GSG - Assembly - Minutes 7.14.2004

Minutes

I. Call to Order and Approval of Minutes

The Graduate Student Government held its regular monthly Assembly meeting on July 14, 2004, at Frist 309. Chair Nicole Esparza called the meeting to order at about 6:15 pm. Ms. Esparza pointed that the number of assembly representatives present is not enough for a quorum so no official business can be conducted. Thus, the approval of minutes did not take place. Ms. Esparza announced that we would hear to the reports first while waiting to see if quorum would be reached.

II. Officer Reports

A. Chair - Nicole Esparza

Ms. Esparza informed the Assembly that the Executive Committee has met four times since the last Assembly meeting. Ms. Esparza explained that the Executive Committee focused on collecting and editing the PriComm requests and also checked up on last years requests and made sure all our requests had the proper up-to-date information.

Ms. Esparza had two announcements:

In September, the University will be convening two focus groups of graduate students to contribute to the plans for the reorganization of Firestone Library. Librarian Dottie Pearson has asked the GSG to assemble these groups, to comprise representatives from the Humanities and Social Sciences departments and programs that use Firestone primarily. Meredith Safran, co-chair of Academic Affairs Committee, will be contacting those GSG reps and departmental committees for assistance in assembling these groups in August. More detailed information to follow at that time.

Brigitta Lee, chair of the Campus Relations Committee has stepped down as chair in order to finishe her dissertation. Ms. Esparza thanked Ms. Lee for all her work over the years. Ms. Lee has been a member of Assembly since 2002. She was the East Asian rep for 2 years. She served as a grad student representative on the CPUC and the executive committee for CPUC the last two years. She has been chair of campus relations for a long time. She has been an exemplary member of the GSG and all the Assembly wish her well.

IV. Committee Reports

Ms. Esparza asked Jeff Dwoskin to give the shuttle report next since there was still no quorum.

A. Shuttle and Parking Report - Jeff Dwoskin

Mr. Dwoskin presented the Parking and Shuttle Report. Mr. Dwoskin reported that during the summer the shuttle schedule is reduced; therefore, grad students are able to park in grad student lots without their hangtags. Mr. Dwoskin stated that the shuttle committee has been working on next years schedule and that Laurel Harvey will be signing a two year contract to renew the shuttle. During the discussion session Mr. Friess wanted to know if the large bus replaced the two small busses. Mr.Dwoskin replied that this information is correct. Ms. Adhitya suggested changing the shuttle schedule so that the shuttle will skip Graduate College or Hibben Magie stops and go directly to Lawrence Apartments, as Lawrence Apartments are further away from the campus compared to Graduate College. Ms. Percheski added that it was much easier to walk to campus from the Graduate College as compared Lawrence Apartments.

III. Decision Items

A. Funding Request Jeff Dwoskin

Mr. Tinsley noted that the number of Assembly members present was not enough to reach a quorum so no official business can be conducted. Ms. Esparza suggested conducting business now and in the next assembly meeting asking for approval. However, the approval of funding requests would be more complicated because if the Assembly does not approve our motions in the next meeting the money given has to be taken back from the correspondents. Finally, it is decided that the requests will be discussed since Chen Wei, representing the ACSS request made an effort to come to the meeting; however, no decisions will be made, as the quorum is not reached.

Chris Wyckham asked if we should move into the quasi-committee of the whole. Ms. Esparza pointed out that we do not have to follow Roberts Rules anymore since we are not an Assembly. Mr. Tinsley added that since we have a small group we can function much more informally than in the past. Ms. Esparza asked Acting Recording Secretary, Basak Surmeli, to please continue taking minutes for the meeting even though we are not required to do so. [*Notehereinafter we continue to refer to ourselves as Assembly for simplicity; however, we are not constitutionally an Assembly.]

Treasurer Jeff Dwoskin had sent his report in advance of the meeting.

Mr. Dwoskin informed the Assembly about the first request, from ACSS. Mr. Dwoskin explained that this request is for the Chinese Moon Festival, the total budget of the request is $1,817.00 and the number of graduate students to attend this event is 300. Mr. Dwoskin also noted that last year the Assembly approved to fund $350.00. This year ACSS is requesting $400.00. Mr. Dwoskin suggested funding for $200.00 due to the reduction in size of the GSG budget this year.

