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Council of Graduate Students - Minutes - 3 May 2002

In attendance were:

Absences:

I. Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 3:37pm, J. Briggs Cormier, President, presiding.

II. Approval of minutes

A motion to approve the minutes from April 12, 2002, was made by Delegate Depelteau and seconded by Delegate Kearns. The motion passed by unanimous voice vote.

III. Delegate Issues and Concerns

Elimination of phone BRUTUS

At the April 12 meeting, Delegate Christina Rivera had spoken about the Registrar's desire to eliminate the phone-based system as a cost-savings measure. VP Eve Scrogham mentioned that she had considered writing a resolution in opposition to this elimination. This was based on her experiences in the Graduate School, during which she had found that many new students found navigating the web difficult or did not have ready access to the web. Delegate Stuesey asked about the percentage of people who only use the phone system. Rivera said about 25% of individuals use the web exclusively; she also mentioned that a possibility being considered would have the phone system remain available for grade checking. President Cormier mentioned that Secretary Mike Daniels had sent him an email mentioning that he had learned from the Registrar's office that only 17% of the student body use the phone system exclusively.

A delegate asked if the phone system could somehow be phased-out gradually and inquired if the availability of the web system had been extended yet. Cormier indicated that the web registration is now available until midnight. Parliamentarian Hodak indicated that the current plan would not take effect until after autumn registration, so the change is not immediate. Delegate Harris inquired what the options are for someone who had no web service and who then no longer had phone option available. Dean Siddens replied that for those needing special assistance or who have struggled with the electronic systems, the Graduate School provides individual assistance. Siddens indicated that the phone elimination is inevitable -- the question is merely when.

Scrogham reiterated her concerns about accessibility. Delegate Glowacki expressed concerns about commuter students who have no home or office computers because of their part-time or commuting habits. Chair Kendall reminded the group that the Columbus Public Library has free computing access available at all locations. Hodak reminded the delegates that one of OSU's goals is to promote computer use and understanding and that this is a good opportunity to encourage learning about computer/web use, to promote computer education and that CGS could encourage the registrar to do so also.

Delegate Rivera asked the group to brainstorm about ways that changing window registration time might be helpful. For example, not having registration windows open over the weekend when those without computers at home would not be able to register. Delegate Long asked if this change would be backed up by registration information sent with the information for new students providing explicit instructions on the web-based registration systems. Delegate Oelgoetz said that within the computing community on campus, there is increasing movement to making some component of many or all courses utilize the web for research, interaction, etc.; this change would be just a step in this direction. Most graduate students should be able to acquire the necessary skills for web registration and be able to find on-campus access. Hodak reminded Council that Daniels' email had indicated that virtually no freshman or sophomores use the phone systems and we could model the change on the information/marketing decisions involved in getting this level of web registration.

Council Meeting time

President Cormier entertained thoughts on a better time for the CGS meetings. What are the feelings about Fridays or suggestions about other times? Several delegates (Stone and Olegoetz) from the sciences indicated that Fridays are when mandatory research meetings with faculty are scheduled in their departments. Chair Bossard suggested rotating days of the week to accommodate varying schedules. Delegate Sosnoskie asked not to do early morning or evenings because some students commute to the meetings, such as from the Wooster. Delegate Stone brought up the idea of a Sunday afternoon meeting. Delegate Lindberg indicated that her obligations in art would make it impossible to attend at such a time. Delegate Tseng asked about a Monday/Tuesday meeting after 5:30 pm, to avoid class schedule conflicts. Delegate Nelson indicated that this would be an excellent ideas. Delegate Glowacki indicated that a conflict would exist for her at this time. Delegate Long asked about mornings. Several indicated teaching conflicts. Delegate Robles asked when the other student and faculty government bodies meet. Cormier explained the standing meeting time of the Senate, CSA, and the evening meetings of USG. University committees meet at a wide variety of times, but Thursday seems to be the primary faculty meeting day. Delegate Stone asked for the delegates to be surveyed by email. Cormier indicated that this would be possible. Please email him at Cormier.5@osu.edu. Cormier would like to know what the easiest day was for the largest group of people.

