Important Changes to Your GSS Benefit Plan

Since there will be significant changes in january to your GSS benefit plan I am sending this out again:

The GSS has partnered with Studentcare to bring you a better student benefit
plan at a LOWER COST.  As of January 2010, SFU graduate students who are
signed on to the plan will enjoy all of the health and dental benefits
already offered, but with much better customer service and easier paperwork
­ all at a lower price!

Here are some of the improvements:

- Reduced Administrative Costs = Lower Plan Fees, Effective January 2010
The GSS is pleased to announce that these changes in policy and
administration of your Plan will result in cost savings of about $35 per
year.

- Call Centre: 1 866 369 8795  Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM ­ 4:30 PM -
effective immediately!
We are happy to be able to provide telephone service to students every
weekday  ­ a significant increase compared to our current service levels.

- Rapid Email Support: service@studentcare.net - effective immediately!
Studentcare answers all e-mails within 48 hours.

- Interactive Website www.ihaveaplan.ca - Coming in January - watch
www.sfsbenefits.com for details.

The Graduate Student Society will continue to be able to answer your
questions and take your claim forms, but we encourage students to contact
the new member services team who are expertly-trained to answer your
questions by telephone or email.  These new services will help graduate
students get the detailed answers and speedy assistance they need.

Also:
- New Interactive Website Coming in January
The new website will offer more information, will be easier to navigate, and
provide faster processing of opt outs.  Neat features including custom
google-mapping tools to find Network dentists and health professionals that
will greatly improve the accessibility and usefulness of the Graduate
Benefit Plan.

- Streamlined Policy Year and Opt Out / Enrolment Dates: NO MORE COMPLICATED
ANNIVERSARY DATES
The Graduate Benefit Plan is moving to a full-year fee and enrolment system
to better serve the majority of graduate students. This means that in future
years, the enrolment and policy period will always be September 1st ­ August
31st, and the full-year fee will be assessed all at once instead of per
term. Graduate students will be able to change their coverage or add family
at the start of every academic year each September, no matter what your
previous enrolment anniversary date was. Once enrolled, graduate students
will always be covered until August 31st, even if their registration status
changes from term to term.

What does this mean for January 2010?
To transition to this new fee system, all grad students enrolled in the plan
will be assessed a pro-rated fee in January for 2 semesters ending August
31st. This means your payment in January 2010 will be a larger initial
amount, but no payment will be required in May and you will retain coverage
until August 31st regardless of your registration status in May. And
remember ­ the overall annual fee is being reduced by nearly $35.

If you have opted out previously, including this September 2009, your opt
out will be carried forward as usual. However, as a one-time exception, if
you would like to make any changes to your coverage (opt out, cancel your
opt out, or add family) you may do so in January 2010 without penalty or
restriction based on previous enrollment or anniversary dates.

(Proof of comparable coverage is needed to opt out of the health and dental
portions of the Benefit Plan.  Information regarding how to submit an opt
out request will be available in December 2009.)

Brought to you by the Graduate Student Society at SFU and Studentcare

For further information please also visit the Benefit Plan Website:

http://www.sfsbenefits.com/news.php

Thomas Unsoeld

GSS Food Drive - A Caucus Challenge!

(full details available here: http://www.sfugradsociety.ca/sfugradsociety.ca/2009_Food_Drive.html)

The GSS is sponsoring a competition between graduate Caucuses in hopes to raise food and money donations for both the SFU Campus Food Bank and the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society.

Between December 2 and 18 2009, Caucuses are challenged to bring in donations to the GSS office.  Your donations will be scored based on the point system we've developed with the Food Banks.

At 12:00 PM (noon) on December 18, the GSS will announce which Caucus has won the most points.

GRAND PRIZE

$250 Gift Certificate to the Highland Pub at the Burnaby Mountain Campus!

Treat your Caucus to an amazing Christmas party or ring in the new year with a welcome-back pub in January!

Bring your donations to the GSS office between 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM Monday - Friday (MBC 2205 next to the bookstore).  GOOD LUCK!
--

Questions?  Contact:

Elaine Parker, Executive Director

The Graduate Student Society at Simon Fraser University
MBC 2211, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6
(778) 782-8710  --  exec_director@sfugradsociety.ca
http://www.sfugradsociety.ca

A meeting to discuss the GSS

Dear fellow GSS members,

When the SFU Graduate Student Society (GSS) was formed a year and a half ago, the intent was to provide graduate students a clear voice in the university. Now, it is time to reconsider what we want this voice to be. In recent months, a number of GSS members in a variety of departments have expressed concern over and frustration with the structure and functioning of the GSS. To discuss these issues and brainstorm possible solutions, we have scheduled a meeting for Thursday, December 3 from 2:30 - 3:50 in the Highland Pub (the lower section, where the pool tables are). All GSS members are welcome. We hope to see you there!

