Sage Minutes
October 4, 2007
3:00 p.m., 3132 Wescoe

Attending: Heather Bastian, Keri Behre, Kristin Bovaird-Abbo, Amberle Sherman, Jessica Isaac, Angela Kordahl, Kristen Lillvis, Alicia Sutliff, Stephanie Scurto, Katie Egging

Call to order. Minutes approved.

Presidents’ report:

First item of business was the resolution regarding office space. It was initiated at Dr. Elliott's request after she spoke to Behre and Bastian informally. Items they discussed are all in the resolution. The department as of now is supporting us, but our feedback will be helpful as they negotiate with the College. The presidents offered a reminder: offices are used for teaching purposes--not for our own collegiate scholastic work. As such, the resolution stresses the effect on undergraduate education and practical teaching concerns. It conveys that, while we understand that we have to move, we want it to be temporary.

Isaac made motion to consider the resolution. Kordahl seconded. Bovaird-Abbo mentioned that the school often compares or contrasts our situation with other departments and other colleges. There are 61 GTAs and more lecturers (final number is roughly 90). A friendly amendment was added to mention teaching awards. Scurto moved, Williams seconded. A friendly amendment was added to mention that we are required to hold conferences. Kordahl mentioned that having an office often makes our students feel positive about their experiences and enhances their perception of our professionalism (and by extension the University). Williams moved, Lillvis seconded. Kordahl moved to change wording regarding the number of credit hours taught; Sherman seconded. Sherman noted that the section comparing our office to other GTAs might need revision. Bastian noted that English GTAs can't be compared to other Humanities GTAs given number of students and method of instruction. Friendly amendment to add this info was made by Scurto; Williams seconded. Bovaird-Abbo moved to adjust section about communal spaces to highlight the replacing of current offices rather than the communal offices; Isaac seconded. Scurto mentioned an email from Daryl Lynn Dance that discussed other office space available instead of large common area. Scurto called the question. Sutliff moved to approve with amendments, Kordahl seconded. Approved by voice vote unanimously.

Presidents also provided a reminder that we can play a role in promotion and tenure process by writing letters and talking to Chair and head of committee.

Secretary’s report: No report.

Treasurer’s report: Currently have $454.23. GPA Treasurer's training is next week.

First-year liaison: No report.

Academics Anonymous: Details soon.

Advisory: Nothing more is being changed with grad student involvement in P&T. Current method seems to work. Gen Ed requirements may be changing, and opening up other departments who could teach 200-level courses. Within next 6 years, the Dept. will need to have external review.

FSE: Has not met yet.

Grad Assembly: Sara Rosen will be at next meeting.

Grad committee: Has decided to initiate deadline for submission of thesis or dissertation (3 weeks before the defense). Subcommittee is working to define what a thesis should look like. Also, definitions of 500- and 600-level classes are changing.

GTAL: No report.

Lecturers and Readers: No report.

Library: No report.

MFA: No report.

Professionalization skills: Committee Selection Workshop Oct 22 at 7pm. See website for details.

Public & Alumni relations: No report.

SAGE Advice: No report.

Social committee: No report.

Summer Institutes: Today is last day to recommend someone for Holmes Institute this summer.

Supplemental funds: No report.

Website: No report.

Old business:

Make a Difference Day sign up passed around. It will also be in SAGE Lab (email Stephanie if you need to sign up but don't know how to access SAGE lab--it's accessible to all English Grad Students.

Remember to monitor printing in the SAGE lab. Faculty may sometimes use this printer as well. Regardless, we want to make sure people are using this responsibly and monitor our usage.

New business:

Travel funds--we're soliciting suggestions for how to grant awards. New faculty meeting is at 4pm today.

Meeting adjourned.

Minutes submitted by Nathaniel Williams, Secretary.