Spectrum - Volume 17 Issue 04 September 15, 1994 - Grad students seeking representative on BOV

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Grad students seeking representative on BOV

Spectrum Volume 17 Issue 4 - September 15, 1994

The Graduate Student Assembly will seek a seat on the Board of Visitors, John Aughenbaugh told GSA delegates at the July 28 meeting.

"For the last three years, the GSA has been responsible for having a graduate student as a finalist for student representative on the board," Aughenbaugh explained. A graduate student has never been selected, and some board members suggested they might consider having a graduate student on the board in addition to an undergraduate. At the August 29 board meeting, a GSA representative will be given time to make a case for graduate-student representation.

"We would also like any student representatives to have voting privileges, but we're not too confident on that point," Aughenbaugh said.

Aughenbaugh, who is administrative director of the GSA, also told delegates that the Commission on Graduate Studies and Policies has asked the assembly to prepare a position paper on the issue of whether summer tuition should be required of students doing research. The Parking and Transportation Committee has asked for input on the GTA parking policy instituted last year, which allows graduate teaching assistants to park in designated spots on the days they teach.

The GSA executive board held a retreat in June to determine goals and priorities, it was reported. According to minutes of that meeting, one goal is the creation of a Graduate Teaching Assistant Committee to address issues regarding GTA's. Karen Bishop will chair the committee. Bishop and GSA vice president Brian Sayre will work with John Muffo of Institutional Research, and Carl Dahlman, GSA public information officer, to conduct a graduate-student opinion survey during spring 1995.

Another goal is for GSA President Maureen Bezold to meet monthly with the presidents of other registered graduate-student organizations.

The lobbying of public officials will be de-emphasized in 1994-95, the executive board decided.

In other business, Sayre asked the assembly to pass a resolution supporting the Talloires Declaration "and the reaffirmation by Virginia Tech of continued support of and commitment to the Talloires Declaration."

Sayre said, "We want to reaffirm our commitment to environmental issues and the university's taking an active role in making sure functions of the university are environmentally correct."

One delegate said that Virginia Tech should not try to influence curriculum decisions at other universities. "That's up to those university's themselves. Which is not to say these classes aren't great."

Sayre agreed and explained that former President McComas was instrumental in getting other Virginia schools to support the Talloires Declaration, which originated at Tufts.

The resolution will receive a second reading at the September 22 meeting.

Announcements included:

* There were a record 92 applications for Travel Fund grants.

* The graduate student picnic will be Sunday, Aug. 28, 4 to 8 p.m., at the University Club. Food will be provided.

* The organization showcase will be Saturday, Aug. 27, in Squires.

* Graduate students who wish to be delegates to the GSA should speak to their department's graduate director or department head.

* The Off-Campus Housing Center, 121 Squires, will be open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., weekdays. There is a fee to advertise housing, but no charge to students, faculty and staff members to view listings.

* Executive retreat minutes are available in the GSA office.

* The next meeting will be at 5:30 p.m., September 22, in Squires Brush Mountain Room.