Texas Southern University Graduate Town Hall Meeting

Thursday, September 19, 2024, the Graduate Student Association, Dean Vanjani, and Assistant Dean Davis held a town hall meeting for graduate students on the third floor of Ernest S. Sterling Student Life Center. Students and faculty came to address their concerns, discuss issues within various programs, and gain valuable insights about enrollment in the graduate programs at Texas Southern University. The meeting also covered topics such as how to get a doctoral degree, international studies, and the return of the Graduate Student Association. In a recent conversation with Jazmine Cyprian, she shared what she believes people should know about the Graduate Student Association (GSA).

“I want people to know we are to serve, advocate, and act as the liaison between the graduate school and the students. We want to take the concerns and express them to the higher-ups and make sure we’re advocating for those resources and needs of the students. Because we do more, we have to fight for more.” Cyprian also said that “GSA is seeking members for its e-board. Available positions include department representatives and coordinators.”

According to Cyprian, “Bringing back GSA has been a process. The foundation has been set, and they are getting the ball rolling.” 

Graduate student David Glenn, studying clinical mental health counseling, expressed mixed feelings about his experience. “I love the culture and the school, but I am not pleased with my program, as it advertises to be in person but is online. I came to this mixer, so they understood my plight. They answered my question but did not solve it. I believe that they are listening, though,” he shared.

When asked about the purpose of hosting the mixer, Dr. Vanjani explained, “We try to do a town hall every fall and spring so students can express their concerns. This year, we decided to join the GSA and wanted to promote this as a mixer. This time, both the graduate school and the GSA attended the event. I always feel town halls are productive because that is when I hear from students from all areas, not just my students, and often, the problems they bring to us. If we cannot resolve it, we can track the issues back to resolve them. There are certain things we hear very often, like funding. We finally received some traction, and the provost returned our scholarship.” Dean Vanjaniis is an advocate for students’ success. He faces many challenges but has worked in education long enough to tackle them. He has been working closely with the provost to bring scholarships and funding to the graduate program. 

The discussion concluded with Assistant Dean Dr. Davis. She felt the meeting went well and, like Dr. Vanjani, was eager to highlight the provost's strong commitment to graduate studies. Dr. Davis's student affairs and counseling background helps her handle the daily challenges of being the assistant dean. She knows that students are very invested in their studies and have their best interests at heart. 

Davis noted that a record number of attendees were present at the town hall meeting, with over forty participants, a significant increase compared to the usual turnout of ten to twelve. During the town hall meeting, they discussed travel grants, emails, course offerings, campus events, and general accessibility for graduate students. 

This energetic meeting began at 5:30 p.m. and was supposed to finish by 7 p.m. However, the participants stayed overnight to address various issues raised by students from multiple graduate departments.

Written By: Lealer Sims