New deadline (Nov 22, 2010 - 4pm) for the Bisc grad hosted speaker voting period

Hello!

Due to the fact that it's getting close to the end of the year and that many of the nominated speakers are high profile scientists, we want to invite them as early as possible. As a result, the caucus has decided shorten the voting period by one week, making the deadline to vote for the Bisc Grad Hosted Speaker on Monday, November 22, 2010 at 4 pm.

Please take a few minutes to review the candidate profiles and e-mail me with your favorite speaker by next Monday.

Thanks!

Regards,
Juliana

Workshop tomorrow: Publishing demystified

Dear all,

The biology grads have put together the following event, and would like to encourage all to come.   Grads, we know your supervisors would like to see you go to this!

Publishing Demystified workshop & social 

Tomorrow, Tuesday, November 16th 

3:30pm in SSB 8114 <- this is on the same floor as the bio office, but over in SSB.  It's a great lil' room!

hosted by the Biology Grad Caucus

Come hear 5 young academics (former SFU grads) share their experiences and tips for successfully writing and publishing academic papers!  This is an informal setting, catered with drinks by the caucus.  Think 'fire-side-chat'.  Bring questions and share your own experiences.

Topics:

1. The anatomy of the modern published paper
2. Authorship guidelines and tips for dealing with coauthors
3. Perspectives on where to start writing and editing strategies
4. Software options and tips for citation, graphics and statistics
5. Literature searches, citation and plagiarism
6. Submitting your paper and writing great cover letters

Panel Q & A 

Beverages

Dinner

Looking forward to seeing you all there!

Jenn, Steph, Anna, Alex, and the Biology Grad Caucus

Publishing Demystified Workshop & Social Nov 16th

Hi grads,

This is a reminder to save the date for the 'Publishing Demystified' workshop & social next Tuesday, November 16th starting at 3:30pm in SSB 8114, hosted by the Biology Grad Caucus.

At this session, we'll have the chance to interact with 5 young academics (all of whom have been or are currently affiliated with SFU Biology) as they share their experiences and tips for successfully writing and publishing academic papers.

The event will consist of six 15 min presentations by each of our speakers on the following topics:

1. The anatomy of a published paper
2. Authorship guidelines and tips for dealing with coauthors
3. Perspectives on where to start writing and editing strategies
4. Software options and tips for citation, graphics and statistics
5. Literature searches, citation and plagiarism
6. Submitting your paper and writing great cover letters

After the talks we'll have time for a panel   Q & A with our speakers to address your burning questions about publishing. Beverages and snacks will be served throughout and there will be a dinner social afterward... Come on out for some free food and great interaction!

Please email me if you have any questions. Looking forward to seeing you all there!

Stephanie

Call for nominations: Biology Grad Hosted Speaker

Hello Everyone,

The Biology Graduate Caucus is looking for nominations for a Grad Hosted Speaker, to be featured at our annual grad student organized event next year in March.  We would appreciate any recommendations you have for an interesting researcher whom you would like to hear speak at SFU.  The ideal speaker will be able to address a broad set of interests within the field of Biology.  And feel free to re-nominate people who weren't chosen in previous years.

Please send me (jyeungd@sfu.ca) your nominations by November 12, 2010, including a brief description of the nominees work and why you think she/he would make an interesting speaker, as well as their University and a link to their website.  I'll compile the nominations and send out the list to bisc-grads so that everyone can vote on their favorites.

Thanks,
Juliana

GSS Special General Meeting - Announcement & Agenda

Good morning GSS members!

The Graduate Student Society at Simon Fraser University will be hosting a Special General Meeting on Monday November 8 2010 @ 12:00 PM in the Halpern Centre at the Burnaby Campus.

At this meeting, we will be providing you with an update on what your Society has been working on over the past 6-months, and ask for your support on several motions that will help your Society work more effectively.  We have put forward several By-law changes that will help ensure better Caucus representation at Council meetings, clarify roles and responsibilities of your elected student leaders, and improve the way we run our meetings and correct small changes in our governing documents.  The full agenda for this meeting is attached.

We understand your time is valuable, so, we are pleased to offer you a FREE LUNCH if you are able to attend this meeting!   Please bring your SFU ID to check-in at the meeting.

***All graduate students are welcome to attend.  We strongly encourage you to take part in this important session.***

For more information, please visit our website:

http://www.sfugradsociety.ca/Special_GM_Nov_8_2010.html

While the meeting is tentatively scheduled to run until 2:00 PM, please feel free to come late or leave early if you have other commitments.

See you Monday November 8 2010 @ 12:00 PM at the Halpern Centre!

