1. Generals scheduling: The present third-year students expressed concern about the late scheduling of generals exams. Most students did not learn their exam dates until after the exam period had begun. WGGI discussed this issue last year as well, but no changes to the process were made. The students hope that the department will consider scheduling exams earlier–instead of asking for student and faculty members Ask dept. to schedule earlier–perhaps schedules of availability could be to Pat on due September 8th instead of the 22nd?
2. Funding for scholarly travel. Students expressed concern that departmental money allotted for travel is not accessible unless one has already applied to the Dean’s Fund for support. However, some students receive invitations to participate in conferences or special seminars after the deadline to apply to the Dean’s Fund has passed. We would like to revise the rules so that departmental money is not “closed” in this way. Additionally, we would like to discuss the possibility of creating or accessing different sources of funding for scholarly travel in the tri-state area, since the cost for lodging or train travel, even to a close location, can be prohibitive.
3. Happy hours: students would like to restart Happy Hours as a regular social event. They will take place bi-weekly, in the evening in Hinds. Matt H. says that he and Kyessa would be willing to organize them. The group agreed that $200 maximum per happy hour should be a sufficient amount of money for drinks and food.
4. Graduate Study Room in Firestone: The room is largely complete. Greg will purchase plants and some other small items to finish the room. There was also discussion of the very important candy bowl, which has been empty of late. Sarah will purchase candy in bulk to be stored in the room.
5. Professional seminars: In spring 2008, Starry gave a seminar about funding applications that was well attended and students agree that these types of events are most appreciated. We would like to ask Bill to give a seminar on article publication. Other ideas for seminars include dissertation completion fellowship applications, applying for post-docs (this could be grouped together in “Advanced Year Funding Applications” and should take place in early October) and using an archive.
6. Seminar room: Students asked about the status of the English seminar room in the library–will improvements be made to this room?
7. Discussion about graduate student housing under the new University development plan (which will likely result in insufficient housing for grad students). Concern on this issue is presently minimal, so no action will be taken, but we would like to keep it on the radar.
8. Discussion of GSG Representative–decision that having a rep to attend every meeting is not worth it. Sarah and Yaron can attend if there is something pressing or we can email the GSG president.
9. Books for Firestone Study Room–students agree that beginning a collection of “fundamental” and frequently used texts for the study room would be a great idea. We are unsure if this collection could be funded by the library. Students request theoretical texts that are often all checked out, and more American work–things that are not offered in the Scribner. Aaron and Greg will work on compiling a list and will also talk to library staff about this.
10. Full size fridge and working microwave for hinds?