Other issues and concerns

Delegate Tseng attend a meeting of the Asian-Pacific American Caucus at which a number issues were raised. The Caucus attempts to advocate for Asian-Pacific students. The issue of the ESL class was raised. Students who do not meet a certain TOEFL score are required to achieve a level of proficiency through a three-course sequence. Several students raised the issue of discrimination because they felt the TA was disrespectful and holding them back. Delegate Natasha Foo-Kune reported that several psychology students indicated that the TA's were nicer to students who "sought" the expensive TA-based tutoring. Other students reported finishing their degree requirements but were still required to enroll in the English-language courses. Delegate Harris asked if the students felt that the discrimination was hindering their progress to degree or in their communication and teaching. Foo-Kune indicated that the discrimination was within the course: they were being held back unfairly. Harris asked if the ESL is required for teaching or studying. Foo-Kune answered that it is for teaching.

Dean Siddens provided clarification saying that there are two programs. He said that students who are TA's must demonstrate a level of proficiency, as indicated on tests, to be able to have teaching responsibilities. A second program is English as a Second Language. Students test out of these courses, or test into a certain level and must complete the rest of the courses. He indicated that in his 20 years of work, he had not heard these concerns, but would want to address them as they are being raised. Cormier asked who should be contacted. Siddens said concerned individuals could contact him and he would ask for it to be looked into. Wade said the responses from the focus groups indicated only one story of concern. Delegate Nelson indicated that two students had approached them with their fears about the program which he said they had heard as stories/rumors. Tseng reiterated that this is still at the anecdotal level and he wants to hear from others who know of similar situations and to get opinions on the issue. Tseng continued to describe a situation in which a students was held back unfairly. Delegate Oelgoetz said that a number of graduate students he works with have had conversations with students in ESL who say the emphasis in the conversation components of the course are on "street-style" speaking, rather than conversation or traditional pronunciation (i.e. did'ya). Delegate Ananth also reported colleagues with concerns over testing fairness. Her colleague was able to address the concerns to the director of the program and receive redress. Delegate Harris stressed that we need to distinguish between using language as discriminatory practice against individuals compared to making distinctions in language use to enable students to teach effectively. He wanted to make clear that these issues can be interconnected and conflated and he wants to distinguish the concerns.

IV. Resolution 0102-SP-025: Commending President Kirwan

Cormier introduced this resolution, saying that we wished to recognize the efforts of the President. Delegate Fry suggested that the resolution is beyond the scope of our job because it seems odd that we would commend a well-paid staff member who is leaving for another job.

The resolution passed by voice vote.

V. Resolution 0102-SP-026: Violence in University District

Cormier introduced this resolution, characterizing it as a response to the uncivil behavior off campus. Cormier met with Hall last week who stressed that to the administration's knowledge, no graduate or professional students were engaged in these incidents. Cormier suggested that it was still appropriate for CGS to respond and to condemn these actions. An amendment was offered by Executive Ron Meyers through Cormier. Delegate Harris moved the amendment and delegate Lewis seconded. The amendment stressed the condemnation of violence and injury, promoted solutions that also involve educations efforts surrounding the Code of Conduct, and recommended an increase in funding to programs that involve students in creating solutions.

The motion to amend passed unanimously.

Returning to the main resolution, Delegate Stone expressed concern about the ninth paragraph (endorsing reasonable action by police). Stone expressed concern that the verdict is still out on who causes/initiates problems and the degree of force used by police. Additionally, there is a 5+ year history of tensions between students and Columbus Police that is not unique to the current incident. Stone personally saw incidents of excessive use of force that cause him to pause in supporting the broadness of this clause. Cormier understood the reservation and responded that both Rich Hollingsworth and Bill Hall have indicated that police behavior has improved this year, although he personally has not witnessed the police actions.