Sincerely,

-Your GSS

-- 

The Graduate Student Society at Simon Fraser University

MBC 2203, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6

(778) 782-3899  --  info@sfugradsociety.ca

http://www.sfugradsociety.ca

Biology graduate caucus meeting changed to 3:00 - 4:15 PM tomorrow

Hi all

We have had to change the grad caucus meeting time tomorrow.  In order to make sure everyone who wants to can attend Dr. Isabelle Côté's president's lecture at the Halpern Center at 4:30, we want to adjourn the meeting by 4:15.  In addition, there have been a number of important additions to the agenda, so we wouldn't be able to get it all done in 45 minutes.

We are therefore changing the start time to 3:00 PM and planning to adjourn by 4:15.  Dr. Ron Ydenberg will be coming to talk to us at 3:30, so for those who want to learn about scholarships but can't come at 3:00, no worries, we will keep that part of the agenda the same.

If you have any questions please feel free to ask.  Please see attached revised agenda.

Regards

Brett Favaro
Caucus Chair

Biology graduate caucus meeting this Wednesday Oct 20, 3:30 PM B9242

Hi grads

Good news!  There's a graduate caucus meeting this week!  Wednesday Oct 20 in B9242 3:30-4:30 PM we will be meeting to talk about all kinds of important issues.

Our highlight for this meeting will be Dr. Ron Ydenberg discussing scholarships and how grad students are selected for these awards.  This meeting will be critically important for any graduate student interested in how funding works.

As usual we will have refreshments that will refresh you.

Please review the attached agenda and let me know if you have additions.

See you all there!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Brett Favaro
Caucus Chair

GSS Sustainability - Documentary & Speakers Series: "No Impact Man" (Friday, October 1, 12:00 - 2:30pm)

Dear Fellow Grads,

tomorrow, Friday, October 1, 12:00 - 2:30pm, the first Documentary & Speakers Series will be hosted at the GSS offices (MBC 2212).  We will be showing the film "No Impact Man" and following the screening with a presentation and discussion by members of the SustainabilityCommittee, lead by Duncan Wlodarczak, GSS Sustainability & Operations Coordinator. 

More info and trailer:

http://tiny.cc/gss-sustainability1

Thomas Unsoeld

TSSU GM Tomorrow @ 12:30 // FREE LUNCH and Bargaining Update for TA's, TM's, and Sessionals

Greetings Teaching Support Staff Union Members,

Come out to the first General Membership Meeting of the 2010/11 school
year. Bargaining has just begun and it is already a struggle to
convince the University to discuss contract issues, and improve the
educational atmosphere at SFU. An update about the specifics of
bargaining and other grievances will be given over lunch, along with
an overview of the TSSU committees and their activities, and
opportunities for essential feedback from you (the membership).

We'll be opening elections for the Coordinator, Trustee, Chair, and
Secretary positions, as well as electing a new GSS Representative from
the TSSU.

Looking forward to seeing many of you there! Maggie Benson Centre 2294
at 12:30, Thursday the 30th of September.

Nicholas Perrin

 --
Nicholas Perrin
Interim TSSU Organizer
778.782.4735

GSS news for late September 2010

1.  GSS Benefit Plan Bursary

2.  Homecoming

3.  Sustainability Fair & Documentary

4.  Volleyball (LAST CHANCE)

5.  Volunteer Opportunities

6.  Upcoming meetings & Deadlines

7.  Random GSS Fact

-------------------------

1.  GSS Benefit Plan Bursary

The Graduate Student Society is pleased to offer a Benefit Plan Bursary for students in financial need.

Applicants should complete the Benefit Plan Bursary Application Form and submit it, with supporting documentation, to the GSS office by Friday October 1st at 4:00 PM.

Applications may be mailed in, or dropped off in person to the GSS Office (MBC 2205).

Application forms and additional details can be found at:

http://www.sfugradsociety.ca/News/Entries/2010/10/1_GSS_Benefit_Plan_Bursary.html

2.  Homecoming

Your Graduate Student Society is encouraging members to attend Homecoming 2010.  The event is hosted by the SFU Alumni Association and features a BBQ lunch, NCAA football game, raffle, and several family-friendly activities.  Homecoming is a great opportunity to show your school spirit and support our varsity football team.  Consider attending as a group from your department, class, or lab!

Graduate student tickets are $2 for the football game, and just $7 for the BBQ lunch and raffle.  Purchase your tickets online at the link provided below.  The deadline to purchase tickets is September 29 2010. Bring your ticket back to the GSS offices before Friday October 15 2010 for a full reimbursement!

For Tickets & Additional Information: http://www.sfu.ca/alumni/homecoming2010/

3.  Sustainability Fair & Documentary

The GSS Sustainability Committee is kicking off a series of events next week.  The GSS will be present at the SFU Sustainability Festival on September 29 in Convocation Mall - we will be highlighting our sustainability initiatives and signing up individuals who'd like to get more involved with our activities.

