2008 GSA Minutes 16  

Meeting Date: February 13, 2008                                                             
Meeting Time: Wednesday 1:15 PM
Meeting Place: UC 215
                                                     
Meeting called by: John Copeland
Type of meeting: Weekly meeting
Advisors present: None
Note taker: Allison Nordahl, Secretary
Attendees: John Copeland, Christina Van Roekel, Allison Nordahl, Troy Foster, Phil Matteson, Mike Fiebig, Desi Gilbert, Autumn Thompson, CaylaJo, Tessa Johnson, Rebecca Weed

Topic 1: Introduction
        -Everyone was welcomed and introduced!
        -Thank you for the great attendance and enthusiasm; let's keep it up!

Topic 2: Events
        -Grant writing workshop-overall the workshop went very well with about 30 people in attendance. We apologize for    everything not being set up on time! In future years, workshops should maybe be held throughout a few months to cut down on the length and repetition.

Topic 3: Plan for next year
        -GSA hopes to lay out a plan for next semester
        -we hope to brainstorm some events and fundraisers
        -need to send out the call for officers late March-April

Topic 4: Fund raising
        -John had a very interesting idea for a future fund raiser:
        -GSA could invite Olympic Gold Medalist Billy Mills to lecture and be the gunman for a 10K run
        -GSA could appeal to interested parties-possibly organizations such as the Native American Studies Program, ASUM, etc. for funds (to host Billy Mills)
        -many details would need to be worked out, but John had some excellent ideas
        -Dept Reps and other Grad. Students should come to next week's meeting with additional fund raising ideas

Topic 5:  Grad Council
        -the 3 Credit issue is still at the forefront and is being discussed
        -the question now is: is this really an issue?

Topic 6:  Grad. Student Advocation
         -GSA's main function is to advocate for all Grad. Students: The Graduate Student Association is an organization created to improve the quality of education for graduate students, communicate and support research interests of graduate students, recommend members for policy making and administrative committees on campus, and overall, advocate graduate student concerns.
         -the question is: what do Grad Students want?
         -What can GSA do?
         -Dept. Reps are to ask around/speak to fellow students to try to figure out what Grad. Students are hoping
         -a survey was seriously discussed to facilitate this “figuring out”, and should be formulated and sent out (Phil and Desi)
         -Dept. Reps/Officers would then try to follow up with as many students as possible
         -posters/fliers could be posted around different departments with information about GSA
         -it is hoped that the plan will be to
figure out goals-->implement goals-->fund raise

Topic 7:  Travel Awards
        -there is a need for funds for additional Grad. Student events other than presentations-travel to exams, etc.

Topic 8: GBSA
        -GSA is very interested in collaborating with the Graduate Business School Association
        -working with GBSA for Habitat for Humanity was brought up-need to work to get GSA name out (and help others)


UM Graduate Student Association
umgsa@umontana.edu
University Center 201 J, Mailbox #8
Student Organizational Suite
http://www.umt.edu/gsa