Department of Anthropology, University at Buffalo

AGSA Minutes - February 07, 2002

In Attendance:
Jennifer Richardson, Jennifer Randall, Tammy Butner, Casey Coke, Eva Hulse, Tom Broucksou, Alex Miller, Chris Wahlfield, and Mike Roets

1.      Allocations. The present budget includes approximately 770$.
This money must be spent, or it is lost.
a.      50$ was allocated to Kimberly Beck for the IRWEG sponsored
Gender in the New Millennium Conference
b.      50$ was allocated to Hex Kleinmartin for the Archeometry
Conference
c.      100$ has been allocated to Jennifer Richardson for the purchase
of new furniture for the Grad Lounge (a couch has been identified as a
very viable replacement.  It is presently located at the Salvation Army
on Niagara Falls Boulevard.  It is peach, velvet and can hold quorum.
Very comfortable.  If you have a chance, stop by, check it out and then
electronically we will decide if this is the piece we would like.
Please have a decision by this Sunday.)
d.      100$ was allocated to Jennifer Richardson for the purchase of
food and alcohol for the March 16th St. Patrick’s Day/Vernal
Equinox/White Elephant Grad Student Party.
e.      25$ was allocated to Jennifer Randall for wine for the next
Dinner and Discussion held on March 1.
f.      230$ was allocated to Alex Miller for the purchase of toner and
printer cartridges for the Grad Lounge
g.      Pending allocation: it was mentioned the idea of adopting a zoo
animal, Casey is checking on the details and will present a cost at the
next meeting or in an email
2.      Upcoming Events and Dates:
a.      February 8th and 11th: Mark Diamond Research Grant Workshops
b.      February 15th: Abstracts due for the Gender in the New
Millennium Conference
c.      February 15th to March 1st: Goods Drive for Haven House
d.      February 25th: Mark Diamond Research Grant Applications Due
e.      March 6th: Tammy Butner will attend Senate Meeting
f.      March 16th ?: Gender in the New Millennium Conference
g.      March 16th: St. Patrick’s Day/Vernal Equinox/White Elephant
Party at Jennifer Muller’s (details will come later!!!)
h.      March 1st: Dinner and Discussion at Jennifer Randall,
Richardson and Gemmae Fix’s Apartment
i.      April 1st: Abstracts due for the Campus Wide Research seminar
(More details will be sent in another email)
j.      April 3rd: Katie Ainsworth and Jessica Torrance will attend
Senate Meeting
k.      April 24th: Conference mentioned in (i).

3.      Mark Diamond Research Grant:  Mike, Tom, Eva and Jen Muller are
applying.  Anyone who has applied or would like to apply can discuss
details with these individuals.
4.      Computer Grant: The Capital Funds Grant was accepted!!!
HOORAY. Thanks to Ryan Austin and the presently absent Bill.  A new
computer will be purchased for the grad lounge.  Alex will be acquiring
a new monitor through surplus.  Thanks Alex.
5.      Senate Meeting Report: Many thanks to Alex and Casey for
attending the meeting last evening.  For those binding theses (Master’s
or PhD) money is available from the GSA.  50 for master’s and 100 for
PhD.
6.      Departmental Concerns: Jennifer Randall presented this topic.
Several students within the department have expressed concerns about
course requirements, content and mentoring techniques.  She has
proposed opening a discussion between faculty and students concerning
these issues.  A survey will be in each mailbox by Tuesday February
12th.  Please take some time to fill this out with constructive and
honest comments.  We are trying to optimize our situation and we need
to hear your concerns before we speak on your behalf.  Please return
the survey to the AGSA mailbox by Friday February 15th. Any questions
should be sent to Jennifer Randall.
7.      Community Service:
a.      We will be holding a goods drive for Haven House. Please make
donations of personal hygiene products (shampoo, soap etc.) and baby
supplies (diapers, pacifiers, bottles, etc.) to boxes in the Grad
Lounge and Anthropology Office.  A wish list will be posted at the
beginning of next week.
b.      Katie Ainsworth will be contacting Community Service Centers to
plan and educational day for children at these local centers.  This
project may be continued into next fall.
c.      Jennifer Muller will be contacting several agencies about when
we can volunteer.
8.      Dinner and Discussion: Jennifer Randall will be selecting an
article for discussion on March 1st.  (It will NO DOUBT include
something about worms and runny feces…..  HA HA HA.  Just kidding.)
This is AGSA’s attempt to facilitate an environment of independent
learning and exchange between peers. Please show up with smoking
jackets, arguments and very expensive cigarettes.  Pretentiousness is a
necessity.  For those who plan to attend, please RSVP by February
27th.

Repectfully submitted,

Jennifer Richardson ,
Secretary

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