On Friday October 1, the first Documentary & Speakers Series will be hosted at the GSS offices.  We will be showing the film "No Impact Man" and following the screening with a presentation and discussion by members of the Sustainability Committee, lead by Duncan Wlodarczak, GSS Sustainability & Operations Coordinator.

(note: for those who attended the last caucus meeting: The Documentary "King Corn" will be shown on a later date instead.)

Sustainability Festival:

http://www.sfu.ca/sustainabilityfestival/

GSS Documentary & Speakers Series:

http://tiny.cc/gss-sustainability1

4.  GSS Volleyball Team

Block! Pass! Serve! Spike! Rotate! If you love volleyball, or maybe you just feel like some activity after a full day at SFU, join the Co-Ed Intramural Recreational Volleyball group.

When: Tuesdays between 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Where: Gym on Burnaby Campus

Who: Any graduate students are welcome to join

Cost: FREE

To get involved, contact Samantha at skb20@sfu.ca.  Please provide your full name, email and Rec Tag # (which you can get for FREE from SFU Athletics)

5.  Volunteer Opportunities

The GSS needs volunteers for the following committees:

* Graduate Student Advocacy Group

As a member of the Advocacy Group, you can represent fellow graduate students in issues such as supervisory problems and administrative troubles.

* Electoral Committee

You can be part of this independent body tasked with overseeing the Society's elections to ensure fair process every step of the way.

Interested? fill out our volunteer form or email us at info@sfugradsociety.ca

Volunteer form can be found at: http://www.sfugradsociety.ca/Committees.html

6.  Upcoming meetings & Deadlines

* Benefit Plan change-of-coverage period & Deadline

September 1 - 27 2010

Opt-out (with proof of comparable coverage), add dependents, or learn more about the plan at www.ihaveaplan.ca or call 1-866-369-8795

* GSS Council

Open to all - learn about what your GSS is working on.

Council representatives from every department are the official voting members, however, everyone is welcome to attend.

Sept 27 @ 12:00 PM (MBC 2212)

http://www.sfugradsociety.ca/Council.html

* GSS Benefit Plan Bursary (application Deadline)

October 1 2010 @ 4:00 PM

Information listed above.

* GSS Documentary & Speaker Series: No Impact Man

October 1 2010 @ 12:00 - 2:00 PM (MBC 2212)

Information listed above.

* GSS Grants Allocation

November 5 2010 @ 4:00 PM

(Caucuses can apply for these funds for special academic or professional development events.  Applications will be considered by the Grants Allocation Committee on November 15 2010, and recommended applications will be revised by Council on November 22 2010)

7.  Random GSS Fact

*In this section, find out weird and wonderful facts about the GSS, our services and projects!*

DID YOU KNOW - The GSS has a graduate student liaison that is available to help international graduate students with any questions they may have.  In addition to dealing with questions raised by international graduate students (working with SFU International if needed); this individual helps organize social events, educational activities, and work with the GSS to follow up on major issues faced by this important segment of our university community.

Contact international@sfugradsociety.ca for more information or to get help with any of the above-mentioned services.

-- 

The Graduate Student Society at Simon Fraser University

MBC 2203, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6

(778) 782-3899  --  info@sfugradsociety.ca

http://www.sfugradsociety.ca

Bisc Grad Caucus meeting, Wed Sept 15 3:30-4:30pm B9242

Hello biology grad students,

This Wednesday Sept 15 3:30 to 4:30 PM in B9242 we are having our first caucus meeting of the Fall semester.  If you are a biology graduate student, you should attend this meeting (there are refreshing refreshments)

For new students - learn about the grad caucus here: http://biscgrads.blogspot.com/ 

Important things that effect each and every student are discussed and acted on at these meetings.  Mentors, remember to bring your mentees so we can all get in the habit of participating.  This year we are aiming to create a culture of participation among students in the department. That means we strongly encourage everyone to come and pitch in - more voices mean we can tackle bigger issues, and become more effective as a caucus that serves graduate students.

We are also looking for an event planning officer (in fact, more than one).  If you are not going to be in the field from now until the end of the Spring semester, I strongly encourage you to consider this position.  Time commitment will be reasonable, and it will look great on your CV.  For those applying to NSERC this month, consider this last-minute addition to your application!

Please let me know if you want to add anything to the agenda

See you Wednesday

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Brett Favaro (Caucus chair)

New Graduate Student Orientation Meeting - 9 September at 1330

Good afternoon,

If you have new students in your lab, can you please tell them that on

9 September 2010 at 1330 in the Biological Sciences Seminar room B9242

we have an Orientation Meeting for New Graduate Students (followed by a welcome party hosted by the BISC Graduate Caucus). Graduate students that started in your lab in spring 2010 or summer 2010 are also very welcome to attend! The agenda is here. New students will receive an information package at the orientation.

I would also appreciate it, if you ask your new students to provide me with their SFU e-mail address (if they haven't done so) so that I can add them to our 'bisc-grads' e-mail list.

