The Graduate Student Council (GSC) heard updates on a pilot program to increase graduate student housing at its Tuesday meeting.

The initiative would convert some of the two-bedroom double apartments in Escondido Village Graduate Residences (EVGR) Building A to two-bedroom triples by adding an extra bed to one of the rooms. The program aims to create more affordable options for students in EVGR A, which is currently divided between undergraduate and graduate students. Housing and Affordability co-chair Leon de Souza spearheaded the program and hopes to bring student-driven updates to the graduate housing system.

Living in EVGR A gives students access to amenities like meeting rooms, game rooms and laundry facilities, de Souza said. Housing rates would fluctuate based on the double or single room, but rates for both would be lower than current EVGR housing rates. 

The proposal is still in the works — de Souza described the status as in the “feasibility stage.” While he hopes to establish the pilot program in the near future, exact plans are dependent on the potential rates for the rooms and student interest, which are yet to be determined.

The GSC also approved a bill to remove the term limit for the Associated Students of Stanford University (ASSU) Financial Manager. The same bill was approved in the Undergraduate Senate on Tuesday, allowing the financial manager to serve longer than the previously allotted two years assuming annual re-confirmation from the ASSU. The bill takes effect Feb. 1.

Councilors also heard updates about the University’s new partnership with Timely Care, a telecare service that offers students up to 12 counseling sessions per year. According to Perry Nielsen Jr., who serves as the ASSU’s student healthcare director, sessions are available 24/7 across state lines to “people who have clinical training and education.” The services, which are free to any enrolled student, seek to supplement Vaden Health Center’s more limited capacity and hours.

Upcoming graduate student social events include outings to see the San Francisco Broadway Musical “The Wiz” and Hasan Minhaj’s comedy special “Off with His Head” on Feb. 10. A networking social on Feb. 15 in EVGR B will also give graduate students a chance to socialize with their peers and councilors.