The
Biology
Graduate Student Organization
at USF
BGSO meeting minutes
March 2005
Next BGSO meeting (and last one of the year) will be April 22.
Ali has notes from Dr. Romeo's brown bag regarding how to write a successful NSF fellowship application if anyone is interested.
Anna reported on GAU: Bargaining is complete! Added to the contract are clauses stating that no discrimination due to sexual orientation is allowed, the minimum GA stipend will be increased from $7500 to $7800 (masters) and $8850 (PhD), and USF will pay $600 towards health insurance but only if you take the USF insurance plan. The bargaining unit (that's us) must vote to ratify these changes, Anna will send out more info. The union needs a new leader, Anna and EJ are not able to do it anymore.
Initial BGSO officer nominations were made, Ali will send out info on voting.
Tentative budget/funding from student activities: more than last year- $2300, including more conference $$ and some money for brown bags as well as meetings. Paint Your Heart Out! April 16th, contact Dave Karlen to volunteer. It is a lot of fun! Earth Day Eco-Area Cleanup- Neal is in charge, and the date is dependent upon the burning schedule. GPSC meeting report: 4/20 is USF Day at the state capital- purpose is to bolster support (i.e. money) for the University.
Officer elections are coming up, the 4 GPSC positions get a tuition waiver and a stipend. They still have money for presenters at conferences. For more info on loan consolidation go to www.graduateleverage.com
Grad student-invited seminar speakers Reed Bowman (4/5) and Kiisa Nishikawa (4/19) will talk about scrub jays and ballistic movements in amphibians, respectively.
Amanda is on the instructor search committee. They want to hire 2 instructors (one geneticist, one physiologist) for the fall who will be supervising TAs in labs, so please attend the upcoming seminars and lunches with the candidates.
End of Year Party- Neal is in charge, he needs a house to hold the party at and a partner in crime to help plan the party. Bot Garden plant show- 4/9 and 4/10, $3, lots of fun!
The Bot Gardens are always looking for volunteers to help with the show.
Intramural Sports: Contact Sarah Smiley to participate in the sand volleyball tournament (on 4/1, entries are due this Monday) or the swim meet on 4/8 (same day registration).
Happy drop week, Katie Basiotis BGSO Secretary (not for long!)