Best regards.


Marlene

GSS Open House! Sept 8 & 9 from 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM in MBC 2212

GSS Open House

All Graduate Students welcome!

Come grab a cup of coffee, have a snack, meet some new students & take a break from the first week of classes at the GSS!

Also, we are holding a raffle for students taking part - enter at the Open House for your chance to win a $50 gift certificate to the SFU Bookstore or other great prizes!

Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM on Sept 8 & 9 2010 (both days)

Location: GSS Lounge (Room 2212 in the Maggie Benston Centre, Burnaby Campus)

http://www.sfugradsociety.ca/News/Entries/2010/9/9_GSS_Open_House.html

-- 

Elaine Parker, Executive Director

The Graduate Student Society at Simon Fraser University

MBC 2203, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6

(778) 782-6994  --  exec_director@sfugradsociety.ca

http://www.sfugradsociety.ca

Bisc grad caucus meeting TODAY 3:30pm

Hi all,

Please find attached a revised agenda for our meeting today at 3:30pm in B9242.

We still need volunteers for the Welcome Party & mentorship event on Sept 9th. We'll also be discussing the event schedule for the upcoming year.

Come on out & enjoy some refreshments!

Steph

Bisc grad caucus meeting- this week!

Hi everyone,

Our next Biology Grad Caucus meeting will be this *Wednesday, August 18, 3:30-4:30pm in B9242*. Please see the attached agenda.

This year our meetings will be held the *3rd Wednesday *of every month- with meetings *Aug 18, Sept 15, Oct 20 and Nov 17*.

See you then!

Steph
Associate Caucus Chair

Bisc Grad Caucus meeting TODAY, 3:30-4:30pm B9242

Good morning grads!

Just a reminder about our Biology Grad Caucus meeting today at
3:30-4:30pm in B9242.

We'll discuss the schedule for next year's Caucus-sponsored events and
the DSC scholarship evaluation process. If there is a new
event/activity that you'd like to see happen, or changes you'd like to
see made to things we're already doing come out, enjoy some
refreshments and give us your input.

A copy of the meeting agenda is attached.

See you all then,

Stephanie

Grad Caucus meeting Weds June 30th- planning for next year!

Hi all,

Just a reminder of the Biology Grad Caucus* *meeting next *Wednesday,
June 30th from 3:30-4:30pm in B9242*.

Topics include:

- Developing new ideas for and scheduling Caucus-sponsored events next year
- Discussion of the DSC process for evaluating scholarship applications

Come on out, enjoy some refreshements & put in your two cents worth!

Cheers,

Stephanie Green
Associate Caucus Chair

2010 HOUSING SURVEY RESULTS

Thank you everyone who participated in this year's graduate housing survey.

The results have been posted to http://www.sfu.ca/biology/grad_caucus/Active/housing_survey/housing.html

Alex Chubaty

BISC Grad Caucus Webmaster

Grad Student Contributions to the Peak

Hi everyone, 

In the aftermath of the Grad Student Referendum where grads almost pulled funding from the Peak, a few of us met with David Proctor, news editor, and Graham Templeton, Opinions Editor of the Peak yesterday.  After a lengthy conversation regarding graduate student representation in the paper, the Peak has agreed to track grad student submissions and has committed to a "pilot project" that will see an increase in grad-relevant and grad-authored content. 

Our ultimate goal is to have a dedicated grad student section and grad issues editor, but this is the first step in that process. In order to demonstrate that grads will be able to provide enough content to support a dedicated section, we need your help. 

Please write an article for the Peak. This can fall under the rubric of any of the sections (ie Humour, Sports, Opinion, Features, News, Arts). Your article can be about anything you'd like--your experience as a grad student, on or off campus challenges that come with being a student (ie funding, childcare, housing, etc), your research, your work as a TA/TM, grad student life (both social and political)...you get the idea. 

Submit your articles to David Proctor: news@the-peak.ca

Please indicated GRAD STUDENT SUBMISSION in the subject line. 

If possible, please cc tssu@tssu.ca

It's really important that we submit a variety of articles so that we can work towards making this campus paper one that better reflects graduate student news and issues. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact me. 

In solidarity, 

Jen Scott

Organizer, TSSU

Reminder; Biology grad caucus meeting tomorrow 3:30 - 4:30 B9242 (agenda attached)

Hello biology grads,

Reminder that the grad caucus is meeting

Tomorrow (Wed, May 26) 3:30 to 4:30 in B9242

There will be refreshments.  We will be discussing important things at this meeting (agenda attached) including beginning to formulate the event plans from May 2010 to 2011.  This is where you can participate in shaping the roll of the caucus in the coming year, and deciding what we should and shouldn't do! 

