G-SAC Meeting, November 4, 2013

Attendance: Haoyue Zhang (Garfield), Alison Sotolongo, Jason Murphy, Melissa Rodinski, Eugene Geis, Kristen Lew, Kevin Crouse, Colleen McDermott

GSA Funding

  • Jason shared with everyone the new stipulations associated with receiving GSA funding. From now on, we must gather signatures from all attendees of an event and will be reimbursed based on the number of attendees. Kristen asked if there is an allotted about of money. Jason explained that it depends on the time of day and location. There is a rate for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
  • Additionally, we are able to pull funding from other approved events to cover additional costs of an event, if needed.

GSE Lounge Study Sessions

  • Jason proposed to begin this initiative during the spring semester. He will work on securing dates.

Graduate Student Presentation Series

  • There are four sessions lined up, with two that have already occurred. The presentation scheduled for today (11/4) was rescheduled for 11/18.
  • Funding for the first two presentations came out of G-SAC, but we will submit for the next two to come out of GSA funding (following the new procedures).

Tech Chair Vacancy

  • Kristen shared that Steve Garwood resigned from his position as Tech Chair.
  • The members at the meeting discussed how we will go about filling the position. Colleen McDermott suggested that we reach out to Dr. DrewGitomer and Dr. Pablo Mejia to see if we need to have an election.
  • Kevin reviewed the constitution and read from the constitution, “If any elective office shall become vacant, the President shall order at the earliest possible date a special meeting of SAC for the purpose of filling such office. The member who volunteers shall take office immediately enter upon his/her duties and shall remain in office until the next regular election.”Kristen deemed that the current meeting could stand as a special meeting, and the board members agreed.
  • Garfield HaoyueZhang expressed interest in the position and was appointed the position. Jason and Alison volunteered to assist with Garfield with the new duties, specifically how to update the website.

G-SAC Website

  • We discussed what we would like to see on the G-SAC website, specifically, forms for reimbursement, 2013-2014 constitution, announcements about meetings, and events.
  • Garfield, Jason, and Alison need to gain access to edit the website from Jenn St. Pierre.
  • We decided to contact Lars about placing a link to our new website on the homepage of our former website.
  • New website:

Mid-semester social**

  • We did not receive GSA funding for the mid-semester social.
  • All members decided that we did want to try and have a mid-semester social. We decided that we could pull some funding from the money that was allocated to us for the G-SAC film series.
  • Ideas for the mid-semester social include a visit from the RU Seeing-Eye Puppy Raising club, board games, and possibly ping-pong.
  • After much deliberation, we decided on Thursday, November 21st at 12:30pm in GSE 124.
  • Kristen volunteered to contact Ericka about reserving room 124.
  • Once we receive confirmation about the room and the puppy club, we will begin advertising. Advertisement methods include: flyers, e-mails through Jenn St. Pierre and Jamie Cann, e-mails from G-SAC account, and by contacting program representatives.
  • Alison, Kevin, and Eugene are available at 12:30pm for set-up.

**UPDATE as of 11/10/13: This event will be a pre-finals social with date TBD.

Educational Film Series

  • At this time, we decided to use the GSA funding for the film series and apply it to the mid-semester social. We will need to explain to GSA why we are moving this funding.
  • Kristen said that we will still be able to show some films and that she will work with Jason to plan these.
  • Melissa Roginski, co-present of TIMA, expressed interest in co-sponsoring a film event and has a movie in mind that brought in large attendance last time it was shown.

End of Year Social

  • Before planning for this event we should chat with Drew and Jenn St. Pierre.

Fall Poster Session

  • Suggested that we e-mail Dr. Clark Chinn to inquire about this event.
  • In the past, G-SAC has funded refreshments and it was suggested that we do this again.
  • Jason said that he would review over the budget to see if this is something that we can fund again.

Teachers’ Initiative for MultiAmerica (TIMA)

  • On November 2, G-SAC received an e-mail from Luis and TIMA informing us that TIMA was not recognized as a graduate student organization for the 2013-2014 school year. According to GSA, each academic department (E.g., Education) is permitted to only have one academic organization recognized by GSA. GSA suggested that TIMA reach out to G-SAC about the possibility of using any remaining funds for fall 2013.
  • Melissa Roginski, co-present of TIMA, attended the meeting to discuss the issue with us and provide more information. Melissa discussed the importance of TIMA programs and the relevance to the students in the GSE.
  • Melissa proposed that G-SAC assist TIMA with the student panel they have planned for ESL students to discuss effective teaching practices in the classroom. In total the event would cost $325, including the $125 honorarium.
  • Kristen, Kevin, Jason, Eugene, Alison, and Garfield agreed to support this initiative.
  • Jason planned to meet with Melissa (or the TIMA treasurer) to go over their budget and see how G-SAC can help support them.

GSE Store

  • Jenn St. Pierre e-mailed Kristen and Jason about having G-SAC help run a GSE Store for merchandise. The GSE is unable to do this on their own unless they go through a student organization.
  • Jason proposed that he and Kristen meet with Jenn St. Pierre to discuss this further and gather more information.
  • Questions from the board: Will money be put out ahead of time?
  • Colleen suggested for Dr. Drew Gitomer to also attend the meeting.

Reimbursement process for 2013-2014

  • The Dean’s conference support forms are due before attending a conference.
  • G-SAC’s conference support forms are due after returning from a conference.
  • Kevin suggested that we coordinate with the Dean DeLisiso that it is only one form.
  • Colleen explained that it should be clear that you must list all departments where you arereceiving additional funding and that it should all be on one TABER.
  • Rutgers has updated their travel prices; it is now $.50 per mile.
  • Parking is separate from travel fees

Ericka - Room reservations for GSE 124

  • All room reservations should consistently come from the same person. The board decided to start sending all GSE 124 room requests from the G-SAC e-mail account.

Senate meetings

  • The University is moving towards a Responsibility Centered Management focus. Eugene suggested that we all look into RCM.