On March 6th, 2024 the GPSG assembly passed a resolution demanding CU's divestment from fossil fuels. The Equity and Advocacy committee observed previous calls to action and recommendations proposed by Chancellor Philip Difestano, Boulder Faculty Assembly, and CUSG. This resolution aims to request that the administration at the University of Colorado system level begin to form a working group and a tentative timeline for full divestment by 2027. Currently, ºÚÁÏÉçÇøÍø holds a reputation as a leading research institution in climate change, justice, and sustainability. With over 1,400 higher education institutions severing their relationship with fossil fuel investments, the time is now to feature the University of Colorado as a catalyst and a steward for climate change.

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On February 28th, 2024 the GPSG assembly passed a resolution calling for Diverse and Equitable Representation on the Campus Sustainability Executive Committee. The vote was 12 for the resolution and 1 against the resolution. 

Summary:

This resolution aims to address the lack of diverse student representation on the Campus Sustainability Executive Council (CSEC). Students have been leaders and advocates for sustainability at ºÚÁÏÉçÇøÍø for 50+ years and there is a growing consensus among the student body that sustainability is a top priority to them. This resolution outlines the history of student advocacy for sustainability and discusses the importance of including their unique experiences and perspectives on the CSEC. To avoid an ineffective implementation of the Climate Action Plan (CAP), as seen with the 2009 CAP, it is crucial that the CSEC governance structure be amended to include multiple student and student-representative seats, across various leadership backgrounds. This resolution also discusses the importance of inclusive representation in governance structures, in alignment with STARS, as we pursue a STARS platinum campus rating (Appendix C). With undergraduate and graduate students being directly impacted by the decisions and discussions of the CSEC, it is imperative that their voices have a seat at the table. This resolution advocates for the implementation of six student seats to the Campus Sustainability Executive Council to ensure the future of ºÚÁÏÉçÇøÍø’s climate action includes substantial input from the voices of tomorrow’s leaders. Students have already shown up for campus climate action and have continued to do so through the CAP public comment period.

Given that the CAP aims to improve community awareness, engagement, and understanding, we believe the CSEC should capitalize on the existing base of informed students by adding well-connected student decision-makers to ensure undergraduate and graduate students remain engaged throughout the lifetime of the CAP and beyond. 

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On October 25th, 2023 the GPSG assembly unanimously passed the following resolution regarding adding Caste as a protected class in CU's Anti-Discrimination and Harassment Policy. A summary of the resolution is as follows:

In this resolution, we seek to address the lack of protections within the official policy of the ºÚÁÏÉçÇøÍø that prevent it from creating an inclusive educational environment for students and workers. The purpose of this resolution is to urge the university to acknowledge existing inadequacies and develop a long-term plan to address them. As a result of this resolution, we would like to see the university adopt a long-term strategy to make ºÚÁÏÉçÇøÍø a more inclusive equitable, and just environment for all of its community members. 

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At the April 27 meeting, the GPSG assembly unanimously passed the following resolution regarding the transparency of Parking Services on campus. A summary of the resolution is as follows:

In this resolution, we seek to establish transparent communication with Parking Services on behalf of the ºÚÁÏÉçÇøÍø community. The purpose of this is to ensure the actions of Parking Services are compatible with the values of ºÚÁÏÉçÇøÍø related to and promoting livable housing accommodations for graduate and professional students. To assure that Parking Services is operating according to University standards, we would like to see a more thorough annual report that, in addition to identifying revenue sources, delineates operational expenses, expenditures, and a summation of new progress towards long-term goals. These reports should be consistent year-to-year, and inconsistencies should be elaborated upon within the report. Additionally, students residing in GFH properties should be distinguished from those who commute to the University regularly and afforded parking privileges, such as heavily reduced fees, due to their long-term residence and minimal contribution to the University’s carbon footprint. As a result of this resolution, we would like to see enhanced regulation and increased transparency of CU Parking Services activities on GFH properties.

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At Tuesday's Assembly meeting, student respresentatives voted unanimously to pass a resolution outlining characteristics that the next CU system President should embody. These attributes should be considered as the search committee considers candidates for the position.

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During the April 14th meeting, the GPSG Assembly voted to approve a resolution to support the censure of CU system President Mark Kennedy by the Boulder Faculty Assembly. 

Resolution Summary

On March 29, 2021, the Boulder Faculty Assembly (BFA) Executive Committee moved that the BFA vote on a formal censure of University of Colorado system President Mark Kennedy for failure of leadership with respect to diversity, equity and inclusion. The Graduate and Professional Student Government supports the censure of President Mark Kennedy in the BFA. It is apparent that President Mark Kennedy has failed at his responsibility to uphold the pillars of the CU System, including justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. President Mark Kennedy’s failure to support CU system international students when threatened with student visa revocation by the Trump Administration in the beginning of the global COVID-19 pandemic is inexcusable. Damaging statements the President has made, including comparing a lack of student online education options to the Trail of Tears, are painful, deplorable comments for which the President has not been held accountable for or adequately apologized for. These comments, and the President’s failure to engage with student-led campus groups such as DiversifyCUnow and various CU multicultural organizations, directly contradict the goals and commitments of this University, and negatively affect and harm graduate students identifying as black, indigenous, or people of color. Thus, the Graduate and Professional Student Government urges the BFA to hold President Mark Kennedy accountable for his inaction and damaging rhetoric through a formal censure to be voted on April 29, 2021.

Click here to download the resolution

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During the April 17th meeting, the UGGS Assembly voted to approve a resolution to challenge the Regents naming Mark Kennedy as the sole finalist of the CU system presidential search. 

Resolution Summary

The purpose of this resolution is to express graduate and professional students’ concerns with the selection of Mark Kennedy as the sole finalist for the office of president for the University of Colorado System. The United Government of Graduate Students (UGGS) demands closer attention and an expansion of the vetting process to ensure the Board of Regents of the University of Colorado (the Regents) appropriately incorporates student input.

Click here to download the resolution

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