Also, we still have three open positions for Event Committee Officers.  These officers will play key roles in organizing caucus events.  You will not have to take on the events alone, and officer-level positions are great for your CV and for getting to know people in the department.  I strongly suggest you volunteer for this position.

See you all there.

Brett Favaro

Caucus Chair

Biology Bike-to-Work-Week

Dear all,

Bike to work week is fast approaching: May 31-June 6.

As you may know, the Biology Department is getting *quite* the reputation for having a pretty large turn out every year.  However, the point of Bike-to-work-week is to have NEW people cycle in, who have perhaps never done it before.  So, if you've been bike-curious, now is the time to try!

You don't need to bike every day in the week, nor go all the way up the hill, in order to be on the team.  The point is to make steps towards the challenge.

FREE Pancake Breakfast:

Tuesday, June 1st

Pancake breakfast for cyclists at the Cornerstone Square

Come and get info, bike routes, give you opinion about biking resources on campus, meet people who cycle, enter draws for prizes.

To join the SFU Biology Team, simply sign up here:

http://www.biketoworkmetrovan.ca/

This great website allows you to log all of your trips and computes your mileage and carbon offset.

On this website, you'll need to find the SFU Biology team:

Organization: Simon Fraser University

Workplace location: SFU - Burnaby Campus

Team: Biology Department

Jenn Sunday

Next grad caucus meeting May 26 3:30 - AND requesting volunteers for the biology BBQ

Hello grads

It's time for the Biology graduate caucus meeting.  We have moved the meeting day to Wednesdays to allow for more people to attend, which means our next meeting will be:

BISC grad caucus meeting: Wednesday May 26, 3:30 - 4:30 in B9242

As always there will be refreshments.  This will be an important meeting; we will be drawing for travel awards, and we will be starting to set up a plan for this years' event schedule.  If you would like to be considered for a travel award and have not emailed me yet, please do so prior to the meeting.

In addition, the biology department is requesting volunteers to help with the BBQ next Friday, May 28.  In particular they're looking for folks with the Serving it Right certificate, but all help will be welcome (we need help with everything from grilling, to set up/cleanup, to bartending).  Please drop me a line if you are able to help.

Thanks, and we look forward to seeing you at the meeting.
 

Brett Favaro

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 20th.

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,

Alex Chubaty

BISC Caucus Webmaster

The BISC grad caucus is giving away travel awards!

Hi everyone

The biology grad caucus is issuing travel awards!  These are $100 awards drawn at random for the purposes of covering thesis-related travel expenses for travel between September 2009 and August 2010 that has not already been covered by other sources.

If you would like to be considered for a travel award, please email me your full name.  You don't have to do anything else, as it's just a random draw.

We will conduct the draw at the next caucus meeting, which will be Wednesday May 26 at 3:30, in B9242.

Regards,

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Brett Favaro

Caucus Chair

BISC Caucus Election Results

Hello Everyone,

Below are the results of the election from last Friday. Congratulations to all the winners!

    1. Chair - Brett Favaro

    2. Associate Chair - Stephanie Green

    3. Secretary - Matt Huntley

    4. Treasurer - Dhani Kalidasan

    5. Member at Large - Janey Lam

    6. Webmaster - Alex Chubaty

    7. Event Committee Officers (3 positions) -  vacant

    8. GSS Representative - Thomas Unsoeld

    9. TSSU Steward - Brian LaBore

    10. Faculty Mole - Samineh Deheshi

    11. DSC Representative (1 position, 2-year term) - Samantha Franks

    12. DGSC Representative 1-yr term - Jenn Sunday; 2-yr term - Erica Jeffery

    12. International Students Representative - Muhammad Arshad

We also voted and passed four constitutional amendments as follows:

1. Lines 122, 123: Clarify that there are two representative positions each for the Departmental Grad Studies Committee (DGSC) and Departmental Scholarship Committee (DSC)
2. Lines 151: Specify that Graduate Council refers to GSS Council
3. Lines 157-162:  Clarify that officer and representative positions are for one-year terms except for DGSC and DSC rep positions which can be for one- or two-year terms, such that there is always a one year overlap between the positions.
4. Lines 185-186: Specify that when there is only one nomination for any given position, not just for the GSS council rep, that position must still be ratified by a majority at a caucus meeting.


Please find the updated constitution at http://www.sfu.ca/biology/grad_caucus/Business/constitution.html.

Thank you
Isabelle Raymond

Reminder: Caucus meeting, Friday April 30th, 3:30pm

Hello Grads,

This is a reminder that we have Caucus meeting and elections tomorrow, Friday April 30th, 3:30-4:30 (bio grad lounge).

Isabelle

Last Day for Caucus Nominations!

Hello grads,

Today is the last day to submit your nomination for any of the caucus positions!

Nominations close at the end of the day today.

Starting tomorrow, and ending on April 29th,  we have a one week campaigning period. 

