GSA COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

May 20, 2004

Attendance

Officers and others: Emily Robinson (President), Beth Daniels (Internal Vice President), Susanne Altermann (Secretary), Allison Luengen (Treasurer), Marla Holt (SFAC), Vicky Tarumoto (External Vice President).

Department Reps: Sina Farsiu (Electrical Engineering), Ignacio (Nacho) Solis (Computer Engineering), Lisa Downward (Physics), Meredith Armstrong (Ocean Sciences)

Others:  Erik Dedini (Physics), Joe Schwartz (Physics), Jamus Lim (Economics), Steven Alvarez (SUA), Angela Rosales (SUA), Jeff James, Luke Winstrom, Pascha Bueno Hansen, Roseanne Cohen.

Approval of Minutes and Agenda

Minutes and agenda approved.

Press Releases regarding the Budget and Compact

Angela and Vicky presented two letters developed by the SUA regarding recent budget developments. Although grads present agreed with the letters in general, there was talk of improving the wording. There was enthusiasm for a stronger expression of the importance of education. Suggestions for rearrangement and rewording were left for after the meeting.

A report will come out soon about the true cost of education in California (including housing and other costs which are higher in California than other states). More demonstrations of outrage by students are expected.

Funding Request

Pascha and Roseanne requested additional funding to cover expenses for their Columbia speaker event. GSA had previously awarded them $300, and they came to ask for $249.99 more. GSA granted this request.

Committee and Officer Reports

GSHIP Graduate Student Health Insurance Plan (Allison)

We are switching carriers to Blue Cross, but we will have no premium increase. There is a possibility of a Cobra plan for people who graduate. We prefer option 6 for our dental plan. Emily and Allison met with EVC Peggy Delaney regarding this topic. Option 8 is an alternative. Also, see Allison's written report that went out with the agenda.

SFAC - Student Fee Advisory Committee (Marla)

GSA got no cuts this year. We still want an analysis from Student Affairs regarding how grad money flows through the system. Also, see Marla's written report that went out with agenda.

External Vice President (Vicky)

In April Vicky went to the UCSA legislative conference weekend where people learn how to lobby. There is some momentum about a UC-wide GSHIP plan. UC has 200,000 students!

Social Committee (Ignacio)

Ignacio handed out flyers for the June 5 party. There is also a Happy Hour and Games night next week. Council members suggested games: Apples, Taboo, Twister.

GSA Budget Discussion

A number of ideas were tossed about. There is concern about Travel Grants since we will not be able to sustain the $300 per student we offered this year. Sina suggested that we limit and redefine how we offer event funding and that we post it clearly on the web. Perhaps the Treasurer should make more money - Allison suggested $800/quarter. Sina suggested that department representatives should make $100. There will be a budget meeting consisting of current and future officers and Ignacio before the next GSA meeting.

EGSA - Engineering Graduate Student Association (Ignacio)

Engineering grads are starting their own GSA that has no overlap with the campus-wide GSA. They will have their own funds and governance. Engineering grads will still have representatives to the campus GSA. They are currently forming a constitution.

Adjourn.