Graduate Student Union FAQs

The University created this website to provide clear information about unionization. This website will be updated to ensure that graduate students have access to comprehensive resources to make informed decisions. If you have specific questions or topics you would like to be addressed, we encourage you to contact gradinfo@psu.edu and check the site regularly for updates.

Unionization allows employees to collectively negotiate employment terms with the University, but it does not change federal laws or policies related to immigration, visas, or government-issued stipends. Matters such as visa status, and federal funding are governed by federal agencies and laws, which are outside the scope of collective bargaining. Students are encouraged to review official immigration policies and consult with appropriate University resources or their own legal counsel for guidance on these matters. If you are an international student on an F or J visa, and you need assistance or support, reach out to the International Student and Scholar Advising Office in Penn State Global.

If graduate students unionize, healthcare benefits would become a subject of collective bargaining between the union and the University. This means that current benefits could change in ways that are not yet determined. The outcome would depend on negotiations between the University and the union, as well as the final terms agreed upon in a contract. We encourage students to review the current healthcare benefits and consider how collective bargaining may impact them.

Yes, Penn State encourages all graduate students to voice their concerns through established channels, which include faculty advisers, program chairs, associate deans for graduate education, and the Fox Graduate School’s ombudsperson program. We are committed to open dialogue and addressing issues to maintain a positive environment for all students, regardless of whether they belong to a union or not. 

Additionally, there are several campus organizations, such as the Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSA), that maintain open communication with the administration on matters important to graduate students. Penn State has a longstanding practice of collaborating with graduate students to address their needs, which has led to various improvements over time based on student input. For instance, the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) was developed with input from graduate students and includes low co-pays for mental health visits, pediatric care, global emergency and travel assistance, emergency medical evacuation and repatriation, and accessible healthcare options with United Health Services at University Park and the Fishburn Clinic at Penn State Hershey. Graduate student representatives, through the Student Insurance Advisory Board (SIAB) and the Student Insurance Administrative Council (SIAC), contribute to decisions about the SHIP, including selecting the insurer, shaping the plan design, and managing costs, in collaboration with University Health Services and the Student Health Insurance Office.

Collective bargaining is the process the law requires an employer and a union to enter into if a union is certified by the PLRB as the exclusive bargaining representative of a group of employees who are referred to as a bargaining unit. Collective bargaining is a negotiation—both sides can put forth proposals regarding terms and conditions related to employees’ work such as wages, benefits, and required hours.  While the parties must both bargain in good faith, neither side has to agree to the other’s proposal and neither side has to make concessions. In fact, there are only three results with collective bargaining: an employee could end up with more than, the same as, or less than they have now. If and when an agreement is reached, called a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), that document dictates all terms and conditions of employment for employees who are covered by the CBA. The employer, the union, and the employees all must abide by its terms, as there is no ability to negotiate separate, individual agreements among themselves that contradict the CBA.

Penn State acknowledges the valuable contributions of our teaching assistants. We appreciate their critical role in advancing our educational mission and mentoring undergraduate students.

Penn State recognizes the significant contributions of our research assistants. Their roles are academic in nature, as they engage in scholarly activities that are integral to their advanced degree requirements and their education and development as researchers. Because of this, research assistants should not be considered employees under the Public Employe Relations Act (PERA). Activities such as designing and executing their own research, developing and applying methodologies, working within research teams, and acquiring mastery in their field are essential to their academic and professional development.

First and foremost, Penn State considers all of its graduate students as students first, with a primary goal of completing their advanced degrees, supported by educational opportunities, mentoring, and resources that enhance their academic and professional development. We are committed to supporting their needs and providing a positive environment.

Teaching assistants play a vital role in the educational experience of our undergraduate students. Their contributions to teaching and learning are largely in addition to their advanced degree requirements, are integral to the University’s mission, and support the quality of education that tuition-paying students receive.

Research assistants are engaged in academic and scholarly activities that are central to their education and training and are a requirement for earning their degree.

This distinction reflects the different purposes and expectations of these roles.

First and foremost, Penn State considers all its graduate students as students first, with a primary goal of completing their advanced degrees, supported by educational opportunities, mentorship, and support resources that enhance their academic and professional development.  

Research assistantships are designed to provide graduate students with hands-on experience, mentorship, and skills development directly tied to their academic programs and their degree. Activities such as designing and executing their own research, developing methodologies, working within research teams and acquiring research mastery and independence in their field are vital to RAs gaining research skills and earning their advanced degrees. These positions are a critical part of the learning process rather than a traditional employment relationship.

The University is concerned that unionization could change the academic nature of research assistantships, potentially creating barriers to a graduate student’s educational goals. Activities such as designing and executing their own research, developing methodologies, working within research teams and acquiring research mastery and independence in their field are vital to RAs earning their advanced degrees. Each RA has a program that requires flexibility and individualized experiences.

Many universities structure graduate unions differently based on their unique needs and laws that vary from state to state. At Penn State, we believe that the academic nature of the activities of RAs takes them outside of the definition of employee under state labor law.

Penn State provides graduate assistants with mentorship, access to cutting-edge research opportunities, stipends, insurance premium subsidies, tuition remission, mental health and wellness resources, and career and professional development programming.  We continually strive to improve these programs to ensure the academic success and overall well-being of our students.

Yes, Penn State encourages all graduate students to voice their concerns through established channels, which include faculty advisers, program chairs, associate deans for graduate education, and the Fox Graduate School’s ombudsperson program. We are committed to open dialogue and addressing issues to maintain a positive environment for all students, regardless of whether they belong to a union or not.

Additionally, there are several campus organizations, such as the Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSA), that maintain open communication with the administration on matters important to graduate students. Penn State has a longstanding practice of collaborating with graduate students to address their needs, which have led to various improvements over time based on student input.