Rutgers Graduate Education Meeting Reflection

Today, there was a meeting, "Beyond the Baccalaureate: A Look at Rutgers Graduate Education" that was held in the Academic Building. Many students and faculty came. The presentation went over Rutgers' Graduate Education in comparison to the graduate programs at other Big Ten schools. The Dean of Graduate Studies spoke a lot about how there is now data transparency regarding graduate education and PH.D programs about the amount of years taken to complete a program and other information such as financial aid. The statistics and data shown, all public, were startling to me. Of students in the graduate school, 11% are taking out loans, savings, and parental support. There was data on over an 8-year period, how many students graduated or dropped and it was an estimate to around ~40%. 

As out of state tuition increased, the number of graduate teaching assistants decreased. Most assistants are out of state. 

It was disappointing knowing that the crowd of students in the back were at the meeting about the Tax Bill and had asked questions repeatedly during discussion that were not directly addressed. The meeting seemed to go on a "we need to start doing this" instead of addressing what was actually going to be done. 

Many of the graduate students were worried and were actively engaging in discussion. Many were upset that it seemed as if the university was not addressing what they would do if the bill were to be passed. After the financial part of the presentation, most of the graduate students did not have their questions answered about the Tax Bill. I believe that they didn't hear the answer that they wanted and/or might have left thinking their voices weren't heard. To me, it felt as if their questions were brushed aside and it seemed like there were excuses from the administrative side. Once the students left, some of the faculty voiced their concerns about the bill and how they were also sympathetic and worried for the students, trying to explain the positions of the students. In the room, there were many who wanted to see a change and believed there should be one. If the students had stayed, I think they would know that there were many faculty who were on their side. This meeting was interesting and opened by eyes about Rutgers and its graduate program. I would definitely be interested in going to another meeting.