Meeting Minutes
The Council of Graduate Students General Delegate Meeting
Friday, October 7, 2000- 3:30 PM
Present: Officers: Ron Meyers (presiding), Kevin Cope, Briggs Cormier, Allyson Lowe. Executives: Anil Challa, Carmie Gade, Andrew Holbrook, Phil Huckelberry, Alecia Naugle. Voting Delegates: Kelly Bradley, Betsy Breseman, Melanie Buffington, Homero Cantu, Anil Challa, Pankaj Choudhary, Karen Clark-Keys, Lara Conrad, Roger Dashner, Michael Duffey, Greg Emch, Carolyn Fitton, Kim Foster, Kay Fukuda, Carmie Gade, Leigh Anne Goldberg, Susan Hanson, John Harris, Mike Harrower, Phil Huckelberry, Elizabeth Kloss, Edward Lasseigne, Scott Leppla, Stacza Lipinski, Alecia Naugle, Dan Nelson, Dan Oliver, James Peters, Dan Peterson, Christina Rivera, Eve Scrogham, John Shea, Scott Smith, Dainta Teeple, Jeff Walline, Kevin Weakley, Rachel Weidinger Non-Voting Delegates, Committee Representatives, Senators, CRGS Representatives and Guests: Larry Lewellen, Assistant Vice President for Human Resources
Guest Speaker: Larry Lewellen, Assistant Vice President for Human Resources
Mr. Lewellen said he has come as a partner of CGS to discuss his role graduate students and in implementation of the findings of the Graduate Quality of University Experience Report (G-QUE report). The G-QUE is a major study in progress conducted by CGS and the Graduate School, designed to ascertain what it is like to be a graduate student, GA, etc., at Ohio State. The G-QUE data analysis and development of a rough first draft is being conducted by the Graduate School, by Dean Huntington. A draft of the report has been due to come out any day. The Provost has stated that the GQUE report is important and its release will effect amendments to the University Academic Plan.
Mr. Lewellen's discussion of Graduate Student Health Insurance Benefits: One thing we can do to improve benefits is to improve cash flow. Human Resources has just installed a new enterprise level system (ARMS). Now that can focus on establishing payroll deduction for graduate student health insurance. This should be implemented by next quarter. Also, they are working on pre-tax payroll deduction, which would reduce students' taxes paid on their income. Under the proposed changes, students would only be able to change their health insurance pre-tax deduction status once a year, but they will continue to work to provide the option to change on a quarterly basis. The system will allow students to change family status (i.e. marriage, child). The option to deduct health insurance premium from monthly paychecks is planned to be provided starting Winter quarter 2001. It is uncertain whether this payroll deduction option will apply to fellowships. Mr. Lewellen will investigate this and get back to Ron.
Retirement Packages: The University is attempting to work toward a system that is more favorable to graduate students. The current system hasn't been as beneficial because full vesting isn't achieved until five years. Pending legislation, however, would allow students to achieve earlier vesting and voluntary investments. Ron noted that previous work with a state agency contributes time for vesting, and that CGS is working with Human Resources to develop a new graduate student compensation and benefits manual. This manual would identify retirement options, pay scales, criteria Departments use for pay increases, and other benefits funded graduate students receive. Students concerned about these issues should call Human Resources at 292-1050. Mr. Lewellen is not certain whether international students are precluded from the retirement plan but believes they are not.
Health Insurance Subsidization: Sponsorship of health insurance is being discussed in various circles including the University Senate, the CGUE, and by the Provost. HR will provide the Provost with two or three options for implementing such a plan. Mr. Lewellen is optimistic that the university will pay very close attention to this issue in the near future. He would be open to hearing from students who are interested in accessing the faculty/staff plans. Ohio State is lagging behind many peer institutions as regard to overall benefits for employment, and exclusion from other benefit plans. Allyson Lowe stated that two individuals are key to talk to on this issue: Mary Daniels, Asst. Vice President for Student Affairs and Chair of the University Student Health Insurance Committee, and Chantal Hunt, CGS representative to the Health Insurance committee.
Recommendations for moving forward: HR and Mr. Lewellen will be bringing the proposals described above to the Provost in the near future. Ron said we have over 500 signatures on the health insurance petition, and we're working to triple that number.
Minimum Stipends for Graduate Assistants: Mr. Lewellen has nothing to say about this. No decision has been made by the university on this issue yet. The minimum stipend is currently $820 per month before taxes.
