Meeting Minutes
The Council of Graduate Students General Delegate Meeting
Friday, December 1, 2000- 3:30 PM
Present: Officers: Ron Meyers (presiding), Kevin Cope, Briggs Cormier, Allyson Lowe
Executives: Anil Challa, Andrew Holbrook, Phil Huckelberry, Alecia Naugle, Elizabeth Warren
Voting Delegates: Cathryn Allen, Judit Bach, Jill Burkhart, Jason Cervenec, Anil Challa, Alysia Chaves, Pankaj Choudhary, Roger Dashner, Michael Duffy, Kay Fukuda, Leigh Anne Goldberg, Erich Guy, John Harris, Andrew Holbrook, Karen Huber, Phil Huckelberry, Unmesh Kurup, Edward Lasseigne, Scott Leppla, Stacza Lipinski, Alecia Naugle, Justin Pepperney, Daniel Peterson, Joe Pirone, Susan Printy, Mark Nuckols, Arun Ramakrishnan, Scott Risley, Christina Rivera, Marsha Robinson-Barber, Stanley Radzevicins, Michael Rowan, Scott Risley, Eve Scrogham, Kurset Sendur, Reema Shafi, John Shea, Theresa Skybo, Shannon Snyder, Dainta Teeple, Jeff Walline, Jennifer William, Jing Zhao, Lisa Wallace,
Non-Voting Delegates, Committee Representatives, Senators, Representatives and Guests: Huntington, Riffee, Yoon, Ralston
Ron Meyers, President, called the meeting to order at 3:35 P.M.
Introductions
Guest Speaker: Susan Huntington, Dean of the Graduate School
If you didn't participate in the orientation, I want to tell you the that Graduate School is the college of record and can provide much support for you in a variety of ways.
I'd like to spend the time talking about the GQUE project. GQUE stands for Graduate Quality of the University Experience, and was founded by CGS. A questionnaire that was given to graduate students is being given to you. It has taken a great amount of effort to analyze. We also did a survey of graduate studies chairs and of deans and department chairs. We found that deans and department chairs rated graduate education above undergraduate on their list of priorities. There is a discrepancy between the infrastructure of these positions and the priority the graduate studies chair places on it. The best place to fix problems is through graduate programs. So we will work to give greater support to graduate studies chairs. CGS officers will view the GQUE first, and then it will be widely distributed to all graduate students. We hope it will stimulate discussion.
I'd like to talk about each of the categories of the report separately. This report is unique in that it is based on empirical data. Most people don't understand graduate education, and why it should be supported. We need to help people understand. The report is based on data and is compared to other data from around the country.
The first recommendation is that we strengthen graduate training. Only 25% of graduate students go through any GTA training. We need more training and professional development and continued training through the year. We will also recommend that we have more cross disciplinary programs, more internships, and more minors. Professional Development includes many things such as attending conferences and presenting papers at conferences. These items have been neglected for the most part.
The second recommendation is that we create more career advice and placement services for students. Only 10% of PhDs were found to working at major universities after 10 years according to a Berkeley study. More and more students are spending their careers out of academia.
Finances are a major problem for graduate students. They are usually not dependent on their parents for money, and have additional financial commitments. Students are spending more time working and less time studying than they should be. This applies both to those who are on funding and those who are not. Health insurance benefits is a concern that fits under this umbrella.
Fourth, we must address the quality of life for graduate students. This concerns a variety of things, and its often the case that activities are geared more toward undergraduates. We must focus more on graduates.
We must also improve the climate on campus for special populations. Women, for the most part, felt that their needs were being accommodated. The populations that have required special efforts are disabled, African Americans, and International students. Each with different issues. With people with disabilities, and African Americans, although they're in a minority meeting their needs is important.
Most graduate studies chairs have very little administrative support. We need to give them more support so they can support graduate students.
We want to link the graduate objectives to Ohio State's larger institutional goals. Often it's as if the graduate education is invisible, but this is not unique to Ohio State. Other schools, too, make graduate education secondary to undergraduate and research. We need to get graduate education issues in the center of these other priorities. In the new budget model, there are different kinds of incentives that will change graduate education.
Finally we must monitor our progress and adjust accordingly. For example, we now need extensive computer training. A key thing we need to do is to roll the GQUE out well. When some reports come out it can look like a laundry list of wants. The GQUE is not something that is simply an aside from the university's other priorities. The report will show how the graduate priorities are central to the priorities of the university as a whole.
Questions: "Is anything similar being done at other universities?" Some are. Some universities have exit surveys, but these only measure successful students. Ours is more comprehensive and will be a model for other universities. Most students are satisfied here. We will start a trend nationally with the GQUE. "When should we expect the final report?" Whenever the final corrections are made, perhaps the December 11th. I will give to Ron for his comment and review so it should be ready in January. "How do we make the link to graduate education with the academic plan?" I have not agreed with some aspects of the Academic Plan. I really hope that the GQUE will open some eyes. Graduate students are often seen as the elite, and thus there's a certain amount of a lack of understanding of the need for graduate education, and we're not alone. "What is CGS' role in the GQUE? CGUE started as GGS project, and later went to the Graduate School. How can we maintain partnership?" It is a partnership, and there was a committee, and it was entrusted with writing the first draft. We've failed miserably as a partnership. But we're working so that there will be more partnership after we roll out the draft. "You feel that graduate experience needs improvement. Do you think that exclusion is intentional?" No. It's based on a budget model, and some of the incentives are perverse toward the quality of graduate education. I'm hopeful, and I think that the president understands this situation.
