Testimonials

How Would Better Pay Change Your Day-to-Day?

“During my time as a PhD student at RPI, I have sought treatment for my cat’s gastrointestinal disorder.”

“Sometimes I need to take her to the emergency vet or her specialist, and that is a large expense while waiting for payout from my pet insurance.”

“Better pay would allow me to more easily afford her needs and spend less time worrying.”

—Jasper Scelsi, 3 year graduate student.

How Would Better Protections Impact Your International Grad Experience?

“Oh, where would I even begin? I would be able to go home [to Vietnam] more often, for once.”

“Would’ve been nice not having to cut so much into my savings just to have a somewhat-dignified life.”

“Can’t imagine how others deal with this stipend considering so many of them even send money back to support their family.”

—Dr. Viet Tran, Ph.D. 2025

How Has RPI’s Health Insurance Affected You?

”In industry, I had employer-backed health insurance that included separate dental and vision coverage.”

“After starting graduate school, I noticed a major decline in benefits; my premiums increased, I could no longer see my previous doctors, and I lost access to vision insurance.”

“These changes significantly affected my ability to access routine and preventive care.”

“This has created financial strain, making it harder to focus on my research.”

“Given these challenges, I fully support forming a union to help ensure that graduate workers have affordable, reliable health benefits and a voice in decisions that affect our well-being.”

—Zea Harrison-Bachman, 1 year graduate student.