I write in response to W.H. Burdine’s open letter to me in the Minnesota Daily on April 17. 

 In a memo to graduate assistants March 29, President Eric Kaler expressed his deep interest in understanding more about the concerns graduate assistants have about their roles and work conditions.

He also made clear his intent to work with deans, senior leaders and the Office of Human Resources to address those concerns.

Supporting the training, research and teaching activities of our graduate students is a priority for the College of Liberal Arts as well.

I look forward to joining Kaler and other colleagues at the University of Minnesota to advance these discussions.

When the Maintenance of Status Quo Order handed down by the Bureau of Mediation Services following the contested graduate assistant union election results is lifted, these important discussions can begin.