Graduate Student Senate delays its executive election debate

Graduate Student Senate (GSS) voted unanimously Tuesday to delay the previously scheduled debate for candidates running in the upcoming executive election until its next general body meeting.

The debate, originally scheduled for Tuesday, will now take place from 7:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in Walter Hall 235 on Feb. 18. 

Previously, GSS voted to move the deadline to apply for the election to Jan. 31 because of confusion among members of the body concerning the requirements to run.

A group of four senators that make up the body’s elections committee alleged candidates had an unreasonably short amount of time to prepare the debate material and get into contact with approved applicants, according to the resolution. The resolution also said applicants need more time to prepare for the debate.

The body voted to amend the resolution to have a Graduate College professor moderate the debate instead of the GSS election committee. The moderator has not been determined. The elections committee hasn’t scheduled a date for GSS elections.

In other business, GSS appointed a new member to the general body. Mahbub Bhuyan, who was unanimously confirmed, will now serve as the department representative of sociology. 

The body also unanimously passed three other resolutions, including a request for an additional annual $30,000 for graduate student research-related travel. Any Ohio University graduate student enrolled in at least one credit hour is eligible to apply for travel funding.

Senators allocated $4,500 for a grant that funds research and project-related expenses for graduate students.

GSS also allotted $747.22 to cover the costs of the Women in Graduate School Conference, a personal and professional development program for female Ohio U graduate and undergraduate students, faculty and alumni. The conference will take place in Walter Hall and Grover Center on Feb. 15.