The GSS has been all about food of late .... Wednesday Coffee is bringing a crowd every week, and the new Grad House menu is peppered with grad student references. It has been my experience that food draws grad students. Apparently Jorge Chan agrees.
Thus, I was amused when I found Refreshments will be provided, a photo blog featuring free food offerings in academia.
What is the food that keeps your thesis going? (Are you among the legions of grad students who have told me of your despair since biblio cafe replaced their veggie wrap? Do the undergrad who make your americano at the Munchie Bar know more about your thesis progress than your supervisor?
Showing posts with label GSS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label GSS. Show all posts
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Dean loves Dean Cakes!
I admit I was somewhat trepidatious when GSS Operations and Services Manager Brandy Sistili proposed renaming the Grad House crab cakes after the Dean.
The crab cakes are one of the most popular menu items... but still, it is possible it could be taken the wrong way.
Now, if the Grad House menu were an honourary degree, there would be a whole protocol and process to deal with such situations...
Brandy pointed out the menu was full of references to grad student life, and the GSS has a great relationship with the Dean. So, despite my worries, Brandy kept it in.
Turns out that, as usual, Brandy was right, because the Dean popped in with a big grin and asked immediately to order his honourific meal. (Sadly they were sold out!)
Now I am worried the President will be feeling left out!
The crab cakes are one of the most popular menu items... but still, it is possible it could be taken the wrong way.
Now, if the Grad House menu were an honourary degree, there would be a whole protocol and process to deal with such situations...
Brandy pointed out the menu was full of references to grad student life, and the GSS has a great relationship with the Dean. So, despite my worries, Brandy kept it in.
Turns out that, as usual, Brandy was right, because the Dean popped in with a big grin and asked immediately to order his honourific meal. (Sadly they were sold out!)
Now I am worried the President will be feeling left out!
Grad rep? Moi?
Grad Students… Be your department Grad Rep to the GSS!
What do the Graduate Representatives do?
- represent the interests of fellow grad students in your department
- report back to your home department on discussions and decisions made during grad council meetings
- where possible, sit on one university committee a year
- hold a departmental meeting at least once a semester to discuss common issues of concern and bring concerns and issues raised back to grad council
- participate in major governance decisions about the GSS (e.g. last year, the Grad Rep Council was involved in discussions regarding changes to the health and dental plans)
- attend the monthly grad rep council meetings the Annual General Meeting and Semi-annual General Meeting
- participate in GSS sub committees and represent graduate students to committees of the university
How do I become the Graduate Representative?
It is up to students in each department to select a representative. This call for grad reps should be forwarded to students in your department by email by the department graduate secretary. Typically interested students submit their name to the graduate secretary, and if there are several candidates, elections are held either by ballot in the department office, email vote or election at a meeting of all graduate students in the department. The nature of the election is determined by the students in the department, and usually depends on the number of students enrolled, whether the department has a department graduate students union that can administer the election, and whether many students are studying by distance. Departments should make efforts to select the representative before the first meeting of the Council on Tuesday, September 27
Can there be more than one representative for a department?
Grad Council meetings are open to all members of the Society. However, each department has only one vote. If the representative is unable to attend a meeting, an alternate may attend in her/his place. If a representative fails to attend three consecutive meetings without sending an alternate, she or he shall be deemed to have resigned from the Council.
When does the Council meet?
Grad Council meetings are usually held on the last Tuesday of each month, at 5 pm at the Graduate Students' Centre (see exceptions below). In September there will be a meeting September 27 at 5pm. normally, there is no meeting in December or between April and August. Pizza or other light fare is served for dinner. (January 2012 meeting will be on Tuesday the 24th).
I’ve been elected, what now?
Please ensure that your grad secretary sends notice of your election to the GSS by email at gssmgr [a] uvic.ca. Successful candidates can contact Stacy Chappel at gssmgr[at]uvic.ca to provide contact information and obtain more information.
Any questions:
Please call/email Stacy Chappel at 472-5163 / gssmgr[at]uvic.ca.
What do the Graduate Representatives do?