Delegate Boney expressed concern that the motivation for this behavior (e.g. the absence of bars, etc.) needs to be addressed simultaneously with the actions against violence. Delegate Lewis replied that this is part of why the word reasonable was inserted to show that we don't condone all university/police action, but that some response in needed. We would welcome language to clarify this phrase. Of the suspensions made last week, they were for extreme behavior, not for underage drinking. Of the original eight suspensions, two students have met with officials and have returned to campus. Of the remaining six, three have not contacted the university to address their suspension. Hodak reminded the group of the procedures for amending or striking the resolution to respond to delegate concerns. Delegate Foo Kune responded to Delegate Boney and said that the clause calling for funding and programming is in part a response to this. Delegate Lipinski also believed the clauses calling on university action address some of these underlying concerns.

Chair Marie Kendall proposed several friendly amendments. Strike "mob" and change to "off-campus" in the third "resolved" clause. This was accepted as friendly.

Kendall then moved that, in the fifth "resolved" clause, "and the City of Columbus" be struck as too inclusive for the resolution addressing the university. Not accepted as friendly, but moved and seconded. Discussion followed on the degree to which it is appropriate for the Council to include the City in the resolution (Delegate Bossard spoke against the amendment, Delegate Harris spoke for the amendment, Hodak spoke again the amendment, Delegate Harris then spoke again about his discomfort with the university being involved in governing student behavior off-campus at all). A voice vote was taken, but did not yield a clear result. A second placard vote yielded 27 in favor of the amendment and 14 against, with 2 abstentions. The amendment passes and the phrase is struck.

In further discussion, Delegate Pletz asked for a language clarification. The resolution then passed by unanimous voice vote.

VI. Resolution 0102-SP-027: University Nondiscrimination Policy

Cormier described the purpose of this resolution as a response to support the efforts of the office of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Student Services [GLBTSS] as they take this issue forward in the university community. GLBTSS has received support from other offices and came to CGS for similar support. Delegate Harris asked if gender is currently in the policy -- what is meant by the difference between gender and gender identity? Cormier replied that the term "sex" is currently in the document being defined as the biological identity male/female, "gender" as the social construction of feminine and masculine, and "gender identity" as such social performances as transgender. A delegate asked whether this is specifically unique from or redundant to other language in the policy, such as "sex" and "sexual orientation". President Cormier indicated that without this change, the courts currently do not recognize rights or remedies for transgender and other individuals covered by the category "gender identity". Delegate Bach raised the distinction between a term, such as "race", and an identity, which may have a different meaning, and to what degree should this distinction be recognized. Delegate Oelgoetz asked for clarity on what would be included or excluded -- what policies would be affected by this change?. Cormier indicated that hiring/firing discrimination, promotions, etc. (i.e. those policies which the other named categories could seek recourse for) vis-a-vis HR policy. Broader policies such as harassment currently include gender identity issues. Delegate Harris asked if groups receiving federal funds wouldn't already be needing to cover these issues. Hodak responded that these more "cutting edge" issues are not currently covered by such federal provisions regarding discrimination. Delegate Harris continued that this response made him more uncomfortable with supporting the resolution because it is not specifically stating that it applies to an HR policy nor is it clear how our support for the resolution would be interpreted. Cormier responded that the language at hand was taken directly from the HR guidelines, and thus it is an HR policy.

The motion passed by voice vote.

VII. Officer Elections

Elections were chaired by VP Eve Scrogham who indicated that officer terms begin the first day of summer quarter; new officers would sit with the executive committee through the rest of spring quarter. Scrogham outlined the duties of the treasurer as outlined in the constitution and introduced candidate Jamie Depelteau, who came to OSU from the University of Florida. He highlighted his accomplishments, and his work with CGS and his academic program. No objection was raised to his election.

Scrogham then outlined the duties of the Secretary as described in the constitution. She introduced candidate Christine Masters. Masters acknowledged that her application was a bit impromptu. Coming to OSU from a small school, she wanted to get more involved and understand more about graduate student issues. She is enrolled in the graduate nursing program. There were no objections raised to her election.