Sincerely,
Emily Gordon
Kasim Husain
Carina Nilsson
Kevin Patridge
Jennifer Scott
Julia Smith
Nicole Stewart
Jeff Zurek

Reminder: Caucus Meeting this Friday, 3:30-4:30

Hello Everyone,

This is a reminder that we have a Caucus meeting on Friday, November 27th , 3:30-4:30pm (Bio grad lounge).

Hope to see you there,

Isabelle Raymond
BISC Caucus Chair

Grad social at the pub - Thursday Nov 26, 3pm-7pm

The next grad student social, brought to you by the GSS, is this Thursday (November 26), from 3pm-7pm at the Highland Pub!  Enjoy free hamburgers and $2 beverages!  Come socialize with your grad student friends at a non-lab/class/conference/thesis defense venue!

Thanks to the TSSU and the Highland Pub for helping us to put on this event.

See you Thursday!

The Graduate Student Society at SFU

Thomas Unsoeld
GSS Rep

Caucus Meeting: Friday, Nov 27th, 3:30-4:30

Hello Everyone,

Our next caucus meeting will be Friday, November 27th , 3:30-4:30pm (Bio grad lounge).

We've got updates on the Christmas party (we still need volunteers for the skits!) and the grad hosted speaker.

As usual there will be refreshments and snacks.

See you there,

Isabelle Raymond
BISC Caucus Chair

GSS Volunteer positions: Electoral Committee (Paid positions!)

The GSS is looking for graduate student volunteers for these PAID positions!


There are spots for three members on the Electoral Committee. Two of
them (including the CEO) must be SFU graduate students who do not
currently hold the position of an Officer, an Executive, or even a
Council rep (translation: just a regular old SFU graduate student).
None of the members of the Electoral Committee can be a candidate for
an Exec position starting January 2009. One can be a Council or Exec
member, and even could be a current Exec member that is not running
for a position next year.

-The CEO gets paid between $200 (if the positions are filled by
acclamation) and $400 (if there is a candidate run-off) per election
or referendum.
-The other members of the Electoral Committee are paid between $100
and $200 per election or referendum, for the same reasons above.
-All members are paid $50 per other undertaking for which they are
tasked by the Executive Committee (things that aren't elections or
referenda).
-This counts as service work on your CV.
-The work is minimal, there is a handbook that was created by a former
CEO detailing everything that needs to be done for these positions,
and we are readily available to answer questions.
-The GSS is pretty neat!

Interested members should send a really short paragraph introducing
themselves, their department, and some reasons why they would like to
serve on the EC to either the Secretary or President (secretary@sfugradsociety.ca or president@sfugradsociety.ca)

Thanks!


--
Elaine Parker, Executive Director
The Graduate Student Society at Simon Fraser University

MBC 2211, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6
(778) 782-8710  --  exec_director@sfugradsociety.ca
http://www.sfugradsociety.ca

Sustainable SFU Potluck – Nov 18 @ 5:30pm

Dear Student Unions & Student Organizations,

Sustainable SFU would like to invite you to a potluck get-together for sustainable initiatives.

This meeting allows various campus groups (and individuals) to coordinate with each other and build strong partnerships to further sustainability on our campus.

Here are some of the current projects:
· Composting on Campus
· NO Bottled Campaign
· Sustainable Paper

Come get involved in a current project or get connected to start your own sustainable initiative!!
**Please bring a food item/dish to share with the group, plus your own bowl & silverware. **

Where: Graduate Student's Society Common room (MBC 2205)
Who: Anyone interested in promoting sustainable initiatives!
When: Wednesday, November 18 @ 5:30pm

Please email any questions and RVSP sustainablesfu@gmail.com

Reminder: Caucus Meeting this Friday, 3:30-4:30

Hello Everyone,

This is a reminder that we have a Caucus meeting tomorrow Friday, October 30th , 3:30-4:30pm (Bio grad lounge).

We'll be discussing the Christmas party, grad hosted speaker and travel awards, so come if you can!

See you there,

Isabelle Raymond
BISC Caucus Chair

Pumpkin carving contest Tomorrow!

Hi all,

To those entered in the pumpkin carving contest, you can pick up your pumpkin(s) starting at 9:00am from me (Jenn) at SSB6125.  Candles and so forth will be provided prior to judging in B9242.  Please have your pumpkins in place by 4pm, so that judging can  commence at 4:30.

Happy Hallowe'en!

Jennifer Trowell
Kennedy Lab

Caucus Meeting: Friday, Oct 30th, 3:30-4:30

Hello Everyone,

Our next caucus meeting will be Friday, October 30th , 3:30-4:30pm (Bio grad lounge).

Please come if you can, we will be discussing the Christmas party, grad hosted speaker and travel awards, amongst other things.

See you there,

Isabelle Raymond
BISC Caucus Chair

Pumpkin carving contest - reminder

Happy Hallowe'en!

