Minutes from the January 20th Meeting of the Graduate English Society at Texas Tech

Old Business:

  • At our last meeting, we discussed the possibility of engaging in a service activity. Bernadette suggested that we volunteer with the South Plains Food Bank. Volunteering will likely involve a 3-4 hour commitment on a Saturday, with the possibility of doing multiple Saturdays this semester. This idea was approved by present members on January 20th. Bernadette will contact the Food Bank and we will Doodle available dates. The frequency of dates will be determined at a later time.
  • Other possible volunteer opportunities were presented, including the South Plains Food Bank Farm and Haven Animal Shelter. Group members suggested looking into literacy-directed activities and/or partnering with a local school to assist at-risk students to meet reading and language arts goals.

New Business:

  • The group members discussed the possibility of doing something for the English Department’s Recruitment Day. Kerry offered to talk to Dr. Batra about this. After consulting with Dr. Batra, we will have to put any plans for Recruitment Day on hold, as it is unclear whether this event will be hosted this year.
  • Brandy suggested that we should reach out to students who are accepted into the program in early Spring, as they are considering their choices. To this end, we will put together an email welcome to the GES and include a link to the GES Facebook page.
  • Social activities were discussed, with the possibility of doing a “Spring Cleaning Book Exchange” event.
  • It was suggested that the GES sponsor a Ready-Writing panel of judges for local UIL competitions. This has been followed up on, and the GES is now officially active with the local UIL. Students to serve as judges have already been contacted, though if you are interested in getting involved, let us know!
  • As the environment was not optimal for a full meeting, it was decided that we would meet again within the next two weeks to solidify some of our plans. Kerry will forward a Doodle to find out what days and times work best for the majority of students.

Forthcoming meeting:

  • It is proposed that we commit to a date to serve at the South Plains Food Bank. This will be on a Saturday, and the commitment will be about 3-4 hours.
  • Dr. Rich Rice will speak to the GES about the possibility of hosting a “Marathon Reading” event in coordination with the Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society. This is an event that the department has hosted in the past, but which has not occurred in the last few years. As it has the potential to generate positive publicity and will allow us to raise donations for a charity of our choice, it is proposed that the GES host a Marathon Reading event in conjunction with Sigma Tau Delta the semester.