Advanced Transit bus system provides free and reliable service between key hubs for graduate students by connecting Hanover campus with the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center and the neighboring towns. Unfortunately, bus service hours are limited to weekdays and end by 7 PM. The graduate student council is advocating for extended evening and weekend hours to cater to students who stay late at work or do not have a personal vehicle for transportation on the weekend.
DENTAL INSURANCE
Dartmouth health insurance does not offer dental coverage. This limits graduate student access to preventative dental care, such as regular checkups and cleanings, and increases the financial burden of emergency care. The GSC is working with the Dartmouth Administration to find an effective and viable solution to improve graduate student access to dental health care.
GRADUATE STUDENT SPACE
The Dartmouth graduate student community does not currently have a physical space on campus in which to congregate, socialize and unify. The GSC is actively participating in long-term campus planning which includes the construction of a grad student space.
SUSTAINABILITY
As an important part of the greater Dartmouth community, graduate students have the opportunity to join the Dartmouth Sustainability Project. The GSC is partnering with the Office of Sustainability to define opportunities for leadership and participation around causes such as improvement of waste management and development of sustainable behaviors at work and home.