Just a reminder, the second annual pumpkin carving contest is less than a week away (October 28, 4pm in B9242).  We've got a fantastic contest shaping up, and I just wanted to remind everyone to email me with their pumpkin requests.  Last call for pumpkins will be Sunday at noon, with pumpkin pick-up beginning Wednesday the 28th in the morning from SSB6125.
Remember, there's prizes for first and second place, with Chris Kennedy supplying the prizes and making a $5 donation to the BCSPCA for each pumpkin donated to him.  So, not only will this be a whole lot of fun, but it will also be for a good cause!

Hope to see you all there!

Jennifer Trowell
SSB6125, Kennedy Lab

Halloween Movie Night (Wed Oct 28th)!

Hello Grads,

It is my pleasure to announce the first annual Biology Grad Caucus Halloween Movie night!

*Where*: MBC 2212

*When*: Wednesday October 28th 5-10 (First movie will start at 5:30, the second ~ 7:30)

*Food*: Pizza and pop will be provided, other beverages will be $2.

*Movies*: In order to make this democratic please have a look at the available movies: (http://www.criterionpic.com/cpl/qsearch.htx) and send me your two choices by Friday. I will then send out a reminder email with the movies that were picked.

Regards,

Brendan

Pumpkin carving!

Hello Biology Grad Students, Faculty and associates,

Hallowe'en is almost upon us, and it's time for the second annual Biology pumpkin carving contest.  The fun begins on Wednesday, October 28th, with the pumpkins arriving that morning and judging commencing at 4pm that afternoon.  Pumpkins are free this year, courtesy of the biology grad caucus, for whoever would like to carve.  Dr. Kennedy is providing prizes for first and second place and giving $5 to the BC SPCA for each carved pumpkin donated.  Judging will be by distinguished members of our department, who have yet to be asked.  All who want a pumpkin just email me with your request, so we know approximately how many pumpkins we need.

Thanks and Happy Hallowe'en!

Jennifer Trowell

Reminder: Caucus meeting, Wednesday, Sept 23, 3:30pm

Hello everyone,

This is a reminder that we will be having our September Caucus meeting this Wednesday, September 23rd, at 3:30pm in the bio grad lounge.

See you all there,
Janey
BISC Caucus Associate Chair

Your Union is Meeting - Monday, Sept. 21

Hi Folks,

I am writing to remind you that the first TSSU General Meeting of the
semester will take place next Monday, Sept. 21 from 12:00-1:30 in MBC
2290.   In addition to informing you about how GM's work and how your
union works on your behalf- this meeting will be a great opportunity
for you to meet new people that share your experiences as
TAs/TMs/Sessional Instructors.  There is also a FREE LUNCH provided.
If you have any questions about TUGS, Benefits, or you just want to
grab a Collective Agreement or Logbook, your Salaried Officers will be
available in MBC 2290 for a half hour before the meeting and will be
going to the Highland Pub afterwards.

I will be leaving the department at 11:45 from the bio grad lounge
and I encourage you to head down with me.

This will be a very important meeting as we will be accepting
nominations for the TSSU Bargaining Committee.  If you have any
questions about how to get involved, please email tssu@tssu.ca

Please also fill out the TSSU Bargaining Survey for a chance to win a
FREE ipod Touch:  www.tssu.ca/2010_bargaining_survey.  You can do so
until Oct. 8th. Good luck!

See you on Monday!

Mike Wogin, TSSU Steward

TSSU/GSS FALL SOCIAL! Friday, Sept. 11th @ 4pm

Hi folks,

Just a heads up that there will be a raging TSSU/GSS Fall Social following TA/TM Day this Friday - September 11th from 4-8 in the Highland Pub (In the MBC Building across from the library).  Come for door prizes, FREE burgers, veggie burgers, and the fixings. As well - we have $2 beers. Some come celebrate the end of the first week - it is the social event of the season! https://webserver.lidc.sfu.ca/tep/fall-09/getPdf.php?c_id=104.


For your convenience, the Fall TA/TM Day Program is available online at
https://webserver.lidc.sfu.ca/tep/fall-09/getPdf.php?c_id=104&pdfnum=1.

See you there!
TSSU/GSS

Thomas Unsoeld

SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY

Department of Biological Sciences / B7225
8888 University Drive
Burnaby, BC Canada V5A 1S6
778.782.4284 - Lab
tunsoeld@sfu.ca

Health Insurance and Benefit Plan Info Fair - next week Tuesday and Wednesday

The Graduate Student Society is hosting an Info Fair for the various health and dental benefits plans that are offered by organizations on campus, including the SFSS, the TSSU, SFU International, and ourselves, the GSS.  This event will be held on

Tuesday, September 15, 2009
and
Wednesday, September 16, 2009

10am - 2pm both days

in MBC 2212 (the graduate lounge in the Maggie Benston Centre.  It's between the SFSS offices and the convenience store).

Drop in at any time during those hours to learn about your health insurance, how to get a BC health care card (MSP), claims, opt-ins/opt-outs and to answer any other questions you may have.


