We the graduate workers in science, technology, and engineering fields at Northwestern University call for six years of guaranteed funding for all graduate student workers. While lack of sixth year funding may affect us less than our colleagues in other programs, uncertainty about funding is not unheard of in our departments.

Gaps in funding negatively impact our personal lives and work as researchers and educators. International students in particular have cause for concern about funding given the current political climate. A gap in funding can force students on visas to return to their home country, which is frequently very expensive and can result in lengthy delays before they are allowed to return to campus and their research.

High quality research, necessary at a time when standards for scientific publication are becoming more rigorous, requires time and resources. Fear of funding shortfalls can negatively impact the scope of projects attempted, and the quality of research produced. Supporting ambitious, high quality research is necessary for Northwestern to achieve its institutional mission, continue to draw the best researchers, and maintain its reputation.

Thus we, the graduate workers in Northwestern’s science, technology, and engineering departments stand in solidarity with our colleagues across departments, and join NUGW in the call for the administration to guarantee sixth year funding for all who need it.