The Graduate Student Organization is increasing its presence at Syracuse University, and could promote necessary change for teaching assistants across campus.

Sixty percent of graduate students who serve as TAs ¬¬— about 1,400 members of Syracuse University’s graduate student population — earn an annual salary that falls below the living wage, according to a study done by GSO last semester.

The living wage is adjusted annually. Among other faculty members, TAs receive the largest wage increase. Still, they receive the lowest salary.

GSO plans to confront the student contracts that contribute to this wage. Currently, graduate students need permission from their department if they want to take on a job outside of their TA position, or else violate their student contract.

The university should allow graduate students to hold a part-time job to balance the low wages they earn as TAs.

These graduate students are not only working to earn a degree, but they are adults who deserve the right to choose the jobs they take on — especially with the low wages they already receive.

TAs are students, but serve as educators. Many teach courses, write up course assignments and even take student work home to grade.

They are a necessity to the university and should be treated as such.

It is commendable that GSO is working to promote and improve the role of graduate students, particularly TAs. GSO represents an effective, student-run organization that is focusing on issues pertinent to its targeted demographic.

Other ideas GSO presented for the university focus on include when a graduate student is notified of his or her hire, as well as the lack of childcare facilities for the 15 percent of graduate students who are — or will soon be — parents.

These steps could have substantial effects on the graduate student body, a demographic that deserves the leadership and support of an organization like GSO.