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Website Mission

Mission
1. The HDFS-GSO is dedicated to establishing and maintaining effective channels of communication and cooperation between graduate students, faculty, the department, and the university.
- The HDFS-GSO shall be the official body through which advocacy for and inclusive representation of graduate students on department committees and in policy decisions is maintained.
- The HDFS-GSO will serve to address university and departmental concerns affecting HDFS graduate students and programs.
2. The HDFS-GSO is dedicated to the promotion of new initiatives that improve the HDFS graduate student experience and quality of life across diverse identities and backgrounds.
- Academically, the HDFS-GSO will promote activities and provide equitable support for professional development, academics, and graduate student research.
- Furthermore, the HDFS-GSO will act to promote graduate student interaction outside the classroom through:
a. Creation of resources and programs
b. Recruitment and welcoming of new students
c. Social opportunities
3. The HDFS-GSO is dedicated to the creation and promotion of positive community engagement.
4. The HDFS-GSO is fully committed to diversity and equity in all aspects of graduate student life and is dedicated to cultivating a graduate student community where everyone is welcomed, respected, and celebrated.
- The HDFS-GSO is dedicated to promoting and addressing the concerns, needs, and perspectives of graduate students that experience marginalization in predominantly white institutions such as UIUC. The HDFS-GSO also recognizes the additional emotional, mental, and financial burden on graduate students of color who are often tasked with identifying and creating solutions for cultural and institutional racism. The HDFS-GSO values and supports the leadership and contributions from graduate students of color and will ensure this work is not placed solely on those experiencing marginalization.

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