Mr. Wei, representing ACSS, informed the Assembly about the Moon Festival. Mr. Wei explained that Moon Festival is a traditional Chinese festival. Mr. Wei pointed out that the date for Moon Festival is determined according to the lunar calendar, and this year it will be celebrated at October 2nd. Mr. Wei emphasized that this festival is organized for many years; it is well attended by both students and faculty. Mr. Wei added that there would be traditional music and costume shows during the celebration. These shows will be prepared both in Chinese and English. Ms. Percheski asked where else ACSS has applied for funding. Mr. Wei replied that ACSS expects funding from Chinese Embassy and other departments like Computer Science but none of them are settled yet.

Mr. Dwoskin informed the Assembly about another request by ACSS. Mr. Dwoskin explained that this request was for a farewell party for Professor Yao, organized on June 26. Mr. Dwoskin added that the request was submitted on June 17, after the June assembly meeting. Mr. Dwoskin asked Mr. Wei why ACSS did not submit the request a month earlier. Mr. Wei responded that this was a rush event because Professor Yao was leaving within three weeks. Mr. Friess asked how much money ACSS requested. Mr. Dwoskin relied that ACSS requested $200.00 and he also added that they were expecting around 200 graduate students. Mr. Wei explained that ACSS had a budget $1000.00, and $800.00 was spent. He noted that ACSS did not need any more funding. Mr. Dwoskin asked if ACSS is officially withdrawing their request. Mr. Wei answered he was not sure yet, and he needed some time to think.

B. Priorities Committee Funding Proposals

Ms. Esparza informed the Assembly about Priorities Committee Funding Proposals. Ms. Esparza explained that CPUC Priorities Committee (PriComm) is comprised of faculty, staff, graduate, and undergraduate representatives. Ms. Esparza added that the committee meets during the fall till January, and writes the University budget; in particular, the committee recommends how to use any surplus. Ms. Esparza pointed out that the committee listens to proposals by senior administrators and these administrators present their wish lists, and the committee asks questions, and then votes. Ms. Esparza emphasized that, the GSG cannot make requests directly to PriComm, but GSG can write letters to the administrators who can make PriComm requests. Ms. Esparza added that last years letter campaign was very successful.

Proposed letter topics were to be approved by Assembly. Copies of the proposed topics were passed out at Assembly. Ms. Esparza stated that the requests were not prioritized, because GSG can write as many letters as the Executive Committee is able and willing to; therefore no proposal is competing with another. However, GSG does not want to ask the administration for things that the graduate student body does not need or will not use. The Assembly was not to vote on the wording, but the topic or idea.

Ms. Esparza thanked everyone who has helped out making this list. Ms Esparza added that she and Mr. Tinsley have worked out the best and most efficient way for the Assembly to go about approving each item on the list.

Ms. Esparza also added that some people have suggested items, which will be taken up else where, for instance, the ID policy group would take up proxy access to new libraries and to chancellor green, suggested by Mr. Pease and Ms. Becher respectively, which Mr. Dwoskin is on.

Discussions about the items in the list of PriComm Proposed Topics for Letters: (Details of these proposed topics and the amendments.)

Stipend increases for students in Divisions I and II
The Assembly members present approved this item without further discussion.
AI teaching budget to hire outside preceptors/lecturers
Ms. Lin suggested discussing this item in Academic Affairs Committee rather than sending the request to PriComm. Mr. Tinsley noted that lecturers are generally not graduate students, both graduate students and post-enrolled students can teach. Mr. Tinsley added that more AIs would spread up the work and decrease the burden on graduate students. Ms. Yin pointed out that this might be a policy issue with departments. Ms. Esparza replied that as far as the entire AI budget is concerned, this is a money issue between the University and the Graduate School. The Assembly came to the conclusion to request additional AI money to be distributed to departments so that the departments can hire more graduate student preceptors when undergrad enrollment warrants.

Expanded hours during summer and breaks at McCosh
Ms. Lin suggested that instead of requesting expanded the hours at McCosh, GSG can ask for subsidization of the emergency care. Mr. Tinsley explained that $10.00 co-payments at a medical center could be requested instead of expanded hours at McCosh. Ms. Percheski added that the PriComm can be informed about the general problem by the letter and they can decide accordingly. The Assembly concluded to request that the University either increases the hours at McCosh or reduce the cost for emergency services outside of McCosh.

