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Thursday March 27, 2008 EC Members present: D’Arcy Butler (Chair), Andrew Walker (RTF Officer), Brianna Mersey (External Communications Officer), Nicole Lulham (Social Officer), Nadeem Anwar (Incoming Treasurer and VP Finance) EC members absent: Noman Khalid-Khan (Treasure and VP Finance) In quorum: 15 GESSA members present. Chaired by: D’Arcy Butler (Chair) Minutes recorded by: Nicole Lulham (Social Officer) 1. GESSA Session II (2008) called to order at 1:00pm. 2. A) MOTION A: To adopt Agenda for Session II (March 27, 2008) Motion moved by D. Butler and Seconded by B. Mersey
Vote Count: Passed Unanimously B) MOTION B: To accept Minutes from Session I (February 20, 2007)
Motion moved by D. Butler and Seconded by N. Lulham. Vote Count: Passed Unanimously [3. PlanIT York Update: This item was tabled to later in the meeting, so that Aviva Pelt (PlanIT York representative) could speak to it.] 4. Discussion: GESSA’s Annual Budget § N. Anwar provided an overview of the proposed budget. § B. Mersey discussed new GESSA website, as indicated in the budget. § N. Lulham discussed the section pertaining to social events. § Andreas Link inquired about the student group funding section (with regards to Undercurrents). § D. Butler and N.Anwar replied that a revision of the current process will be done (including the forms through which student groups apply). § Eric Gallant inquired as to why GESSA should be paying funds towards Orientation. § D. Butler responded by clarifying how Orientation has been organized in the past, and addressed the current situation, in light of a recent meeting between GESSA and the Dean of Environmental Studies, Barbara Rahder. He also mentioned how providing funding to Orientation allows GESSA to have access to the students during that week. § Pascal Murphy raised the point surrounding use of language, implying that in paying the fees, everyone already is GESSA. In essence, ‘we are paying access to ourselves.’ § D. Butler responded that the GESSA EC is looking to do a lot of re-structuring, and may aim to do things differently from how they were done in the past. § Mark MacNeil also raised the point of needing to assess the greatest good for students. § N.Anwar returned to the issue of the budget, by specifying that there are two forms that student groups can use to apply for funding. They must provide a budget and there must be a minimum of two students involved to apply for this funding. § D. Butler emphasized that there is a minimum requirement of 50% FES students to apply for the student group funding. § A. Walker mentioned that ‘on-going’ groups can apply for 600$ or more, whereas funds for a ‘one-time’ event must be less than 599$. § Joe Schwartz, previous Social Officer, mentioned that he thinks these forms are too complicated and should be made simpler. He also thinks that the requirements could be changed. § D. Butler emphasized that if students are interested in learning more about the topic, they should speak to N. Anwar to discuss the process. MOTION C: To accept and approve the proposed budget for GESSA for the 2008-2009 fiscal year. Moved by N. Anwar and Seconded by P. Murphy. Vote Count: Passed Unanimously 5. Discussion: Filling vacancies in GESSA representative positions (Graduate Curriculum Subcommittee, Committee of Instruction, and CUPE Shop Steward). § Two GESSA members have stepped up to fill positions: Committee of Instruction: Douglas Karago Graduate Currculum Subcommittee: Leeshia Barwick § Each candidate provided a short speech as to why they are interested in taking on their respective positions. L. Barwick: Believes that there is potential for FES to have interesting things happen with curriculum, and is interested in discussing this with people. She is familiar with difficult types of faculties, having worked in three universities, two colleges, and in five different fields. She is familiar with curriculum-related procedures. D. Karago: Feels that there is lack of participation on the part of GESSA members, and thinks it is time for someone step up. He has intimate knowledge of the faculty, having completed his undergraduate degree at FES as well. He knows of various ways to approach faculty and the Dean. He is not shy to speak and is comfortable being the voice for those who have things they would like to see addressed. § There was some discussion pertaining to the differences between the two positions. § A. Link mentioned that these are key positions that need to be filled. He mentioned that the C.of I. is generally involved in larger issues, such as the overall pass/fail system, whereas the G.C.S. deals only with curriculum-related issues. § P. Murphy offers to take on one the vacant positions, but mentions that he does not hold a GA, and so would not be able to take on the role of CUPE representative. § L. Barwick then left the room, and