Kevin, Ron thanked Mr. Lewellen for coming.
Guest Speaker: Dr. William 'Brit' Kirwan, President of the University
Dr. Kirwan shared that it occurred to him as he was walking to the Graduate student Orientation that it was 40 years since he had started as a graduate student. He thought about how much that decision had meant to him, and how rewarding it was. Dr. Kirwan hopes that all grads will get as much out of their grad work as he did, although he hopes they won't end up as university presidents. During Dr. Kirwan 's time, he only thought about the benefit that he was deriving from the university and not vice versa. Now Dr. Kirwan wants to emphasize that grad students are contributing a considerable amount to the prosperity of the university. Universities could not be as successful as they are without the work of grad students- they are vitally important through teaching, research, etc. Another aspect of being a grad student is the flexibility of the current graduate degree. In President Kirwan's time, prospects for him were only in academia. Now there are many more options. For example, in a Berkeley study, many different Ph.D. fields were tracked. Only a small percentage of these were working as tenured professors at a 'Research 1' university 10 years after graduation. A high percentage had gone into the private sector. Many others were at small teaching institutions. So grad students should plan their career with the idea that they could very well end up at a place very different from Ohio State, and focus on developing strong teaching skills.
Housing for Graduate Students: Dr. Kirwan was distressed when he arrived at Ohio State to learn that there wasn't ample grad housing. However, the University is beginning to address this problem- there will be a large housing project at the south gate to the university on Neil Ave. The project will be complete in nearly two years. The University is committed to developing a second new graduate and professional housing complex near the Law School and the new Gateway Project on High St. Also, Interim Vice President for Student Affairs Bill Hall is looking into acquiring even more space for housing.
Academic Plan: The plan is currently in the last round of soliciting input. The academic plan started about 18 months ago, and has undergone constant revision since. The document seeks to make clear the funding that is planned to support initiatives to build academic excellence, and identify a relatively small number of initiatives that will elevate the university to the very top tier of universities. The plan is a means to accomplishing the 2010 plan. The plan also speaks to undergraduate education, diversity, and the 21st century land grant mission.
Diversity Plan: The Diversity plan is the first of its kind at the university, in that it sets specific goals for hiring, and relates specific initiatives for increasing the diversity of the faculty, including minorities and women. The plan is finished and is ready to be implemented, although ongoing dialogue of the plan is an important element in ensuring its success.
Questions: Why doesn't the VP Student Affairs search committee include anyone with an academic background in student affairs? The search committee for the new VP Student Affairs, does in fact have some representation with backgrounds in SA. When a final list of candidates is assembled, there will be ample opportunity for SA as well as members of the university community to have a chance to interview and give feedback.
Why is the new graduate housing focused on single students, rather than families and married students? The new grad student housing focused primarily on single housing partly because of Buckeye Village, which houses families. Dr. Kirwan is not aware of any plan to close Buckeye Village except to renovate. Dr. Kirwan will look into this issue and get back to Ron. Lewellen said that Bill Hall is planning new activity center for Buckeye Village. There could be an opportunity for organized discussion for grad housing if CGS requests such a discussion with Bill Hall. Ron said that CGS has a housing committee needs a member.
Why do you feel that the opportunities for graduate students in academia are second-rate? Dr. Kirwan wants to assure that he does not feel that there are second rate opportunities in academia, just that there are fantastic opportunities outside of academia. Dr. Kirwan is critical of universities, especially Ohio State, for not having maximum possible preparation of graduate students for careers outside academia, or for placement assistance upon graduation. Universities must do more to prepare student for life outside of primary research institutions.
What is the university doing to renovate the School of Music facilities on campus? There is a distressing situation with Hughes Hall. It is old and not handicap accessible, and therefore we cannot open it to the public. The university takes it seriously and planning is underway to address the issues in that building. However, this may take some time. One of the priorities of the 'Affirm thy Friendship' Campaign is to address renovation issues in the College of the Arts. Its important to the university and to Dr. Kirwan.
Why does the academic plan define academic preparedness by limited criteria such as standardized test scores and GPA? Doesn't this interfere with recruiting a diverse student body? During his time at Maryland, the diversity and academic achievement of the university improved dramatically. Dr. Kirwan is happy to report that the OSU just had the best quality entering class, as well as the most diversity. The U of M has conducted a study regarding the impact on the learning environment from having a diverse community. The study concluded that the quality of learning is greater for those in a diverse setting. Dr. Kirwan will guarantee that there will a grad student on the diversity committee.
