What is it?
This is a graduate student effort to raise money for graduate students. We're trying to raise money in order to create a permanent funding source for graduate student needs. The goal is to spend only the interest earned on the money we collect. This way, the funding source is available every year, forever. And it's always in the hands of graduate students.Who gets the money?
When we earn enough money to generate interest, we will award it to graduate students for use with academic fees. Some possible uses include travel to conferences, payment of the non-resident tuition fee, and payment of health insurance premiums (if you do not fall under the university subsidy). Winners will be decided by the GRO General Council, and all meetings are open to the public.What's in it for me?
Graduate students work long hours for little money. We are a cheap source of labor for universities, and in return we get a great degree. But during these years of hard work, our income is scant. Every little bit helps. The market dictates our low stipends and minimal departmental support. The Graduate Student Endowment is our attempt to give a bit of financial support to graduate students along the way to their degrees. When you support the Grad Student Endowment, you're just helping yourself!How can I help?
There are a couple of ways.- Shop online at the Endowment Store. It's FREE TO YOU, but we earn a small commission from retailers on your purchases.
- Give directly, using your credit card or checking account. Give $5 or $500 - every bit helps establish an unending source of money for grad students.
My life is pretty good--why should I care?
Five years ago, it was no picnic being a grad student at Johns Hopkins. The GRO has been a solid and steady advocate for improving graduate student life. Our work has accomplished (or helped accomplish) the following, among other things:- University subsidy of graduate student health insurance
- Establish an ombudsperson for problem resolution
- Establish a "temporary housing" program for new graduate students looking for housing
- Establish a housing discount program for graduate students with local apartment management companies
- Review (and hopefully change!) the non-resident tuition fee
- Establish a discounted student software purchasing program
- Review all graduate programs for ways to improve
- Fund departments who want to discuss with students how to improve their graduate programs
- Host a weekly grad student Coffee Hour and Happy Hour
- Host monthly special grad student social events - including karaoke and open microphone
- Host a Graduate Student Appreciation Week
- Win the 2001 NAGPS Outstanding Graduate Student Association Award (their highest honor)