AGSA Minutes - September 28, 2006

1. The meeting was called to order by Patrick Fazioli at 11:00 A.M.

2. Attendance:
   Bonnie Vest, Michelle Bellino, Matt Perry, Russ Gullekson, Elias Rotsos, Jen Shaffer, Amber Kling, Patrick Fazioli, Rachel Frisk, Ashley Hansen, Dave Witt, Tera Thompson

3. Special Elections

   There was a need to hold special elections to replace individuals who are unable to fill the roles to which they were elected last month.

   Curriculum Committee: Amber Kling was nominated to fill this position and was elected by a unanimous vote.

   GSEU Mobilizer: Emily Hammerl is unable to fill this role, because the GSEU is questioning her position on South Campus. We need to find a TA/GA from our department who is based on North Campus. Anna Ireland has expressed interest in filling this position. If there are any other nominations for this position, please email Patrick at kfazioli@buffalo.edu, and we will conduct a vote ASAP to fill this position.

   Undergraduate Committee: We are eliminating the position for this committee. Per Dr. Pollock and Dr. Stevens, they do not feel that there is a need for a graduate student to sit on this committee.

4. Grad Lounge Computers
   There are several issues with the computers in our lounge:
   1. Internet Access
      The computers currently do not have internet access due to viruses. The computers have all been cleaned and the viruses eliminated, but they are networked through the Office of Medical Computing. The OMC is unwilling to continue to allow us to network through them and will not put the computers back on line. This leaves us with 2 options:
      1. To purchase wireless cards to install in 2 or 3 of the best computers and use the rest for Word Processing only. Dave Witt is going to look into the cost of this option.
      2. To find a faculty member who will agree to sponsor the lab so that the University will help us and create a network that can then be administered by CIT, etc.
      The pluses and minuses of both of these positions were debated, and it was decided that Patrick would look into what is entailed in the process of obtaining a sponsor and having the University sponsor our internet access (i.e. Does that mean our lab has to be public? Time involved, etc.). If we decide this is not the route we wish to pursue, a vote will be held to encumber the necessary funds for the wireless cards.
   2. Printing
      **If you would like to print on the computers in the graduate lounge please give $5.00 to Matthew Perry ASAP to help defray the costs of paper and toner.
      **Please be reminded that the lab printers should not be a main source of printing (in spite of I-Print policies), because it generates high costs for the AGSA. Please use these printers only for quick printing jobs and small-scale printing, rather than hundreds of pages worth of articles. It was also suggested that if you are going to print a lot, it might be worthwhile to spend a couple of extra dollars and bring your own ream of paper to use in the printers.
      There is a possibility that we will need to either replace the large printer, or replace the rotors on this printer, since it is having a problem with jamming. Dave Witt will investigate the costs of these options and a vote will be held on the listserve to encumber funds. In the meantime, please do not use double-sided printing as this may be causing the problem.
      

5. Graduate Student Association Update from Senator Rachel Frisk
   1. Ticket prices for events have gone up because the GSA is having a problem of students purchasing tickets and not using them.
   2. ECHO is the new GSA publication that has replaced and updated the Quill. It is a good source of updates for events and important information/ announcements for Grad Students, and will contain spotlights on different clubs within the University.
   3. *******MARK DIAMOND GRANTS HAVE BEEN INCREASED
      The new amounts are:
      $1000.00 for Master's Research
      $2000.00 for PhD Research
      September deadlines have passed, but there will be additional deadlines this Spring.
   4. *********Conference funding has been increased, for both attending as well as presenting at conferences. For more information see the GSA Website under "Forms and Funding". The forms need to be turned in at least 1 month before the conference and you must keep your receipts.
   5. October 14, 2006 the Classics Department is holding a symposium on the Cultures of the Ancient Mediterranean World and the role of religious authority. For more information contact ss348@buffalo.edu. (We encumbered funds to help sponsor this event last semester).
   6. A new group is being started called: Graduate British Studies Group
      This will be an interdisciplinary group on British and Irish culture, politics, society, etc. and will support works in progress, symposia, and is a source for discussion and resource sharing. If you are interested in joining please contact Carey Werner at cmwerner@buffalo.edu
   7. There is an opportunity for the AGSA to obtain an extra $500.00 in funding if we participate in a community service activity. Rachel Frisk will look into obtaining more information. Possible suggestions include the Habitat for Humanity and the Boys and Girls Club of Buffalo.

6. There is no update from the Faculty Committee at this time. The next meeting will be in a couple of weeks

7. The American Studies Department is hosting a symposium on November 21st, which will bring Zapatista women from Mexico to speak on a number of issues including collective resistance, social and political issues and capitalism. $50.00 was encumbered to help co-sponsor this event, by a unanimous vote.

8. Halloween Party
   We are looking to have another Halloween Party this year. A tentative date of 10/29/06 was suggested. Keep an eye on the listserve for additional information.

9. Brown Bag Series
   We have several speakers lined up for the Brown Bag Series, including several graduate students, adjunct faculty, and the Fulbright coordinator at UB. Most of these will be held on Mondays at noon, but dates vary. Keep your eyes on the listserve for additional information/ updates. If you are interested in filling a vacant date please contact Patrick at kfazioli@buffalo.edu.

10. Coffee Hour
    We discussed reinstituting the coffee hour at Perks for the graduate students and faculty to meet in a casual environment. It was suggested that we begin them now and stretch them out over the course of the year, perhaps holding them once a month. Michelle Bellino is going to approach the Department regarding co-sponsorship of this event. Announcements will be posted to the listserve.

11. Anthropology Library- FREE BOOKS
    The library has a lot of books that they are trying to get rid of. Stop by and see Patrick from 10-4 Monday-Thursday and browse for anything you are interested in. The collection is very wide ranging and includes classic ethnographies and many other items.

12. The meeting was adjourned by Patrick Fazioli at 11:40 A.M.

Repectfully submitted,

Bonnie Vest
AGSA Secretary