Approval of Minutes
Delegate Challa moved, delegate Harris seconded
Passed by affirmation, one abstention
Issue and Concerns
Scrogham: If any of you look at fee statements on line, if you're a graduate student with an assistantship, we automatically have payroll deduction of health insurance. This is a problem for some of us. Once the computers are aligned, your insurance payroll deduction will be knocked off your fee statement. Contact Guy Flora to have it taken care of immediately. Lowe: We talked to Guy Flora today - it will be corrected, it is just a computer glitch. Those who waive health insurance, the payroll deduction appears on the fee statement on the registrar's webpage, until the first week of classes when the e-files are reconciled and corrected.
Chao: Insurance waiver for international students. Meyers: We're working with that issue. We're continuing to talk about waiver issue.
Leppla: Code of Student Conduct. I know that we delegates will be approached about it by students. We should decide what our role should be as CGS, given that they're considering extending the code to off-campus. Is the council going to draft a position on this? Meyers: Last year we discussed it at length, and wrote a letter of support along with concerns and problems. That process is continuing. We could have it on the agenda for the next meeting if you'd like. It's a very complex issue. The revisions are extensive and it's very legalistic.
Challa: Student health insurance- I've heard that the university will reduce health insurance by 25% or so. Lowe: As far as we know, the university will not cut out 25% of health insurance. We have slightly fewer benefits than last year. We will continue to pursue the issue. Meyers: Anther rumor is that 25% of health insurance will be covered. That's not true either, but we are working on this very hard. But at least the whole issue is now on the agenda, that's good.
Regarding the Code, we will draft a summary of the work that CGS has done on the code at the next meeting.
Lasseigne: To what extent have we expressed disapproval of students' conduct? Meyers: We've been careful about what we've said about the issue, We feel that only students who have done wrong should have the book thrown at them. But you can draw up a resolution of disapproval and present it to Council for consideration.. Duffy: Should we invite the charged students to next meeting to discuss issue? Meyers: Yes, that's possible.
Officer Reports
President, Ron Meyers
We're working to maintain our voice at the University Senate. The other major thing I've been working on is improving office functioning as well as securing Coke funds. Today I presented before the OSU Board of Trustees on graduate student outreach. Our time before the Board has been cut, but I have worked to restore much of it.
Vice President, Allyson Lowe
We continue to have many seats open. We will elect RGC and others open, such as university wide and senate committees. The positions are listed in your packet, but a more recent list is in the office. We have produced magnets which will be distributed to all departments. We are up to nearly 100 delegates.
Treasurer, Briggs Cormier
The 1999-2000 budget is closed. There's a minor discrepancy ($5.84) but it's not significant. The books are technically still open pending by-law approval. We are still waiting to receive our endowment funds from Coke. Looking at cash reserves, we have established CDs through National City and I have deposited $4000 into a savings account.
Secretary, Kevin Cope
I have been working on designing a database of members, committees, and positions for CGS. The database will allow better access to CGS information and greater efficiency for members of the university community. It will be available on the web. More information will be available soon.
Committee Reports
Andrew Holbrook- Legislative Affairs
Since I'm a political scientist I've been swamped with election stuff. For those of you who are teaching, you may have an Ohio legislator in your class, since an 18 year-old student was just elected to the General Assembly I'll get back to those of you interested in the committee soon.
Phil Huckelberry- Compensation and Benefits
We had a small meeting with USG Monday night over health insurance issue. There's a lot of concern over the nature of the current health insurance system We'll gather a list of questions to take to the Student Health Insurance Committee, and we'll have a survey distributed in January. Also, we'll draft a letter and send it out and we'll work with USG on the low cost health insurance options. We set up e discussion lists and their web addresses are on the board.
Elizabeth Warren- Diversity
So far we've met twice this quarter. We supported spider woman theater program. The major thing happening is developing comments on the diversity plan. We are also working on a spring diversity summit, and I really need help working on this program. Sign up on the sheet if you're interested. Today is world AIDS day. A note on diversity: diversity is very widely defined to include racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, and SES.
Anil Challa- International Concerns Committee
We're working on organizing the spring symposium.
Alicia Naugle- Professional Development Fund
Every quarter we give out funds to graduate students to travel to conferences. The deadline for Winter quarter is 4PM on January 19. We're going to change the format so it's easier to read. We'll be advertising in the Lantern, and we're looking to meet January 22 and January 29 to review applications.
Old Business
Second reading and vote on proposed changes to CGS bylaws to begin the CGS fiscal year on July 1. The issue is whether our budget will coincide with the university's fiscal year, July 1 to June 30.
Moved by delegate Duffy, delegate Harris seconded
Passed by affirmation unanimously.