- represent the interests of fellow grad students in your department
- report back to your home department on discussions and decisions made during grad council meetings
- where possible, sit on one university committee a year
- hold a departmental meeting at least once a semester to discuss common issues of concern and bring concerns and issues raised back to grad council
- participate in major governance decisions about the GSS (e.g. last year, the Grad Rep Council was involved in discussions regarding changes to the health and dental plans)
- attend the monthly grad rep council meetings the Annual General Meeting and Semi-annual General Meeting
- participate in GSS sub committees and represent graduate students to committees of the university
How do I become the Graduate Representative?
It is up to students in each department to select a representative. This call for grad reps should be forwarded to students in your department by email by the department graduate secretary. Typically interested students submit their name to the graduate secretary, and if there are several candidates, elections are held either by ballot in the department office, email vote or election at a meeting of all graduate students in the department. The nature of the election is determined by the students in the department, and usually depends on the number of students enrolled, whether the department has a department graduate students union that can administer the election, and whether many students are studying by distance. Departments should make efforts to select the representative before the first meeting of the Council on Tuesday, September 27
Can there be more than one representative for a department?
Grad Council meetings are open to all members of the Society. However, each department has only one vote. If the representative is unable to attend a meeting, an alternate may attend in her/his place. If a representative fails to attend three consecutive meetings without sending an alternate, she or he shall be deemed to have resigned from the Council.
When does the Council meet?
Grad Council meetings are usually held on the last Tuesday of each month, at 5 pm at the Graduate Students' Centre (see exceptions below). In September there will be a meeting September 27 at 5pm. normally, there is no meeting in December or between April and August. Pizza or other light fare is served for dinner. (January 2012 meeting will be on Tuesday the 24th).
I’ve been elected, what now?
Please ensure that your grad secretary sends notice of your election to the GSS by email at gssmgr [a] uvic.ca. Successful candidates can contact Stacy Chappel at gssmgr[at]uvic.ca to provide contact information and obtain more information.
Any questions:
Please call/email Stacy Chappel at 472-5163 / gssmgr[at]uvic.ca.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
could it be true? a PhD Comics movie?
UPDATE: UVIC PhD Comics movie screening set for January 17, 2012, 7pm at the Grad House.
Check it out here: facebook event page or gss website event notice
----- original post follows---
Rumours have emerged on the PhD Comics facebook page that there will be a PhD Comics movie. !!!
Surely it is worth a travel grant to go participate (in California).
Not only that -- you could be an extra! Posted April 6th
But I thought that post docs were too invisible to show on film.
Check it out here: facebook event page or gss website event notice
----- original post follows---
Rumours have emerged on the PhD Comics facebook page that there will be a PhD Comics movie. !!!
Surely it is worth a travel grant to go participate (in California).
Not only that -- you could be an extra! Posted April 6th
Original post here.
But I thought that post docs were too invisible to show on film.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Thesis distraction gets local boost
The GSS maintains a list of thesis distractions. But this is a first ... a wonderful puzzle distraction designed by one of our own, Computer Science grad rep, Alejandro Erickson.
Check out tomoku puzzles .. a puzzle game based on lucky placement of Japanese tatami mats. Alejandro produced a little book of the puzzles as well as this online version.
I have the book and my son and I have risked being late for school when drawn into the puzzles over breakfast.
Check out tomoku puzzles .. a puzzle game based on lucky placement of Japanese tatami mats. Alejandro produced a little book of the puzzles as well as this online version.
I have the book and my son and I have risked being late for school when drawn into the puzzles over breakfast.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
A little GSS history
I admit to watching with interest as Pro- and Ant- CFS campaigners dash about campus for the pending UVSS referendum on CFS memebrship, and my thoughts turn to our own departure from the CFS in March 2008.
No doubt for similar reasons, I was asked by some undergrads what our reasons for leaving were. I am not sure the situation of undergrads in 2011 is the same as those at the GSS in 2008, but I posted the GSS articles from the era here for those who are curious.
