Department of Anthropology, University at Buffalo

AGSA Minutes - November 2, 2006

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

  2. Attendance:
    Bonnie Vest, Rachel Frisk, Matthew Perry, Tera Thompson, Mia Jorgensen, Amanda Shero, Carla Braga, Candie Syphrit, Amber Kling, Jen Shaffer, Katie Neilson, Michelle Bellino, Dan Cadzow, Patrick Fazioli

  3. Announcements
    1. The Flock of Dodos film about the Intelligent Design debate was screened last night at 8 pm, this was co-sponsored by UB, the AGSA and many other groups. There is another showing tonight, Friday 11/3/06 at Buffalo State and a panel discussion will be held this afternoon. Check the website for more details.
    2. GSA Non-Profit Outreach Program
      This GSA-sponsored program offers us the opportunity to earn an extra $500 for our budget if we organize a volunteer activity with a non-profit organization. The awards will be given on a first come, first serve basis. If you have any connections or are interested in helping to organize this event, please contact Patrick Fazioli or Michelle Bellino.
    3. The Brown Bag lunches continue. They have been very successful this year. The next presentation will be on 11/6/06 at Noon where Amber Kling, a 3rd year archaeology student, will present her Master's/Phd research. There are only a few left this semester, so be sure to check them out!
      A Motion was made to encumber $30.00 to support coffee and refreshments for the last three Brown Bag lunches. We voted unanimously to encumber the $30.
  4. Grad Lounge Computers
    1. The wireless is back up and running- the problem appears to have been systemic, university-wide, and has been corrected
    2. The computers in the lounge are still off line. Dave Witt and Patrick Fazioli will get together and see where we are with solving this problem. The consensus seems to be to buy wireless cards for a few of the computers, and a cost estimate will be obtained.
    3. We realize how important the computers are and we appreciate your patience as we work to resolve this issue.
  5. GSA Meeting Update
    1. Upcoming Events
      1. The Jingle Jangle Jam Christmas Party tickets are now on sale for $7 each at the Sub-Board office in the Union, or $10 at the door. The party is 12/8/06 at Pearl Street Brewery from 9pm- 1am. It's a great way to relax for the last day of classes!
      2. Happy Hour @ MoJos is scheduled for 11/10/06 from 5:30-9pm. Come and enjoy FREE beer, pizza, and wings
      3. Workshops on digitizing media for your dissertation will be held on 11/14/06 and 11/20/06. Check out the GSA website, or the Educational Technology Center for more information and additional upcoming technology workshops
      4. Distinguished Speaker Series Presents Anderson Cooper at 8pm on 11/11/06
      5. SABRES TICKETS for the 12/1/06 game vs. the Rangers go on sale on 11/15/06, Tickets are $15.00 each, one per ID. Be there early as tickets will go quickly.
      6. GIS/ GEOGRAPHY WEEK 11/13/06-11/18/06 in the Geography Department- There will be several speakers during this week, for an inter-disciplinary event. All are invited!
    2. There has been a change in the funding policy for Departmental journals. The GSA will now fund more than 1 journal for each department, but the funding amounts will decline each year. The funds are intended to help journals defray the costs of start-up, but then the journals are supposed to work towards becoming self-sustaining.
  6. GSEU Update
    1. The Bargaining Survey deadline has been extended until next Tuesday 11/7/06, so if you have not already, please pick one up in the Grad Lounge and fill it out and return it to Mia Jorgenson by Tuesday. These are important to make sure the Union knows what we need.
    2. Professional Development Fund applications will be available soon. Check the GSEU website for additional details.
  7. Faculty Committee Update
    1. The last meeting was cancelled due to the October snowstorm
    2. The next meeting will be held Friday 11/10/06 at 3 pm.
  8. Spring Speaker Series
    1. WE NEED PEOPLE TO HELP ORGANIZE/ FIND SPEAKERS FOR THE SPRING SPEAKER SERIES (Ideally, one from each subdiscipline, including cultural, archaeology, physical, and medical)
    2. We discussed having fewer speakers this year, perhaps 4 total (one from each subdiscipline). This will allow us to put more money towards each speaker, and get bigger names to participate in the event. We will also be able to better publicize the events if there are fewer speakers.
    3. If you are interested, or have suggestions for speakers, please contact Patrick Fazioli or Michelle Bellino. Also please keep your eyes open for an email regarding the same.
  9. Anthropology Library Book Sale
    1. The library will be holding a very very cheap book sale to get rid of extra inventory in the hallway outside 261 Filmore sometime next week. There are lots of books, especially cultural, available. Keep your eyes open for an email with a specific date and time.
  10. Departmental Coffee Hour
    1. The faculty has agreed to co-sponsor a weekly departmental coffee hour
    2. There will be one held every week for the rest of the semester on WEDNESDAY mornings in PERKS
    3. A motion was made by Michelle Bellino to encumber $60 to cover the costs for the next month. It was agreed to encumber the money. All voted in favor, except for Carla Braga who abstained from voting.
  11. Temperature in Grad Lounge
    1. We are working on putting together a work order for heating/cooling issues in the Grad Lounge. If you are experiencing problems with your office temperature, please see Amber Kling or Dan Cadzow ASAP so that it may be included in the work order.
  12. The meeting was adjourned by Patrick Fazioli at 11:35 A.M.

Repectfully submitted,


Bonnie Vest
AGSA Secretary

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