New Business
Elections
Senate and Research and Graduate Council Elections
Shannon Snyder, Candidate for University Senate, Professional and Biological Sciences
I'd really like to get involved.
Vice Presidential Elections
Candidate Hyunsook Yoon
I am very happy to run for election. I am a 1st year doctoral student in English as a Second Language. I worked in Korea for several years in various positions in communications. I applied because I am interested in improving service in academic departments. Also, I want to improve students' financial situation, and help international student concerns. It would be great honor to serve 10,000 students as CGS Vice President.
Naugle: The officers and some members of the executive have interviewed Hyunsook and consider her to be a great candidate and we're happy to have her running for the position.
Walline: Have you spoken to people formerly in the position? How do you plan on dealing with time commitment? Yoon: Time management is very important to me, and I will make sure that I have time.
Bach: Do you think that 3 months in the country is enough time to adjust to climate of U.S. and this university. Yoon: I am still struggling but I am doing well. Meyers: You have led projects in the corporate world, and thus would likely be well-prepared.
Delegate Huckelberry moved to close, delegate Leppla seconded
Vote to elect Vice President:
30 for, 1 against, 1 abstention.
Elected.
Resolution: Parking Reimbursement
Author: Executive Committee
Last year we agreed to partially reimburse our President and Vice President for the costs of the 'A' parking permits. We are now proposing reimbursing the full cost of the permit
Holbrook moved to accept, Lasseigne seconded
Harris: what was the conversation about paying the difference? Lowe: we discussed paying the step-up cost. How much is it? It's $570 a year and going up constantly.
Leppla: I thought is was 300 some dollars. Have you looked into getting a state vehicle to use for business? Lowe: It would be more expensive, and would be less convenient
Passed by affirmation, one abstention.
Resolution : Subsidization of Health Insurance for Funded Graduate Students
Author: Executive Committee
This resolution would provide health insurance subsidization for all graduate students who are graduate associates or funded fellows.
Delegate Harris moved to adopt, delegate Peterson seconded
Delegate Holbrook moved for friendly amendment, accepted
Briggs: parliamentary note: minor change in language
Passed by affirmation unanimously
Resolution: Provision of Domestic Partners Health Insurance Benefits
Author: Executive Committee
This resolution proposes offering health insurance coverage through the university to domestic partners of students, staff, and faculty.
Duffy moved to approve, Huckelberry second
Friendly amendment, accepted.
Nuckols: I have skepticism about this proposal, concerns about abuse and unrealistic nature of it.
Meyers: We may be able to increase chances of this plan becoming reality by passing this resolution, as it lends support for the measure.
Nuckols: Are they able to purchase insurance for dependents? Meyers: Yes they are, the burden of paying for dependents has been shouldered by single people recently.
Lasseigne: Is this identical to the resolution that gets passed every year? Why not use language that encourages the Senate to take action?
Huckelberry: Why don't we do that as a separate resolution?
Passed by affirmation unanimously
Resolution: Condemnation of Students' Actions Involved in Recent Riots
Author: Lasseigne
The resolution expresses disapproval of students' behavior. The incident is a big black mark on the university.
Moved by Challa, second by Naugle
Cope: As a organization which advocates for students, I have a real problem officially condemning students for questionable behavior when there is so much evidence of severe abuse of authority by Columbus Police and university administration.
Huckelberry: I agree with most of Cope's comments.
Moved to table delegate Harris, delegate Huckelberry seconded
Lasseigne: The administration will be acting soon, so we should speak now
Naugle: For tabling. Perhaps tabling would allow for adjustment that would make it more student-friendly.
Bach: For tabling. wouldn't be fair without getting all details
Tabled by affirmation
Guest Speaker- Kate Riffee, Assistant Athletic Director for Student Athletic Support Service
I want to talk briefly about relationships and partnerships and its importance. This building was built with the hope that athletic and academic affairs could form partnerships. We were in the basement of Raney commons and we sought a new space. We brought various people on board and five years later its here.
The process itself has been a huge benefit. People have come together in a partnership to determine the best way to do this. Its been great to be able to partner with this group because it's very critical to what we do. Our Buckeyes Study Program has come together to work to raise retention and graduation.
You're not going to retire on this, but you'll get some money, there are various positions available. We've got a pretty decent budget. Have you seen these letters of instructor feedback reports. This information is critical. If there's an issue, this information is disseminated, and it helps quite a bit on both ends of the scale. Please know that 99.9% of coaches respond to these. They are quite effective. You may e-mail them as an alternative. If you feel that a member of a coaching staff calls you, let me know- it's not acceptable. It we call you, please don't feel that you're being pressured to adjust scores. There have been nationally publicized incidents and that's where other institutions have failed. I am totally committed to a partnership.
Meyers: It's going to be us working with them to help them achieve their goals. If we do that, we'll become known as a partner.
Riffee: There'll be a tour if you want to go on it after the meeting.
Meyers: Will you be doing next year's TA orientation? Riffee: Yes.
Motion to adjourn by Naugle, second by Scrogham.
Adjourned at 5:38 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Kevin Cope
CGS Secretary
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