The Graduate Student Society at SFU

Thomas Unsoeld

SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY

Department of Biological Sciences / B7225
8888 University Drive
Burnaby, BC Canada V5A 1S6
778.782.4284 - Lab
tunsoeld@sfu.ca

--
Alex M. Chubaty, PhD Candidate
Dept. of Biological Sciences
Simon Fraser University
8888 University Drive
Burnaby, BC  V5A 1S6

phone: +1.778.782.4512
fax: +1.778.782.3496
email: achubaty@sfu.ca

NEW TIME: Welcome back / new student BBQ Sept 10 @ 4:45 pm

Due to conflicts with the departmental seminar and a health sciences course, we will be starting the BBQ at 4:45 pm in the physics-bio courtyard.

Mentors, please arrive at 4:30 to meet your mentees.

--
Alex M. Chubaty, PhD Candidate
Dept. of Biological Sciences
Simon Fraser University
8888 University Drive
Burnaby, BC  V5A 1S6

phone: +1.778.782.4512
fax: +1.778.782.3496
email: achubaty@sfu.ca

FALL TA/TM DAY (Fri., Sept. 11/09)

Fellow workers,

Please save the date: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2009 at SFU Burnaby:  Mark your calendar and plan to take part in the 24th Annual Fall Semester TA/TM Day:  The Teaching Orientation Program for SFU teaching assistants and tutor markers (and graduate students who plan to TA &/or TM one day)!  Don't miss this opportunity for peer-based support.  Come share your teaching strategies, best practises, your challenges, successes, your fears and concerns in a supportive environment, which encourages your participation.  (Please note:  Advance registration is not required.)

For your convenience, the Fall TA/TM Day Program(16 pg. pdf) is available online at https://webserver.lidc.sfu.ca/tep/fall-09/getPdf.php?c_id=104&pdfnum=1 Check it out!

And, don't forget to attend the Fall Social right after TA/TM Day:https://webserver.lidc.sfu.ca/tep/fall-09/getPdf.php?c_id=104



SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY Learning and Instructional Development Centre presents

The 24th Annual Fall Semester TA/TM Day
The Teaching Orientation Program
https://webserver.lidc.sfu.ca/tep/fall-09/progdesc.php?c_id=104
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2009
8:30 am to 4:00 pm
SFU Burnaby
Make plans to attend the major TA/TM event of the Fall!
Advance registration is notrequired.

Opening Plenary Session begins at 8:30 am at the West Mall Centre (3rd Floor Atrium).
Workshops will be conducted at the West Mall Centre Atrium, Halpern Centre, Maggie Benston Centre, and the Library Lab.

**Remember:  Your time at TA/TM Day counts toward your TA/TM work
hours for the Fall Semester.

---
Sean Carleton
Organizer - Teaching Support Staff Union (TSSU)
organizer@tssu.ca
www.tssu.ca

[Fwd: Graduate Scholarship Days]

begin:vcard
fn:Carlotta Spino
n:Spino;Carlotta
org:Simon Fraser University;Dept of Biological Sciences
adr:Shrum Science Bldg, B8255;;8888 University Drive;Burnaby;BC;V5A 1S6;Canada
email;internet:bisc-ugrad-pa@sfu.ca
title:Undergraduate & Scholarship Secretary (Acting)
tel;work:778-782-3551
tel;fax:778-782-3496
url:www.biology.sfu.ca
version:2.1
end:vcard

Good afternoon,

Please find attached a schedule for the upcoming Graduate Scholarship Days. This year's event will take place on Thursday September 10th and Friday September 11th. This message addresses graduate students and any undergraduate students who may be planning for graduate school.

As part of our Graduate Scholarship Days, Dr. George Agnes, Associate Dean of Graduate Studies, will be hosting an NSERC Scholarship Application Writing Workshop on Thursday, September 10th starting at 3:00 pm in the Halpern Centre.  
 
This information can also be found on our website: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/scholarshipdays/scholarship_days/
Please advise your students to check the website in the case that there are any changes to the presentation schedule.

 
Thank you,
Rachel Dawson
Graduate Awards Manager
Dean of Graduate Studies Office
Simon Fraser University
778.782.8499

Caucus meeting: August 28th 3:30-4:30

Hello Everyone,

We will be having our next caucus meeting Friday, August 28th , 3:30-4:30pm (Bio grad lounge).

I have attached the agenda for the meeting.

See you there,

Isabelle Raymond
BISC Caucus Chair

Request for feedback on international graduate student issues

Dear Graduate Students,

It has recently come to our attention that better resources are needed for international graduate students at SFU. The Graduate Student Society at SFU is currently compiling a document containing information that will help international students to overcome unique issues that they face. However, we need some feedback from you in terms of the specific issues that we should be addressing in such a document. Some suggestions so far have been poor access to external funding and confusion about the BC healthcare system.

If you have any suggestions about what information should be put in this document,  or would like to discuss issues that you have experienced as an international student, please contact us at the address below. Feedback on this matter is greatly appreciated.

