Hi GEO,
We would like to share some news with the wider UMass graduate student body via GEO and GSS about the student-led Reverse Townhall that was held on April 16th at the College of Education. We believe that this event was an urgent and necessary step to compel the administration and faculty of the College to act.
We believe this event is in line with the university-wide efforts by GEO, GSS and undergraduate students to request the University to provide adequate support for students in the wake of COVID-19. Appreciate much if you can share this with the GEO and GSS members.
Thank you
Best regards,
Niyanthini on behalf of the organising committee
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Sent on behalf of the Reverse Town Hall Organizers with Attached materials from the Reverse Town Hall
Thank you to everyone who attended the ‘Reverse Town Hall’ today [April 16th]. We had 103 members of the college in attendance and many others who were unable to join but sent in written testimonials.
The idea for the reverse-town hall originated when a group of students came together to discuss how Covid-19 was affecting students at the College of Education and we began to recognize the urgency and collective nature of these challenges. We felt the need for a reverse town hall because we were disappointed by the limited and highly individualized response from the College of Education and frustrated by the University’s stance to do “business as usual”.
The goals of the reverse town hall were to open communication lines between students, faculty and administrators; take the labor off of the individual student to find a solution to address these unprecedented challenges; and to start a conversation about what a collective, “socially just” institutional response looks like.
We have asked the college administration and faculty to respond to student demands in writing by Tuesday, April 21. If individuals, concentrations or departments have taken steps to address these demands, we invite your responses as well.
Please find the (1) opening statement, (2) issues and demands as well as some excerpts of (3) student testimonials attached herewith.
In solidarity,
Student Organizers
Erika Tai – GEO Steward for the College of Education – Social Justice Education
Julie Spencer Robinson – Doctoral Representative – Educational Policy, Research and Administration- Education Leadership
Kat J. Stephens – Doctoral Representative – Educational Policy, Research and Administration – Higher Education
Mariam Sheikh – International Education
Niyanthini Kadirgamar – Doctoral Representative – Educational Policy, Research and Administration – International Education
Sahara Pradhan – International Education
Sandra Botha – Doctoral Representative – Educational Policy, Research and Administration – REMP
Tita Feraud-King – GEO Steward for the College of Education – Higher Education/Social Justice Education
Verity Norman-Tichawangana – GSS Senator for the College of Education – International Education
