The GSC holds regular meetings on the first Thursday of every month of the academic year (September-December; February-April) at 6:00pm in the Graduate Student Lounge (DUC 249E), with pizza and soft drinks. All students are invited to attend.

Graduate Student Council, 6 May 2004: DUC Commons

Can we vote in good faith?
The meeting was publicized and comments solicited. A motion was made to vote on whether or not to hold the vote for the constitution given the current attendance. Yeah 11 Nay 1 abstain 1

Chartering subcommittee report:
Two members met and recommend that the chartering be passed as previously published with the change that instead of the treasurer having the right to revoke a constitution the treasurer may recommend revocation to be voted on by the GSC general meeting. Also recommend that special interest charter groups also have a vote in the GSC. There was also a suggestion to incorporate a revision process over the departmental organizations through ad hoc committees.
A question was raised about the factibility of voting on this issue whithout the actual writing. An oral report of language was offered.
III.A.2.f "Greivance policy must be made public"
I.A.4 "Each chartered Special Interest Organization shall have one voting representative on the GSC"
-A motion was made to vote on the revised chartering guidelines.
Yeah 9 Nay 1 Abstain 3

A motion was made to vote on the New Constitution as presented with V.B. now being labelled "Duties of the elected officers" and IV.C.3 "The maximum reimbursement for travel expenditures shall be set annually according to budgetary guidelines" and V.C.2.c. add "but has no additional vote as department representatives" and V.B.5.e Add "higher contract" before "oversee"
Yeah 7 Nay 0 Abstain 2

Graduate Student Council, 1 April 2004: DUC TV Lounge

Funding Requests:
--Immunology Speaker: Antionio Lanzavecchia, Director of the Institute of Biomedicine in Switzerland
to speak Monday, 26 April at 4 pm in the Whitehead Aud. Funding in the amount of $500 passed by unanimous consent.
--Korean Graduate Students. Conference with speakers Dr. Jong Son of Korean and Dr. James Coney, former US Ambassador to Korea.
14 April at 11am in Bishop Hall and 16 April at 3pm in Cannon Chapel. Funding in the amount of $500 passed by unanimous consent.

Incoming officers:
The position of Travel Treasure is still open. Karolyn Benger volunteered for the position and was approved by 18 of 18 eligible voters.

Changes to the Chartering Guidelines:
-Ammended Guidelines were put on the table which divide the current category of “Chartered Organization” into “Special Interest” and “Departmental” organizations. “Special Interest” organizations would be required to open membership and eligibility for officers to all GSAS students while “Departmental” organizations would be permitted to restrict membership and officer eligibilty to a specific department. Both groups would be only be able to use GSC funds for events that are open to all GSAS students.
Much debated ensued:
-Attending members agreed that the GSC should encourage and support organizations within departments that allow students to have an active voice in program decisions for that department.
-Some attending members argue that this kind of organization can also be responsible for organizing events which have an interdisciplinary appeal and fall within the GSC chartering and funding guidelines and bylaws. However, the programmatic aspect of the organization requires that membership be limited to students within the department.
-Some attending members argue that a GSC chartered organization should not be permitted to exclude GSAS students from membership or officer eligibilty. While recognizing that many events currently funded through GSC are organized by limited groups and unanimously passed within council, the funding process offers a system of checks and balances that chartering does not.
-The argument was also made that GSC chartered organizations should open up leadership opportunities to all GSAS students. While recognizing that the existing chartered organizations often serve a limited group, the GSC should not encourage exclusion, but rather encourage and recognize interdisciplinary activities.
-A vote was held to approve the ammended Chartering Guidelines as is: of thirteen voting representatives present, there were 6 yeahs, 6 nays and one abstension.
-A vote was held to approve the recommendation for two groups, with no definition of these groups at this time. The motion was passed, 9 yeah, 3 nay, one abstention.
-A committee was formed to revise the chartering guidelines with these recommendations.

Graduate Student Council, 4 March 2004: DUC TV Lounge

Funding requests:
-Institute of African Studies Graduate Stude Forum: "Diamonds, Oil and Africa: The Violent Costs of Consumption" March15th- April 2nd. KeyNote Speaker March 18th 4pm White Hall. Ian Smillie. Film Series March 19, 22, 29. Panel Discussion April 1st. See website for further details. Motion to suspend rules and fund $1000 passed by unanimous consent.