Kind regards,
Carroll Boydell

GSS Secretary
secretary@sfugradsociety.ca

BISC Grad Caucus travel awards available

Hi Everyone,

There are four Grad Caucus travel awards, each worth $100, available to people who meet the following criteria:

1. You started as a grad student BEFORE 1 January 2009, and
2. You have NEVER been awarded a Caucus travel award previously

Simple enough!

So, if you fit the profile and wish to be considered for a travel award (for conferences etc), please e-mail me [amaljkov@sfu.ca] before 5 pm (1700) Friday 31 July. All I need is your name to put in a draw to see who the lucky winners will be. This award must be claimed by 21 August.

Cheers,

Aleks

Reminder: Caucus meeting, Wednesday, July29, 3:30pm

Hello everyone,

This is a reminder that we will be having our July Caucus meeting this Wednesday at 3:30pm in the bio grad lounge.

See you all there,
Isabelle
BISC Caucus Chair

Caucus meeting: Wednesday July 29th 3:30-4:30

Hello Everyone,

We will be having our next caucus meeting Wednesday, July 29th , 3:30-4:30pm (Bio grad lounge) to discuss the mentorship party coming up in September and other issues.
We hope to be able to return to the usual day of Friday for the next caucus meeting.

I have attached the agenda for the meeting.

See you there,

Isabelle Raymond
BISC Caucus Chair

Important Reminder

Hi folks,

This is just a reminder that July's TSSU General Membership meeting is
being held on Wednesday, July 15th from 4:30-6pm at Harbour Centre in
room 2050. There will be FREE FOOD and we will be going for drinks
after.  I have attached the meeting's agenda.

Also if you are interested in being the Chair of the TSSU (stipended
at $450/semester) please let us know at tssu@tssu.ca.  More
information about the prestigious Chair
position can be found at www.tssu.ca

Mike Wogin
TSSU Steward

Grad Student Social - Thurs July 9, 4pm - BBQ pork loin, smoked tofu, beverages

The GSS is hosting a summer social for all SFU grad students this
Thursday July 9th from 4pm to 8pm on the Highland Pub patio.

Come out to enjoy some delicious barbeque (pork loins, smoked tofu,
and more). There will of course also be cheap, cold, refreshing
beverages.

Hope to see you there!  Don't forget to bring your student ID card.

Josh Newman
President
Graduate Student Society at SFU

links to facebook groups

I've added links to the caucus and departmental groups on Facebook.  If you're not yet a member, please feel free to join (links at top right of this page)!

--
Alex M. Chubaty
Caucus Webmaster

BISC Grads (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2541902675)
Dept. Biol. Sci. (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=46599560420)

RESULTS Graduate Student Housing Survey

Thank you to everyone who took part in the caucus graduate student housing survey.

Results are posted at http://www.sfu.ca/biology/grad_caucus/Active/housing_survey/housing.html

Please pass along this resource to any new students you know looking for housing.

Alex Chubaty
BISC Grad Caucus Webmaster

Caucus Election Results

Hello everyone,

Congratulations to Dhani Kalidasan who was elected as the new treasurer of the Biology Grad Caucus today!

Cheers,

Janey Lam
Biology Grad Caucus Associate Chair

REMINDER!!! Graduate Student Housing Survey

Hello Everyone,

Just a reminder that the Graduate Student Housing Survey will be open until June 21st. 

Please take a moment to fill out the survey as it would help out future grad students (who may be coming into your lab!) find an area to move to that would help.

Thank you for your participation,

Isabelle Raymond and Janey Lam
BISC Caucus Chair & Associate Chair

http://websurvey.sfu.ca/survey/36970751

Caucus meeting - Friday 3:30-4:30

Hello Everyone,

This is a reminder that we are having a special caucus meeting this Friday, 3:30-4:30pm (Bio grad lounge) so we can hold elections for the Treasurer position.

I have attached the agenda. It shouldn't take too long.

See you all there,

Isabelle Raymond
BISC Caucus Chair

Fwd: Caucus Elections: Treasurer position

Hello everyone,

The nomination period for the treasurer position is now closed. 

We received one nomination for the position: Dhani Kalidasan

As mentioned in my previous email, elections will be held at caucus meeting on Friday June 12th. 

We will send out the agenda shortly.

Thanks,

Isabelle Raymond

BISC Caucus Chair

Important: Graduate Student Housing Survey

Hello Everyone,

As  graduate students many of you know that searching for a place to live in a new and unfamiliar city can be an overwhelming experience. 

In order to help new incoming graduate students that are going through this process, the Biology grad student caucus has put together a short survey for current graduate students to share their thoughts about the neighborhoods that they currently live in. 

We hope that the results from this survey will benefit new grad students by providing them with useful information about how the needs of graduates are met in different neighborhoods. 

Please help out by completing the survey at http://websurvey.sfu.ca/survey/36970751, which is available starting today until June 21st.

The survey is very short and will take 5-10 minutes to complete. 

Please answer all questions.  All answers are confidential -- no personally identifying information will be used to display results.

Thank you for your participation,

Isabelle Raymond and Janey Lam
BISC Caucus Chair & Associate Chair

Notice of Caucus Elections

Hello Everyone,

We will be holding a special caucus meeting on Friday June 12th 3:30-4:30pm to conduct elections for the treasurer position.