discussion ensued. It was agreed that she would be a great candidate for the position. MOTION D: To nominate L. Barwick to the position of Graduate Curriculum Subcommittee representative. Moved by D. Butler and Seconded by A. Link. Vote Count: Passed Unanimously § D. Karago then left the room, and discussion ensued. It was agreed that he would be a great candidate for the position. MOTION E: To nominate D. Karago to the position of Committee of Instruction representative. Moved by D. Butler and Seconded by Abigail Cruickshank. Vote Count: Passed Unanimously § There was some discussion around the two vacant GESSA Executive Committee positions (Secretary/Internal Communications Officer, Advocacy Officer). § D. Butler clarified that since the two original candidates for the positions, Andrew Micak and Lily Riahi respectively, were never ‘sworn in’, they did not resign but rather refused acceptance for the positions. § A call for nominations to fill these positions will occur in the Fall. § A. Walker mentioned that the previous call for nominations for a new secretary was unsuccessful, seeing as no proposals were received. 6. Discussion: Pass/Fail concerns regarding OGS and other scholarships. § D. Butler provided a recap of the discussion from the previous GM, the main concern being that some students feel hindered since a P grade is generally interpreted as a B+. Ray Rogers, as graduate programme director, generally issues an overall grade when one is needed. This is also the case for people who have completed an MES degree in the past. The suggestion to create a committee to approve the grade given has been accepted as a viable option by the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) Program. § M. MacNeil inquired as to who would be on this committee. § D. Butler responded that this has not yet been determined. § A. Link commented on the concern about the type and functionality of the grading system. He made reference to Prof. Liora Salter, who was one part of the SSHRC applications review process (nation-wide). There is apparently no way to distinguish between a B+ and a P. § D. Butler responded by announcing that Ray Rogers would be willing to hold a meeting where he can address any issues regarding the Pass/Fail system. § A. Link furthered that since Ray Rogers has implications on the final grade that is being given, real data and responses t the questions provided at the previous GM should still be requested to avoid any confrontational issues. § J. Schwartz furthers that in effect, a P is often interpreted as a B. He contends that many people on boards simply disregard the application, even if a P is listed. Since many of the Boards are overwhelmed, they will frequently assess graded applications first. § A. Link continued that the Pass/Fail system affects how courses are done and evaluated. He claims that it is easier to not have to provide a grade of distinction. The concern is that nobody fails, therefore there is no rigor, and it is a question of luck that the professor actually cares about the quality of work produced. Suggests we continue to search for answers, regarding such issues as how many MES students get into PhD programs, how many fail, etc. MOTION E: To table the previous motion from GESSA GM Session I (2008) to continue seeking information about the Pass/Fail system. Moved by A. Link and Seconded by Eric Gallant. Vote Count: 2 abstentions, 13 in favour. Motion passed by majority. 7. Update on YUGSA (J. Schwartz) § J. Schwartz provides an update of relations between GSA and GESSA, where teh former offered to take over the RTF adjucation process. The relationship is largely a question of health care and access to funding, in addition to representation to the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS). He asserts that they are currently requesting more money, based on inflation. At this point, negotioations have largely broken down. With a levy increase, GESSA would consider increasing the amount that is given to the GSA. One month ago, the GSA suggested amalgamation. The current situation is that the GSA manages other student groups, where FES, Osgoode, and Schulich student associations remain seperate. The condition is that each of the seperate student bodies have representation at meetings (although if they don’t show up, they can lose their position as well as access to funding and the scholarship). § A. Link inquired about voting, in regards to the election for the GSA. § D. Butler quickly highlited that Andrew (the contending new candidate for the postition of GSA Chair) is interested in maintaining the status quo, whereas the other slate of candidates (would-be returning executive) are trying to dissolve GESSA. § J. Schwartz emphasized the need to protect GESSA. He claims that the past GSA executive was involved in hiding their meeting minutes, voting omnibus, and not being clear with their budget. He