Graduate Student Unionization

We deeply value the contributions of our graduate students to Penn State’s mission. Their dedication to teaching, research and service strengthens our institution and enhances the experience of students and faculty alike.

We consider all graduate students first and foremost as students pursuing advanced degrees at Penn State. Research assistants (RAs), in particular, are primarily engaged in scholarly activities as part of their advanced degree requirements. Activities such as designing and executing their own research, assisting faculty, developing methodologies, working with disciplinary and interdisciplinary research teams and growing and demonstrating mastery and independence in their field are vital to RAs earning their advanced degrees and for academic and professional development.

For these reasons, the University is opposing the petition on the basis that research assistants and trainees are not employees under the meaning of the Public Employe Relations Act.

Updates

March 20, 2025

Hearings with the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board have been scheduled for the dates below. All hearings will take place in room 110 Lewis Katz Building on the University Park campus.

• Monday, June 2, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.
• Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.
• Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.
• Thursday, June 5, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.
• Friday, June 6, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.

Frequently Asked Questions

Visit the frequently asked questions page for more information. If you have additional questions, please contact gradinfo@psu.edu.

Graduate Studies at Penn State

Learn more about the resources and services available to graduate and professional students at Penn State University.