The meeting was called to order at 3:05 pm.
Treasurer’s Report
Budget information is not posted in the online version of the minutes. Graduate students with questions can contact us for further information.
Past Events
Fundraising BBQ
-We made more than we expected.
-The barbecue from L’Express was not very good.
-In the future we would like to rent 2 barbecues from L’Express or convince them to let us use their big barbecue. Alternatively, we could ask people to bring their camping barbecues.
-In the future, we need to ensure that we have enough cash on hand for a float.
Halloween Party
-We generated some revenue from this event.
-BGSA executive discussed email etiquette with the event organizer (Stephen T.).
-Stephen T. was given a budget of $60 for glow sticks, prizes and decorations. He overspent on prizes. BGSA Executive unanimously decided that we couldn’t set a precedent for overspending on events so we will reimburse Stephen the $60 as per the instructions he was given.
-Dewey’s had our decorations from last year and did the decorating for us. We need to get the decorations back from Dewey’s so that we can put them in our student group inventory list.
Upcoming Events
Job Fair
-The job fair will be on November 18. All of the planning for this event is on track.
Executive Retreat
-BGSA executive is planning an informal get together to brainstorm ideas for next year. Will likely be a Friday evening in late November.
Trivia Night
-Graduate students expressed interest in a Trivia Night at the Faculty Club when a Doodle Poll was circulated.
-The first (and trial run) trivia night will be held in late November.
Winter Social
-Graduate students expressed interest in a laser tag event when a Doodle Poll was circulated.
-Michelle C. is working on getting an official quote from Laser Quest.
-We are planning to run this event in early-mid December.
-Phil O. and Michelle C. are working on an application for an SU activity grant (due date Nov. 16) to offset some costs for the event.
Writing Workshop
-We plan to have this event in January.
RE Peter
-Planning for this event is going really well (further ahead than in previous years).
-We are in the process of confirming speakers.
-The event will take place March 3-4 or March 11-12, dependent on speaker availability.
-Talks will be organized into mini-symposia
-The event will be at the Faculty Club and coffee/tea will be compliments of the Faculty Club.
-The Thursday evening social will be at the Faculty Club.
-The BGSA executive and RE Peter planning committee are on the lookout for grants to apply for
Possible sources include:
-Genetics Grant
-Office of Sustainability Green Grant
-GSA Academic Activity Grant
-Alex C. is putting together a budget
Curling
-The Saville Centre is booked for April 9 and we’ve paid the first installment of the rental fee.
News from Department Council
-We had 41 new graduate students join the department in September and ~20 have been approved to begin in January.
-Thesis approval deadlines have been moved up
Housekeeping
BGSA lounge
-Phil O. obtained the microwaves from the Bio Sci Cafeteria from the department.
-BGSA Executive will be doing some cleaning/organizing of the lounge during reading week.
Theft prevention measures
-The BGSA was the victim of a recent theft (someone took the snackroom cash box). The department has agreed to cover the costs of a lock & chain for the cashbox. The treasurers will also be emptying the cashbox more regularly. We will try to get the door code changed ~every term. After the next snackroom re-stock we will send a reminder to graduate students to be vigilant about BGSA lounge security and to report any suspicious activity.
Event Organizer Training
-BGSA executive should get event organizer training. Dates for upcoming training sessions are November 16 and December 1.
Photocopier code
-Phil O. will talk with Tracy Raivio about getting a photocopier code for the BGSA.
Adjournment
-The meeting was adjourned at 4:25 pm