No doubt for similar reasons, I was asked by some undergrads what our reasons for leaving were. I am not sure the situation of undergrads in 2011 is the same as those at the GSS in 2008, but I posted the GSS articles from the era here for those who are curious.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
The Martlet | Students asked to partially fund new facilities
The Martlet | Students asked to partially fund new facilities
The athletics fee issue is back. The GSS was active in the campaign to defeat this last year by calling on the Minister of Advanced Education (now Science and Universities) and the BC Tuition Limit Policy.
some past news on this issue:
Coverage of the campaign victory at UBC Insiders
Some past Martlet coveragae here.
And hey, here's the campaign info from the last time around.
The athletics fee issue is back. The GSS was active in the campaign to defeat this last year by calling on the Minister of Advanced Education (now Science and Universities) and the BC Tuition Limit Policy.
some past news on this issue:
Coverage of the campaign victory at UBC Insiders
Some past Martlet coveragae here.
And hey, here's the campaign info from the last time around.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
UVIC GSS website
Hi all, we are experiencing some trouble with our UVIC Graduate Students' Society website in google since it migrated to the new site. It is being fixed, but for now, the link is the same: http://gss.uvic.ca/
UVIC graduate student health plan information can also be found at http://gss.uvic.ca/.
UVIC graduate student health plan information can also be found at http://gss.uvic.ca/.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
kick start you writing using online motivational tools
Beyond my life working for graduate students at the gss, I also have a secret life as a graduate student.
This term I am to submit my research proposal. Through my first two terms of graduate school, I have attempted to journal as a means to help my writing process, but with limited success.
Today I embarked on a new effort to ensure I do keep to my writing commitments, partly inspired by Joan Bolker's book, Write your dissertation in 15 minutes per day. (What an inspiring title!) Which advocates keeping a research journal.
But for those, like me, who need some prodding, some online tools may be of interest.
Do you forget to write every day? Oh, Life may be fore you. It is a simple system. you set up an account using your email, and then each evening Oh, Life sends an email asking about your day. You respond, and that is these emails become the substance of your journal. After you build up content, it will send snippets of past entries as reminders/starting points, selected at random. I wish I could choose its question to suit my purpose (not "how was your day" but "how's the research?" or something ... as long as it isn't "are you done your thesis yet?"). However, I can't fault the simplicity of the system, and the fact that an email prompt will likely be helpful for someone like me.
If goals and rewards are what you need, you might like the online journal, 750 words. With this site you are encouraged to login and write 750 words per day, and if you do this for five days in a row you get a little reward (penguin badge), and each month you get a score card with more points the more days you write. The site also assigns moods based on what you write (which unnerves me). There are challenges as well -- you could end up on the wall of awesome (or wall of shame) so think on that before choosing your pen name!
In both cases, the online journal can be downloaded for use elsewhere. Perhaps in your thesis methods section!
This term I am to submit my research proposal. Through my first two terms of graduate school, I have attempted to journal as a means to help my writing process, but with limited success.
Today I embarked on a new effort to ensure I do keep to my writing commitments, partly inspired by Joan Bolker's book, Write your dissertation in 15 minutes per day. (What an inspiring title!) Which advocates keeping a research journal.
But for those, like me, who need some prodding, some online tools may be of interest.
Do you forget to write every day? Oh, Life may be fore you. It is a simple system. you set up an account using your email, and then each evening Oh, Life sends an email asking about your day. You respond, and that is these emails become the substance of your journal. After you build up content, it will send snippets of past entries as reminders/starting points, selected at random. I wish I could choose its question to suit my purpose (not "how was your day" but "how's the research?" or something ... as long as it isn't "are you done your thesis yet?"). However, I can't fault the simplicity of the system, and the fact that an email prompt will likely be helpful for someone like me.
If goals and rewards are what you need, you might like the online journal, 750 words. With this site you are encouraged to login and write 750 words per day, and if you do this for five days in a row you get a little reward (penguin badge), and each month you get a score card with more points the more days you write. The site also assigns moods based on what you write (which unnerves me). There are challenges as well -- you could end up on the wall of awesome (or wall of shame) so think on that before choosing your pen name!