Physical Therapy
Some of the members of the Assembly wanted to know why this issue was necessary. Mr. Wyckham expressed satisfaction with the therapy he received. He stated that he had never been turned away or had to wait long. Other Assembly members said their friends seemed satisfied too. Ms. Adhitya stated that in the past Assembly members had expressed dissatisfaction with physical therapy. Ms Esparza added that the people who are asking for more physical therapy are people who experienced occupational injuries. Mr Tinsley asked Mr. Wyckham if his injury was sports-related and if his therapy was conducted in Dillion Gym. Mr Wyckham answered yes to both questions, but clarified that his injuries were not due to varsity sports. Assembly decided to disapprove this item and send it to Health and Life Committee.
Access to Student Health Plan coverage for opposite-sex domestic partners
Ms. Esparza (former acting chair of the GSG Health Care Committee) pointed out that she received emails this year and last stating that the University shouldnt be able to discrimination between graduate students partners based on sex. Ms. Esparza then added that it is really a lawsuit waiting to happen; however, bringing up a lawsuit is a personal issue and not something that the GSG should do. Mr. Tinsley informed the Assembly how the University distinguishes the level of relationship between same-sex partners. Mr. Tinsley explained that shared checking account is one of the indications of partnership. Mr. Wyckham clarified that we are not asking the University to pay for them, but we are asking for them to be allowed to pay the University for coverage. Mr. Friess stated that even though the coverage is high (around $3,000) it is still lower than outside plans. His friend pays about $5000. Ms. Percheski emphasized the GSG would be asking the University to subsidize the graduate students unofficial partner. The Assembly concluded to request that all couples who provide the requisite proof of their commitment to each other (for example, those standards currently required for same-sex domestic partners) should be afforded the official status of committed partners, regardless of their sex.
Cost of Dependent Health Care
The Assembly members approved this item without further discussion.

Increased access to child care for graduate students
Mr. Friess explained that there were not enough preschools; motivating faculty and staff to use other schools would open up more spots for graduate students. The Assembly members approved this item.

Responsibility in Graduate Student to globally address family issues
Mr. Tinsley explained that the goal of this request is for someone to be thinking about families. Ms. McKeown said that Dean Montero considers students with families and Ms. McKeown wondered what exactly the requested staff would do. Ms. Schreyer explained that part of Dean Redmonds job is also to think about graduate students with families and that all the administrators think about families. Ms. Schreyer added that she did not find this request necessary. Ms. Esparza stated that this request was presented in the GSGs Children and Dependents Committee report and that the committee acknowledges that the deans help them, but they are requesting that the information be centralized and have one designate person to go to. Ms. Adhitya replied that this sounds similar to the problems people experience with post-enrollment, when all the information is scattered. Ms. Esparza suggested that GSG could meet with Dean Redmond to find out what would be the best solution. Ms. Schreyer wanted to know what kind of a difference this new staff position could make. Ms. Esparza explained that graduate students with families would go to this person for advice. Ms. Adhitya added that this one person would take care of issues with families. Ms. Schreyer pointed out that this request doesnt cost anything. Ms. Percheski suggested writing this request to Graduate School rather than Pricomm. Assembly decided to refer this item to Health and Life Committee or Academic Affairs Committee instead of sending it to PriComm, as this may not cost any extra money.

Expanded gym hours during the summer
Mr. Tinsley noted that the gym closes only two hours earlier on the weekdays during the summer than during the academic year (i.e. at 8:45 during the summer). This is reasonable for the summer when less than half the campus is present. Several Assembly members commented that when they are at the gym in the summer it is very empty. Mr. Dwoskin stated that he cannot go to the gym since it closes too early. The Assembly decided not to approve this request.

Field space
Some Assembly members were questioning the importance of this item. Mr. Friess explained that the Intramural Office places people on the fields. In the summer there is more need fore field space due to some activities like softball. Ms. Lin asked if the request is for more field space. Mr. Friess replied that maintenance was more important and that only half of the fields are in good condition. Ms. Adhitya wanted to know if the construction problem was temporary or permanent. Mr. Friess replied that he did not know. Mr. Tinsley suggested adding also the other fields like Broadmead or changing the wording to include all University field space. Ms. Percheski added that Intramural Sports Center did not seem to have enough field space as they arrange games at unusual times. Additionally, intramural sports foster undergrad and grad interaction. The Assembly concluded to request the upkeep of all University fields used for intramural, non-varsity, and common use.