Please note: the one week campaigning period is mandatory per our constitution but you are not required to campaign in any way; in fact if you are the only nominee...

There is however one position with two nominees.

Info about the duties: 

http://www.sfu.ca/biology/grad_caucus/Business/constitution.html

http://www.sfu.ca/biology/grad_caucus/about.html

A. Elections will be held for the following positions (Nominees in parentheses):

    1. Chair (Brett Favaro)

    2. Associate Chair 

     3. Secretary (Matt Huntley)

    4. Treasurer (Dhani Kalidasan)

    5. Member at Large (Janey Lam)

    6. Webmaster (Alex Chubaty)

    7. Event Committee Officers (3 positions)    

    8. GSS Representative (Thomas Unsoeld)

    9. TSSU Steward (Brian LaBore)

    10. Faculty Mole (Samineh Deheshi, Juliana Yeung)

    11. DSC Representative (1 position, 2-year term) (Samantha Franks)

    12. DGSC Representative (Jenn Sunday, 1-year term) (Erica Jeffery, 2-year term)

    12. International Students Representative (Muhammad Arshad)

Thank you,

Isabelle Raymond

BISC Caucus Chair

We still need Caucus nominations!

Hello grads,

We have nominees for most positions, but we still need nominations for Secretary, Associate Chair, and Events committee officer (3 positions).

Please look here for info about the duties of these positions:
http://www.sfu.ca/biology/grad_caucus/Business/constitution.html
http://www.sfu.ca/biology/grad_caucus/about.html

The duties of the Secretary are really fairly straightforward. You need to attend Caucus meetings, take minutes, then write them up and send them to everyone, and that's really pretty much it.

The Associate Chair is basically there to help the Chair and share in the chairing duties. The events committee, along with the Chair and Associate Chair, and other grad volunteers, organize caucus events.

Please send me your nominations before April 22nd.

A. Elections will be held for the following positions (Nominees in parentheses):

    1. Chair (Brett Favaro)

    2. Associate Chair

    3. Secretary

    4. Treasurer (Dhani Kalidasan)

    5. Member at Large (Janey Lam)

    6. Webmaster (Alex Chubaty)

    7. Event Committee Officers (3 positions)   

    8. GSS Representative (Thomas Unsoeld)

    9. TSSU Steward (Brian LaBore)

    10. Faculty Mole (Samineh Deheshi, Juliana Yeung)

    11. DSC Representative (1 position, 2-year term) (Samantha Franks)

    12. DGSC Representative (Jenn Sunday, 1-year term) (Erica Jeffery, 2-year term)

    12. International Students Representative

B. Proposed constitutional amendments

 1. There are two rep positions for the DGSC and DSC.  
 2. Officer and representative positions are for one-year terms except for DGSC and DSC rep positions which can be for two-year terms.
 3. When there is only one nomination for any given position, not just for the GSS council rep, that position must still be ratified by a majority at a caucus meeting.
 4. Amendments to the constitution no longer require ratification by the GSS and become binding upon approval by Caucus.


Thank you,
Isabelle Raymond
BISC Caucus Chair

Call for Nominations!!

Hello grads,

There are still numerous Caucus positions available.

Please consider nominating yourself or someone else to one of these positions.

Without your help events such as the Welcome Party, BBQ, Movie night, Christmas party, Symposium, and Grad hosted speaker can't happen!!

While planning some of the events can be a bit time consuming, we have tried to organize the caucus in such as way as to spread out the workload as much as possible. With the chair, associate chair, and the three event officers, as well as other grad volunteers, all working together and sharing the workload, organizing the events has been fairly straightforward, efficient, and yes, fun!

Nominations will close on April 22nd.Voting will take place April 30th at the Caucus meeting.

A. Elections will be held for the following positions (Nominees in parentheses):

    1. Chair

    2. Associate Chair

    3. Secretary

    4. Treasurer (Dhani Kalidasan)

    5. Member at Large (Janey Lam)

    6. Webmaster (Alex Chubaty)

    7. Event Committee Officers (3 positions)   

    8. GSS Representative (Thomas Unsoeld)

    9. TSSU Steward

    10. Faculty Mole (Samineh Deheshi)

    11. DSC Representative (1 position, 2-year term)

    12. DGSC Representative (Jenn Sunday, 1-year term) (Erica Jeffery, 2-year term)

    12. International Students Representative

B. Proposed constitutional amendments.

1. There are two rep positions for the DGSC and DSC.  
2. Officer and representative positions are for one-year terms except for DGSC and DSC rep positions which can be for two-year terms.
3. When there is only one nomination for any given position, not just for the GSS council rep, that position must still be ratified by a majority at a caucus meeting.
4. Amendments to the constitution no longer require ratification by the GSS and become binding upon approval by Caucus.
   

