Editor's Note: The president of the Graduate and Professional Student Congress, Kolade Olatunde, offered the following address to students engaged in graduate or professional studies at the University of Arkansas.

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Esteemed graduate and professional students,

Good morning. I am Kolade Olatunde, and I have the honor and privilege of serving as the president of Graduate and Professional Student Congress (GPSC) for the 2023/2024 academic year. I bring warm felicitation from the GPSC executive members. It gives me a great sense of joy to welcome both new and returning graduate and professional students to campus. It is so exciting to be back on the Hill where we seek knowledge and ideas to transform our world and advance humanity. I hope your classes and other academic endeavors have been going smoothly.

First, I would like to use this opportunity to convey warm greetings again to our new graduate and professional students. I heartily congratulate you as you begin this momentous and exciting phase of your life and career. You have put in a great deal of effort and commitment to be at this point, and we are very proud of you and your accomplishments. We are thrilled to share this path with you and let you know that you belong here. We are here to cheer and support you as you take bold steps to accomplish amazing things that will positively change your life and our community.

I am delighted to introduce Graduate and Professional Student Congress (GPSC) to you as your partner in progress in this journey. We are the elected student representatives promoting graduate students' interest and welfare. GPSC, through various activities, positively impacts graduate students by fostering friendship, belonging, experience sharing and support that help to fulfil your research and career goals. Therefore, I would like to acquaint you with some of our activities and resources to benefit you in the coming months.

• Travel Grants:  GPSC provides travel grants of up to $750 to cover expenses related to traveling and presenting research at academic conferences. This can include registration fees, airfare, hotel costs and more. Please check the application deadlines and apply here.
• Research Grants: GPSC Research Council in partnership with the Office of Research and Innovation offer several research grants each semester worth up to $1,500 to support original graduate student research. Please find out more information here.
• Policy Dialogue: Policy dialogue is a platform where graduate and professional students interface with university administrators/experts to discuss pertinent topics that affect their wellbeing and success on campus. It is also an opportunity for GPSC members to explore possible areas of partnerships with campus organizations/units to improve service delivery and graduate students experience.
• The Grad Grocery Giveaway: This event is an intervention by GPSC to ameliorate the impact of food insecurity among graduate students. We plan to distribute a total of 350 food boxes and toiletry bags to graduate students on Oct. 25, 2023. Beneficiaries would be randomly selected through a random number generator. Please register here if you are interested in the Grocery Giveaway.
• Campus Resources: There are abundant resources on campus that can help you succeed from day one. The Office of Graduate Student Support in the Graduate School and International Education is an invaluable resource that can provide you with up-to-date information about upcoming activities and tips for success. Also, the CORD, the university's student success center, has amazing programs and outreaches that can help you on your path. Please do not hesitate to access these resources.

Furthermore, I would like you to be aware of the upcoming campuswide Department Student Organization (DSO) elections. This is an opportunity for graduate students to elect their representatives in GPSC Assembly. The timelines of the election are shown below, and I encourage you to participate by submitting your DSO Election applications starting from Monday, Aug. 21, 2023, at 9 a.m. on HogSync.

Election Timeline

Sept. 4 — Application deadline
Sept. 4-8 — Verification of eligibility of candidates
Sept. 8-12 — Electronic election ballot created
Sept. 11-15 — Campaigning
Sept. 19-21 — Election
Sept. 23 — Orientation for elected DSO representatives
Sept. 28 — Swearing-in for DSO representatives

In addition, I would like to invite you to our monthly assembly meeting, which will be held on the following days:

6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 30 — EJ Ball Courtroom, hybrid
5-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28 — GEAR 026, hybrid
5-8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 25 — EJ Ball Courtroom, hybrid
5-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16 — EJ Ball Courtroom, hybrid
6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6 — GEAR 026, hybrid

Finally, as this academic year beckons with its hopes and aspirations, and we strive to achieve our lofty goals, I bring you hope and courage. I know that there will be challenges ahead, but our collective resolve is stronger than anything that may confront us. I urge you to take every opportunity you have and give it your very best. Persevere, endure and be willing to help others. I am confident that when we move with love, kindness, courage and compassion, we can break barriers, conquer mountains and attain unimaginable success. I cannot wait to hear of great achievements we will record this academic year individually and collectively. I will be here cheering for you all! Go Hogs!

Please feel free to reach out to me at gpscpres@uark.edu if you have any question or concern, and follow us on our Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook accounts.