First Autumn Quarter Meeting
October 1, 1999
Ohio Union Gray Suite G
PRESENT:
OFFICERS:President Ron Meyers, Vice President Candace Cherrington, Treasurer Briggs Cormier, Parliamentarian Brian Rivera, Ex-officio Kathleen Carberry, Secretary Nominee Christine Parker
Voting delegates: Pamela Bechtel, John M. Brockman, Homero Cantu, David Carlisle, Anil Challa, Jill Coleman, Kristen L. Field, Mark Gooden, Mark Hicar, Arash Mafi, Gretchen N. Neigh, Stan Radzevicius, Kristina Secnik, John Shea, John Soloninka, Jennifer Stoots, Carla Taylor, and Jennifer Whetstone,
Non-voting delegates, Committee Representatives, Senators, CRGS Representatives, and Guests: Dean James Siddens, Advisor; Ryan Nichols, Garima Malik, Michael Lufasu, Luke Bradley, Ed England, Lisa Smith, Jaclyn Nowakowski, Betsy Breseman, Sai Bhatawadekar, Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs Mary Daniels, Director of Student Health Services Dr. Ted Grace, Student Benefits Coordinator Zach Waymer.
Meeting called to order at 3:40 p.m.
The meeting began with the recognition of guests Mary Daniels, Dr. Ted Grace and Zach Waymer, who discussed recent developments in the Student Health Services Committee. Ms. Daniels offered information about the Student Insurance Committee, including its organization and size. There are 15 voting members, 10 of whom are students. CGS has 3 votes. 3,947 graduate students (27% of the enrolled population) are covered by Student Health insurance. Mr. Waymer then discussed the benefits available through the student health plan.
Ms. Daniels continued with a discussion of priority issues: the need to improve the dental benefit package by balancing benefits and costs, to improve both restoration and preventive benefit components, and to provide more comprehensive coverage that fulfils the needs of our diverse student population.The current system is antiquated, and the reimbursement schedule is quite outdated. Ms. Daniels also voiced the possibility of domestic partner coverage within the next few years.Another possibility for the future: having insurance coverage as a condition for enrollment in order to protect the 5% of students who are uninsured. Dr. Grace offered the suggestion that Nick Maul from Human Resources come to a future CGS meeting to discuss possibility of pre-tax deductions.
VP Cherrington thanked the guests for their time. Applause. President Meyers reports that Student Health Committee hopes to have proposed resolution ready for October 26 CGS meeting.
I. Approval of minutes
Motion approved by Delegate Brockman , seconded by Delegate Cantu (Motion 99-4-32) . Correction noted by Representative Sai Bhatawadekar (Germanic Languages & Literatures). Ms. Bhatawadekar was the person elected at previous meeting as Representative to the RGC, and not Yogini Joglekar as had been noted in the minutes. Motion to approve amended minutes was unanimously approved.
II. Officer Reports
A.President's Report
President Meyers recently represented CGS at the University Leadership Retreat. The Annual Leadership Agenda for the University is being by the administration.CGS and other student groups will be given the document to comment on it in October.Separately, the draft report on the CGS Goals & Priorities will be ready soon and will be available to be picked up in the CGS Office. The proposed CGS Annual Goals & Priorities will be considered by Council during the October 22 meeting. The G-QUE is being drafted by Dean Huntington and CGS will have the opportunity to comment on the next draft before wider university review.President Meyers was pleased to report that the final G-QUE report is scheduled for presentation to the Ohio State UniversityBoard of Trustees during their December meeting.President Meyers also brought the Professional Development Fund planbefore the Board of Trustees when he presented the student government and CGS report to them on October 1, 1999.
B. Vice President's Report
Vice President Cherrington recognized and introduced the 9 new delegates who attended training right before today's meeting.
C. Treasurer's Report
Treasurer Cormier reported that he is still working on balancing last year's books. The finalized budget will be ready for approval at the next CGS meeting on October 26th. President Meyers recognized Mr. Cormier for his work.
III. Committee Reports
A. Executive Committee
Report presented by Brian Rivera -- the CGS Executive Committee met on September 17th. Among the items discussed: Goals & Priorities, Student Health insurance.
B. Organization and Elections Committee
Report presented by Vice President Candy Cherrington -- Ms. Cherrington reported that there are still open council seats on RGC as well as other university and senate committees. Anyone interested should contact her. Ms. Cherrington and Mr. Rivera will be looking at the CGS constitution for possible changes in the future, and hope to present any changes to CSG by January.
C. Orientation Committee
Report presented by Candy Cherrington- Ms Cherrington recognized and thanked all those who helped with the Graduate Student Orientation on September 19: Sheri Breckinridge, Anil Challa, Allyson Lowe, Brian Rivera, Briggs Cormier, Christine Parker, Garima Malik, Jeff Long, Kathleen Carberry, Ron Meyers, Mark Gooden. Thanks were also extended to all those who helped with the Graduate Student Welcome Party on September 24: Anil Challa, Allyson Lowe, Brian Rivera, Briggs Cormier, Christine Parker, Garima Malik, Jeff Long, Kathleen Carberry, Ron Meyers, Mark Gooden, John Shea, Pam Bechtel. The Student Leadership Council from the College of Education provided the cookies, while the Office of Student Activities gave $500.
D. Professional Development Fund Committee
Report presented by Brian Rivera – Mr. Rivera announced that the next deadline for applications to the PDF is Friday, October 8, by 5 p.m. in the CGS office. As of October 1, 13 new applications had been received, which is fewer than had been received this time last year, but more will probably arrive at the last minute. The PDF report brought in a total of $6,000 from the Graduate School, the Office of Research and the Office of Academic Affairs. Thanks to this new funding, the PDF, which should have ended this quarter, will continue to support students into Spring 2000. On the development front, Kelly Costner has been working with the development officer at the College of Education to help increase funding for PDF. Mr. Rivera also noted that since last year, the PDF has lost some representatives, and invited new CGS delegates to apply. Mr. Rivera also extended thanks to President Meyers for presenting the PDF plan to the Board of Trustees.
E. Other committee reports:
Legislative Affairs
Delegate Gooden reported registering 40 people to vote at the Graduate Student Orientation.
Housing
President Meyers reported that talks continue on a graduate/professional housing complex of 500 units in the South Campus area. The 10th Avenue/Neil proposal is also moving along, and will hopefully be completed within 2 or 3 years.
IV. Old Business
There was no formal old business.
V. New Business
Elections of the Secretary – Christine Parker (Ed Policy & Leadership), Senators John Soloninka (Agricultural Sciences) and Luke Bradley (Biological Sciences). Results announced at end of meeting.All elections were unanimous.
VI. Delegate Issues and Concerns
Candidate John Soloninka reports that the cross walk requested by CGS last year on the Ag campus was re-paved and repainted recently, complete with flashing light.Delegate Cantu voiced concerns over staffing shortages and overcrowded conditions at the post office on campus. President Meyers suggested that Delegate Cantu start a petition to increase staffing at the post office.
VII. Announcements
The IPC Halloween Party will take place at the Newport Music Hall on Saturday, October 29. CGS will be a minor co-sponsor. Tickets will be $10. Earlier that same evening, Environmental Sciences will sponsor a Haunted Swamp from 3 to 11 p.m. off of Dodridge. Those interested in taking part can contact the CGS office.
VIII. Adjournment
Motion to adjourn made by delegate Brockman, and seconded by delegate Taylor (Motion 99-4-33). Motion passed.Meeting adjourned at 5 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Christine Parker
CGS Secretary
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