In a recent meeting of the Graduate and Professional Student Senate (GPSS), held in the Cardinal Room at the Memorial Union on February 24, 2025, President Wren Bouwman led discussions on a variety of topics, including housing terms and the upcoming election season. The meeting was a vibrant display of democracy in action, with student leaders engaging in thoughtful debate and decision-making.
Special Election Results
One of the highlights of the meeting was the special election to fill vacancies for the College of Veterinary Medicine and College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) college chair positions. The candidates for these positions faced tough competition, with Sen. Sirisha Parameswaran, from the biomedical sciences department, emerging as the unanimous choice for the College of Veterinary Medicine chair.
For the LAS chair position, the race was particularly intense, with two candidates, Sen. Selina Asare and Sen. Muhammad Azhan, vying for the role. Ultimately, Sen. Asare secured the win, defeating Sen. Azhan by a vote of 23-17-1. The discussion during the election was lively, with Sen. Azhan showcasing his ability to balance multiple responsibilities with discipline and organization.
Funding Allocation and Student Government Nominees
During the meeting, James Afful presented SB – S25-06, a bill aimed at allocating $10,000 from the GPSS budget for the “Rest Assured Project for International Students.” The initiative sought to provide essential furniture, including beds, for international students living in University Village/Schilletter Village, easing their transition to Iowa State University. Afful shared a touching story of a student expressing gratitude for a donated mattress, underscoring the impact of such initiatives.
The bill initially proposed a $6,000 allocation, but Sen. Benjamin Atterberry recommended increasing it to $10,000, a suggestion that was passed unanimously. Additionally, other bills, such as SB – S25-05 and SB – S25-07, were approved, further demonstrating the Senate’s commitment to supporting student organizations and social initiatives.
The meeting also featured the presidential and vice-presidential nominees for Student Government elections, scheduled for March 4 and 5. Campaign managers highlighted the candidates’ platforms, emphasizing the importance of student safety, inclusivity, and support. The presentations provided a glimpse into the candidates’ visions for the university and their plans to collaborate with the city of Ames on sustainability and community engagement initiatives.
President’s Report and Future Plans
President Bouwman’s report to the Senate offered insights into her recent discussions with university leadership, including Provost and Vice President Jason Keith and Iowa State President Wendy Wintersteen. Bouwman shared details on the university’s preparations for potential legislative changes and addressed concerns about ICE presence on campus, reassuring the Senate that appropriate protocols were in place to handle any such situations.
Furthermore, Bouwman highlighted the upcoming Senate elections and underscored the importance of student engagement in shaping the future of the university. The meeting concluded with the unanimous approval of the January minutes, setting the stage for future discussions and decision-making in the Senate.
As the GPSS continues its work to advocate for graduate and professional students at Iowa State University, the recent meeting served as a testament to the dedication and passion of student leaders in shaping a vibrant and inclusive campus community. Stay tuned for more updates on the Senate’s initiatives and upcoming events as they strive to make a positive impact on student life and academic experience.
