Minutes from meeting of
November 2nd 2004

Funding Requests

Rosanne Ford, Associate VP for Research and Graduate Studies

Dr. Ford came to speak with us about in order to get to know us a little better as well as to inform us as to what her office is doing that affects Graduate students.

She discussed the following items with us:
* Recruiting

There is funding available for graduate students to return to their alma maters and serve as an ambassador for the University of Virginia. During these trips back to their undergraduate institutions, graduate students could present their research as well as encourage current undergraduate students to consider pursuing graduate studies at UVA. Dr. Ford also touched on the University's plan to supplement the financial aid packages given to some of the top graduate recruits as a way to entice them to come to UVA. She also mentioned the University's desire to provide more opportunities for undergraduate students to have research or other experiences at UVA during their college careers. Positive experiences in this way might prompt these undergraduates to apply to UVA for graduate school.


* Interdisciplinary Matters

It is becoming increasingly difficult to narrowly categorize most real world problems into one discipline or another. For this reason, the University would like to promote interdisciplinary approaches to research and teaching.


* Chartered University

The proposed change from public to chartered university would change UVA's funding formula by, most likely, increasing undergraduate tuition. This might possibly increase graduate funding.

Funding Requests

Creston Davis, William Desmond Lecture
* Funding for visit by world reknown philospher.
* Requested $300 from Grad Council
* Motion was made to fund $300. This motion passed unanimously (it was called to my attention during this meeting that I have been spelling "unanamously" incorrectly. Andre gets a gold star for pointing that out. To be quite honest, I was happy to even get that close.)

Rosemary Millar, Black Women's Leadership Conference

* Annual event to help black women be productive leaders of tomorrow.
* Requested $2,000 from Grad Council.
* Motion was made to fund $1,000, with a stipulation that if they are not able to obtain the other $1,000 from other funding sources then they can come back and we will give it to them. This motion passed unanimously (See, I got it right that time).

Stephanie McCormick, Neuroscience Research Day

* This request was presented last meeting and then tabled because of some unresolved questions.
* The revised request was $600.
* Motion was made to fund $600. The motion passed unanomously (uh oh, I'm back to my old ways).

Treasurer's Report and Funding Debate

* We have $29,128.17. WOHOO!!! (or WAHOO!!!, I guess, if you want to show some school spirit).
* Council discussed various ways of giving out this considerable amount of funds so that it would be put to good use. Nothing was resolved, but the conversation was lively.

Officer and Ex Officio Representative Reports

President's Report

* Tom is still trying to find another room in which to hold these meetings.
* Tom is meeting with the Provost on Wednesday, which also happens to be Tom's birthday. Happy Birthday, Tom!!


Vice President's Report

* Brandi has been trying to figure out how to get Engineering and Education graduate students involved in our little rag-tag team.
* There are still grad students not receiving the Grad Connections emails that are sent out.


Second Vice President's Report

* The minutes from last meeting were approved unanimously. Does anyone even read these? If you are reading this, give a "thumbs up" sign.

StudCo Report

* StudCo passed a resolution that endorsed without reservation an initiative from the Faculty Senate to increase the diversity around Grounds.
* StudCo would also like to get a new night bus route running on the weekends.

Honor Report

* Some of the suggestions that were made at the Honor Forum for graduate students held in the Rotunda are being implemented by the Honor Committee.

Judiciary Report

* There are some who worry that graduate students are trying to take over the University Judiciary Committee. So much for the element of suprise.

Committee Reports

Social Committee

* The apple picking excursion was a success.
* Bar Night was also a success.
* Bowling Night is this Saturday. The Committee requested $200 to pay for this event. A motion to fund $200 was passed unanimously.
* The Starr Hill Halloween Party could not be categorized as a success. For some reason, admission was not being charged at the door. The money from admission was meant to pay for the alcohol at the party since Grad Council funds may not be used to purchase food items. So money had to be taken from party goers as they left. This did not please the party goers. From now on, the Social Committee will make requests at Grad Council meetings like any other group so that we can keep better control over things. Let's make sure nothing like this happens again.

Old Business

Graduate Student Survey

* The survey is currently out and several council members have received it.
* There has been about a 21% response rate.


Board of Visitor's Visit

* An event is in the works.


Outreach to Engineering and Education Grad Students

* Robyn Deiter from the Education department was in attendance.
* Robyn said it would be helpful for engineering and education students to see minutes from past meetings and agendas of future meetings to see if any items of discussion interest them. I finally feel as if, in some small way, I am making a difference. I think there is something in my eye.


Council's bylaws

* A discussion and vote on these was delayed until next meeting.

New Business & Departmental Concerns

Questions about Chartered Universities initiative for Tom to take to the Provost.

* Will the minority/women owned business purchasing requirement continue if UVA becomes a chartered university?
* Will the low income tax credit continue?
* Will research fees be raised?

CEPC and SHIC appointments

* Andre Nance was appointed to CEPC, though there were many worthy candidates for the job.


Council Committee assignments

* Committee assignments were approved unanimously.


Website revision?

* Let's do it!

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