International Students’ Caucus

International Student Caucus

International students make up a significant portion of the Graduate Employee Organization (GEO) membership. Thus, the International Students’ Caucus was developed to address the unique needs and issues of international graduate community members in their roles as students and employees of the university. Such issues may include but not limited to: unfair labor practices relating to their status as international students; immigration and civil rights; xenophobia; and cross-cultural challenges. In carrying out its core functions, the International Students’ Caucus will work with International Students, GEO leadership and the university administration to monitor and resolve these issues. Overall, the International Students’ Caucus will work to promote the interests and welfare of international graduate students who are GEO members.

International Students Caucus focuses on:

  • Cultural/social activities & networking: to develop and maintain a vibrant international student coalition
  • Legal and civil rights advocacy: to inform international students of their right under the law and to protect them from discrimination; or to help international students take legal recourse when their rights violated
  • Liaising with IPO: to form a stronger bond with incoming and returning international students; to ensure that a system is in place to adequately inform students of their rights and responsibilities as part of the graduate community
  • Labor Grievance: to serve on the grievance committee that protects against unfair labor practices relating to students’ status as international students
  • GEO liaison: to help coordinate international students’ participation in GEO activities, as well to monitor GEO actions and by-laws to ensure representation of interests of international students

Note: different members of the caucus may be nominated (or volunteer) for each of the above roles

If you are interested in participating in the International Students’ Caucus please contact us at international@geouaw.org or 413-545-0705

Benefits of GEO membership

  • Health and dental
    • Subsidized/reduced health premiums
    • Free dental coverage (reduced premiums for family)
  • Labor
    • Transparent employment process
    • Fair hourly wages
    • Vacation/time off
    • Decent working conditions
  • Grievance
    • Right to due process
    • Clear grievance rights and procedures
  • Academic fees
    • Tuition fee waivers
    • Fair/reasonable auxiliary fees
  • Anti-discriminatory & anti-harassment principles based on:
    • Race
    • Gender
    • Sexuality
    • Nationality
  • Graduate community-building
    • Caucus & committees:
      • ALANAA; Women’s; International students; queer
    • Family advocate

Helpful Links for International Students:

Graduate Students Labor Contract

http://www.geouaw.org/wiki/index.php5?title=Our_Contract

Graduate Appointment Policies and Procedures

http://www.umass.edu/gradschool/assistantship/Policies.htm

What to do if you have problems as a student worker

http://www.geouaw.org/?page_id=3

GEO Representative in your department

http://www.geouaw.org/wiki/index.php5?title=Departments_and_Stewards#Academic_Departments

International Programs Office

http://www.ipo.umass.edu/index.cfm/

University Health Services

http://www.umass.edu/uhs/

Enrollment Statistics (International Students)

http://www.umass.edu/oapa/publications/factbooks/statistics/FB_ss_10.pdf

Nigel Brissett, International Students’ Coordinator

I have been a proud member of GEO since Fall 2005 when I first enrolled at UMass as a doctoral student in the School of Education.  Over the years I have seen how GEO has worked relentlessly for fair and humane treatment of graduate student workers. As an international graduate student, I am particularly encouraged by the organization’s move to pay keen attention to issues that affect us in unique ways. I encourage you to participate in our activities and join the International Students Caucus. Contact me at international@geouaw.org

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