August 19, 2005
MINUTES GABS Meeting 8/19/2005
GABS Meeting Minutes for August 19, 2005 Meeting began ~11:15am
New Student Introductions: two new students were present Allison (Helmuth lab),
Andre (Berger lab), and Sarah (Stratmann)
GABS Invited Speakers:
EEOB: Brian Silliman was our #1 choice but was already invited by
Marine Science- we are still going to try to do Grad Student Lunch
and/or dinner with him though
Mike Collyer from Iowa State University- will be here Nov 21
MCDB: 1st choice: John Cleveland (St. Judes) deferred until next semester
2nd choice: Paul Greenwood (small university) still waiting to hear from
There was no previous rule about whom we could invite as seminar speakers- but
after talking with Sally there will be a new rule included in the GABS book
that states individuals in a Post Doc position are not allowed to be invited as
a guest speaker. Only professors on a 10year track are eligible.
Faculty Fall Symposium:
Big hit last year- still interest to have it take place this year. Tentatively
planned for Friday, September 30 from 10am-3pm (location later determined)-
feel free to come and go as pleased.
GABS Seminar Series:
One Grad Student per week presents their research without professors present-
attendance died off towards the end last semester (concerned few people)- But
people did express interest in continuing this. Time and place to later be
determined.
Tuition: Grad students usually pay between ~$400-500 in the past. Last year we
were surprised when Sally informed us she found money to cover all of the
tuition (excluding fees and health insurance) for TA’s. Tuition increased this
semester and after checking with Sally the budget does not cover the increase
for TA’s. (see later on)
Health Insurance: $850 for the year. The Premium this year decreased from last
year- but some of the benefits increased (prescriptions increased from $500 to
$750) (off campus referral you use to have to pay first $300 now it is $250)
there were a few questions brought up about health insurance not covering for a
couple weeks in the summer time (we are going to look into this) You cannot go
to health services (unless you pay $45) the week before summer session I begins
and the week after summer session II ends.
Outreach: end of the semester we do Families helping Families
Sierra suggested Adopt a Highway- Sally suggested to adopt the block around the
building. She will be willing to buy rakes, gloves, etc to do this. Dr.
Decoursey currently gardens and cleans up trash (mainly cigarette butts) around
the building.
Computer Patch:
Run updates on your virus protection- need to then restart your computer for
updates to take place. Free McAFee virus protection from ITS online- if you
use this make sure you erase other virus protection/scan programs.
If your internet port gets turned off by CSD due to a virus- they will charge a
$35 fee to the individual who’s computer had the virus or the laboratory where
the virus was found to turn the port back on .
Reception today welcoming new students- Jen is upset that no Chicken Fingers
were ordered
SALLY’S NEWS:
-TA’s should be receiving $3078 tuition reimbursement. As stated earlier she is
aware tuition has increased but the budget has not- so there is no money to
cover the $400 increase for the TA’s at this point in time
-Grants that were grandfathered in and Sally use to give $2000 towards tuition
do not exist anymore. Your major professor should write have some tuition
written in their grants (is not mandatory to cover all tuition or health
insurance.)
-Speaking of Seminar speakers there should be 2 grad students working with Brian
and Johannes
these two grad students have input on more than just the two grad student
invited Speakers- Sally wants us to be more involved.
-The Department has a number of committees that have grad student
representatives (most appointed already) There are a couple of search
committee’s that are looking for grad student reps
- Bioinformatics- to replace Peter Wadell
- Molecular Biology- Sally forgot the specific area
In addition the college of engineering is looking for a grad student rep to help
the search committee choose a new dean- interested individuals need to provide
Sally with a 1 page CV
* grad students should only be rep at search committees where they have
knowledge and some expertise.
First Faculty Meeting Aug 29th
We will continue to have departmental socials on the last Friday of each month.