GSGA April Newsletter
Dear SPH Students,
Happy Arab American Heritage Month! We also hope that everyone is enjoying their Spring Break! Soon after the break and with the end of the semester fast approaching, we understand this can be a stressful time. The uncertainty surrounding current threats to federal funding of vital research, services and support for our most vulnerable communities is also stressful. Remember, your efforts matter, and even in these challenging times, your commitment to public health is crucial. Take care of yourselves, stay hopeful, and keep pushing forward. We are stronger together.
Wishing you all strength and success in the weeks ahead!
Warm regards,
Your 2024-2025 GSGA Team
Vote for your 2025-2026 GSGA and Governance Council Representatives!
It’s time to vote for your 2025-2026 GSGA representatives! Your voice matters in shaping the future of our school, and this is your opportunity to ensure that student priorities are represented in important governance discussions.
Voting will take place from Monday, April 7 at 12:00am EST through Friday, April 25 at 11:59pm EST. Be sure to cast your vote and have a say in who will represent your interests on the Graduate Student Government Association (GSGA).
Your participation is key to making sure our school continues to meet the needs of all students. Stay tuned for more details, and be ready to vote!
For more details on the candidates, please see the recording of the Candidates’ Forum. You will need to login with your Sharepoint credentials.
Please cast your vote here!
Upcoming Events
Virtual Escape Room
Tuesday, Apr 22 | 7:30 PM | Virtual | RSVP
Think you’ve got what it takes to break out? Join us for a fun and interactive virtual escape room— solve puzzles, crack codes, and work as a team from wherever you are! All participants will receive a Chipotle gift card!
Ice Cream Social
Thursday, Apr 24 | 4:00 PM-7:00 PM | Room 503 | RSVP
Join us on April 24 from 4–7 PM in Room 503 for a sweet treat! Stop by—even if it’s just during your class break—to cool off, connect, and enjoy some delicious ice cream!
NYC Mayoral Forum on Hunger and Food Policy
Thursday, Apr 24 | 10:00 AM | Hybrid | RSVP
Over 1.2 million New Yorkers face hunger daily. Join us for an in-person and live-streamed forum moderated by Errol Louis (Spectrum NY1), where NYC mayoral candidates will share their plans to address food insecurity and improve food policy.
Invited Candidates: Adrienne Adams, Eric Adams, Michael Blake, Andrew Cuomo, Brad Lander, Zohran Mamdani, Zellnor Myrie, Jessica Ramos, Scott Stringer, Whitney Tilson, James Walden.
Wellness Week Events
Monday, Apr 28 – Friday, May 2 | RSVP
Graduate school can be demanding, but prioritizing self-care is key to maintaining your well-being. That’s why Counseling and Wellness Services, in collaboration with the GSGA and Office of Accessibility Services, is excited to invite you to CUNY SPH Student Wellness Week (April 28 – May 2)—a dedicated time to pause, recharge, and focus on yourself.
The week will offer a mix of relaxing and practical activities designed to help you de-stress, find balance, and build healthy habits that support both your academic and personal life. From pet therapy to meditation and time management workshops, there’s something for everyone. There will also be free giveaways at our in-person events!
Mark your calendar and stay tuned for event details and registration information. We look forward to seeing you there!
Normal Violence
Thursday, Apr 29 | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM | 365 Fifth Ave NY, NY 10016 | RSVP
In honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Denim Day, please join us on April 29th at the CUNY Graduate Center for this important awareness event. RSVP using the QR code below or by visiting here! Hope to see you there! This event is co-sponsored by the CUNY Graduate Center, Brooklyn College, and York College.
NYC Mayoral Forum
Thursday, Apr 17 | 6:00 PM | Virtual | RSVP
On Thursday, April 17, at 6:00 PM ET, join Next100 and partners for a unique youth-led, youth-focused NYC Mayoral Forum, during which students will engage directly with mayoral candidates and push for answers and solutions on the issues they care about most—from housing, education, and public safety to job access, child welfare, and mental health.
Sign the Petition for Free MetroCards
CUNY students face significant financial barriers, making it difficult to access internships, school, and other opportunities due to rising transportation costs. Many students are forced to choose between commuting and meeting basic needs. Join the fight to urge NYS legislators and the governor to fund free MetroCards for CUNY students. This petition, brought to us by the CUNY University Student Senate, is a vital step toward making education and opportunities more accessible for all students. Sign today and make your voice heard!
Learn more and sign the petition here!
International Students: Join the USS Town Hall and Share Your Voice!
The University Student Senate (USS) is hosting a Town Hall to address the concerns of international students and create a space for positive discussion and solution-building. If you’re an international student interested in participating, please fill out this form: Town Hall Participation Form
This will help gather your contact information, and a follow-up Doodle poll will be sent to find the best time for everyone to meet. Your voice is important in shaping solutions that benefit the entire international student community!
Apply Now: USS Scholarships
CUNY students can now apply for a variety of University Student Senate scholarships, so don’t miss this opportunity to be recognized and supported for your hard work! All eligible students will receive a notification in their CUNYFIRST “To Do” Tab.
Deadline: April 30
NYS Open Meetings Law
Pursuant to the New York State Open Meetings Law, SPH students and members of the public have the right to attend meetings of the Graduate Student Government Association.
Should you like to attend this meeting and observe, you may do so. Our meetings are currently being held virtually on Fridays at 7pm, so if you would like to sit in on one of these meetings send an email to [email protected] at least 24 hours before the time of the meeting and we will send the Zoom link.
A full list of SPH events can be accessed here.
Keep an eye out for updates as more events are added – you can also view up-and-coming events and public health news on our Instagram page.
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