After months of work, Sonja Billes (3rd year NGP) has completed the second edition of the OHSU student newsletter, now named "The Pulse". I think The Pulse is a great source for student information and dialogue -- things that have been lacking among the OHSU student body in the past. The front page article addresses the proposed increase in our student "incidental fees," an increase that may soon be subtracted from our graduate student stipends. While the money will go to developing a desired OHSU student union-esque building, the money will also go toward financing our required membership in "March," the new OHSU waterfront fitness center. Stay tuned to Your Space for more information about how to voice your opinion and influence these imminent changes.

...and I suppose I have to plug my now-regular Pulse column, "podHEAD" on page 5. This issue reviews the plethora of work Ryan Adams produced in 2005, along with a lesser-known gem put out by the Massachusetts band, Winterpills.

Click the link below to read The Pulse:

Issue 2

Welcome

Welcome to the launch of "Your Space," a much needed, long overdue (albeit cheesy-named) source for OHSU graduate student communication. There have been many important issues that student council has addressed this year, yet very few students are aware of these issues. Likewise, many of student council representatives are unaware of student concerns and ideas. This blog serves to ameliorate those problems. Importantly, I am only one of many other representatives, so please understand that this blog is something that I have established -- it is not operated by anyone but me. I have provided links to the OHSU student council website if you wish to contact the entire council or other representatives.

That said, this blog will serve as an avenue to disperse information among graduate students. If you have concerns and would like to post something on the blog, just send me a "final draft" of your message and I'll post it up for everyone to read. I can also post pictures if needed. There is a link to my e-mail address on the blog. I will update "Your Space" as needed with information and events. I also plan on providing a link to the OHSU Student Newsletter (the next issue is due very soon), and any other projects as they come along.

Please check back soon as I hope to post information that could affect all of us: a major increase in the student incidental fee. Most graduate students do not know that they may have their incidental fee (used for fitness center, among other things) directly subtracted from their stipend in the near future. This could mean hundreds of dollars taken out of your stipend each year. Obviously, it is important that all students know of these issues before they take form. Hence, the "Your Space" blog.

Enjoy.

Dustin