In accordance with our new election guidelines (as voted on at the last caucus meeting), before we can have elections, we must allow for a one week nomination period followed by one week of campaigning (should the nominee(s) chose to do so). 

We already have one nomination for the treasurer position: Dhani Kalidasan.

The nomination period will be open for one week, starting today and ending on Wednesday of next week (June 3rd). If anyone wishes to add a nomination, they must do so before then. This will be followed by the one week campaigning period and then the caucus meeting/election on June 12th.

Thank you,

Isabelle Raymond

BISC Caucus Chair

Grad Caucus Elections

Hello Everyone,

We think that we may have found a treasurer for grad caucus. Her name is Dhani Kalidasan (Kermode lab).

We are thinking of holding a caucus meeting/elections on the 12th of June. Not the usual end of the month Friday meeting, so we wanted to quickly check with everyone in case someone has a major problem with holding the meeting on the 12th. If so we can wait until the end of June.

If no one has any objections, I will send out the Nomination email this Wednesday.

Cheers,
Isabelle

Fwd: Caucus Election Results

Correction:

GSS Rep -- Thomas Unsoeld (tunsoeld@sfu.ca)

Cheers,

- Erica

Caucus Election Results

Hello everyone,

Congratulations to the following newly (re-)elected caucus officers and representatives!

Chair -- Isabelle Raymond (iraymond@sfu.ca)

Associate Chair -- Janey Lam (jlami@sfu.ca)

Secretary -- Juliana Yeung (jyeungd@sfu.ca)

Events Committee Officers:

         -- Anna Drake (aedrake@sfu.ca)

         -- Justin Suraci (jps12@sfu.ca)

-- Brendan Connors (bconnors@sfu.ca)

Member at Large -- Erica Jeffery (ejeffery@sfu.ca)

Webmaster -- Alex Chubaty (achubaty@sfu.ca)

GSS Rep -- Thomas Unsold (tunsold@sfu.ca)

TSSU Steward -- Mike Wogin (mjw10@sfu.ca)

Faculty Mole -- Simon Goring (sgoring@sfu.ca)

Department Scholarships Committee Rep -- Rian Dickson (rdd@sfu.ca)

International Students Rep -- Muhammad Arshad (maa44@sfu.ca)

As well, all of our constitutional amendments were approved -- once it is ratified by the GSS, the amended document will be posted on our caucus website.

Have a great summer!

- Erica

Friday, 3:30-4:30pm -- Caucus elections, constitutional amendments

Hello everyone,

Reminder that, in addition to amending our constitution, we will be holding elections at the caucus meeting this Friday, 3:30-4:30pm, in the grad lounge. 

*We are still looking for nominations for the following*:

    - 1 Treasurer

    - 2 Events Committee Officers (in particular, someone to help out with organizing the beverage side of things in the fall)

A. Elections will be held for the following positions (nominees in brackets):

    1. Events Committee Officers (3) (Anna Drake, Brendan Connors, _________ )

    2. Chair (Isabelle Raymond)

    3. Associate Chair (Janey Lam)

    4. Secretary (Juliana Yeung)

    5. Treasurer ( __________ )

    6. Member at Large (Erica Jeffery)

    7. Webmaster (Alex Chubaty)

    8. GSS Rep (Thomas Unsoeld)

    9. TSSU Steward (Mike Wogin)

    10. Faculty Mole (Simon Goring)

    11. DSC Rep (Rian Dickson)

    12. International Students Rep (Muhammad Arashad)

B. Amending the Constitution (attached).

    Summary of proposed amendments:

1. Out-of-date statements regarding the Caucus' relationship with the SFSS have been replaced with appropriate references to the GSS.
2. Three new Events Committee positions will be created. The Events Committee is defined as "consisting of three officers who will share duties in a fair and equitable manner. The powers and duties of the Events Committee are limited to the following:
   

1.     To assist one another in organizing and co-coordinating caucus events under the guidance and assistance of the Chair and the Associate Chair;

2.     To recruit and direct caucus volunteers who will assist with running these events."

3. The Chair and Associate Chair's duties will now include "To oversee and co-coordinate the events organized by the Events Committee."
4. The Webmaster will be recognized as an official officer of the caucus, and elections will be held for this position accordingly. The duties of the Webmaster will be to "update and maintain the Caucus website."
5. Elections of caucus officers and representatives will now follow the elections procedures outlined by the GSS for caucus representatives. Notably:
1. "The term for the elected officer or representative shall be one year starting on May 1^st and ending on April 30^th of the following year."
2. "If only one person is nominated for the position of Council Representative, that position must still be ratified by a majority at a quorated caucus meeting."

Thank you,

Erica Jeffery

BISC Caucus Chair

Important! Grad caucus Events Committee information

Hi everybody,

As the nominated Chair and Assistant Chair we want to clarify the idea behind creating the Events committee. The reason for these positions is to ensure that the events are successful, entertaining and run smoothly. The responsibilities would be shared over a number of people, not just one or two, as has been the case in previous years.