What will be done about the poor state of the university's health insurance plan? For many students, it may not be sufficient for all their needs. Dr. Kirwan thinks that its not right that students should have to leave health insurance because they exceed the prescription benefit cap. Many universities are dealing with this problem. Many administrators, including Lewellen, and Susan Huntington will be dealing with this problem in the future. A solution must be developed this year.
What is happening regarding compensation for graduate and professional students? One of the initiatives in the academic plan is to provide competitive stipends and benefits for grad students. Dr. Kirwan likes the fact that there is an actual budget attached, instead of just a vision. The plan addresses this issue, and it's a high priority.
Ron thanked Dr. Kirwan.
Ron called the meeting to order at 5:22 PM
Approval of Minutes
Moved and seconded, and passed unanimously.
Delegate Issues
Lasseigne: Can we have flu shots provided in Jones Tower.
Answer: Work with the Wilce center.
Is the Health Insurance petition done?
No, given the success of the petition when it is circulated in a department, we are continuing the campaign. The petition has been revised to reflect changes in the health insurance policy, but is substantially similar in its content, and will treated as the same petition.
Leppla: There is, in fact, no one with formal training in student affairs on VP search committee.
Answer: CGS has tried to secure a spot on the committee, but to date has not been successful.
Jeff: Will grad student housing include professional students?
Answer: Yes, as well as honors undergrads. There will be retail spaces, and there are architectural drawings in the office if you want to look.
Cervanec: We must make sure that there is an opportunity for review by the community at large.
Hanson: Quarters to semesters: how is GA funding figured into that?
The discussion is not that advanced, although it will likely be an important issue in the future. It will be important for representatives on Research and Graduate Council to track this issue.
Officer Reports
President- Ron Meyers
For longer report, please see report submitted by President with mailing, and available in office. The Code of Student Conduct is still under review, and CGS is working very hard to protect student rights and have the Code extend off campus. A significant portion of the Coke funds will go to PDF.
Interim Vice President- Allyson Lowe
She reports that she is recruiting delegates and committee representatives, and has developed a new delegate orientation packet. There are many seats need to be filled (See packet). She stresses that she is interim Vice President and will not be in the position come January, so please take her job!- it's available starting winter quarter.
Treasurer- Briggs
Reported that we are definitely in the black and that budget report will be forthcoming via e-mail
New budget will be presented during new business
Committee Reports
Phil Huckelberry-Compensation and Benefits Having a meeting this Wednesday, 5pm CGS Office for people concerned about subsidization issue. There is a new petition. It was distributed to the body. Must fill two seats on student health committee.
Tizziani: Are these petitions duplicative?
No, please have petitions resigned, so people know that we're still doing it. We have database of who has signed it, so we won't doublecount.
Alicia Naugle- Professional Development Fund PDF gives many grants through the year to grad students for travel. The due date for apps has been postponed to October 13, due to poor response. Committee is meeting October 17, at 4pm in CGS. Will meet October 24 to make final decisions Announcement October 27 Alicia will remain after the meeting to answer questions.
Anil Challa- International Students Concerns Talking with Office of International Education over various concerns and to make sure there's no redundancy
Ron (on behalf of Carmie) Events Homecoming float- should CGS do one? A few people are interested.
Project Vote is registering new voters -please help.
New Business
Elections
Election for Senate and Research Seat
Jason Cervanec- Senate Seat
Motion to suspended rules, seconded
Passed unanimously
Jason elected with one abstention
John Harris- candidate
Theater student, held many relevant jobs
Elected unanimously
Election of CGS Secretary
Candidate Kevin Cope
Motion to close nominations, seconded,
Motion passed unanimously
Vote to elect Kevin Cope Secretary
Elected Unanimously
Election of CGS VP Open Nominations
Draft CGS Annual Priorities ( passed out). Ron requested that members of CGS review this important document and comment upon it. We will revise based on delegates comments and present at next CGS meeting for delegate approval.
The revised CGS Budget was distributed.
Motion to approve budget, motion seconded
Motion Approved, with one objection
Announcements
None
Moved to adjourn, motion seconded,
Adjourned, 6:00 PM
Respectfully submitted,
Kevin Cope, CGS Secretary
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