UCSC Graduate
Student Association

GSA Meeting Minutes--May 2, 2002

Attendance:

Officers: Lee Ritscher (President), Heather DeShon (Treasurer), David Machledt (Secretary), Yancey Quiñones (EVP)

Department Reps:  Emily Moberg (History/CPB), Sajeemas “Mint” Pasakdee (Env. Studies), Allison Luengen (Etox), Florence Woo (Linguistics), Ruth Schmitz (Physics), Wendy Williams (Psychology), Rebecca Schein (HistCon), Leah Haines (Economics),

Visitors: Kristen Cheney (Anthropology), James Rowe (Politics), Erin Kraal (ES), Jake Sewall (ES), Terry Furey (CS)

I. Approval of Agenda and Minutes

Agenda was approved with no changes.  Minutes were tabled until next meeting

II. Lynda Goff, Dean of Undergraduate Education on the WASC accrediting process

Lynda described this long process to us and noted that phase one of three phases has just been completed.  That first report, with goals and objectives, was just recently submitted.  In Spring 2004, the first review team with convene to evaluate institutional effectiveness, then in Fall 2004 they will review academic effectiveness.  Lynda told us that graduate students were the #1 priority because of the value-added they bring to the campus.  They want to add more structured experiences for all grads as well as more certification programs, such as technology training, writing, technology transfers, etc.  The grad college will offer better housing and could offer  curricula as well. 

III. Health Care Update

Allison brought quotes from insurance companies detailing different possible plans, but it was difficult to get the broker to cooperate and cite exactly what we asked for.  The grad dean and associate grad dean both accept that services should not be cut.  They also want to address ongoing problems with GSHIP, such as improving the billing and information distribution systems.  The as is plan will rise from $313 to $408 per quarter, which is roughly comparable to rates across the country.  The GSA suggestions, discussed and prepared for our meeting with Chanc. Greenwood, would be to increase physical therapy from $500 to $1000 and increase mental health sessions to be comparable with undergrads.  It was impossible to obtain a meaningful dental quote.

IV. TAPS Update

The head of TAPS informed us that increased enforcement towards 24 hrs would be the solution.  However, implementation could not begin this fall.  This week he sent a letter to the union.  At the next union meeting, Wes Scott will speak.  The next Trasportation Advisory Committee meeting is open to all students.  It will be Wed. May 8, from 10-12PM in Bay Tree Conf. Room A.

V. Budget Approval

Heather announced that we are rolling over approximately $57,000 this year, and that although we are spending more than we take in, the extra money is sizable.  She's looking into offering some kind of scholarship.  The budget was passed with the following changes:  $1000 was added to travel grants, the GSHIP committee rep will be paid $50/quarter, and a motion to double outdoor activities to $500 also passed.  The $1500 for the film festival will be a spring quarter expense.

VI. International Student Fee

This discussion centered around a letter (see attached) to relieve the burden on international students who need to pay out of state fees for each year they’re here.  James noted that undergrad and grad student admissions should be decoupled.  Raising fees to cover the budget gap will jeopardize grad enrolment, but he noted that the income from out-of-state tuition can’t be enough to offset the costs of not being competitive to attract top international students.  However, covering their fees displaces 3 domestic students.  Emily suggested that we revise the draft and then distribute it to other GSA’s and academic departments to get them to sign on.  Wendy suggested addressing the issue of lost funding due to attrition, to improving communication with incoming international student and to use the WASC proposal, which states that UC wants to “foster diversity.”  Heather suggested trying to get the UCSA to adopt this as one of their three major agenda items next year.  James said the final version would be sent out by May 10^th.

VII. Committee Reports

VIII. Officer Reports

IX. New Business--SVOC Takeover

Adam Thompson made a presentation about the Student Union Assembly’s attempt to take over the SVOC, which appoints undergrads to committees.  After a long discussion, the GSA decided to remain neutral on this issue.

VI. Adjourn

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Contact GSA: gsa@ucsc.edu