In both cases, the online journal can be downloaded for use elsewhere. Perhaps in your thesis methods section!
Saturday, December 18, 2010
More great grad school themed blogs
I seem to be having a bonanza in the department of "excellent blogs for UVic graduate students to read", something I am always seeking in my work.
The Thesis Whisperer warms my heart because, like me, she keeps a list of procrastination activities handy. It is also packed with practical advice to be productive in your research and writing, so has the best of both worlds.
The thesis whisperer is actually a group of whisperers, but the writing is consistent and topical.
The Thesis Whisperer warms my heart because, like me, she keeps a list of procrastination activities handy. It is also packed with practical advice to be productive in your research and writing, so has the best of both worlds.
The thesis whisperer is actually a group of whisperers, but the writing is consistent and topical.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Famous GSSers in CUPE ad!
The campus CUPE locals at UVIC have put together a new ad campaign, and some familiar faces are in the video. (Hint: Cristal and Dave both work or worked for the GSS).
Pick up a free pen from our office... or (if you are a UVIC student) go to the site and enter to win a $500 gift certificate from UVIC bookstore! Goodbye textbook fees (for one semester anyway!)
http://www.cupeworkingtogether.ca/
Champions of Public Education from Bryan Skinner on Vimeo.
Pick up a free pen from our office... or (if you are a UVIC student) go to the site and enter to win a $500 gift certificate from UVIC bookstore! Goodbye textbook fees (for one semester anyway!)
http://www.cupeworkingtogether.ca/
Saturday, October 3, 2009
GSS Event bulletin October 2, 2009
UPDATE - looking for our current UVIC GSS events notices? visit them here:
http://gss.uvic.ca/events
---------
Ok ... back to the original post, below:
Last year the GSS campaigned for increased representation for graduate students at UVIC. On Friday, October 2, the GSS won a major victory when the Senate voted in favour of increasing graduate student Senate seats from 1 seat to 3. Congratulations to everyone who helped on the campaign.
2 Wine Club Tickets on Sale for Oct. 7th @ 5PMThe Grad House Restaurant’s Chef Alan King-Jones has selected four great wines and paired them with amazing appetizers for this years’ inaugural Wine Club. Tickets are $12 for graduate students and $15 for guests, and are available in the GSS office. Tickets on sale to October 5th only.
3 Open Mic Night Oct. 8 @ 7PM
Come join in the fun! Hosted by Miles Waghray, we provide the electric piano, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, bass guitar, and a hand drum. You provide the talent.
4 Wednesday Morning Coffee at the Grad House
Come get free coffee and tea with other grad students in the David Clode room at the Graduate Students’ Centre, across from the main office. 9 - 19:30 am
5 Know Your Rights & Responsibilities – An Interactive Workshop on Understanding Discrimination & Harassment (For Students)
Tuesday October 6, 1:00 – 2:30pm
Sedgewick Building Wing C (Room C-168)
Through interactive activities and group discussions participants will:
Understand the legal and practical definitions of Discrimination and Harassment
Learn how to identify Discrimination and Harassment
Develop some positive ways of approaching and managing conflict
Understand what Policies and Practices UVic has in place to promote a campus free of Discrimination and Harassment
Understand Your Rights and Responsibilities are around matters of Discrimination and Harassment and How You can Encourage A Welcoming and Inclusive campus Environment …
We can accept a maximum of 20 participants.
Please contact Bette Cameron in the Equity & Human Rights Office to RSVP: 250.721.8488
6 Writing Wednesdays for Graduate Students(Hosted by Student Transition Services and Graduate Students’ Society)
Looking for a great study space on campus?Seeking motivation to complete essays or your thesis/dissertation?Interested in connecting with graduate students in a similar state of mind?Drop by the Student Transition Centre, located in the basement of the Student Union Building, room B010 every Wednesday between 10:30am and 2:00pm. It’s a relaxed friendly atmosphere with free coffee, tea, use of kitchenette and a quiet structured working space. Starts October 7th 2009 – You don’t want to miss it!
