GSC Meeting Minutes

Wednesday, May 5, 2004

6:30 p.m., Graduate Student Lounge, Dudley House

 

[PDF Version]

 

Constitutional Change

The constitutional change creating the position of Advisor to the Council is approved unanimously (see below for text).

Melanie Adrian is elected as next year's Advisor to the Council.

 

Treasurer's Business

The Asian Baptist Student Koinonia is awarded $400 for meeting refreshments.

 

Committee Reports

Brant Robertson and Richard Short from the Library Committee report that the second floor of Widener is open and is spectacular.  The libraries don't have a lot of money.  Hilles will soon become a single-floor library.  There is a question about the government documents collection moving to cut costs.  Library layoffs are looming.

 

Stipends and TF Pay

Pay for teaching fellows is based on employee pay rates and hasn't risen as fast as stipends.  As a result, students supported by teaching are paid less than students with stipends.  To even things out, the Deans will supplement the pay of all third- and fourth-year students teaching (exactly) two fifths per semester.

Departments have an obligation to find teaching or an alternative (like a research assistantship) for all students who were promised TF support.  Students in interdisciplinary programs should talk to Dean Margot Gill if they are having problems with support.

 

Minutes

The minutes from the March and April meetings are approved.

 

Thanks

The outgoing officers are thanked by the Council for their hard work.

 

 

Adjourned at 7:09.

 

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Mike Westover

 

 

Current constitution

ARTICLE VI. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Section 1: Composition

The Executive Committee of the Graduate Student Council shall consist of the Officers of the Council and the four at-large representatives as voting members. Appointed coordinators shall serve as non-voting members of the Executive Committee.

Section 2: At Large Representatives

One representative from each of the three divisions of the Graduate School (Humanities, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences) and one representative from the Division of Medical Science shall be elected to serve as members of the Executive Committee. Election of at large representatives will follow the same procedure as the election of officers (Article VIII).

Section 3: Responsibilities

Members of the Executive Committee shall carry out the wishes of the Council between regular Council meetings and pursue the agenda approved by the Council. The Executive Committee shall meet regularly with the GSAS Administration and other University officials. The Executive Committee shall have the authority to fill vacancies in any position of the Council as stipulated in the Constitution.

Section 4: Internal Procedure

The Executive Committee will be chaired by the President of the Council, who shall only vote in the case of a tie. The Executive Committee may meet both in person or by electronic mail. At least one half of the Executive Committee must be present for a quorum. A majority of the voting members must approve a motion of the Executive Committee for it to be passed. Except as noted, the Executive Committee will follow the same rules and procedures as the Council as a whole.

 

Proposed changes

ARTICLE VI. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Section 1: Composition

The Executive Committee of the Graduate Student Council shall consist of the Officers of the Council, the four at-large representatives, and the Advisor to the Council as voting members. Appointed coordinators shall serve as non-voting members of the Executive Committee.

Section 2: At Large Representatives

One representative from each of the three divisions of the Graduate School (Humanities, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences) and one representative from the Division of Medical Science shall be elected to serve as members of the Executive Committee. Election of at large representatives will follow the same procedure as the election of officers (Article VIII).

Section 3: Advisor to the Council

Upon the request of the President, the Advisor to the Council will help maintain continuity of the GSCÕs agenda between administrations.  Only a previous President or Vice President of the Council may run for the position of Advisor to the Council.  Election of the Advisor to the Council will follow the same procedure as the election of officers (Article VIII).  This position may remain vacant if a suitable candidate is not found.

Section 4: Responsibilities

[see Section 3 to the left]

Section 5: Internal Procedure

[see Section 4 to the left]