Council Members Present: Arroyo, Basulto, Desautels, Crowe, Ying Ge, Green, Hall, Ibanez, Ozar, Ozsoz, Tucker, Reed, Stewart, Volpi, Lake. Meeting was called to order at 11:15 a.m.
Review of Agenda: The agenda was approved at 11:17 a.m.
Review of Minutes: Minutes from last meeting, November 6, were approved at 11:18 a.m.
Report of Officers:
A. CEO
1. President Reed gave a report of the 2001-2001 standing budget. Since the November 6th meeting the GSA has approved the reimbursement of two travel grants (leaving $6, 288.00 in the travel grant budget for the rest of the year) and funded the last GSA social.
2. President Reed addressed the council in order to clarify any confusion that may have resulted from discussion regarding the informational meeting between GSA council members and members of the local 2110 (UAW union). President Reed reiterated that any decision by GSAS members cannot be made through or by the GSA council as an elected government with immediate responsibilities outlined in the GSA constitution. However, any GSAS student interested in pursuing unionization efforts or simply seeking information on their own is invited to e-mail the GSA office or stop by to view the information that has been gathered from the informational meeting.
3. President Reed announced that Dr. Baumgarth (Associate Dean, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences) has expressed an interest in attending one or more GSA council meetings. Concerns voiced regarding this proposition included that having Dr. Baumgarth present at council meetings could make council members less likely to speak their minds or simply compromise the independence of the GSA from the GSAS. After some discussion, it was suggested that the council invite Dr. Baumgarth to an upcoming meeting, at which time the council would be able to take advantage of the Dr. Baumgarth’s presence for discussing issues specifically concerned with the Dean’s office. At representative Hall motioned that such an invitation be extended and the motion was approved at 11:30.
B. VEO
1. VEO Ozar reviewed the list of those representative from whom she had received departmental e-mail lists. Representative Stewart suggested that the number of names in each list be counted so that the council might have a better idea of how many students exactly are accounted for. VEO Ozar agreed to this suggestion and agreed to do a count and report back to the council.
Report of Standing Committees:
- Academic Committee was reported on by Chair, Arroyo, at 11:32 a.m. The Academic Committee is working on extending library hours over Christmas vacation, which will not be possible for this academic year but looks like a possibility for next year. Arroyo also reported that the Academic Committee has scheduled a meeting for early next semester in the effort to secure a cost of living increase for Graduate Assistants. Finally, Arroyo presented the GSA council with copies of the letter in support of the Graduate Students in the Political Science Department, which has recently suspended admissions to its Ph.D. program. Arroyo asked that any comments be made either during or after the council meeting. The letter will be presented by President Reed at the next Dean’s Council meeting.
- Social Cultural Committee was reported on by Chair, Hall, at 11:35 a.m. Hall reported that the social committee was informed that it is not cost effective to put a coffee machine in the library because it requires a water source. Dr. McCabe informed Hall that a poll of undergraduate students will be taken regarding installing an ATM in the library, and that it was a possibility in the future. Dr. Baumgarth concurs with the long term plan proposed by the social committee at the November 6th meeting. Furthermore, Hall has recently been appointed to Fordham’s Student Life Committee (next meeting to be held on December 13th). Regarding the current Lombardi Center fee ($5000/yr) currently paid by the GSA on behalf of the students of the GSAS Hall stated that the idea of the GSA to arrange for the GSAS to pay this fee directly may not change to amount of money paid by Graduate Students. Representative Stewart stated that perhaps the fee should be waved entirely since the Undergraduate Students, as well as the Law School students, do not have to pay such a fee. After some discussion the council decided that more information is needed comparing activity fees and included services of the different schools within the University. Representative Tucker volunteered to research the details of the undergraduate activities fee. In addition Tucker suggested that a new survey regarding the Lombardi Center be sent out. In conclusion, Hall reminded council members that the GSA Winter Social is scheduled for Thursday, December 6th from 8:30 to 11:30 at the Jolly Tinker.
- Insurance Committee was reported on by VEO Ozar (speaking on behalf of chair Cole, who was absent form the meeting) at 11:45 a.m. Ozar reported that at the last Dean’s Council meeting (November 13, 2001) both Dean Busch and Dean Baumgarth made it clear that they were aware of the problem with rising costs in health insurance. Dr. Baumgarth was very supportive in assisting in finding, selecting, and implementing a new insurance plan for Graduate Students, although it is doubtful that any immediate plan will involve insurance coverage included in Graduate Assistantships. Dr. Baumgarth invited both President Reed and VEO Ozar (along with Ashley Hall) to the next Student Life Committee meeting on December 13th and added the insurance problem to the agenda of that meeting.
Unfinished Business:
- President Reed reported at 11:50 a.m. that, according to CIMS, the Internet dial-up service is scheduled to be update by December 31, 2001.
- Regarding the reinstatement of photocopying credits, which were removed at the start of this academic year, President Reed reported that Charles Houlka had recently cancelled two meetings with him regarding the copying fees. President Reed is continuing to work on the problem.
New Business:
A. At 12:00 p.m. Joe Trabbic from the philosophy department requested $400 from departmental development to assist in the financing of the Spring Philosophy Symposium, which presents the opportunity for Graduate students to present papers on philosophical topics twice a year. In the past the GSA has provided $400 to help supplement the costs of the Symposium. Both Joe and philosophy representative Arroyo left the meeting so that they council could vote. At 12:15 the motion for $400 was granted by the GSA council.
B. The council discussed whether of not to raise the student fee for the GSA from $30 to $32 for next year. Representative Stewart argued that there is no justification for raising the fee. VEO Ozar argued that the drop in student admissions along with the rising cost of the Lombardi Center fee as well as the increasing use of travel grants and departmental development makes raising the fee a necessity if the GSA is to stay above water. Representative Arroyo argued that the $2 raise in fees will go back to the students via travel grants and other programs offered by the GSA, such as departmental development. After a brief discussion by the council, representative Hall motioned that the fee be raised to $32 for next year and representative Green seconded the motion. A vote was taken, all but representative Stewart voted yes. Stewart voted no. The motion was approved at 12:26 p.m.
C. The issue of raising the stipends for committee chairs was postponed for another time, although the council showed little interest in supporting such a suggestion. No vote was taken.
Announcements:
1. Next meeting was announced for Tuesday February 5, 2001 at 11:15 a.m. in the GSA lounge.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:30 a.m.
