Bisc Grad Caucus Meeting Minutes
May 27, 2005
In attendance: : Katrina Salvante, Emily Wagner, Theingi Aung, Chenyong Liao, Charlotte Voss, Jason Catterson, Niki Cook, Suzanne Gray, Sandra Webster, Andrea Pomeroy, Jeanine Bond, Raul Ursic, Christiana Cheng, Martin Brummell, Jeff Joy, Keith Tierney
1. Welcome and introductions
- a. Andrea Pomeroy welcomed all and the agenda was introduced.
- b. Thanks were given to Katrina Salvante for holding biology caucus elections and congratulations were offered to the winners.
2. Claim our money
- a. On a motion from Jason Catterson, seconded by Raul Ursic, a motion was passed to approve caucus expenses for the summer semester
3. Meeting expenses
a. On a motion from Suzanne Gray, seconded by Charlotte Voss, a motion
was passed to approve caucus meeting snack expenses for the summer semester
4. Coffee room/grad lounge
a. Since there will be no food permitted in the new lounge room, the
microwave, toaster oven, and supplies purchased recently for use in
it will have to be used elsewhere, and Biology Caucus has decided to
not supply furniture for this room. Fortunately, Tony Williams has offered
to spruce up the 7000 level biology graduate common area. A wish list
was discussed for upgrading the room: a sink, a sign for ‘no-undergrads’,
counter(s), U-shaped counter, comfy couches, and a fridge w/ freezer.
Barb Sherman has proposed locked cupboards. SFSS money may still be
used for this new room. Bisc Caucus discussed supplying coffee for the
new area.
5. Tuition deadline for RA's and the removal of payroll deduction
a. Any grad student being paid as an RA cannot delay tuition payment
(i.e. have tuition payments deducted from biweekly checks), as can be
done when being paid as a TA (which is permitted by the collective agreement
with TAs). For students with GFs, money is taken from the first check.
Until this semester, it was okay to deduct the amount personally. Andrea
Pomeroy has written a letter to say she will deduct and will not pay
late fees. The Biology department is working on the issue; Barb Sherman
will help students cope with the problem. Bisc Caucus will write a letter
on behalf of Bisc grad students. Suzanne Gray – the DGSC are aware
of the issue and Tony Williams is writing a letter. The problem could
be solved by providing RA money up front, or making the tuition deadline
for grad students the end of the semester. Suzanne will bring it up
at the next DGSC.
6. Mentorship program – coordinator needed
a. A coordinator is needed for this fall since Suzanne Gray must be
in field during the time when event is held. For the mentorship program,
incoming grad students are paired up with volunteer grad students who
can be used as a resource for questions or other. The program does not
demand much time from the coordinator. The coordinator must get a list
from Marlene Nguyen (nguyen@sfu.ca), send out emails, pair volunteers
and students according to fields of interest, and during the new student
orientation day, supply pizza, beverages, and facilitate meetings. If
you would like the job, email Suzanne Gray (smgray@sfu.ca). Charlotte
Voss has tentatively volunteered pending scheduling.
7. Committee reports
a. DGSC – see 5a above; no other news.
b. Faculty mole – no news.
c. GIC – Reminder, health plan should be available this fall (for
details see last month’s minutes).
d. TSSU – negotiations are continuing.
e. Scholarships – no news.
8. Other business
a. Soccer at five! Call Raul Ursic (4391)
b. Beer Garten at 4:30 today. General discussion ensued on a name for
‘the area’