It can be overwhelming to be solely responsible for putting on caucus events; therefore, we want to lighten the workload for everyone involved so that the time commitment necessary is minimized. We are really hoping that with five people the amount of time that each individual has to put in is quite manageable.

As the Chair, Assistant Chair and Events officers we would also hope to be able to work cooperatively with other volunteers to organize and run the events.

We want to make sure that caucus events are as successful and exciting as they have been in the past and we can only do this with your help!

So, if you think that you would have a little bit of time to set aside for this, or think of someone who would want to, please don't hesitate to nominate them or yourself (please email Erica Jeffery with your nominations: ejeffery@sfu.ca).

Cheers,

Isabelle Raymond and Janey Lam

Caucus Nominations Please!

Hello everyone,

Just in case it was missed in the last long email, we are looking for nominations for the following caucus positions:

1. 3 Events Coordinators:

   Under the assistance of the Chair and Associate Chair, these 3 people will share duties and help one another to organize:

        - the fall Welcome Party

        - the Christmas Party skits

        - the Symposium and the Grad-hosted Speaker visit

2. Treasurer

    Unfortunately, our previous candidate will be unable to run for this position

Elections are Friday, May 1st, so send me your nominations soon!

- Erica

Notice of Caucus Elections, Constitutional Amendments

Hello everyone,

At our next caucus meeting (Friday, May 1st), we will be holding elections and voting on constitutional amendments -- details below.

A. Elections will be held for the following positions (nominees in brackets):

    1. Events Committee Officers (3)

  - These are three new positions (see #2 under Constitutional Amendments below) that we still need to find candidates for.

  - The three Events Committee members will work with one another, under the guidance and assistance of the Chair and Associate Chair, to organize and coordinate caucus events.

  - One of the Events Committee Officers will have as their primary duty organizing refreshments and associated licenses for caucus social events (the role previously held by the 'Social Coordinator').

  - We have a potential candidate, Brendan Connors, who can help with this next Spring, but still need people to help out in the fall!!

    2. Chair (Isabelle Raymond)

    3. Associate Chair (Janey Lam)

    4. Secretary (Juliana Yeung)

    5. Treasurer (Simon Zappia)

    6. Member at Large (Erica Jeffery)

    7. Webmaster (Alex Chubaty)

    8. GSS Rep (Thomas Unsoeld)

    9. TSSU Steward (Mike Wogin)

    10. Faculty Mole (Simon Goring)

    11. DSC Rep (Rian Dickson)

    12. International Students Rep (Muhammad Arashad)

B. Amending the Constitution (attached).

    Summary of proposed changes:

1. Out-of-date statements regarding the Caucus' relationship with the SFSS have been replaced with appropriate references to the GSS.
2. Three new Events Committee positions will be created. The Events Committee is defined as "consisting of three officers who will share duties in a fair and equitable manner. The powers and duties of the Events Committee are limited to the following:
   

1.     To assist one another in organizing and co-coordinating caucus events under the guidance and assistance of the Chair and the Associate Chair;

2.     To recruit and direct caucus volunteers who will assist with running these events."

3. The Chair and Associate Chair's duties will now include "To oversee and co-coordinate the events organized by the Events Committee."
4. The Webmaster will be recognized as an official officer of the caucus, and elections will be held for this position accordingly. The duties of the Webmaster will be to "update and maintain the Caucus website."
5. Elections of caucus officers and representatives will now follow the elections procedures outlined by the GSS for caucus representatives. Notably:
1. "The term for the elected officer or representative shall be one year starting on May 1^st and ending on April 30^th of the following year."
2. "If only one person is nominated for the position of Council Representative, that position must still be ratified by a majority at a quorated caucus meeting."

Thank you,

Erica Jeffery

BISC Caucus Chair

Caucus meeting postponed until next Friday

Hello everyone,

The Grad Caucus meeting will be postponed until next Friday, April 3, 3:30-4:30pm (agenda attached - let me know if anything should be added).

We will be holding elections for the following positions at the end of April -- feel free to nominate yourself or someone else! (Incumbents are welcome to run again.)

- Chair

- Associate Chair

- Treasurer

- Secretary

- Social Coordinator

- Member at Large

- Webmaster

- Grad Student Society Representative

- Teaching Staff Support Union Representative

- Faculty Mole

- Departmental Scholarship Committee (one position)

- International Students' Representative

Cheers,

Erica Jeffery

BISC Grad Caucus Chair

Petition to Parliament re: SSHRC grants restricted to business-related degrees

Many of you may be interested in signing this petition about SSHRC funding.

Cheers,
Clea Moray
GSS President

_______________________________________________________________

From: Paul Couillard <paulcouillard@gmail.com>

Date: February 24, 2009 6:35:40 AM PST

Dear Canadian friends, colleagues and associates:

I am forwarding a petition in support of SSHRC (Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council) currently being circulated by Niki Ashton (NDP MP).

