Announcements

• On July 16, the Department of Homeland Security revoked the "Duration of Status" framework, threatening the legal status of many international graduate workers. Rather than supporting its workers, Stanford provided minimal reassurances and imposed additional fees on international grad workers. Click here to read and sign the SGWU Local Executive Board’s petition demanding Stanford properly support and protect our international colleagues.
• SGWU is surveying application outcomes for Emergency Grant-In-Aid and other graduate financial aid programs. Please submit your experience so we can ensure you get the full benefit of our contract.
• As of 9/1, the new Wellfleet/Blue Shield Cardinal Care is active. See our summary of changes, notes from our meeting with Stanford. Given the rocky rollout, we have requested that Stanford host a public town hall. Ask your questions.
• SGWU met with Stanford to discuss the status of the 5-year funding guarantee. See our notes and reach out to us with any questions and concerns
• Please join the #4_mail_fee_committee channel on our Slack if you are interested in fighting the new graduate housing package center

Experiencing a workplace issue?

If you, a coworker, or a friend have encountered a violation of the contract, have been denied the rights enshrined in our contract, or are denied funding, an SGWU steward can help.

Not sure if your issue counts? Read about common violations and your rights at our contract landing page.

Voluntary Dues Payment

If you are funded by a full or partial fellowship, and want to be a member in good standing, you can pay your voluntary dues using the link below. These dues are equal to 1.44% of your fellowship amount, and you may pay monthly or quarterly.

If you have any questions about how to pay manual dues, you can email finance@sgwu.us for more information.

Claim your benefits!

• Living off campus? Claim your Caltrain GoPass for free train rides.

• Emergency Grant-in-Aid (EGIA) provides financial assistance for unexpected expenses outside the standard student budget. EGIA can cover expenses for chronic medical and mental health conditions; medically necessary expenses (e.g. dental and vision); bike repairs; computer repairs; and legal expenses related to maintaining visa status.

• The Graduate Student Aid Fund covers health-related University fees such as the Campus Health Service Fee and Cardinal Care Insurance premiums when those expenses create a significant financial hardship (including to cover spouses through the dependent insurance plan).

• The Graduate Family Grant provides flexible funds for healthcare, childcare and rent for graduate students with dependent children who earn <$150k annual household income.

We need you to build a stronger union

Become a member

Are you new to SGWU? Become a member by signing a digital membership card! If you believe you are eligible, but our system says you aren’t, please email or reach out to us to become a union member.

Once you are a member, you can join our Slack Workspace and attend monthly General Membership Meetings (GMMs).

Note: if you have signed a card but hold a partial or full fellowship, please make sure to pay voluntary dues if you want to be a member in good standing. Being a member in good standing allows you to vote, attend union meetings, and participate in general union democracy. Refer to Section 4 of the Membership and Dues FAQ for details on how to pay voluntary dues.

Become a union steward

Effective unions are built off having a broad array of stewards across campus to help identify issues and provide local expertise as we support graduate workers. Our stewards are our first line of defense to enforce our contract and protect graduate workers from contract violations.

Read more about becoming a steward. Steward trainings are announced on a regular basis at sgwu.us/s/steward-training.

Join a standing committee

Are you interested in organizing and leading our union? SGWU has three standing committees that help run our day-to-day operations: Membership Building, Data + Tech, and Communications.

Read more about joining a standing committee. Fill out the standing committee interest form and a union organizer will reach out to you!

Got Questions?

Please refer to our General FAQs and our Membership and Dues FAQ for any questions you may have.

As always, you can reach us at contact@sgwu.us any time with additional questions.

Faculty, please email faculty@sgwu.us with questions.