7 Longer Writing Centre Hours
The Writing Centre (TWC) is now open longer and in two locations! You can find us in the McPherson Library Learning Commons Mondays through Fridays, 10am-4pm, and Wednesday evenings, 4pm-7pm. As well, we offer a drop-in service on Tuesdays 4-7pm and Saturdays 1-4pm in the Campus View Room in the Cadboro Commons Building. Everyone welcome! We can help you with award applications, proposal writing, and course papers. We can also help you get your thesis or dissertation in better shape. Our current roster of tutors are from the departments of English, Law, Linguistics, Math, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Political Science, and History in Art. You can book an appointment at http://www.rich36.com/uvic/.
We’re looking forward to helping you become a more effective and efficient writer!
8 Graduate Student Fellowships: BC Institute for Co-operative Studies
The BC Institute for Co-operative Studies at the University of Victoria invites applications from University of Victoria graduate students for fellowships of up to 12 months' duration during the 2010/11 academic year, beginning September 1, 2010.The purpose of the fellowship is to provide graduate students working on research projects related to co-operative and community-based economy with financial support, suitable space and a stimulating environment conducive to writing and reflection.The Institute welcomes applications from all disciplinary backgrounds for projects that promote the scholarly study of subjects related to co-operative and community-based economic arrangements. 'Co-operative and community-based economy' is taken to refer to collective undertakings, not necessarily co-operatives:* aimed at providing the needs and wants of some community or group, where any profits are a means of supplying those needs and wants,* managed autonomously and by democratic processes, and* in which persons and their participation are given priority over capital in the distribution of any surplus.
9 Subscribe/Unsubscribeor change your email used with this bulletin here:
https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/gssbulletin
10 Submit an item
by emailing a plain text message (no attachments or PDFs!) to gsscomm[at]uvic.ca.
http://gss.uvic.ca/events
---------
Ok ... back to the original post, below:
- GSS Victory on representation
- Wine Club Tickets on Sale for Oct. 7th @ 5PM
- Open Mic Night Oct. 8 @ 7PM
- Wednesday Morning Coffee at the Grad House
- Know Your Rights & Responsibilities – An Interactive Workshop on Understanding Discrimination & Harassment (For Students)
- Writing Wednesdays for Graduate Students
- Longer Writing Centre Hours
- Graduate Student Fellowships
- Subscribe/Unsubscribe
- Submit an item
Last year the GSS campaigned for increased representation for graduate students at UVIC. On Friday, October 2, the GSS won a major victory when the Senate voted in favour of increasing graduate student Senate seats from 1 seat to 3. Congratulations to everyone who helped on the campaign.
2 Wine Club Tickets on Sale for Oct. 7th @ 5PMThe Grad House Restaurant’s Chef Alan King-Jones has selected four great wines and paired them with amazing appetizers for this years’ inaugural Wine Club. Tickets are $12 for graduate students and $15 for guests, and are available in the GSS office. Tickets on sale to October 5th only.
3 Open Mic Night Oct. 8 @ 7PM
Come join in the fun! Hosted by Miles Waghray, we provide the electric piano, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, bass guitar, and a hand drum. You provide the talent.
4 Wednesday Morning Coffee at the Grad House
Come get free coffee and tea with other grad students in the David Clode room at the Graduate Students’ Centre, across from the main office. 9 - 19:30 am
5 Know Your Rights & Responsibilities – An Interactive Workshop on Understanding Discrimination & Harassment (For Students)
Tuesday October 6, 1:00 – 2:30pm
Sedgewick Building Wing C (Room C-168)
Through interactive activities and group discussions participants will:
Understand the legal and practical definitions of Discrimination and Harassment
Learn how to identify Discrimination and Harassment
Develop some positive ways of approaching and managing conflict
Understand what Policies and Practices UVic has in place to promote a campus free of Discrimination and Harassment
Understand Your Rights and Responsibilities are around matters of Discrimination and Harassment and How You can Encourage A Welcoming and Inclusive campus Environment …
We can accept a maximum of 20 participants.
