Leaders of the University's five graduate schools are looking to break off from the Michigan Student Assembly and form their own student government, taking with them the bulk of the money graduate students currently pay to MSA.
Students of each of the University's five graduate schools will be asked during the next two months to vote on a referendum that calls for a seccesion from MSA and the formation of a solely graduate student government, Rackham Rep. John Lopez announced at Tuesday night's MSA meeting.
Sarah-marie Belcastro, co-president of the Rackham student government, said the $1 student fee that currently goes directly to child care would not be removed by the proposed Council of Graduate and Professional Students, but the remaining $2.69 of the MSA fee would be used mainly to fund graduate student groups "in some way, shape or form."
Lopez, who also serves as the co-president of the Rackham student government, said the graduate school leaders believe the concerns of their constituents would be more adequately addressed to the administration and the campus community through GaPS.
Lopez added that some of the issues most important to graduate students - such as health and child care, student loan deferment and family housing - are not as important to undergraduate students.
"I think there are a significant number of graduate students that don't feel our interests are being represented by (MSA)," Lopez said, adding that this is because the majority of assembly representatives are undergraduates.
MSA President Fiona Rose said she understands the graduate student leaders desire to form a separate government, but said "we should keep in mind" the benefits of having a single student government.
Rackham Rep. Ray Robb said he understands the importance of having one student voice, but thinks forming GaPS is the best idea.
"In theory, I see the point, but in practice, I don't see what the benefit has been for graduate and professional students," Robb said. "Given that I've enjoyed being on MSA for a long time, I wish it weren't necessary, but I believe it is best for my constituents."
Public Health Ph.D. student Maureen Comfort said that without knowing the specifics of the proposal, she can see the pros and cons.
"I think the plus side would be more efficient and focused debates on issues of concern for graduate students," Comfort said, but added that "two separate bodies may not be as influential or effective as one unified body."
Comfort said if both MSA and GaPS existed, the two would have to coordinate with each other on mutual issues.
Robb said he does not blame the assembly for the lack of focus on graduate student interests.
Lopez said if the referendum passes through the five graduate schools, the graduate student leaders will then take the plan to other members of the University community.
"We're going to take it to the regents, we're going to take it to Maureen Hartford, and we're going to take it to MSA," Lopez said.
Belcastro said GaPS would use the smallest amount of funds possible in their operation.
Robb said both MSA and GaPS would need to work together to support mutual concerns, including the funding of the Ann Arbor Tenants' Union and the issue of child care.
"We don't want to deny that there are significant ties between graduate and undergraduate students," Lopez said.
Rose said if a separate government for graduate students is formed, assembly members would work with GaPS members on mutual issues.