Thank you,

Isabelle Raymond
BISC Caucus Chair

Notice of Elections - Call for Nominations

Hello grads,

At our next caucus meeting on April 30th we will be holding elections for most Caucus officer and representative positions. We will also be voting on several proposed constitutional amendments. Please see below for details.

We are now accepting nominations for any of these positions. You can nominate yourself or someone else (provided they accept of course!).

If you are interested in any of these positions, but would like to know more before you nominate yourself, please feel free to ask! Some of these positions are a bit more time consuming but some require fairly minimal time commitments.

All of these positions are for one year terms except for a couple of the Departmental Scholarship Committee (DSC) and Departmental Graduate Studies Committee (DGSC) positions which are two year terms.

Nominations will remain open for one month, from now until April 22nd. On the 22nd, nominations will close and a one week campaigning period will begin, from April 22nd to the 29th. Voting will take place on the 30th at the Caucus meeting.

A. Elections will be held for the following positions:

    1. Chair

    2. Associate Chair

    3. Secretary

    4. Treasurer

    5. Member at Large

    6. Webmaster

    7. Event Committee Officers (3 positions)   

    8. GSS Representative

    9. TSSU Steward

    10. Faculty Mole

    11. DSC Representative (1 position, 2-year term)

    12. DGSC Representative (2 positions, one 1-year term, and one 2-year term).

    12. International Students Representative

B. Proposed constitutional amendments (attached).

1. There are two rep positions for the DGSC and DSC.  
2. Officer and representative positions are for one-year terms except for DGSC and DSC rep positions which can be for two-year terms.
3. When there is only one nomination for any given position, not just for the GSS council rep, that position must still be ratified by a majority at a caucus meeting.
4. Amendments to the constitution no longer require ratification by the GSS and become binding upon approval by Caucus.
   

Thank you,

Isabelle Raymond
BISC Caucus Chair

Caucus meeting, Friday, March 26, 3:30-4:30

Hello Grads,

My apologies for the short notice.

We will have a Caucus Meeting this Friday, March 22, 3:30-4:30pm in the Bio grad lounge (7000 level). I have attached the agenda.

If you have any thoughts/comments/suggestions about the Grad hosted speaker and Olympiad/Symposium events of last week, please feel free to come down and share them with us. We'd love to hear your thoughts!

We will also be discussing elections for caucus executives and representatives, which are coming up shortly.

See you all there,

Isabelle Raymond
BISC Caucus Chair

Caucus meeting: March 3rd - 3:30-4:30

Hello Everyone,

We will be having our next caucus meeting Wednesday, March 3rd, 3:30-4:30pm (Bio grad lounge).

I have attached the agenda for the meeting.

See you there,

Janey Lam

BISC Caucus Associate Chair

Volunteers and Activists Needed!

Volunteers and Activists Needed!

There are a number of volunteer positions available for grad students on committees within the GSS.  These are an excellent opportunity to get involved in grad student affairs, meet other students from across the campus, gain some volunteer skills, and to have a say in how your grad student experience is directed.

Most of these positions require a small time commitment of 2-3 hours per month.  Some are fewer than that.  In every one of these positions, you will have an impact on grad student life at SFU.

In addition to these committee positions, the GSS is constantly looking for ways to improve grad student life at this university.  Do you have an idea for a project that you think will benefit grad students?  Are you willing to put in some volunteer hours to make your project a reality?  Send me an email at president@sfugradsociety@sfu.ca and tell me all about it.

Benefit Plan Committee

Are you interested in how your health and dental benefits plan is governed?  Would you like to be a part of the decision-making process?

Meetings: 2 or 3 per semester, 2hrs each

Meeting time: no fixed schedule

Contact: Josh Newman, president@sfugradsociety.ca

Childcare Committee

Discusses childcare issues on campus.  Currently (and unfortunately) vacant.  There is a big need for people to work on this issue.

Meetings: as much as you want

Meeting time: no fixed schedule

Contact: Josh Newman, president@sfugradsociety.ca

Finance and Audit Committee

Reviews the spending and revenue-generating practices of the Society and makes recommendations on improvements.

Positions: 2 positions available

Meetings: 2 per semester, 2hrs each

Meeting time: no fixed schedule

Contact: Cris Costa, treasurer@sfugradsociety.ca

Funding Committee

Discusses ways to improve grad student funding at SFU, including the management of TAships and RA funding.  This committee is currently vacant.  We need people to be discussing ways to convince the university and the government that they are not adequately supporting their graduate students.

Meetings: as much as you want

Meeting time: no fixed schedule

Contact: Josh Newman, president@sfugradsociety.ca

Grants Allocation Committee

You know how the GSS gives out grants of up to $750 to student caucuses for academic-related events?  You don't know?  Well, we do.  In fact we have $10,000 budgeted for these student-led events for the 2009-2010 school year.  Would you like to sit on the committee that recommends how these grants are distributed?