-International Cultural Festival (28th) April 3rd on the Quad. See website for further details. Motion to supend rules and fund $1000 passed by unanimous consent.

-Comparative Literature Graduate Student Speakers Committee. Speaker Samuel Weber "Targets of Opportunity: Representation and Agrssion" April 8, 4:30pm Jones Room Woodruff Library. Motion to fund $500 passed by unanimous consent.

Officers' Reports:
-Martini's and IMAX upcoming in March. Watch the website for details.

-Fifth year fundiong for Humanities and Social Science is paid for by decreasing total lines which will in the long term decrease our budget.

-In the process of planning a St. Patrick's Day activity in March.

-Grad Senate: Petition for Graduate Student participation in Student Health Services call service survey. Sign up sheet passed at meeting. Grad Student Olympics March 27th onClairmont Campus. Both Team and individual events. Food and drinks also provided. Sign up for events the at the Olympics.

Constitutional changes:
- Section VII. Election of officers:

H. strike SGA: Add: Emory on-line voting system

J: Move to position C. Add "winner by simple majority"

this section, with above changes passed by 18 of 18 representatives.

-V.B.2 :Position of Vice President

Election into VP defacto president for next yeear? No, must still be voted in. This is requesting a two year commitment, given our history of participation is this a reasonable option? The learning curve for Presidency is so great that this would provide an opportunity for future presidents to increase productivity. Suggestion to make president two year position, with one new elected each year. This makes a two year commitment instead of the "trial run" of Vice Presidency. Is their a restriction on presidential term? No, this position would offer training. Co'presidents not currently required, only allowed by constitution, two year rotating term would require co-presidency.

Remove C. or reword to redefine duties and remove the training component-official candidate.

Suggestion to recruit VP in September in order to bring in newer students who are more likely to be in a position commit for longer. Support for this position expressed.

Motion made to table the position for April moving, with emphasis placed on this last suggestion.

ELECTIONS:
-new treasurer for remainder of this year. Yaron Lahev, 1st year from Economics. International Student from Israel. Has been learning from acting treasurer. Approved by 18 of 18 eligible representatives in attendance.

2004-2005 School Year. (See GSC constitution for officer descriptions)

-Yaron Lahev volunteered to continue in Treasurer for next year.

-Seth Ward for president.

-Katie Ford volunteered to continue in Ticket Tzar(ina) for next year.

-Tavishi Bhasin volunteered for Secretary for next year.

-Jennifer Klinedinst and Andrea Landis for Social Chairs.

-Motion made to eliminate online elections due to lack of contention passed unanimously.

-Motion made to pass slate of President, Secretary, Treasurer, Social Chair and Ticket Tzar(ina), passed by unanimous consent.

Graduate Student Council, 5 February 2004: DUC TV Lounge

Funding Requests:
-Translation: Reading and Representation; March 26-27. Jones Room, Woodruff Library. Sponsored by the Department of Spanish and Portuguese, this two day workshop will bring in six translation experts to participate in a total of four events. Request was made for $1000. Suspension of rules and funding in the amount of $1000 was granted by unanimous consent.

-4th Annual Women’s Studies Undergraduate Conference: April 3, 2004 White Hall 207. Organized by the Department of Women’s Studies, this conference is to designed to give undergraduates conference presentation experience and graduate students experience with organizning conferences and working with undergraduates. $500 was granted by unanimous consent.

-8th Annual BCMB Training Grant Symposium, “Germ Cells: Differentiation and Specification”. April 23. The symposium will feature 5 speakers in morning and afternoon sessions. Request was made for $1000. Suspension of rules and funding of $1000 was granted by unanimous consent.

Updates/Officer Reports:
-the SGA voted down the increase in student fees, however we will need to be pending the alternative proposals to cover student organization budgets, as they will also affect Graduate Students.

-The upcoming Mixer is Thursday, February 12, 2004 at Rock Bottom Brewery in Buckhead.

-Tickets for the musical Mamma Mia will be sold on February 24th and 25th for the show at the Fox on February 26.

