AGSA Minutes - February 16, 2009

1. Attendance:
   Amber Kling, Patrick Fazzioli, Mike Rienti, Kate Whalen, Darren Poltorak, Ray Whitlow, Ben Kamphaus, Jessica Howe, Jennifer Faux, Denice Szafran, Andre Gonciar, Dan Cadzow

2. Spring Speaker Series- A GSA programming grant was approved so we have the money to put towards our Spring Speaker Series. It is confirmed that George Cowgill will be coming to speak as the archaeologist. Physical anthropologist Meredith Small is no longer speaking. The AGSA is in contact with Lawrence Shell to fill this slot. Culturalist John Omohundro will be speaking on April 4, 2009.

3. Volunteer Work- AGSA members have been performing volunteer work at Hope Refugee Services and have accumulated 10 hours so far. The club needs a total of 50 hours from different volunteers in order to receive the $250.00 from the GSA. Club members will be continuing to volunteer on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for the next several weeks. If you would like to volunteer contact Amber.

4. Computer Lab- The computer lab has been cleaned out and there are now cleared work spaces available. The old computer/printer components have been disposed of except for several toner cartridges that Amber will be taking to Office Max to redeem for $3.00 coupons good towards the purchase of office supplies.

   Amber has purchased a plaque declaring the use of sub-board funding for the computer lab as required by the programming grant for $15.00

5. Buffalo Museum- The behind the scenes tour of the Buffalo Museum of Science will now be on February 27, 2009. Those attending should meet in the grad lounge at 1:30 PM. If you would still like to attend or have any questions contact Kate.

6. Special Activities- Amber suggested the Lafayette Taproom for the site of a future AGSA happy hour, as well as the possibility of the club holding an ethnic food night. More information on these events will be forthcoming at a later date.

7. GSEU- Spring 2009 meetings will be held on 2/26 and 3/26 at the GSEU office suite in 200 A Commons. Lunch and Beverages will be provided.

8. Curriculum Committee- No report.

9. GSA- The GSA is trying to work with next year's budget to increase funding for Mark Diamond Fellowships, special activities, and conferences. There is still a considerable amount of money left for Mark Diamond Fellowships for the current year.

   Graduate tuition and fees might go up again next academic year.

10. Faculty Committee- As of Fall '09 all students must take training in the ethics and responsibilities of research. All student proposals will have to be submitted to an Internal Review Board. It is unclear just who this will effect, but Amy will get us more information.

    UB will be hosting the 2010 50th anniversary conference of the Northeastern Anthropological Association.

    Dissertation fellowships are being dropped by the department due to their low impact.

    There is pressure for summer courses that may lead to summer TA positions.

    Dr. Deborah Reed-Danahay is the new Graduate Committee Advisor

11. Grievance Committee- No report.

12. IEMA- Andre reported that he will finally be allowed to attend IEMA meetings as the AGSA representative. The next meeting is Thursday, February 19, 2009. Andre will be proposing the creation of an AGSA sponsored graduate student conference.

13. Coffee Hours- Encumbered $40.00 towards future coffee hours- Unanimous

Repectfully submitted,

Mike Rienti
AGSA Secretary