Please contact Bette Cameron in the Equity & Human Rights Office to RSVP: 250.721.8488
6 Writing Wednesdays for Graduate Students(Hosted by Student Transition Services and Graduate Students’ Society)
Looking for a great study space on campus?Seeking motivation to complete essays or your thesis/dissertation?Interested in connecting with graduate students in a similar state of mind?Drop by the Student Transition Centre, located in the basement of the Student Union Building, room B010 every Wednesday between 10:30am and 2:00pm. It’s a relaxed friendly atmosphere with free coffee, tea, use of kitchenette and a quiet structured working space. Starts October 7th 2009 – You don’t want to miss it!
7 Longer Writing Centre Hours
The Writing Centre (TWC) is now open longer and in two locations! You can find us in the McPherson Library Learning Commons Mondays through Fridays, 10am-4pm, and Wednesday evenings, 4pm-7pm. As well, we offer a drop-in service on Tuesdays 4-7pm and Saturdays 1-4pm in the Campus View Room in the Cadboro Commons Building. Everyone welcome! We can help you with award applications, proposal writing, and course papers. We can also help you get your thesis or dissertation in better shape. Our current roster of tutors are from the departments of English, Law, Linguistics, Math, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Political Science, and History in Art. You can book an appointment at http://www.rich36.com/uvic/.
We’re looking forward to helping you become a more effective and efficient writer!
8 Graduate Student Fellowships: BC Institute for Co-operative Studies
The BC Institute for Co-operative Studies at the University of Victoria invites applications from University of Victoria graduate students for fellowships of up to 12 months' duration during the 2010/11 academic year, beginning September 1, 2010.The purpose of the fellowship is to provide graduate students working on research projects related to co-operative and community-based economy with financial support, suitable space and a stimulating environment conducive to writing and reflection.The Institute welcomes applications from all disciplinary backgrounds for projects that promote the scholarly study of subjects related to co-operative and community-based economic arrangements. 'Co-operative and community-based economy' is taken to refer to collective undertakings, not necessarily co-operatives:* aimed at providing the needs and wants of some community or group, where any profits are a means of supplying those needs and wants,* managed autonomously and by democratic processes, and* in which persons and their participation are given priority over capital in the distribution of any surplus.
9 Subscribe/Unsubscribeor change your email used with this bulletin here:
https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/gssbulletin
10 Submit an item
by emailing a plain text message (no attachments or PDFs!) to gsscomm[at]uvic.ca.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Thinking of running for grad council?
Hey grad students ! Why not run for grad council as your departmental graduate representative to the GSS?
Info here:
Friday, July 3, 2009
The Graduate Student's Society is no more
Because we are now the Graduate Students' Society.
Hurrah for punctuation!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
See ya, Joe, and thanks!
GSS director of Communications Joe Kolthammer has stepped down. The Grad Council passed a motion to thank him for all his hard work, and I want to add my personal thanks.
Joe was first elected in Spring 2007 and worked tirelessly producing four issues of the source, largely without any assistance. To give you a sense of the immensity of this, the magazine to be managed by a part time staff person. However, Joe managed to pull off high quality work with limited resources.
Joe also led the GSS referendum campaign to leave the CFS, and prior to the referendum gave many (frustrating) hours to that dispute. What could have been largely unpleasant was fun because of working with Joe.
This year, Joe didn't stand for re-election. However, when no one stood for the position, he accepted nomination from the floor of the March 2008 SGM and undertook to revamp how the Director of Communications position works--partly with an eye to making it more do-able for a grad student with other full time commitments. Joe also knew that due to the enormous shift in communications, and the work required in producing a magazine, it was time to rethink how we managed our publication and communication strategy.
All this was an enormous amount of work, and I will miss Joe's contribution to the GSS.
Most of all, though, I will miss having Joe around: his always hilarious (but rarely sent) letters to the Martlet, his old green cardigan, and making me laugh (and increasing my vocabulary) with every visit. Oh! And wearing my son's crazy bird costume!
Hopefully all that won't have to change (except maybe the bird costume... that might not bear repeating!).
Ok, maybe once...
Here's to the kudzu of anarchy!