Guest Speaker: Brian Noe:
-Support Levels for Humanities and Social Sciences: A survey of competitive schools conducted by individual departments showed great differential in funding for Graduate Students. As such, the goal of competetive packages has been well received in Administration despite the recent endowment issues. The first step in creating a competitive package will go into effect next year, when students in the Humanities and Social Sciences will receive an increase of at least $1000 per year, and possibly $2000 pending budget hearings.

-Applications have declined in the last year, particularly among international students where the most noticeable drop is from the People’s Republic of China, which has been blocking some university websites.
-Last year 50% of the applications were received on line while this year the to date percentage is 76%, an increase attributed in part at least to the new server. Online applications minimize administrative processing time, as well as cutting printing and mailing costs. The paper application continues to be available as a PDF file. Issues were raised as to how the elimination of the mailed, paper application affects students with limited resources, especially foreign applications.

-Attrition rates, although better at Emory thatn nationwide, still a concern for this University. In order to evaluate the causes for attrition, the GSAS will implement exit interviews to identify underlying causes as well as departmental peer reviews..

-When asked about the possibility of the GSAS providing health insurance for all students, Dean Noe stated that in view of the desire for a competitive package, health insurance has become a long term goal.
-Regarding opening all payment options up to all students, including international, it was pointed out that the ISP as well as the GSAS provide short term loans to help cover these costs at the beginning of the semester. However, the students protested that the short term nature of these loans affectes students’ ability to adjust to the pre-paycheck expenses of moving, books, fees, etc. They also pointed out that using these funds for regular expenses also means that they are not available in case of the emergency that the loan’s name suggests. Noe commented that adminstrators have discussed starting stipend payments earlier, but have encountered logistical and residential issues for International Students.

-Complaints were made regarding the Financial Aid Office service, such as delayed checks and unreturned phone calls. It was suggested that the Office seems geared toward undergraduates and unware of issues specific to graduate students, such as differeing deadlines. Dean Noe offered to take these issues to President Wagner.

Graduate Student Council, 6 November 2003: 211 Rich Hall

Guest Speaker Brian Green of Arts at Emory.

Call for nominations for Seventh Annual Unsung Heroine Awards. For information contact jlwill4@emory.edu

Funding Request from Comparative Literature Graduate Students for Speaker Susan Buck-Morss of Cornell University. "New Approaches to Aesthetics and Visual Culture". November 21 at 4pm Reception Hall of Carlos Museum. Request for $500 by unanimous consent.

Next ticketing event: Atlanta Hawks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers November 22 at 7pm.

Next Mixer December 10. Watch website for details.

Remember to use the Grad Senate's Safe Rides program!

Update from the treasurer: The Student Fees Task Force is looking at how Student Fees are distributed and is currently considering raising the fees.

Brian Green of Arts at Emory:
-www.emory.edu/ARTS
-120 events annually in all areas of artistic production
-encouraging more student attendance. No event costs more than $10 and most are free with student ID.
-over 40 student and faculty organized groups on campus, for all skill levels. However, most are organized undergraduates with little graduate participation. The Emory Arts office has set a goal for increased graduate participation.
-Requesting feedback on the new Bluenotes newsletter that was distributed by email to all graduate students. Also looking for people interested in working on the newsletter. If you missed it, check out the Emory Arts website.
-Watch for "Art in Unusual Places" next semester throughout campus.
-For further information about any of these issues you can contact Brian Green directly at tbgreen@learnlink.emory.edu

DUC space review committee:
-Harland Cinema Renovations. The improvements have led to a small charge for student groups to use the new equipment.
-Late Night space is being considered

Parking and Transportation Committee:
-Lighting for the pathway between the Clairmont Campus and the Main Campus.
-If you have any suggestions or concerns for Parking and Transportation contact Patricia: pfogart@learnlink.emory.edu

MARTA passes: Staff and Faculty can receive a free pass if they relinquish the right to a parking pass.

Health Insurance issues discussed at previous meeting brought to Dean Noe's attention.

