OFFICIAL MINUTES OHIO UNIVERSITY GSS Oct. 8, 2012
I. Call To Order.
President Tynita White called the regular Graduate Student Senate Meeting of Monday, Oct. 8, 2012 to order at 7:15 p.m.
II. Roll Call.
Molly Yanity, Vice President of Communications, called the roll.
ROLL CALL: Executives Present: / Commissioners Present:Tynita White, President
Ed Gaither, VP of Legislative Affairs
Molly Yanity, VP for Finance / Lacey Rogers, Women’s Affairs
Pronoy Rai, International
Leah Ward, Black Affairs
Executives Absent: / Commissioners Absent:
Ashley Furrow, VP of Communication / Lance Poston, LGBT Affairs
Tatiana Puscasu, Grad Student Life
Senators Present:
Katie Mitchell, Arts & Science
Ben Weiner, Engineering
Rudy Nasir, Ctr for International Studies
David Foster, Education
Chet Miller, Fine Arts
Shawn Cuevas, Osteopathic Medicince
Jessica Furgerson, Communication
Natasha Aduloju, Health Sciences & Professions
Senators Absent:
None
*Press (none)
III. Approval of previous meeting’s minutes
Motion to approve Gaither, Seconded by Jessica Furgerson. Approved unanimously.
IV. Student speak out.
None.
V. Presentations
CENTER FOR STUDENT LEGAL SERVICES, Attorney Melissa Greenlee – Greenlee presents about Ohio Landlord-Tenant Law. She offers a handout and discusses the highlights: The CSLS offers lease reviews (things to note: there are typically joint & several liability clauses if you have roommates, co-tenant/roommate agreements), Problems with rental homes and what course of action tenants have, as well as security deposit disputes. If you have waived the legal service fee ($12/semester), there will be some kind of fee. Greenlee said she has already saved students approximately $28,000. CSLS also provides other legal services like debt collections, some family law, civil cases and more. (Answering a question from Hashim, the center also advises international students and there are no differences in landlord-tenant disputes despite international status.)
WALK-A-MILE IN HER SHOES, MPA student Rich Freeman and undergrad Tyler Gads: The fifth annual men’s march at Ohio University to stop rape, sexual assault and gender violence will be NOVEMBER 3. The organizing committee needs volunteers and donations. Interested in helping or participating, contact Rich at
Also, there will be a men’s discussion group and workshop led by Bill Arnold at 6- 7:30 p.m., October 29 at Baker 231.
A Buffalo Wild Wings Fundraiser is also being planned. Details to come.
VI. Officers reports
President White. The Library Research Series has returned. give graduate studentsthe opportunity to share their research processand discoveries made along the way to completing a project. In addition, students also get a valuable chance to present in front of an audience and discuss the challenges and opportunities that come along with conducting the research.
All OU grad students are invited to apply to be the next speaker at the Graduate Student Research Series. After a committee reviews the proposed presentations, the selected student or group of students will present for 30-35 minute on their research process. Speakers will also receive a $200 honorarium for their presentations. Applications are due by 5 p.m., October 26 to the GSS Office at Baker 302. (More information is available here: http://www.library.ohiou.edu/apply-to-be-the-next-speaker-in-the-graduate-research-series-alden/) PLEASE PASS THIS ALONG TO YOUR CONSTITUENTS AND DEPT HEADS TO DISTRIBUTE.
* The Dental Depot said it only had five students take part in its affordable dental option. Let’s pass along the fact the Depot is again offering Ohio University students this option: The package will cost students $230 a year. Coverage starts as soon as students sign the contract and will remain effective for 365 days. It offers, among other services, two oral evaluations, two dental cleanings and X-rays. The coverage plan also offers other discounted services, including a whitening service, which would be reduced from $400 to $150. Call the Dental Depot to enquire: 740-594-6000.
* The Campus Farmer’s Market will be this Friday 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at Howard Park. It is the last one of the semester.
Vice President Gaither. The results of the Graduate Housing survey from last year seem to be lost. (A suggestion was given to try to contact Jen Meskiel (spelling?) about these results.)
Vice President Yanity. Current budget stands at $3,079.00. If you have events, let me know about them and we will try to get them funded.
Reporting for Vice President Furrow. GRADFEST was a success with about 150 people coming with wristbands. The pizza went fast and it seemed to be a good time. Upcoming GRADFESTS.
Saturday, Nov. 3 – Theme to be determined – 8 p.m. Brew side of Jackie O’s. Drink special to those wearing wristbands = $2 domestic beers
Saturday, Dec. 1 – Karaoke – 8 p.m. on Public side of Jackie O’s. Drink special to those wearing wristbands = $2 house drafts
Commissioner Ward, Black Affairs. No report
Commissioner Rai (proxy), International Affairs. No report
Commissioner Rogers, Women’s Affairs. Women’s Center director Susanna Dietzel needs volunteers for the Oct. 17 “Healthy Bodies” Colloquium. See Dr. Dietzel at Baker 403 if you are interested.
The Women’s Center is also hosting a brown bag on NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY at noon, Thursday, October 10.
Also, to celebrate National Coming Day, Open Doors is hosting a gathering from 5-7 p.m. at Jackie O’s.
VII. Old business.
SUMMER TUITION WAIVERS. According to Jessica Furgerson, the “Responsibility-Centered Management” model kicks in July 1, 2013. Because of this, graduate tuition waivers will be honored for the first summer session because it is part of this fiscal year. However, for the following fiscal year, it is not a guarantee and is completely up to departments. Each department ahs to OK it for the second session and beyond, Furgerson said.
The reason for this is because graduate assistants operate at a “loss,” according the RCM model.
Yanity says that she and President White will draft a letter for each department representative to pass along to their department head, and recommends that that the entire body sign a letter to Faculty Senate.
VIII. New business.
None.
IX. Resolutions.
Resolution 1213-07. A Resolution Adopting New Members to the Graduate Student Senate. Chet Miller moves to waive reading; Molly seconds. Ed Gaither moves to adopt resolution; Furgerson seconds. Motion passes unanimously.
Resolution 1213-08. A Resolution Adopting a New Senator for Health Sciences & Professionals. Due to personal reasons, Lauren Mente, who was elected had to resign her position. Natasha Aduloju will replace her. Yanity moves to waive reading; Gaither seconds. Gaither moves to adopt resolution; Newby seconds. Motion passes unanimously.
X. Announcements.
Chet Miller: Music and Dance production at 8 p.m., October 9 at Glidden Hall. Homecoming Band performance at 8 p.m. Friday, October 12 at Memorial Auditorim.
Hashim Pashtun: Brazilian Martial Arts showcase and performance October 18 (6:30-8:30 p.m.) and October 19 (7-9 p.m.) Sign up at the Student Senate Office at Baker 305.
Steve Phalen: At 9 a.m., Saturday, October 20 is WALK THE WALK, a walk around Athens to raise awareness about mental health. It begins at the Athens Courthouse on Court Street, goes to the Gathering Place, to the Ridges and ends at the O’Blenness Hospital Campus.
XI. Adjournment. President White moves to adjourn at 8:16 p.m.; Furgerson seconds. Meeting adjourns.