Graduate Student Government to see major executive board turnover

Fresh faces will lead the GSG next year after several executive officers — including second-year President Anupama Kothari — opted not to run for re-election.

Only officer, Vice President for Student Affairs Lenisa Joseph, will return to her post, leaving new leaders to tackle contentious issues like graduate assistant unionization, paid parental leave, housing and health insurance concerns.

The results of the election, which ended Sunday night, will not be released until later this week, but the organization’s leadership for next year is virtually set. Like last year, only one executive position — vice president for financial affairs — is contested.

Two of the Graduate Student Government’s most active leaders, Kothari and Vice President for Academic Affairs Aaron Tobiason, will both step down after this semester to finish their degrees. Chief of Staff Anna Bedford will take over for Kothari, and Jill Gribbin, who was not in the GSG this year, will replace Tobiason.

Bedford promised “a greater community and more involvement” next year.

“I’d like the assembly to participate to a greater extent,” said Bedford, a comparative literature student. “I’d like to see more graduate students involved in the issues we tackle and serving on committees, rather than a small group of graduates representing the graduate body right now.”

Bedford said her objectives for the coming academic year include ensuring the stability of assistantships, protecting graduate assistants from exploitative working conditions and securing graduate housing in the East Campus project.

Jacqueline Orlando, who is running unopposed for vice president for legislative affairs, said next year’s executive board will have to work to keep this year’s momentum going.

“This year’s board had some incredibly motivated executives like Anu Kothari and Aaron Tobiason, so next year’s board has some big shoes to fill,” she said. “I hope the elections will bring in a new group of energetic program representatives to get involved in the different committees.”

quijada@umdbk.com