Graduate Student Council, 2 October 2003: Grad Student Lounge

Funding Requests:
-Dr. Jeffery Bluestone (Director UCSF Diabetes Center) Immunology and Molecules Pathogenesis Program. 14 October 4pm, Whitehead Auditorium. Request for $500 passed by unanimous consent
-Goodrich C. White Lectureship Series endowment. The fundraising goal is $250,000 to be matched with $1,250,000 through the office of the President. The current total is $246,000. Request for $3000 passed by unanimous consent.
-Graduate Political Science Organization request for temporary charter. Due to language of the constitution, the charter was tabled and $100 was granted for operation until GSC’s November meeting.

MIXER 30 October, Manuel’s Tavern 8pm. Costume Contest and Karaoke.

Katie Ford, GSC representative to the University Senate, informed the GSC of the President’s draft of the University Vision Statement which will be voted on 5 November. The President encourages input and the statement is available on the Emory Home Page.

Guest Speaker Dr. Michael Huey of Student Health Services
-Student Health Services is currently facing space and location issues, such as their separation from the Counseling Center
-Campus Vision Statement currently emphasizes academic, is lacking acknowledgement of community, campus life, health and wellness
-Current health insurance plan incorporates many of the suggestions made by GSC, such as payment plans and elimination of pre-existing condition, although there is a recognition of the high cost
QUESTIONS:
-Costumer Service concerns (please send specific complaints directly to Dr. Huey or Kim Taylor)
-Confusions with the Bursar’s office over processing and the future of the payment options (Dr. Huey says that the option is meant to be permanent)
-Payment options are not available to international students (Dr. Huey says that this was a decision of the International Students and Scholars Program, due at least in part to administrative concerns. It was suggested that the GSC could take steps to raise this issue with ISSP)
-The specific concern of allergy coverage. Although testing is offered for the first time, the plan does not cover the actual serum . This was one of the decisions made as the plan was developed as a cost-benefit analysis.

Graduate Student Council Meeting of 4 September 2003

Welcome from co-Presidents Judy Fontana and Pam Buchalter

Reminder of the new website address: www.students.emory.edu/gsc

Survey for mixers, ticketed events and GSC feedback. If you have any input on these areas, please send a message to gsc@emory.edu

Guest Speaker: Faculty advisor/ liaison Hilary Ford
-New location of GSAS in 200 Chandler Library
-restored reading room and periodicals of Chandler on the third floor, with a bridge directly to Woodruff
-New interim GSAS Dean Brian Noe and interim Associate Dean Richard Rubinson
-Committee on Graduate Education
-convened this simmer to make recommendations to President Wagner in December
-composed of all graduate deans and three faculty members, the process will include seeking student input, so be on the lookout for sessions requesting your input
-One of the main goals is to investigate factors underpinning Emory’s competetiveness. Stipend levels, health insurance and fifth year funding are among the factors already identified.
-There is a focus on GSAS efficiency and service component
-Health insurance:
-Our new carrier this year is Chickering which is providing Aetna insurance
-this choice was made by a committee which investigated all of the options
-we have an excellent new policy which has no pre-exiting condition exclusion
-there are also new alternative payment plans to make the insurance more accessible
-open enrollement ends 30 September
-a question was raised concerning the lack of payment options for international students. Hilary Ford expressed that this option is being considered for the future, but the bursar needed to limit enrollment for this trial year.
-Director of Health Services, Michael Huey will be the guest speaker at next month’s meeting

General introductions of attendees and officers

Funding requests:
-Graduate Student Research Composium to be held September 5 (please note that this was an unusual circumstance, the late funding request was accepted because this was the first meeting of the year, it is GSC policy that requests be made in advance in order to allow us to advertise your event)
-the purpose of the composium is to share scientific knowledge across campus. It is a forum for students to gain experience in giving conference talks and presenting posters
-the request for $500 was passed unanimously
-Student Chapter of the Society for Industiral and Applied Mathematics for speaker Joseph Kolesar of the University of Maryland to present on 15 October at 4:00pm, place to be announced. There will also be a speaker in December, watch the GSC website for details.
-after a call for unanimous consent, the request for $500 was passed
-Student Government Association for a $3000 contribution to the Alumni Association Speaker Series Endowment fund.
-speakers will be selected by a committee which will include student input
-suggestion made to attach rider to the funding so that if the endowment level is not reached, the funding will revert to the GSC
-a motion was passed to suspend the rules and allow for the $3000 contribution. The funding itself was approved after a call for unanimous consent.