Positions: 2 positions available

Meetings: 2 per semester, 2hrs each

Meeting time: no fixed schedule

Contact: Cris Costa, treasurer@sfugradsociety.ca

Graduate Space Committee

Discusses how best to use grad student space on campus, and also makes recommendations about future building and grad space issues.

Meetings: 2 meetings per semester, 2 hrs each

Meeting time: no fixed schedule

Contact: Josh Newman, president@sfugradsociety.ca

Social Committee

Are you interested in social life at SFU?  Do you really like our free hamburger/cheap beer pub nights, but wish we did more?  Are you tired of SFU's reputation of zero grad student community?  As expected, this committee is currently vacant.  Come help us bring some community to SFU.

Meetings: as much as you want

Meeting time: no fixed schedule

Contact: Josh Newman, president@sfugradsociety.ca

Sustainability Committee

Tired of waste?  Want to help reduce your carbon footprint?  This committee discusses sustainability and environmental issues as they pertain to grad students and the university.

Meetings: no fixed schedule

Contact: Duncan Wlodarczak, dwlodarc@sfu.ca

Task Force on Students with Disabilities

It has come to the attention of the GSS that students with disabilities are not adequately supported at SFU, especially grad students who may have teaching and research duties in addition to traditional studies.  This task force was set up to identify the university's shortcomings in this area and to propose some recommendations for improvement.

Contact: Christi Garneau-Scott, cgarneau@sfu.ca

Any questions about these committees, or about anything else related to the GSS?  Send me an email at president@sfugradsociety@sfu.ca, or come by our offices in the Maggie Benston Centre (MBC 2201-2205) and ask someone in person.  You can also call us at 778-782-3899.

Questions about the health and dental benefits plan?  Please call 1-866-369-8795 or visit www.ihaveaplan.ca.

Thomas Unsoeld

Upcoming Strike Vote?

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Do you want to go on strike? Do you want to take a paycut to avoid a strike? Are you willing to give up your benefits just to avoid job action? Do you need to know more about bargaining and the bargaining process before you can answer any of these questions?

The TSSU Contract will expire as of May 1, 2010 and we need YOUR help to bargain what YOU want. On Tuesday, Feb. 2nd the education committee will be holding a bargaining Question and Answer period with the TSSU Bargaining Committee in MBC 2290 from 1:30-2:30 (Refreshments will be served). This is your chance to meet the committee who will represent you and your interests to the university and to have your voice heard.

Most of BC's public sector is bargaining this Spring, and given that the provincial government has already put forward a mandate for no gains this year and our tuition fees go up by at least 2% every year, we need to put our heads together and come up with some creative bargaining strategies.

IMMEDIATELY following the Bargaining Q and A will be the February GM, from 3:00-4:45. FREE FOOD will be served at 2:30 SHARP.
Members' input is  VERY important at this meeting: even if you can only come for part of the meeting, please attend!

In solidarity,

TSSU Executive

Caucus Meeting: Friday, Jan 29th, 3:30-4:30

Hello Grads,

Our next caucus meeting will be Friday, January 29th , 3:30-4:30pm (Bio grad lounge).

We'll be discussing the grad hosted speaker and symposium events coming up in March with Dr David Conover, who has agreed to come and give all three talks, the Departmental and Les Ecol seminars and the informal talk to grad students! Please come if you can, we've got some important decisions to make about what format we want the symposium to have this year.

As usual there will be refreshments and snacks.

See you there,

Isabelle Raymond
BISC Caucus Chair

Benefit Plan Endowment Fund - GSS

Dear fellow Grad Students,

At next week's meeting, the  GSS council will discuss (and likely vote on) whether to establish a Benefit Plan Endowment Fund for financially needy grad students.

As your caucus representative I would like to have a discussion with my caucus to vote in the best interest of our department.

I would like to encourage every BISC grad student to meet with me tomorrow, Friday 15th at 3:30pm in the BISC Grad Lounge (where we usually hold our caucus meetings) to discuss the following issue:

For the unlikely event that the GSS general membership votes to eliminate the benefit plan in part or in whole the GSS retains a reserve fund for the graduate student health and dental benefit plan. After 4 years, the accumulated money now exceeds what the GSS would be required to pay out if it defaulted on its contractual responsibilities with its insurance providers. Since this money was collected by many students over a long period of time (many of whom have now graduated),  the GSS thinks it would not be ethical to dispense this money directly to current students in any way.

 

Instead, the Benefit Plan Committee recommends that the interest of the accumulated money be used to establish an endowment fund, from which annual bursaries can be given to financially needy graduate students to pay their benefit plan. The bursaries would be disbursed through an application process. At current interest rates, up to 10-12 financially needy graduate students could receive free health and dental benefits courtesy of the GSS. 

Please let me know your opinion.

Best,

Thomas