Meeting Minutes : 3-Sep-2004

 1) old business:

     - meeting minutes from April 2004 approved

 2) member reports:  (if not listed, implicit is "nothing to report")

     - first: many member changes, all noted on GSC web page

     - grad teas: funds are being made available.  will ask for exact
            budget, hope to start grad teas very soon. jay summet now
            running tea czar slot.  will be open to new formats
            ("birthday party for month ABC"), movies, picnics, etc...

     - phd admissions: will we have a rep on group?  directed to ellen.

     - cns: many new hires; cns taskforce recommended oversight committee
            to be formed, but waiting for dean's approval; news.cc being
            eliminated; wireless upgrade to 802.11g complete; new web
            apps for phd review, etc, to be online soon?; spamassassin
            and virus checking will be added to all mail edges; the CoC
            is undergoing a GT audit in Sept; will be trying to get
            the online-FAQ and such running

     - icd fac rep: now have one, will attend meetings; sensitive issue
            and mailing lists being addressed by ellen and hope to have
            resolution shortly.

 3) new issues:

   - administration is going to try to "open up" and communicate more

   - explore how other programs like GSC work in other departments on
     campus and at other universities  (NOT unions or student-wide govts)

   - funding extra tidbits ("summer classes" - TBD - after more private
     discussions)

   - mike is no longer MS program coord; now tom mcclain

   - annual picnic -- everyone solicit input and direct to steve voida

   - ask about the return of student travel money (directed to ellen)

   - discuss possible "improvements" to new-phd bullpen in CRB

   - space issues in TSRB being handled by faculty

   - the new-phd list has apparently not yet been updated, and this
     should be fixed... it's causing problems reaching just the new
     phd students.  directed to ellen.

   - there is some concern that the new grad student orientation isn't
     being well handled on the timely dissemination of information.  in
     particular, some of the new phds wished they had been told more
     up-front issues way earlier than when they got here -- like apply
     for parking ASAP, bring