Scrogham then outlined the duties of the Vice President as outlined in the constitution and introduced candidate Kerry Hodak, a JD-PhD student. Kerry outlined her past participation in CGS and in student governance as an undergraduate. She also highlighted her experience in program development and planning and pledged to continue Scrogham's efforts at delegate recruitment. Delegate Abou-Galla asked how Hodak planned to expand the number of delegates. She indicated that she intended to meet personally with departments or programs lacking delegates. Delegate Long asked for a point of information regarding which positions are paid positions. The VP answered that the President and the VP are the only paid positions.

Scrogham then outlined the duties of the president as outlined in the constitution and introduced candidate J. Briggs Cormier. He mentioned that his goals for the last year were to promote diversity, improve communication about CGS to the university, and feels that he has made some progress at these initiatives. He reminded the group that he will be presenting the CGS/university resolution on domestic partner benefits to the Senate next week. Throughout the year he has come to appreciate the need to monitor the impacts of budgets and budget restructuring on the lives of graduate students as well as graduate education overall. His top issues are diversity, attention to GA exploitation and other impacts of budget restructuring on graduate students, and to communicate the goals of CGS to the university community.

Delegate Pletz asked for Cormier's position on the GESO efforts at unionization. He responded that CGS has not historically taken a position on the GESO efforts because it has been successful in lobbying for graduate student issues, such as health care subsidization, but recognizes that there are both pros and cons to the unionization issue.

No objections were raised to his election.

VIII. Committee Reports

Campus Events chair Jen Bossard announced the picnic after the May 31st meeting and thanked those who signed up to volunteer. The picnic will include food from various Ohio Union vendors, beverages, a DJ, and sports and activities. The events are free, but you need to bring your student ID and an ID showing your age.

IX. Officer reports

Treasurer Ed Lasseigne was not in attendance.

Secretary Mike Daniels was not in attendance.

Vice President Eve Scrogham mentioned that Cormier, Scrogham, and another graduate students are participating in the AIDSWALK on Sunday. Donations are welcome. It is also not too late to join them.

The Research Forum was a resounding success and CGS took award winners to the Board of Trustees meeting today to share their experiences. Currently, the Research Forum Committee is compiling and preparing to publish the proceedings.

Scrogham also reminded Council that delegate, senator, and RGC representative seats for next year are now open for election. Delegates should be elected by their home programs in the spring and submit their information now so that they are in place to start the next Autumn. Election information should be submitted to Eve Scrogham at scrogham.1@osu.edu.

President J. Briggs Cormier: At the next meeting, we will ask delegates to sign up to indicate if they will be available for summer meetings.

The search for a university president is underway. Open forums are being held. Additionally, comments can be submitted directly to the search committee at this location.

The Board of Trustees today approved the Student Health Insurance program for next year. No proposal was made to extend domestic partners health insurance. Premium subsidy next year will be $30/month for funded GA's. Many new services are available. Information in the CGS office.

The Trustees also approved the guidelines for compensation for next year. These included provisions for graduate student pay raises of about 4.5%, based on merit.

We want to elect Senators this spring to replace the 10 individuals currently serving on the University Senate. These are critical positions and we want them all to be filled, and to be filled early.

As the new president, Cormier is already looking ahead to finding new Executive Committee Members. Applications are available in the office. To serve, you MUST be able to attend the Executive Committee retreat during the first weekend of September.

Cormier is seeking input on the Graduate School's proposed change to the doctoral robe. The proposal originates in the idea of creating a distinctive look both on campus and when our PhD's represent the university at other schools/occasions. Questions about colors of hoods were raised. These will not change.

X. Announcements

Next Dime-A-Dog night is June 3 at the Columbus Clippers.

Karen Clark-Keys is looking for individuals interested in creating a group of 367 TA's who want to engage in a university-wide teaching preparation seminar focused on the teaching of writing. Contact Clark-Keys.1@osu.edu. Next meeting, Wednesday May 11 at the writing center.

Natasha Foo-Kune announced the spoken word collective on May 3.

We still need volunteers for the Heritage Festival Clean-up on May 19. Contact Deb Cunningham.315@osu.edu

XI. Adjournment

Moved by Delegate Depelteau and seconded by Delegate Lewis. The meeting was adjourned at 5:37 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Allyson Lowe
Governance Chair
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