National Association of Graduate-Professional Students

National Association of Graduate-Professional Students is a United States-based organization that aims to promote the interests of graduate students and professional students across the country, often collaborating with institutions like Harvard University, Stanford University, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The organization works closely with other student groups, such as the National Student Association and the United States Student Association, to address issues affecting graduate education and professional education, including student debt, academic funding, and mental health support, as highlighted by American Psychological Association and National Alliance on Mental Illness. By partnering with organizations like the American Council on Education and the Council of Graduate Schools, the National Association of Graduate-Professional Students seeks to improve the overall experience of graduate students and professional students at institutions like University of California, Berkeley, University of Michigan, and Columbia University.

● History

The National Association of Graduate-Professional Students has its roots in the 1960s, when student activism was on the rise, with movements like the Free Speech Movement at University of California, Berkeley and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee playing a significant role in shaping the organization's mission and values, which align with those of the American Civil Liberties Union and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. The organization was formally established in the 1970s, with the support of higher education institutions like University of Wisconsin–Madison and University of Texas at Austin, and has since worked to address issues like affordability and accessibility in graduate education, often in collaboration with organizations like the College Board and the National Center for Education Statistics. Throughout its history, the National Association of Graduate-Professional Students has been influenced by key figures like Mario Savio, Stokely Carmichael, and Angela Davis, who have shaped the organization's commitment to social justice and academic freedom, values also upheld by institutions like University of Chicago and New York University.

● Organization

The National Association of Graduate-Professional Students is a non-profit organization that operates with a board of directors composed of graduate students and professional students from various universities and colleges, including University of California, Los Angeles, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and Georgia Institute of Technology. The organization has a national office located in Washington, D.C., which serves as a hub for advocacy and outreach efforts, often in collaboration with organizations like the National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers. The National Association of Graduate-Professional Students also has regional chapters and state affiliates, which work to address local issues affecting graduate students and professional students at institutions like University of Washington, University of Florida, and Ohio State University.

● Membership

Membership in the National Association of Graduate-Professional Students is open to graduate students and professional students from accredited institutions like University of Pennsylvania, Duke University, and Northwestern University. Members have access to resources and support services, including professional development opportunities, mentoring programs, and advocacy training, often provided in partnership with organizations like the National Science Foundation and the Ford Foundation. The organization also offers discounts and benefits to members, such as health insurance and student loan assistance, through partnerships with companies like UnitedHealthcare and Sallie Mae. Members of the National Association of Graduate-Professional Students are also connected to a network of peers and professionals in their field, including alumni from institutions like University of Southern California, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and University of Virginia.

● Advocacy

The National Association of Graduate-Professional Students is a strong advocate for graduate students and professional students, working to address issues like funding and support services for graduate education, often in collaboration with organizations like the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation. The organization has been involved in policy initiatives and legislative efforts to improve affordability and accessibility in higher education, including the Higher Education Act and the College Cost Reduction and Access Act, which have been supported by lawmakers like Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Nancy Pelosi. The National Association of Graduate-Professional Students has also worked to promote diversity and inclusion in graduate education, partnering with organizations like the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education and the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities to support underrepresented groups in higher education, including students of color and LGBTQ+ students.

● Conferences_and_events

The National Association of Graduate-Professional Students hosts conferences and events throughout the year, including the Annual Conference and the Graduate Student Advocacy Day, which bring together graduate students and professional students from across the country to discuss issues affecting graduate education and professional education, often featuring speakers from institutions like University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The organization also participates in national events like the National Student Lobby Day and the Higher Education Lobby Day, which are organized by groups like the United States Student Association and the National Education Association. These events provide opportunities for members to engage in advocacy and policy discussions, and to connect with peers and professionals in their field, including alumni from institutions like University of California, Berkeley, University of Michigan, and Columbia University.

● Governance

The National Association of Graduate-Professional Students is governed by a board of directors composed of graduate students and professional students elected by the membership, often with the support of institutions like University of Wisconsin–Madison and University of Texas at Austin. The organization has a constitution and bylaws that outline its mission, values, and governance structure, which are guided by principles of democracy and transparency, similar to those upheld by organizations like the American Bar Association and the American Medical Association. The National Association of Graduate-Professional Students also has committees and task forces that work on specific issues, such as advocacy, membership, and communications, often in collaboration with organizations like the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators and the American College Personnel Association. The organization is committed to accountability and transparency in its governance and operations, and works to ensure that the voices of graduate students and professional students are heard in higher education policy discussions, often in partnership with institutions like University of Chicago and New York University.

Category:Student organizations