2008 GSA Minutes 17       
Meeting Date: February 20, 2008                                                             
Meeting Time: Wednesday 1:15 PM
Meeting Place: UC 215
                                                     
Meeting called by: All
Type of meeting: Weekly meeting
Advisors present: None
Note taker: Allison Nordahl, Secretary
Attendees: Allison Nordahl, Phil Matteson, Desi Gilbert, Cayla Jo Watson, Tessa Johnson

Topic 1: 3 credit issue
-the 3 credit subcommittee has stated that they should have the 3 credit survey ready by next week (we hope to somehow include our GSA survey in the distribution)
-we talked a little bit about how to distribute our GSA survey (see previous emails)
-we could possibly work with the 3 credit subcommittee to somehow have "dual surveys"-to help with distribution

Topic 2: GSA survey for grad. students
-Desi did a great job on a first draft for our survey (I have attached it again here, as well)
-please take a look at the email I sent out and give suggestions on how to improve this survey
-we want to complete writing the survey, figure out the best way to distribute it to as many grad. students as possible, and work on implementing the goals grad. students have for GSA
-we will definitely take everyone's ideas into account, and let you know about the final survey
-Tessa has done a great job contacting her fellow social work students and letting them know that GSA plans on sending out this survey (letting them know to look for it)
-it is also a good idea to just chat with some of your fellows in your programs and ask them what issues are important to them (we want to know how to help grad. students!)
-incentives were discussed ("prizes" for filling out the survey)
-we want the survey to be kept short and to the point
-it will be hard to give incentives and also keep survey results anonymous
-it is important to make it known that the survey results will be readily available to anyone interested (what GSA got out of the survey), so that people know that their inputs were taken into account

Topic 3: Grant Writing Workshop thank you notes
-thanks to everyone who attended the meeting and signed the thank you notes for the workshop speakers
-everyone is welcomed to sign these notes-we really want to thank our 4 presenters!
-I will not send them until I know everyone who wanted to sign them, has

Topic 3: Goals
-everyone needs to come to next week's meeting with some GSA goals for 30-60-90-180 days
-GSA really wants to get the "ball rolling" and have a set plan for now and the future
-hopefully if we have some set goals, it will make it easier on everyone to fund raise
-officer recruitment for next year is a goal that needs to be addressed soon
-we need to decide how to send out the announcement for officer applicants
-should we do interviews? what are the requirements?
-think of some more ideas for officer recruitment and how these fit into the goal calender
       
Topic 4: Orientation
-it was discussed that it would be a good idea to have a dept. rep. at each department's orientation (to let students know about GSA and have some helpful general information)
-it is possible to find out about each dept's orientation through grad. council
-we need more involvement/recruitment!

Topic 5:  Fund raising/events
-we still need some great fund raising ideas
-the best way to get more money for travel awards (and money for additional activities-traveling to exams, etc.) is to raise it ourselves!
-is it best to have get togethers/mixers to raise money and meet new people?!

Topic 6:  Dept. Reps.
-it is important that we figure out which grad. departments do not have reps, and get reps as soon as possible!

Topic 7:  Meet and Greet
-we discussed holding a meet and greet for St. Patrick's day
-hopefully other students are willing to come out, meet new people, and have fun
-we need to decide the best place to hold a meet and greet
-where do you want to hang out?
-what day is best?

If you have any questions/comments, please do not hesitate to reply! Thanks, Allison Nordahl