GradSEA

Meeting Minutes for August 28, 2002

Members in Attendance:
Steve Hancock, Mike Kapper, Jen Consilio, Julia Romberger, Jessie Kapper, Tarez Graban, Gigi Taylor, Jennie Blankert, Kate Agena, Kelly Pender, Laurell Ranking, Greg Hill, and Margaret Morris.

1. Welcome and Introductions

2. Department Picnic
First, Mike announced the department picnic, and we discussed food variety and concluded that various grilled sandwiches/veggies grills would have the best appeal. Main dish and drinks will be provided. It will take place on Sunday September 22, from 12-4pm at Ross Hills Park. People can sign up with Judy to let her know what dish you will be bringing-everyone who participates needs to bring a salad or dessert to serve four. Members also discussed having activities for the grad students and faculty to participate in, such as voluntary activities like soccer games, pictionary, etc. Steve mentioned that we should send a call out to the grad list, asking for volunteers to help set-up and clean-up for the picnic.

3. Elections
Steve announced the upcoming elections for the two search committee positions. The ballots are to be sent out on Thursday August 29, and Jen Consilio suggested that there be a stack of ballots for people to pick up in the pseudo-office since it is under construction.

4. English Language and Linguistic Committee Report (Gigi Taylor)
The ELL Committee discusses course offerings for the Spring. All courses in the grad handbook will be offered, and 596 Gender and Language will be offered. The class will explore how gender is represented in language.

5. Introductory Writing Committee Report (Tarez Graban)
The IWC is meeting bi-weekly and in their last meeting, they discussed negotiating physical space for the new 106 course. Their present goal is getting TA's and instructors to readjust to the new course, and the issue on the table is how to make mentoring complete. The suggestions have included a workshop in May or implementing a 502 component that would meet weekly for an hour. Bud has suggested that there might be a workshop for those who are planning to teach 106 in the Fall-an initial training program.

6. Theory and Cultural Studies (Greg Hill)
The committee announced there would be one colloquium in the spring that would be oriented more towards cultural studies.

--Submitted by Jen Consilio