Minutes from April 18, 2001 
Graduate Student Government
Frist Campus Center

I.  Call to order
The meeting was called to order by chair Matt Fouse.  Pizza was served.

II.  Approval of Minutes
The minutes from the March GSG meeting were approved with the three
changes suggested by Eric Adelizzi.  

III.  Housing Issues with Guest Speakers
	Michael McKay from Princeton's Facilities department and Chad
Biggs and Heidi Kaplan from Brailsford and Dunlavey spoke to the GSG about
the housing situation.  Mr. McKay is on the long-term housing committee
that includes graduate students Eric Adelizzi and Mary Haas.  Brailsford
and Dunlavey is a company that has been asked to help gather information
from the grad student body about housing.  Ms. Kaplan comes from Rutgers
where she worked on urban planning, and Mr. Biggs has an MBA in business
and marketing.   Brailsford and Dunlavey plans to send a web-based survey
containing 30 questions about housing to grad students.  In addition, they
would like to create focus groups to discuss housing issues.  The focus
groups would include individuals who live in Butler and Lawrence
apartments and the Graduate College.  When asked why Hibben and Magie
apartments were not included, Ms. Kaplan replied that the focus groups are
intended to be small, and input from other grad students would be
solicited later.  Mr. McKay asked the Assembly for suggestions for how to
find people to participate in these discussions, and what times would be
the most convenient to meet.  Members of the Assembly replied that the
present time through the end of May is especially inconvenient for those
taking classes and generals.  The first round of focus groups should meet
in mid-May, and concept testing will be done later.  The advertising for
the survey will go through Dean Montero's email list.  When asked how
systematic biases in the survey would be addressed, Ms. Kaplan replied
that she expected a non-response bias for off-campus students, as well as
biases favoring other groups, and they would take these biases into
consideration.  
	Ms. Kaplan asked the Assembly for their thoughts about campus
housing in order to better understand how grad students feel about certain
issues.  She first asked how important the availability of housing was to
students when they came to Princeton.  Matt Moore stated that subsidized
housing was a financial incentive for coming to Princeton.  Others
indicated that having a sense of community in on-campus housing,
particularly the Graduate College, was an important consideration, and
that those forced to live off-campus feel ostracized from the community.
Ms. Kaplan asked whether dormitory-style housing is appropriate for grad
students.  Several members of the Assembly stated that their main reason
for not living in the GC was the forced meal plan and the lack of adequate
kitchen space for GC residents.  In addition, it is typically not possible
for single first year grad students to live in on-campus apartments rather
than the GC.  Ms. Kaplan asked whether the departments are the only place
that grad students are able to meet people.  Members of the Assembly
stated that there are numerous groups and social activities that are not
associated with particular dorms or apartments.  Others reiterated that
the GC is a great place to meet people, particularly at the dining hall.  
	Ms. Kaplan asked the Assembly for their thoughts about what kind
of new graduate housing the University should construct.  Suggestions
included dormitory-style "villages" where single students and families
could live near each other and interact.  Others emphasized that for many
grad students, having a mandatory meal plan is an unattractive
characteristic of the GC, and should be avoided for the new housing.  When
asked how high a priority graduate housing should be, members of the
Assembly mentioned the benefit of University housing for students coming
from overseas and the difference in the cost of housing in the surrounding
areas.  Many members agreed that there is an urgent need for more graduate
housing.