I hope you can all find a minute to sign this petition as this federal conservative directive has the potential to reduce significantly the support for university students and faculty engaged in scholarship in the social sciences and humanities, education, environmental studies, fine arts and other areas not directly pertinent to business. The text of the petition is included below: to add your name, just follow the link at the bottom.

Please circulate widely.
___________________________________________________________________________________


To the House of Commons in Parliament Assembled

We, the undersigned residents of Canada, wish to bring to your attention the following:

For more than thirty years, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) has been promoting and supporting university-based research and training in the humanities and social sciences. SSHRC funding has been used to complete ground breaking research in countless areas in Canada and around the world.

The Federal Budget presented on January 27th contains a sentence that has the potential to halt this kind of research: "Scholarships granted by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council will be focused on business-related degrees".

These measures are backward and insulting to the thousands of Canadians that are students and researchers in the social sciences and humanities.

THEREFORE, we petitioners are calling upon the government to remove this sentence from the 2009 Budget and ensure that SSHRC funding not be allocated to one specific discipline but to the range of studies in the social sciences and humanities.


,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

to sign:

http://nikiashton.ndp.ca/sshrc  

--
Clea Moray
President, The Graduate Student Society at Simon Fraser University (tel: 778-782-3899; www.sfugradsociety.ca)
M.Sc. Candidate, Biology Department
Simon Fraser University

web: http://www.sfu.ca/~cmoray/

Caucus meeting next Wed (Feb 25) 3:30-4:30pm

Hello everyone,

We will be having our February caucus meeting next Wednesday (Feb. 25th) from 3:30-4:30pm in the 7000 level grad lounge in order to accommodate the GSS AGM next Friday.

On the agenda (attached): updates regarding our spring events (Grad Symposium and ANZA B.S. social), and discussion regarding a "How to Write a Thesis" course.

Cheers,

Erica

Notice of Referendum

Please take notice that the Graduate Student Society at Simon Fraser
University has put the following question to referendum:

"Do you agree that the Society should increase the amount of the special
levy collected from all graduate students for the purpose of providing an
extended health and dental benefit plan for graduate students from at most
$340 per year to at most $399 per year in order to maintain the level of
health and dental benefits provided under the plan?

If this question fails, the current levy rate of at most $340 per year for
graduate students will remain in effect, and both of the following
reductions in benefits are projected:
 - a cap of $20 on the maximum reimbursement per paramedical (e.g., massage
therapy, chiropractor, physiotherapy) visit, and
 - reduction in dental coverage from 80% to 70%."

Campaigning on the question will be permitted from Tuesday, March 10 to
Monday, March 23.

Polling shall occur on March 24, 25, and 26 (concurrent with the GSS Officer
elections) and shall be done online using the SFU WebSurvey system. More
information on how to vote and the hours of voting will be sent out by email
to all graduate students via their SFU email accounts.

For more information on the referendum, please visit the Society's website:
www.sfugradsociety.ca/election or contact the GSS Electoral Committee:
gss-electoral-committee@sfu.ca.


Regards,

Lindsay Zibrik
Chair, Electoral Committee
The Graduate Student Society at SFU

Graduate Student Society -- Notice of Annual General Meeting

Hi everyone.

The Graduate Student Society at Simon Fraser University is pleased to
announce that its Annual General Meeting will take place as follows:

Friday, February 27, 2009
The Highland Pub, SFU, Burnaby Mountain Campus
4:00 PM (doors open for registration at 3:30 PM)

All current SFU graduate students are eligible to attend and vote -- no
voting by proxy is allowed.

Ample refreshments will be provided, and there will be a full grad social
after the event. The first 150 grads who arrive at the meeting by 4:00 PM
will receive free food and drink tickets for the social!

The full notice of the meeting, including the agenda, is in the attached
PDF, but the most important thing to note is that there will be two major
by-law changes considered. One is to increase the maximum monthly stipend
paid to GSS officers. The other is to allow the GSS to make further
amendments to its by-laws by referendum vote.

If you have any questions about the AGM, please contact us at
agm@sfugradsociety.ca, or call us at (778) 782-3899, or come by and see us
in MBC 2205.

We look forward to seeing you in the pub on February 27!

  - Mike Letourneau

--
Michael Letourneau, Executive Director
The Graduate Student Society at Simon Fraser University

MBC 2211, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6
(778) 782-8710  --  exec_director@sfugradsociety.ca
http://www.sfugradsociety.ca

BISC Grad Caucus meeting this Friday

Reminder that this Friday from 3:30-4:30pm in the Grad Lounge (B7000 level couches) we will be having our first biology grad caucus meeting of the year -- agenda attached.

On the agenda: what will this year's Grad Symposium look like? Lab posters... or something else?

Also, news regarding an end-of-the-semester UBC-SFU biology talent night/party ...

Come learn more about what's going on this semester, and try to bring someone new with you!

Cheers,

Erica Jeffery

Jerry Ericsson