Mercer Times

Princeton University has taken a significant step towards enhancing graduate student involvement in the governance of the Graduate School. Following a recent faculty vote, graduate students will now play a direct role in shaping critical decisions about graduate education and student life at the institution.

Dean of the Graduate School, Rodney Priestley, expressed his enthusiasm for the change, stating, “This is a significant change to Graduate School governance and the role and responsibility of graduate students in their School and education.” The move comes as part of efforts to strengthen graduate education at Princeton, with Priestley highlighting the importance of collaboration with students in decision-making processes.

Beth Lew-Williams, a professor of history and member of the Graduate School Policy Subcommittee, welcomed the inclusion of graduate students in governance discussions, noting, “I look forward to having graduate students in the room when we discuss policies that directly affect their education. This is an opportunity for faculty to learn from graduate students’ perspectives and for graduate students to share in the responsibility of governing the Graduate School.”

Lisa Schreyer, Deputy Dean of the Graduate School, emphasized the importance of the subcommittees in the governance structure, explaining, “The subcommittees meet separately to dig down into the details of the issues they must consider. The subcommittees then make recommendations to the dean or advise the whole Faculty Committee.” She also highlighted the collaborative effort with the Graduate Student Government (GSG) in selecting student representatives for the subcommittees, aiming to further strengthen the role of the GSG in the decision-making process.

In addition to the Graduate School, graduate students at Princeton already hold positions on various University committees, indicating a commitment to student involvement in key aspects of campus life. Priestley acknowledged the existing opportunities for graduate student participation, stating, “Graduate students already have many ways to participate in shaping important dimensions of their experience at Princeton. But having them now sit on the governing subcommittees of the Graduate School expands that partnership.”

This development signifies a meaningful shift towards shared governance and collaboration between faculty and graduate students at Princeton University, with a focus on enhancing the overall graduate education experience.