GSA MEETING MINUTES

Date:  1/30/2007

Time:  1-3 pm

Location:  Broughton 3229

Attendees: Aaron Cusher, 

Antonio Jose Gonzalez, 

Keith McDaniel, 

James Deon Pearson, 

Dr. Robert T. Nagel (faculty)

Time:1:00

Discussion

• Introductions and greetings of new representatives, James Pearson (ME, Ph.D) and Antonio Gonzalez (ME, MS).

Time:1:10

Discussion

• Acting president and USGA representative Aaron Cusher and Keith McDaniel report on the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Graduate Student Associations activities and progress over the past year, including funding, attendance, membership, and activities.

Time:1:30

Discussion

• Dr. Robert T. Nagel reports on the departmental desires for this years graduate student association.  Specifically, Dr. Nagel would like:

1. To re-emphasize that GSa representatives are the mechanism for graduate student complaints and concerns to be directed to the administration.
2. For the current GSA members to publicize their identities and activities for fellow graduate students.
3. For the GSA to assume responsibility to organizing and sponsoring the departmental graduate student poster competition traditionally held the last week of classes during the spring semester.
4. For the GSA to setup a 'Graduate Student Fund' for the advancement of graduate student causes to which a portion of the GSA annual budget is allocated.  This fund also facilitates outside donations by providing a convenient route directly to graduate student aid.
5. For the GSA to sponsor interaction between the diverse ethnicities present among the graduate students.
6. For the GSA to be introduced to new graduate students during the departmental orientation.
7. For the GSA to document their activities and hold elections in the spring.

Time:2:00

Discussion

• Members agree to each formulate a list of responsibilities for each individual position within the GSA.  

Time:2:10

Discussion

• Aaron cusher agrees to begin researching a faculty-graduate student softball game to be held annually at the end of the spring semester at Pullen Park with the idea of a cook out and trophies being provided through the GSA budget.

Time:2:20

Discussion

• Members agree to take their pictures for the GSA website and to create a flyer which publicizes their identities, contact information, and function for distribution throughout the department.

Time:2:30

Discussion

• James Pearson agrees to obtain the departmental camera and arrange taking pictures of all members for the website.

Time:2:40

Discussion

• Dr. Robert T. Nagel agrees to follow through with the necessary paperwork and information about setting up a 'Graduate Student Fund'.

Time:3:00

Discussion

• Meeting end.  
• Next meeting agreed upon to discuss GSA positions, pictures, and faculty-student softball game.