IV.  Officer Reports
A.  Treasurer's report
	Ori Heffetz thanked Steve Miller for his help with the budget.
The GSG owes money that has not yet been paid to the Butler Committee and
the GC House Committee.  Ori discussed two budget requests.  The first was
for a swing party that had already taken place, and therefore was not
discussed.  The second request was from the Butler Committee for $600 to
co-sponsor two events.  In the past, the GSG has given $600 for spring
events at Butler.  The two events at Butler for the spring are Cinco de
Mayo and an Earth Day picnic.  Cinco de Mayo was the most well received
event last year, and approximately 250 people are expected to attend the
event this year.  The costs for this event include Mexican food and
beverages; the Butler Committee asked the GSG to provide funding for half
of the costs ($400).  Discussion followed concerning the amount of funding
given to Butler versus the GC.  When asked how much money remained in the
GSG budget, Ori stated that there was $2000.  There was some question
about whether this included $1000 from Dean Montero.  After further
discussion, the Assembly voted to give the Butler Committee $600, in
addition to paying off the $200 debt.  
	Another request for funding came from Simon Paterson on behalf of
the D-bar for cosponsorship for an '80s party and Band Night.  He
requested $200 for '80s night, in addition to at least one email for
advertisement.  He requested $400 for Band Night, to cover one third of
the cost of the staff and equipment and one fourth of the cost of the
bands.  After much discussion about the budget, the Assembly voted to give
the D-bar $300 and send 2 emails for adverstisement.
	Another funding request came from Jacob for the "D-bar Pimp 'n Ho
Ball Hip Hop Dance" for $100.  This money would cover two thirds of the
cost of decorations.  Ulli Struve added that proctors would also be
required, at a rate of $50/hour, bringing the cost to $350.  Amy Shuster
noted that she objected to the name "Pimp 'n Ho Ball".  The Assembly voted
not to support this event with GSG money.
	On behalf of Kerry Bystrom, a request was made for $150 to support
Communiversity.  As this funding was already approved at the previous
meeting, no vote was taken.  Ulli noted that selling T-shirts and CDs
could be a way to make money at Communiversity.  

Eric pointed out that the bylaws of the constitution require one week
notice for funding requests.

B.  Corresponding Secretary Report
Adrian Banner asked all new Assembly members to identify themselves by
email in order to update the GSG's information.
Adrian reminded the Assembly that graduate students traditionally hold a
furniture drive at the end of each academic year to sell furniture that
has been discarded by undergraduates as they leave campus.  The event
typically takes place in late May after exams, and the proceeds are given
to charity.  Many graduate students have benefited from the furniture
drive in the past.  This year, volunteers are needed to be in charge of
the furniture drive.  This position requires 20-25 hours of work.  In
addition, 40 volunteers are needed to work during the event itself.
Adrian asked interested individuals to send an email to himself or the
GSG.

C.  Social Chair Report
Yesim Tozan gave the Assembly feedback on the recent wine tasting event.
She noted that the sign-up system worked well.  Funding for the event
included $200 from the House Committee, $100 from Ulli's fund, $150 from
the GSG, and $500 from the $5 per person cover charge; the costs of the
event totaled $924.
The APGA is interested in sponsoring the spring fling and covering all
costs for the event.  They suggested that the event take place at the end
of May, either the 18th, 19th, or 11th.  Members of the GSG would need to
work with Dining Services.  Yesim asked for one more volunteer to work on
the event.  The spring fling is expected to be a whole day event with a
tent and barbecue.  Live bands would play on stage until about 11 p.m.,
and a DJ would take over until about 1:30 to lessen the noise for GC
residents.  The event would take place outside the GC facing the golf
course, and would probably be in the reunions tent.

V.  Business
A.  PriCom Report
	Jim Vere announced that the Priorities Committee would hold a
public meeting on Tuesday, April 24, in Betts Auditorium at 6:30 p.m., to
allow anyone to speak to the PriCom members about issues concerning them.

B.  CPUC Elections
	Matt Fouse announced the candidates running for positions on the
CPUC:  Jim Vere, Lauren Hale, Donnell Butler, Lior Silberman, Tamar
Friedmann, and Michi Taga.  Matt Fouse ran the elections in place of
Parliamentary Secretary Matt Hindman.  The Assembly voted by the method of
single transferable vote.  Members were asked to rank up to six candidates
in their order of preference.  While the votes were being tabulated, Matt
Moore gave the Assembly an update on parking and transportation (see next
section).
	Matt Fouse announced the five winners of the CPUC elections:
Donnell Butler, Jim Vere, Lauren Hale, Lior Silberman, and Tamar
Friedmann.  The newly elected CPUC members decided to vote for the CPUC
Exec position after the GSG meeting.  
	The Assembly next voted to nominate individuals for positions on
CPUC subcommittees.  Jim Vere's nomination to PriCom was approved by the
Assembly.  Jim gave a description of the Priorities Committee.  The main
task of the Priorities Committee is to balance the budget of the
University.  People make presentations to PriCom, which makes
recommendations to the President.  The President makes proposals to the
Trustees.  From October through December, PriCom typically meets 2-3 times
per week, sometimes for up to 3 hours.  Jim stated that the maximum time
the PriCom has spent is 8 hours in one week.  PriCom is currently
reviewing the proposal from WROC.  Jim stated that by serving on PriCom,
he has learned about how the University operates.  Currently, Jim Vere and
James Wilson serve on PriCom.  Lior was nominated and declined.  Kevin
Osterloh was nominated and accepted after some deliberation.  
	The Resources Committee makes recommendations about University
investments.  Matt Moore nominated himself, and the Assembly approved his
nomination.  Michi Taga was nominated to serve on the Judicial Committee.
The CPUC charter states that undergraduates serving as USG Exec members
may not simultaneously serve on the Judicial Committee; since there is no
such guideline regarding GSG Exec members, there was no conflict with the
CPUC charter.  Michi's nomination was approved.  David Linsenmeier was
nominated for the Governance Committee.  Tamar Friedmann and Jason
Casellas were nominated to the Rights and Rules Committee.  The Assembly
approved their nominations.  