Outdoor Action
Ms. Esparza explained that this program has achieved great success in the past but has been consistently underfunded. Ms Esparza also added that the program is offered both graduate and undergraduate students. Mr. Wyckham added that this program is a great way to interact with undergraduates. Someone asked if they had programs for graduate students. Ms. Adhitya added that yes they do have programs that are soley for grad students. The Assembly members present approved this item.

Sidewalks
The Assembly members present approved this item without further discussion.

Expanded shuttle service
The Assembly members present approved this item without further discussion. .

Shuttle to Forrestal Campus
Ms. Percheski was not sure if this service would get any use. Mr. Dwoskin asked if this shuttle service is worth the effort and the issue is already known. Ms. Adhitya wanted to know what the objection was about. Ms. Schreyer replied that it was a matter of having enough number of people who would make use of this service and that finding drivers might be difficult. Ms. Adhitya explained that many students that work at Forrestal have had to buy cars. Ms. Adhitya added that the benefits of this service may not be seen this year and next year but it would beneficial in the long term. Mr. Tinsley explained that GSG requests the University to consider a part time shuttle to go to Forrestal Campus and return back at the end of the day. Ms. Esparza added that we would request not to losing parking spaces in place of the shuttle. The Assembly members concluded to write a request for part time shuttle, with emphasis on keeping the parking space. .

More Housing Staff
Ms. Esparza noted that there was an email request asking for more maintenance staff in the Housing Department because it takes a long time for a request to be completed. Ms. McKeown pointed out that more maintenance staff is necessary and administrative assistance is needed, Ms. Bonnie Brown and Ms. Patricia McArdle are overworked. Mr. Dwoskin noted that the Housing Department has acquired more temporary staff but they lack the long-term experience with grad student housing. The Assembly members approve this item and request for additional maintenance staff is added.

Summer dining at Frist
Ms. Adhitya asked what are the hours for Frist during summer. Ms. Esparza said they were open until 8pm but that only pizza is served in the late afternoon until closing. The Assembly decided that this item was not important enough to request from PriComm.

Organic and environmentally friendly options at Frist
Ms. Adhiyta suggested adding residential colleges to the request. Mr. Dwoskin asked if the cost of this is worth it. Ms. Esparza replied that this would be just offered as an option. Mr. Tinsley added that the GSG is conscious about the costs. Ms. Adhitya stated that we are asking this of PriComm so that the cost will be covered by the University not by students. Ms. Percheski wanted to know how the Dining Services are expected to change to be more environmentally friendly. Mr. Tinsley replied that dining services could reduce packaging at Frist. The Assembly members approved this item with the necessary additions.

Undergraduate and Graduate High Table
Ms. Esparza noted that the request is not coming from GSG primarily. President Tilghman and USG had initially requested the funds. The GSG is just supporting the request. The Assembly members approve this item.

ELP Writing Course for Engineering Students
Ms. Percheski pointed out that Engineering School has enough money, and the students who want to take this course can ask their departments for money, before GSG asks on their behalf. Ms. Esparza expressed that she was not sure if PriComm pays for students courses. Mr. Friess explained that SEAS has enough money; they should support this course if they found it necessary. Ms. Esparza suggested referring this item to Academic Affairs committee. The Assembly decided to disapprove this item and send it to Academia Affairs Committee.
Secure storage in Firestone
This item is approved without further discussion.

Insulation at Butler Apartment (This topic was added at the Assembly meeting)
Ms. Esparza stated that Lior Silberman, GSG Facilities chair requested by email that Assembly consider insultation at Butler. Ms. Percheski wanted to know if this is already being done at Butler Apartments. Mr. Dwoskin replied that some really bad apartments were insulated, but it could be done much better. Ms. Lin asked if the situation was a result of not having enough money. Mr. Dwoskin pointed out that the University is planning to tear down the Butler Apartments. Mr. Friess wanted to know which specific units are requested to be improved. Mr. Dwoskin replied that the GSG would request for as much as possible. The Assembly members approved this item.

C. Task Force on GSG Budget

This topic is not discussed during this GSG meeting, as quorum is not reached.

V. Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned by Ms. Esparza at 7:45 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Basak Surmeli
Acting Recording Secretary

GSG • Assembly Meeting • July 14, 2004

Outline and Summary

Attendance