Department of Anthropology, University at Buffalo

AGSA Minutes - April 4, 2007

  1. The meeting was called to order by Patrick Fazioli at 11:05 A.M.

  2. Attendance:
    Bonnie Vest, Matt Perry, Michelle Bellino, Katie Neilson, Tera Thompson, Amber Kling, Rachel Frisk, Patrick Fazioli, Mia Jorgensen, Jose Power

  3. GSA Referendum Vote
    1. This vote is extremely important- we need this referendum to pass in order to keep all of the perks that we receive as students. Basically the referendum is to make the Graduate Student Activity Fee of around $48 mandatory for all students. If this fee is not mandatory, then many of the benefits we receive from the GSA, including Mark Diamond Funds, Sub-Board services (such as health care and pharmacy), Conference Funding, Club funding, etc. will be eliminated. PLEASE VOTE TO PASS THIS REFERENDUM
    2. Voting will be held on April 10, and 12 on North Campus in the Student Union and on April 11 on South Campus. Patrick will send out an email reminder next week.
  4. Grad-Lounge Clean up was a success. Thank you to all who helped on that day.
    1. There is internet service now working on 3 of the computers in the lounge- the computers that are opposite the windows
    2. We are still working on the printing situation, but printing should be up and running in time for the Quals, so that people can type and print their exams.
    3. The bookcases in the Grad Lounge contain a lot of interesting books- mostly cultural in nature. We are establishing an informal exchange system. If there is something you are interested in feel free to take it, and leave another book in its place. However, this is NOT a place to leave books you do not want, so please, if you leave a book, make sure you take one also.
  5. Our non-profit community service with the Boys and Girls Club has also been a success. So far 10 people have volunteered. But more volunteers are always welcome- if you would like to help out one day for a few hours, please contact Patrick at kfazioli@buffalo.edu.
    1. We should be receiving the money from the GSA soon, discussion was raised about possible ways to spend the funds- it was suggested that we put the money (approx. $500) towards a new printer for the grad lounge- preferably one that also scans and faxes. If you have any other suggestions, please email Patrick at the address above.
  6. Speaker Series Continues
    1. The next speaker is Lawrence Schell, who will speak on April 13, 2007 at 4:00 in Filmore 354. Dr. Schell is a physical anthropologist who works with many different ethnographic groups. If you are interested in attending dinner with Dr. Schell, please contact Renee Cadzow.
    2. Richard Wilson is a cultural anthropologist, who will likely be speaking on how to blend anthropology with activism. His talk is scheduled for April 20, 2007 at 1:30 PM in Filmore 354.
    3. So far, we have had great success with our series, and there was an excellent turnout at Jorge Velasquez' and Bettina Arnold's talks. If we keep up the good attendance, we may suggest a similar format for next year's speaker series.
  7. GSA Updates
    1. FSA
      FSA is the organization on campus that runs all of the food courts, campus stores, etc. In the 1970s, student money was used to buy some land. When the land was sold the money was put into a restricted fund controlled by the FSA to be used for program grants to help student organizations. These funds are available twice a year to interested groups.
      The contract that created this arrangement expires in 2009. There is some concern that the money has not been restricted solely for the students, and also that when the contract expires, the money will fall out of student hands. This is our money for special programs and we need to make sure that we are vigilant and keep an eye on the FSA and the contract to ensure that we keep the money. If you have any questions, please contact Rachel Frisk at rafrisk@buffalo.edu for further information.
    2. There will be a Beer Tasting at Alternative Brews on April 21st. Tickets are $5 and are available at the Sub-Board Office.
    3. Tickets to see Al Gore speak will be available starting next week during the elections
  8. History of UB Anthropology- Dr. Ezra Zubrow
    1. The UB Department of Anthropology began in 1917- This is our 90th Anniversary
    2. Dr. Zubrow wants to write a history of our department in the next year. He has a list with the names of almost every professor who has taught in our department since 1917, and it contains lots of interesting people. He needs our help with two things 1) the list is not complete- especially in regards to graduate students who have taught classes and he needs help filling this in, 2) He would like help in writing 1 page biographies of all of the professors on the list- and is willing to give independent studies next Fall Semester for anyone who would like to help with this project. If you are interested in writing a biography of any of the professors on the list, please contact Dr. Zubrow. As he pointed out, if we don't do this, no one else will
    3. There was also discussion about planning some sort of event to celebrate the 90th anniversary. If you are interested in helping to get this going, please contact Patrick.
  9. GSEU
    1. The Chief Steward Tom Stoll has resigned, and a new Chief Steward has been established in his place. Please be patient during this time of transition
  10. Happy Hour
    1. There is a possibility on either April 13th or 20th of doing Happy Hour at Quote, on Chippewa, as we have received an offer to attend their special happy hour that would charge no cover, provide 2 free drinks to each person, a free buffet, and 2 for 1 drinks all evening. Please contact Margaret if you are interested in setting up something like this.
  11. End of Year Party
    1. We discussed having an end of the year party in the beginning of May. This has been done in the past with some success. More details to follow.
  12. Meeting was adjourned by Patrick Fazioli at 11:55 AM.

Repectfully submitted,


Bonnie Vest
AGSA Secretary

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