AGSA Minutes - December 7, 2005

Attendance
Brandon Lundy, Amanda Shero, Bonnie Vest, Jacklyn Ramsy, Christopher Wahlfeld, Roderick Salisbury, Patrick Fazioli, Carla Braga, Lori Eldridge, Matt Perry, Emily Hammerl, Michelle Bellino, Amber Kling, Anna Ireland

1. There was some debate regarding getting Christmas gifts for the secretaries around What? How much? Etc.. It was finally decided that Brandon will send an email requesting a small donation and Anna will look for gifts.
2. I-print GSA already contacted I-print and since grads pay the same fees as undergrads no larger quota will be given. They are trying to establish a roll over policy. Feel free to contact GSA president Jun Xu at JXU3@buffalo.edu
3. Tillman Lanz is starting an Islam in Europe. The pre lim flyer is out. Contact him for more information.
4. GSA Christmas party is dec. 9 at Pearl Street Grille and Brewery. All are invited from 9-12. cover is $5.
5. Speaker Series At the Finance comm. Meeting we asked for $1000 dollars. Also will present at the senate meeting. One day will be a refugee panel run by Anna. Suggestion were made to focus and professor input encouraged
6. Brandon met with GSA and he has a keynote speaker for his symposium named Jason Young. He is still waiting on funding.
7. Nathan talked to Milisauskas about a teaching a course for grad students and coursed for grad students to teach. He was invited to the next curriculum meeting.
8. Brownbag has been great. We might need to be more practical on timing. Gives chance to explore other disciplines informally. Might want to focus it more on student research. Probably won't continue in the spring due to speaker series. Perhaps do small workshops instead on topics like preparing for field work or preparing for first year quals. If we do workshops we must talk it up and perhaps invite undergrads. We cannot do panels of profesors and have no one show up.
9. Milton Plesser History Conference is coming up. April 1 and 2. food is provided in a reception. Dr. Victoria DeGrazia is the keynote and it is a good opportunity for us to submit papers. We have supported them in the past and they have supported us. They are asking us for funding. We voted unanimous for $50.
10. GSA seems to be spending money on things that don't benefit us or very many people is general. For example expensive dinners for themselves. We have to fight for $20 and it does not seem fair. Some points were made. GSA is a social entity although AGSA has chosen to a more professional focus. This money distribution has been a complaint in the past. We do however have a vote through our senators and they are required at every meeting. We need better updates on GSA and should require attendance from our senators and on the list serve. All positions should be held accountable and report to the list serve.
11. Tas and GA may have gotten larger than usual checks. This is ligitamate and you should feel free to cash them. The last check had a bonus for doctoral recruitment and retention.
12. There is a mixer on Jan. 8 at the tubing company sponsored by the Grad. Chem Club. Starts at 6pm and tickets are $12.
13. Reminder that the list serve isn't for randomness. If you respond to the list serve is responds to everyone. Please change subject headings to reflect the content of the message.
14. Funding from AGSA for conferences. Department funds are available through Pollock. To get funding from GSA, AGSA does not have to refuse you only the chair of the department and your faculty advisor must sign off.

Repectfully submitted,

Brandon Lundy