Colorado Federation of Graduate Schools
The Colorado Federation for Graduate Students (CFGS) was founded in 2018 by members of CU Â鶹ӰԺ, Anschutz, Colorado School of Mines (CSM), Colorado State University (CSU), and the University of Denver (DU). CFGS was founded in response to issues that affect graduate and professional students across the state. CFGS is recognized by the National Association of Graduate and Professional Students (NAGPS) and the Western Region of NAGPS.
CFGS's current active members are CU Â鶹ӰԺ, CSM, and DU, and those members are working to expand membership to be more inclusive of higher education institutions statewide. CFGS's include:
Protections for International Students – Amongst other issues, the state legislature should ensure our international students can remain part of their respective campus communities and have the housing and financial security needed to continue their degree progress uninterrupted. The latest round of CARES funding also excludes funding for international students. Furthermore, international students do not qualify for federal benefits such as Medicare or SNAP. CFGS would like to see a more robust safety net for those contributing to the prestige and state of knowledge in Colorado's publicly funded research institutions.
Diversity and Inclusion – Universities must lobby the current administration to roll back the Trump administration's antiquated and xenophobic rulings, which barred D&I initiatives at institutions that receive federal funding. However, the university gets pressure from Colorado to separate itself from the colonial and white supremacist foundations upon which it was built. Colorado has a role in preserving all students' right to an education without fear of discrimination, retaliation, and marginalization.
Higher Education Funding – Public higher education institutions in Colorado have had to become increasingly reliant on funding from private sources, federal grants, and student tuition and fees. These increases in tuition and fees present an economic barrier that perpetuates socio-economic inequities. Colorado's antiquated tax structure significantly impacts student recruitment and retention. Colorado's higher education system is held back by this regressive taxation system, which disproportionately benefits the wealthiest stakeholders within higher education.
CU Â鶹ӰԺ is represented at CFGS by the Director of Legislative Affairs, supported by the GPSG Executives. They can be reached with questions or concerns at legislative.gpsg@colorado.edu.