GPSG Minutes February 6, 2007

 

Groups in attendance:

 

Present

ABGS, ACGS, AGITS, ASPE, CIGSPA, ED-LEAD, EGSA, GASP, GHA, GPHA, GPPA, GSA, GTU, IOPGA, MASS, MBAA, MGSA, MPASG, MGSO, OSGA, SPIE, SPO

Absent

EMGT, GSWA

 

*There was a reminder at the beginning of the meeting that organizations need to check their mailboxes every two weeks to remain in good standing.

 

Motion to waive reading of the minutes: APPROVED

Motion to approve the minutes: APPROVED

 

Noble Niner:

Cameron Young, the SGA Secretary of Academic Affairs, presented the “Noble Niner” initiative to the senate.  The new initiative would act as an extension to the Academic Integrity Policy already in place at UNC-Charlotte, but without the capability to punish students who break its standards.  Cameron explained that SGA would encourage incoming undergraduate students to voluntarily sign a contract declaring that, as new students, they would uphold the qualities of a “Noble Niner.”  A few people were concerned with SGA’s lack of communication with GPSG on this project, and when asked why graduate students were not asked for input, Cameron replied that it was a “student initiative.”  Despite some voiced concern over the “Noble Niner” initiative, a motion was made to vote and GPSG supported the cause.

 

GSA Absences:

In response to their fourth absence, the GSPG senate voted for GSA to make a proposal to get back into good standing and keep their charter, which included the following:

The senate approved GSA’s proposal, and will be allowed to keep their charter pending completion of their proposal.  Because GPSG’s by-laws do not include a fine or penalty beyond an organization’s 3rd absence, the senate was also asked to consider if GSA should have to pay an additional fine.  Although the senate approved the fine, there was some confusion over the voting numbers, and the exact penalty was not voted on until after the Treasurer’s report.  GSA was fined $1 for their fourth absence.

 

Treasurer’s Report:

*Organizations were reminded that extra money in their budget can be donated back to GPSG. 

Arguments were presented to increase the SPA position hours to 30/wk and salary by $3,400 to make the position more competitive, and was approved by the senate.  Four organizations also requested budget reserves, totaling $4,850 (GPPA $1000; GSA $500; ED-LEAD $1450; IOPGA $2866).

 

Graduate Research Fair:

Theresa announced that there would be an informational meeting for all volunteers interested in serving on a committee for the Graduate Research Fair February 14, 2007 at 5:00 p.m.  The deadline for applying for the Research Fair was also extended to Wednesday, February 7 at 5:00 p.m.

 

Marketing Discussion:

The UNC-Charlotte Marketing/Branding company needs 10 graduate students for a focus group February 15, 2007 at either 10 a.m. or 2:30 p.m. in the Chancellor’s Board Room, 5th Floor of Reese.  Volunteers can earn ½ credit per person for participating.

 

Secretary Report:

There has still been some confusion over what constitutes volunteering, defined at the meeting as an event GPSG specifically stipulates as a volunteer event, or an event proposed by an organization that has an impact on the community outside of the organization that has been previously approved by GPSG.  Upcoming volunteer opportunities included the “Sweets on GPSG” coffee break, the Student Organization Exhibit, the marketing discussion group, and the McNair Mentoring Panel. 

 

Mentoring Program:

The GPSG Mentoring Program is currently in the making, and at the present structured around the BEST, UTOP, and McNair programs.  For short-term goals (the remainder of the semester), we would like to work with these programs on an as-needed basis for the remainder of the semester.  Opportunities include graduate student panels to answer questions about graduate school, and individual one-on-one mentoring with students.  Plans for next year include incorporating a group of 4-5 volunteer mentors to work consistently with individuals and/or small groups of students throughout the year, and communicating with GPSG on what additional requirements these programs might need.  Long-term goals include: a more rigorous application process for prospective mentors, with a possible stipend/scholarship attached; and the possibility of expanding to include ELTI, International Studies, Career Services, etc.  Discussion on the topic was tabled until the next meeting. 

*We still need volunteers for the remainder of this year, so contact secretary Liz Smith if you are interested at gpsgsecretary@email.uncc.edu

 

Coffee Breaks:

GPSG will be hosting coffee breaks for graduate students throughout the Spring semester, the first one being “Sweets on GPSG” February 14, 2007 from 3-5 p.m. in Prospector Café.  Suggestions for good times/places for upcoming coffee breaks are welcomed. 

 

Good Standing:

Requirements for good standing in GPSG were reviewed, and include:

1)      Registering with Student Organizations in August

2)      Sending an e-version of constitution to Student Organizations

3)      Checking Cone Center mailboxes regularly (every 2 weeks)

Consequences for failing to do comply with these requirements are as follows:

“If volunteer requirement has not been met, or a commitment to complete this requirement by January, your organization will not be allowed to submit a budget. If the requirement has been committed for, but is not complete, after the submission of budgets, your budget will be reallocated.”

 

Graduate Student Forum:

Chancellor Dubois and Dean Reynolds will be meeting with graduate students Tuesday, February 27 from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. in SAC Salons D and E to answer student questions and gain insight on the needs of graduate students.  Please submit questions to Leigh Ann at gpsgpresident@email.uncc.edu.  Pizza and beverages will be provided by GPSG.

 

Motion to adjourn: APPROVED

 

Recorded by Liz Smith

 

Organization

Waive Reading/Approve the Minutes

“Noble Niner” from SGA

Accept GSA Volunteer Proposal

Fine GSA for 4th Absence

SPA Salary increase

Bring up GHA Request

GSA Fine $1 for 4th Absence

Accept Budget Proposals

ABGS

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

ACGS

Y

A

A

Y

Y

Y

N

N

AGITS

Y

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

N

A

ASPE

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

CIGSPA

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

ED-LEAD

Y

Y

A

Y

Y

Y

A

Y

EGSA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EMGT

Absent

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GASP

Y

A

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

GHA

Y

A

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

GPHA

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

GPPA

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

GSA

Y

A

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

GSWA

Absent

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GTU

Y

Y

Y

A

Y

Y

Y

Y

IOPGA

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

MASS

Y

Y

Y

A

Y

Y

Y

Y

MBAA

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

MGSA

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

MPASG

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

MGSO

Y

Y

A

Y

Y

Y

A

Y

OSGA

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

SPIE

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

SPO

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y