Derek LaMontagne on the Continuing Fight for Graduate Student Rights

Our guest for this bonus episode is Derek LaMontagne, a current graduate student at the University of Florida. Derek shares his efforts to preserve graduate student housing at UF which is part of a growing nationwide movement of graduate student protests. He also gives ways for others to help their cause.

Key Takeaways

• Graduate Student Housing is an Essential Resource
  • On-campus housing provides affordable, safe, and accessible living spaces that are critical for graduate students, especially international students and families.
  • The potential loss of graduate housing at UF jeopardizes recruitment, retention, and student success.
• Lack of Transparency and Inclusion in Decision-Making
  • Decisions about housing at UF were made without meaningful consultation or input from graduate students, highlighting the need for greater representation in institutional planning.
  • Many graduate students are left feeling excluded, with little agency over decisions that significantly impact their lives.
• National Trends of Graduate Student Advocacy
  • Across the U.S., graduate students are pushing back against low pay, lack of affordable housing, and inadequate support from institutions.
  • The removal of graduate housing is part of a broader trend of universities prioritizing rankings and undergraduate-focused resources over graduate student needs.
• The Broader Impact of Housing Decisions
  • The removal of affordable housing leads to higher living costs for students, potentially delaying their education or forcing them to enroll elsewhere.
  • Beyond financial impacts, graduate housing fosters diverse, multicultural communities that provide invaluable support systems for students.
• The Importance of Institutional Priorities
  • Universities often prioritize investments that enhance their rankings, such as undergraduate dorms or recreational facilities, over resources that directly benefit graduate students.
  • A balanced approach is needed to ensure graduate students feel valued and supported.

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Episode Summary: FAQs Answered

Why is graduate housing so important?

Graduate housing provides affordable, safe, and convenient living spaces for students who are often balancing academics, research, teaching, and family responsibilities. For many international students, on-campus housing is essential as they transition to life in the U.S. Without it, many students face higher living costs and increased stress, impacting their academic success and overall well-being.

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What is happening to graduate housing at the University of Florida?

UF is planning to demolish 44 buildings in its graduate housing villages, which will eliminate 40% of the university’s on-campus graduate housing. The university claims the housing is outdated, but student advocates argue that these buildings are still livable and could be renovated at a fraction of the cost of building new dorms.

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How does the loss of graduate housing impact recruitment and retention?

Affordable housing is a major factor in attracting graduate students, particularly international students who may be unfamiliar with local housing markets. Without on-campus options, students may choose other institutions or delay their education. For those already enrolled, the lack of affordable housing can create financial hardships, increasing the risk of attrition.

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Why weren’t graduate students consulted about this decision?

The decision to eliminate graduate housing at UF was buried in the university’s Campus Master Plan, which was approved during the pandemic with limited public input. Despite student government resolutions opposing the move, university leadership has not revisited the decision or engaged meaningfully with affected stakeholders.

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What broader lessons can higher ed leaders take from this issue?

• Representation Matters: Graduate students need a seat at the table in institutional decision-making processes.
• Transparency is Key: Universities should communicate openly about major decisions and provide opportunities for public input.
• Invest in Graduate Students: Housing, fair compensation, and other support systems are essential to retaining top talent and ensuring student success.
• Reassess Priorities: Institutions should evaluate whether their focus on rankings aligns with their core mission of supporting students and fostering community.

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What national trends are shaping graduate student advocacy?

Graduate students across the U.S. are organizing to demand better pay, affordable housing, and greater respect from their institutions. Strikes, petitions, and public campaigns have highlighted systemic issues in how universities treat graduate students, prompting calls for reform.

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Leadership Lessons: How Higher Ed Can Better Support Graduate Students

1. Engage Stakeholders Early and Often
   Universities must involve graduate students in conversations about policies that directly impact them. This includes housing, pay, and other essential resources.
2. Balance Undergraduate and Graduate Needs
   While undergraduate rankings are a priority for many institutions, graduate students are a critical part of the university ecosystem. Investments in graduate housing and support services benefit not only the students but also the institution’s teaching and research output.
3. Value Long-Term Community Impact
   Graduate housing fosters diverse, multicultural communities where students from different backgrounds live and learn together. These communities enrich the campus culture and create lifelong connections that benefit the university’s reputation.
4. Be Transparent and Accountable
   Decisions about major resources, like housing, should be made in a transparent manner with opportunities for public input. This builds trust and ensures decisions align with institutional values.
5. Rethink Rankings-Driven Priorities
   Institutions should critically evaluate how much emphasis they place on rankings like U.S. News & World Report, which often fail to account for the needs and contributions of graduate students.

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How You Can Help

Want to support Derek and other graduate students at UF?

• Sign the Petition: Visit saveufgradhousing.com to sign the petition and learn more about the fight to save graduate housing at UF.
• Advocate for Graduate Students: Encourage your institution to prioritize resources for graduate students, including housing, fair pay, and representation in decision-making.
• Spread Awareness: Share this story with colleagues and peers to shine a light on the challenges graduate students face and the importance of addressing them.

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