Sage Minutes
Thursday Nov. 1, 2007
3:00 p.m., 3132 Wescoe

Attending: Heather Bastian, Keri Behre, Nate Williams, Kristen Lillvis, Jessica Isaac, Daryl Lynn Dance, Karla Knutson, Amberle Sherman, Katie Egging

Call to Order. Minutes approved.

Presidents:

Thanks to everyone for Halloween party (over 50 people in attendance). Next year, we may have a new location to spread the Halloween joy.

Paul D'Anieri replied to our GTA office space resolution. It won't be possible to keep us in offices in Wescoe, but he stated that the plan is to ultimately move us back to individual Wescoe offices. A plan will be complete later this semester. The presidents thanked Dorice Elliott for requesting our comments and supporting us.

Travel funds draft (distributed the previous week) was discussed. This change will allow SAGE to grant larger awards that can actually make a difference in offsetting the high costs of travel (rather than give small $50 awards to many individuals). Because of this change, the award will go to fewer people than previous awards. A formal Travel Awards committee, created next semester, will decide among the applications. This academic year's award will include two funds of $200 each. Fundraiser money from this year will go to next year's fund. SAGE involvement is prioritized, but first priority is given to people who have exhausted funding elsewhere (through English dept. and the KU grad school), making this a "third line of defense" for grad students.

Discussion followed. Dance asked if any extenuating circumstances would be considered for students with outside situations (like family commitments) that don't allow SAGE involvement. Knutson asked if items that occur during business hours (rather than evenings) might be weighted higher. Behre mentioned that the number of different items on the form was designed to cover this--they reflect a variety of participation (some during the day, some flexible, etc.). Bastian mentioned that having stricter travel funds might encourage participation opportunities (and promote new ideas for SAGE service). The expectation is that travel committee members would evaluate these holistically. Knutson asked why the past service section ended at 2005. Behre noted that the 2005 cutoff came from feedback from Master's students. Bastian acknowledged that is does make it tougher for people who've been here longer; over time this won't be as much of a factor. Knutson moved for friendly amendment to include participation in SAGE meetings. Williams seconded. Knutson moved to approve. Sherman seconded. Approved unanimously by voice vote. Bastian reiterated that this is the first round of the proposal; there is always the possibility of improving the document in the future.

Secretary: No report.

Treasurer: Halloween party depleted some funds. Book sale will recoup some money.

First-year liaison: No report.

Academics Anonymous: Ann has Prof. Swann lined up for Nov 13th. More specific announcement forthcoming.

Advisory:

Grad involvement in Promotion and Tenure is still open issue. Current proposal encourages anonymous surveys that will be in candidates files. Presidents have a statement that we want to responsibly participate in this process and be notified when instructors are up for P & T. Often we were not aware of opportunities to participate.

If anyone has ideas about Promotion and Tenure that need to be addressed in Voting Department meeting, contact the SAGE presidents.

GTA displacement was discussed at Advisory meeting. Watson Library was mentioned as a location. A large communal office on 4th floor Wescoe was also mentioned. If these are the only two options, SAGE may request both.

Term limits have been nominated for administrative personnel.

FSE: Subcommittee was established to evaluate the handbook (currently, The Everyday Writer). Also a subcommittee is studying the FSE sequence. Recommendations on 200-level courses being taught by people outside.

Grad Assembly: No report.

Grad Committee: Deadline for dissertation/thesis will be voted on next time. Proposals notes that it must be submitted at least three weeks prior to defense. 500-level classes are proposed for phase out, while 600-level course may change. Subcommittee has provided a more explicit description of Master's Thesis. A prospectus has been suggested as well. Behre mentioned a semester of directed study with advisor is often done elsewhere.

GTAL: Established committee for GTA awards. Discussed new procedures for Lecturer reviews. Report on new GTA mentoring system provided positive feedback. Discussed possibility of more full-time Lecturer positions (we have 7 and are approved for 12). Support was given for SAGE's office resolution.

Lecturers and Readers: No report.

Library: No report.

MFA: No report.

Professionalization Skills: Last one went well. Next one is November 13 on networking and conferences.

Public & Alumni Relations: No report.

SAGE Advice: No report.

Social committee: No report.

Summer Institutes: No report.

Supplemental funds: No report.

Website: No report

Old business: Make a difference day was a success. Group photo was in DNB.

New business: Discussion: Consider for next semester "meet and greets" for new hires, book sale, and office move. See you in 2008.

Meeting adjourned.

Minutes submitted by Nathaniel Williams, Secretary.