For Graduate Students, By Graduate Students

Cornell Graduate Students United (CGSU) is built by graduate students across every department of Cornell, and we are fighting for better working and living conditions for all!

Join us in CREATING BETTER WORKING STANDARDS at Cornell University.

Our Platform

We at CGSU have spent hundreds of hours surveying and discussing the problems facing Cornell grad workers across campus. Through our efforts and the collective input of graduate workers, we are proud to present CGSU’s working platform that we are eager to fight hard for in the coming months:

(The points in this platform are not in order of priority. They represent a non-exhaustive list of the issues we are committed to fighting for.) 

Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage and Accessibility

All grads deserve to work without compromising our health. Dental and vision insurance should be provided at no extra cost. Grads on leave should be allowed to maintain access to health insurance. Cornell needs to invest in CAPS, SDS, and reproductive and gender-affirming care to bolster and safeguard grad wellbeing.

Safety and Equity in Our Workplace

All grads deserve professional standards in our workplace. We deserve a safe work environment, bridge funding, and a fair grievance procedure. Grievance procedures must be effective, equitable, and timely. As always, work shouldn’t hurt. 

Fair Wages and Compensation

All grads deserve fair compensation for our work. We deserve guaranteed funding through graduation, including summers. Stipends, hourly wages, and reimbursements should be paid on time. Stipend rates must keep up with inflation and the rising cost of living.

Accessible Housing and Transportation

All grads deserve freedom from being rent-burdened and access to reliable transportation. University housing should be affordable to grad residents. Bus passes should be free for all grads and parking permits should be affordable and convenient. 

Support for International Workers

All grads deserve free tax guidance, confidential legal counsel, and financial support for visa fees. International workers deserve equal work opportunities and dedicated university-funded fellowships. Cornell should provide legal, administrative, and monetary assistance with visa procedures including SEVIS and OPT fees. English language programs like ITAP should be useful and equitable.

Support for Parents and Caregivers

All grads deserve affordable benefits for their dependents. Cornell family housing, health insurance for dependents, and childcare should be affordable on grad worker salaries.

CGSU is built on grassroots organizing across every department and graduate program at Cornell University