Attendance:    Jasney Cogua-Lopez, Tricia Vanderkooy, Bora Paco, LeTania Severe, Karen Mahar, Tekla Nicholas,  Francisco Sastre, Connie Viamonte, , Francisco Sastre, Safietou Kane, Dusan Ugrina

 

I.          Welcome

                        Meeting began at 3:05 pm. 

 

II.        Book Clearing

The clearing out of the excess books in the Grad Room is coming to an end.    Whatever is left will be donated next week.  If you want anything that is left, now is the time to take it!   

 

III.       Killer Coke

The faculty of Soc/Ant have asked if the grad students would like to co-sign a statement in support of group that is trying to raise awareness about issues relating to the Coca-Cola company. The group is ultimately interested in getting the University to consider changing its buying relationship to coke. 

 

The group made a presentation to the Soc/Ant faculty, who agreed to issue a statement of support and asked if the graduate students wanted to co-endorse the statement. 

 

We are specifically being asked only to endorse convening a debate on the issue.  SAGSA agreed to add its name to the faculty endorsement. 

 

SAGSA members who are interested in learning more about the Killer Coke campaign are encouraged to attend and participate in the planned debate. 

 

IV.       Workshop

We are making progress on achieving our goal convening at least 2 workshops this semester!

 

·        “How to Make the Most from Census Data”  will take place today, immediately following this meeting, presented by our very own and very fabulous Emily Eisenhauer.  Thanks Emily!

 

·        “Refworks Part 2”   is being scheduled for an upcoming Tuesday afternoon. Keep your eyes on your email inbox for the notice of when its set! Francisco Sastre is the point person for this initiative.

 

V.        Budget

Same as last meeting:  We have $760 in our budget for the rest of the semester.  We anticipate spending this funding on workshops and end of year events (see Section X below!)  

 

VI.                   Colloquia Update

Next colloquium will be Jerry Brown on Friday, March 16, at 1:30pm in the Labor Center.

 

Today’s colloquium by Amy Serrano, regarding the making of her documentary “Sugarbabies”  was well attended in spite of it being the beginning of spring break. Thanks to all who came out for what was a fascinating presentation.  And she gave us all posters!

 

VII.                 Farewell for Professors and Students

Tricia suggested that in addition to giving gift cards to departing students and faculty, we also get a thank-you for Dr. Goldin since she is stepping down as Graduate Program Director.

 

Bora volunteered to be the point person for getting the gift cards.  She will follow up with Bri to get the list of names and with LeTania re the purchase order.   Thanks Bora! 

 

VIII.                GSA Events   

Next Gradskellers:  March 29 at  6pm  Gracies 

 

IX.                   Meeting with Faculty Candidates

At the last meeting, SAGSA agreed to have some grad student reps meet with the Department Director and Graduate Program director in order to discuss program issues.  However, we haven’t yet requested the meeting. 

Karen will prepare some bullet points summarizing our concerns and then Tricia and Francisco will request the meeting.  The group agreed that the meeting should have an overall positive tone, focusing on our desire to be more engaged with the department overall. 

 

X.                    End of Year Events

 

·        Dr. Mahler’s Proposal Writing Class Presentations:  Students in Dr. Mahler’s proposal writing class will be making their final presentations on April 13th.   All SAGSA students are strongly encouraged to attend.  Dr. Mahler has requested that SAGSA sponsor a reception following the presentations, so as to encourage participation.  The exact time is still TBA. 

 

SAGSA voted to sponsor the reception.  We certainly seem to have enough funds for it!  LeTania volunteered to be the point person for the event.  She’ll begin by finding out what time the event is taking place.

 

·        Spring Social:   The Spring Social should be taking place in April.  This is usually coordinated by the professors, with SAGSA support. We’d like to confirm where and when it will take place, and find out what SAGSA needs to for our part.  Dusan volunteered to be the point person for this event.  Go Dusan! Make sure we have a great party!

 

 

XI.                   Next Meeting

The next, and potentially last, SAGSA meeting is Friday, April 6th.