also claims that they have secretly taped a meeting with the York U. President. There are ramifications for GESSA as well in this issue. § Meaghan [last name?] discussed the paranoia that was present one year ago, regarding York emails being intercepted. She is opposed to joining the GSA and inquired as to what would happen if we refused to pay them. § J. Scwartz mentioned that the main problem here is that the GSA manages health care for the FES graduate students. § D. Butler mentioned that the last levy occurred in 1992. He hopes to do a levy increase, and tie it to the Consumer Price Index (C.P.I.) so that future Ecs don’t have to worry about this issue. § J. Scwartz provided a quick recap of the accusations regarding funny business that occurred with the contending GSA slate that would be the returning executive, if re-elected, regarding the electoral process. There were issues regarding communications with the Chief Returning Officer (CRO), transparency, and paper balloting. § D. Butler addedd that the old executive did not make provisions for electronic balloting. 8. Update on GESSA Social (N. Lulham) § N. Lulham provided a recap of the social events that occurred in the past semester. The March 15th pub night was a great success and was well-attended. She discussed the upcoming WWF CN Tower climb, in which a group of students from FES would be climbing. She also mentioned that GESSA is aiming to organize a variety of events that do not require budgetary contributions. She also stressed the need for students to be involved in the social subcommittee to help with the organization of events. 9. Discussion: GESSA Survey § D. Butler mentioned that GESSA is in the process of working on a survey for Graduate students. § A. Pelt mentioned that a similar survey was done last year. § D. Butler explained that GESSA will run the survey for one month, using Survey Monkey. § L. Barwick inquired about the purpose of the survey. § A. Walker answered that the purpose of the survey is to gain information about students’ perceptions and opinions regarding GESSA related issues, as well as some FES and MES related issues. 10. Discussion: MES Lounge § D. Butler explained that room 207, the current MES lounge, will be moved since that room will be converted into a Planning workshop. The new MES lounge will be across the hall from the current room, although it will not have windows. 11. Discussion: GESSA EC Office Hours § D. Butler announced that the EC now has GESSA Office hours, and the door is always open for students to come by. There will be posted office hours in the Fall of 2008. 12. Update on RTF (A. Walker) § A. Walker provided an update of the current RTF process, announcing that RTF accounts for roughly 40% of next year’s proposed budget. He mentioned that there are three cycles, ending in: September, January, and April. The maximum amount that can be reimbursed is 50% of the total amount requested (receipts are requested in the application), to a maximum of 600$ per year. He said that there is currently approximately 3900$ left, and that the RTF committee (RTF Officer, Treasurer, and a PhD representative) seeks to be as accountable as possible. § E. Gallant inquired where the money would go if it was not all spent. § A. Walker mentioned that the balance would be carried forward. He also stressed the need for students to apply and use the funds, to ensure that GESSA continues to receive funding from FES for this puspose. § D. Butler mentioned that GESSA will look into creating a contingency fund, so that students don’t have the bear the costs up front. § A. Walker mentioned the problem of “double-dipping” being the reason that original receipts are required as part of the application process. *3. Update on PlanIT York (A. Pelt) – Tabled from earlier in the meeting. § A. Pelt provided an overview of PlanIT York, which has acquired club status through York University as well as being recognized by GESSA. They are involved in organizing social events, lecture series, walking tours, etc. She also mentioned that they wre intending to hold some social events throughout the summer. 13. ‘Other business’ or ‘New Business’ § L. Barwick addressed the issue of getting the word out about GESSA, regarding announcements. She feels there is a need to improve the situation. § D. Butler mentioned that at the moment GESSA uses the various listserves to make announcements and that it is hoped that the new GESSA website will be an important way in which to inform students about GESSA related issued. § L. Barwick argued that many students don’t check the listserves and that other methods should be used. § N. Lulham furthered that the survey will inquire about this issue as well. 14. MOTION : To Adjourn Session II of GESSA’s 2008 GM. Moved by D. Butler and Seconded by B. Mersey. Vote Count: Passed unanimously.
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