AGSA Minutes - August 29, 2005

In Attendance:
Mark Frankel, Nathan Grassi, Monique Boudreau, Marie Lorraine Pipes, Rob Hoke, Matt Perry, Lori Eldridge, Michelle Bellino, Katie Neilson, Tae-Woo Kim, Rachel Frisk, Jacklyn Ramsey, Christopher Wahlfeld, Brandon Lundy, Anna Ireland, Bonnie Vest, Amber Kling, Rod Salisbury, Dustin Keeler, Patrick Fazioli, Ben Kamphaus, Elias Rotsos, Amberly Rounds, Jesse Jones, Amanda Shero, Emily Hammerl

1. This first order of business was a discussion of the best way to allocate our funds for the year in order to suit the missions of the AGSA which include both professional development and social cohesion of the sub-disciplines. Several suggestions were presented:
   • Giving a donation to the Anthropology student publication The Chronicles to assist with various costs of publication.
   • Reinstituting conference funding. While these awards are suggested to be quite modest (ie. no larger than $50 each, a maximum of 6 or 8 awards, and only available to those presenting at a conference on a first come, first serve basis) this may be a feasible way for the AGSA to assist its members in offsetting the cost of conference attendance.
   • Hosting of more social events involving both our own students, faculty and staff as well as other related departments. Specifically, a holiday party and a "Departments of the Ellicott complex party" were mentioned as possibilities.
2. The grad listservs were the next item discussed. A reminder to all that the AGSA-L list is safe from the prying eyes of all faculty and staff, but that the APYgradstudents list can be read by some members of the faculty/staff. Therefore, postings intended for Grad students only should be sent to the AGSA-L list only, beware when using the reply tab.
   • A side note about the dwindling membership on the field list gave rise to the possibility of doing away with listserve voting. It was decided to maintain this practice, as those in the field wishing to participate are restricted to this form of voting.
   • The idea was voiced that "...many of the individuals that consistently vote on-line are graduate students that are either in the field or no longer attending UB. It is being suggested that we possibly create certain rules for on-line voting, i.e. that graduate students that are in the field may offer opinions, but may not vote on certain "in-town" issues such as fund allocation, etc. This would not interfere with their ability to vote on issues that influence the AGSA as a whole, as in voting for AGSA positions." No consensus was achieved on this matter.
3. A group called Ed Consolidation, who claims to be a non-profit (although their website is a .com), has offered to bring out some lunch or dinner for whomever would like to attend an informational session about loan consolidation. This costs the AGSA nothing, so it was agreed to see if there are a few people interested. Remember, that even though the interest rates hiked in July, they will almost certainly continue to rise in the future. Anyone interested should contact Lori Eldridge. If five people are interested, we will schedule a time convenient for all. The company website is: www.edconsolidation.com
4. It was unanimously agreed to encumber $50 for the purchase of a wireless hub for the Grad Lounge to allow laptop users the ability to connect. Lori E. will look into this.
5. Lastly, nominations for the AGSA 2005-2006 year were taken as follows:
   President: Amanda Shero, Brandon Lundy
   Vice President: Patrick Fazioli, Emily Hammerl, Matt Smith
   Treasurer: Matt Smith, Jacklyn Ramsey, Nathan Grassi
   Secretary: Anna Ireland, Emily Hammerl
   Speaker's Series Coordinator (Duties to be split between VP and SSC): Tae-Woo Kim Faculty Committee: Rebecca Cuddahee, Rob Hoke, Amber Kling, Jacklyn Ramsey, Monique Boudreau, Ben Kamphaus
   GSEU Mobilizer: Gemmae Fix
   Greivance Committee: Elias Rotsos
   Network Administrator: Jesse Jones
   Graduate Committee: Lori Eldridge, Bonnie (Blowers) Vest
   Curriculum Committee: Rod Salisbury, Ben Kamphaus
   Undergraduate Committee: Michelle Bellino, Elias Rotsos
   GSA Senators: Rachel Frisk, Jen , Anna Ireland, Matt Perry, Rob Hoke and as alternate only, Christopher Wahlfeld
   
   • This week, all candidates for the first four positions will submit a short statement to the listserv. Voting will commence on Tuesday 6 September.
6. The meeting was adjourned at 12:00pm. The next meeting will be announced on the listserv.

   Repectfully submitted,
   

   Emily Hammerl
   AGSA Secretary
   

   (back to the AGSA)