C.  The ad hoc post-election committee decided to postpone its report
until the next meeting.

D.  GSLI Committee Reports
Donnell Butler reported on the Departmental Survey and handed out copies
of a rough draft of the survey.  The departmental survey will help the GSG
understand students' lives in various departments.  The survey includes
questions about post-enrollment and housing.  Donnell requested feedback
from those who received copies of the survey.

E.  Parking and Transportation
	Matt Moore and Yesim Tozan reported that a change in graduate
student parking on campus has been proposed.  The following changes are
being deliberated.  Residents of the GC, Butler, Lawrence, and
Hibben-Magie would no longer be allowed to park on campus during the day
before 5:00 p.m.  Instead, a shuttle service would be provided to
transport students to campus from the GC and on-campus apartments.  In
addition, the GC parking fee would be eliminated, and a $130 campus
parking fee would be instituted.  Matt suggested that the GSG conduct a
survey to elicit feedback from grad students regarding parking and
transportation.  Assembly members expressed concern about the need for
occasional parking on campus and the reliability of the potential shuttle.
Matt suggested that individuals could express their concerns about the
change in policy by emailing the GSG.

F.  Communiversity
	On behalf of Kerry Bystrom, Sinead Macnamara announced that
Communiversity would be held on Saturday, April 28, from noon until 4 p.m.
She stated that volunteers from the GSG and the GC House Committee would
be needed to work at the Graduate School booth.  There will be a sign for
the Graduate School and a banner for the GC.

G.  Statement on Confidentiality
	Amy Shuster is planning to draft a statement on confidentiality
regarding electronic communication, which she will present to the GSG at a
later date.  

VI.  New Business
A.  Take Back the Night
	The Take Back the Night march is scheduled for April 28, beginning
at 8:00 p.m. in the chapel.  The purpose of the march is to increase
awareness about sexual violence.  Participants will walk to various
locations on campus and chant in an effort to stop violence against women
and men.  Additional events leading up to the Take Back the Night march
are:
Sunday, April 22:  Open mic night at Murray Dodge café
Friday, April 20, 11a.m. - 4 p.m.:  Clothesline project - T-shirts created
by survivors of sexual violence and their families.
Thursday, April 26, 8:30 p.m., McCosh 50:  Alex Olson, slam poet
Next Wednesday, 7:30 p.m.:  Workshop about sexual assault:  How to support
friends; University policy and procedures.

Amy distributed buttons and ribbons to interested Assembly members.  She
added that two years ago, marchers were heckled as they walked.  Last
year, 250-350 people attended the march as a result of good advertising.
Amy encouraged people to come to the march.

B.  Other new business
	Steve Miller expressed concern about the Housing Department's
policy on giving priority to grad students with families.  Other members
of the Assembly expressed opinions that the housing assignments should be
based on need, and that students with dependents (children or parents) or
lower incomes should be considered to have greater need.  Steve pointed
out that giving housing to a married couple often has the effect of
excluding some grad students from housing who might have been able to have
housing if the policy did not take marriage or domestic partnership into
account.  Matt Moore suggested that the GSG assign a committee to
investigate the issue further.  There was also a question about whether
the Housing department bases housing assignments on whether a grad student
owns a car.  Steve took an informal poll of those present and found that
the majority disagreed with the proposal that all grad students of the
same year should have the same priority for housing.  

Matt Fouse suggested that the Assembly meet again on May 16, in Frist
Multipurpose Room C.  The meeting was adjourned.