CPCB GSA Meeting Agenda + Minutes
Date & Time: Thursday, September 14, 2023, 6-7pm
Room: GHC 7404 (CMU)
Attendees | ||
Caleb | Thomas | Rishal |
Filipp | Alex | Annie |
Steph | Yajushi | Chai |
Alistair | Shahul | Akanksha |
Agenda | Discussion | Action Items |
CPCB GSA Overview and Logistics | ||
CPCB GSA constitution overview [Caleb] | Everyone reads the document, goes over any questions. Caleb proposes rather than assign 1-2 events/year/GSA member, that people who are not senators specialize in other initiatives for the program. For other initiatives, Caleb suggests a CPCB fellowships platform. He would like someone to be in charge of resources for workshops on publishing, applying, grants, etc. Rishal mentions that a joint database should fit both sides of the program. Will need people to take on longer projects with more investment. Should pick someone ASAP to lead the survey. Caleb suggests we amend constitution to put social media manager in charge of website. | Amend constitution |
Mode of communication | slack | |
Meeting logistics
| Try not to do zoom links unless there’s a serious conflict. | |
Social + Professional Events | ||
Types and frequency of events [Thomas]
| Going to distribute calendar access and maintenance Steph asks about adding events outside the program | Grant everyone edit access Continue to add these to calendar Thomas will be the CMU Rep, Alisa Pitt rep for promoting these events |
Should we do a September event?
| Arsenal last year went way over budget, ripped off by other programs. We are down 3k from last year. Drew was never allowed to determine how much money we have because of the CMU Business Manager’s negligence. Could plan something small. Annie suggests getting everyone to Pins. They have a cheap happy hour, lots of free activities. Steph suggests Kick Back Pinball Cafe in Lawrenceville. Steph suggests a hike. Raccoon Creek: Other events that people liked: Ice Skating, Alcohol-related events, Monica mentioned CPCB olympics during retreats…Could make that an event. | Steph and Annie will organize Raccoon Creek or another outdoor(?) event |
October event
| Akanksha and Yajushi will organize Soergels | |
Panels this semester
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NSF GFRP deadline is October 16-20
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Other GSA Responsibilities | ||
GSA Budget and Reimbursement processes [Alex] | Alex plans with people to make the budgets make sense, not just reimbursements. Make sure you come to him first. As far as funds, we have not heard from Kelly. Reimbursements: Pitt: Vincent card, CMU: Out of pocket and then reimburse via form. If it’s too expensive, have an Admin pay and take money out. CMU budget rolls over, so we should not spend it all. Spending restrictions: CMU allows spending on alcohol as long as there are bartenders. Pitt is more tricky. Gift cards are not allowed. Keep in mind we need to save on small events to have a big event (like a formal??) | Find our missing CMU money that Bob hasn’t told us about |
Plans for student seminars this semester [Alistair]
| Next meeting | |
Outreach/volunteer activities for the year [Steph]
| Citizen Science Lab: Steph and Yajushi organized last year. Steph has gotten a list of dates. Caleb: We should set up a working relationship with this as our outreach branch. | Steph will poll everyone on dates |
CPCB GSA website [Drew, Monica]
| Yajushi will also be in charge of the website as social media manager | Amend constitution, contact Drew/Monica |
CMU Intramural teams [Senators]
| Make this more visible and have more enthusiasm | Reach out to MSCB/MSAS students Thomas will make a poll for interest in IM sports |
Remaining Position Updates | ||
Social Media Manager [Yajushi]
| Last year - threads account? Nobody uses FB. Sent an email per sem. Hanxi recommended posting animals on ig stories. CPCB pet a week? Short “day in the life” videos? | Steph and Yajushi will colab on a pet themed thing |
CMU GSA Rep: Chai
| Chai sent an email, Shahul sent Chai some emails | |
Pitt GSA Rep [Alisa, Rishal]
| Rishal: Gaby and Caroline posted about the medical hardship fund. It’s not perfect. Limit is $4200. Portal anonymizes and redacts sensitive info. BGSA sent out letter of grievance. Trying to get as much data on the effects as possible. Health Care Task Force: BGSA says that applications are open for a student to lead this. Suspiciously already filled with little details. Unionization: Health Care bs galvanized interest. After delivering petition, rally 1st of october to express support. They will be handing out calling cards: A pledge that you’ll vote for the union. Start collection Oct 2-3, goal is 65% of people signing the card. Then we can file for creating a vote with PLRB. Goal is to get this by middle of the semester. Interest cards are at 50%. CPCB is very pro-union. Should we email faculty about the union? Pros: May tell students, Cons: May negatively affect their students if they are against the union. | Pitt hardship medical fund up to $4200 Email Pitt students to sign this Send an email to students about the rally, future union related info. Include CMU people for extra “bodies” |
Committee Updates | ||
Who here is on a CPCB committee? | ???? Caleb is on Admissions. Current calls for DEI members. | Follow up with Kelly and Nicole |
If we have time | ||
Professional development workshops | ||
Other types of events people want to host? | ||
Next Meeting | ||
Panels, Student Seminar | ||