Stacy
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Bird on holiday
I know grad students never really get holidays, but bird is taking a tropical vacation none the less. He promises to submit a draft on Dec 26. Ginger Punk is taking over for the rest of the year.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
McGill's Thomson House struggling
McGill's famous (at least to me) Thomson house is having financial difficulty and is restructuring, according to an article in the McGill Daily.
For those not familiar, Thomson House is the grad centre for McGill, a lovely old Montreal home converted into a luxurious private club for grad students.
As an undergrad I used to gain entry by getting "signed in" as a guest of my friend, a fellow QPIRG staffer doing her MA at McGill.
I look back nostalgically on the beautiful wainscotting, small cozy rooms, the gorgeous ball room upstairs (used for dances and movie screenings) and the dingy basement caf ($3.99 dinner! -- ok it was prego pasta sauce on spaghetti), and in truth it is my dream to bring more of that cozy, club like, atmosphere to the Halpern Centre. Without the Prego on spaghetti or sign in sheet.
We have achieved some of this in our renovation by making the smaller "David Clode Room" a grad student hangout centred around the fireplace, and we are currently purchasing some new furnishing (booths!) for the large room in the restaurant. Also, we finally have some art back on the walls after many trips to the Maltwood where their patient staff let us comb through their offerings looking for just the right thing.
Today, I am fascinated by the story because I, too, deal with housing a restaurant within a grad students' non profit, and trying to find the best way to structure everything to make sure its not too expensive, it feels like grad students' own space, and we don't lose a ton of money! The world is not designed for businesses who aim to make things both high quality at a low cost for members, and running a bar is a risk for anyone, not less for a non profit student government. Those who attend our AGM's have heard me and executive members speak about the tough times we had a few years ago, and also know we have managed to rebuild financially, although we are always nervously watching the books... but I have no doubt McGill's PGSS will rebuild as well--Thomson house is too good to lose!--and I wish them luck with all the work ahead!
For those not familiar, Thomson House is the grad centre for McGill, a lovely old Montreal home converted into a luxurious private club for grad students.
As an undergrad I used to gain entry by getting "signed in" as a guest of my friend, a fellow QPIRG staffer doing her MA at McGill.
I look back nostalgically on the beautiful wainscotting, small cozy rooms, the gorgeous ball room upstairs (used for dances and movie screenings) and the dingy basement caf ($3.99 dinner! -- ok it was prego pasta sauce on spaghetti), and in truth it is my dream to bring more of that cozy, club like, atmosphere to the Halpern Centre. Without the Prego on spaghetti or sign in sheet.
We have achieved some of this in our renovation by making the smaller "David Clode Room" a grad student hangout centred around the fireplace, and we are currently purchasing some new furnishing (booths!) for the large room in the restaurant. Also, we finally have some art back on the walls after many trips to the Maltwood where their patient staff let us comb through their offerings looking for just the right thing.
Today, I am fascinated by the story because I, too, deal with housing a restaurant within a grad students' non profit, and trying to find the best way to structure everything to make sure its not too expensive, it feels like grad students' own space, and we don't lose a ton of money! The world is not designed for businesses who aim to make things both high quality at a low cost for members, and running a bar is a risk for anyone, not less for a non profit student government. Those who attend our AGM's have heard me and executive members speak about the tough times we had a few years ago, and also know we have managed to rebuild financially, although we are always nervously watching the books... but I have no doubt McGill's PGSS will rebuild as well--Thomson house is too good to lose!--and I wish them luck with all the work ahead!
Monday, October 13, 2008
GSS Annual General Meeting
When: Tuesday, October 28, 5pm
Where: Grad House restaurant at the Grad Centre
Who can vote: Any UVIC graduate student currently registered at UVIC
What to bring: Your valid grad student ID
Food will be provided!
Agenda:
Approve Agenda
Approve Minutes
Approval of 2008 audited statements
Appointment of the auditors
Consideraton of motions received with due notice
Other business
*Audited statements, minutes, and motions received with notice will be available at the Graduate Students' Society offices and posted on the GSS website http:gss.uvic.ca by October 21, 2008. Please submit any motions for consideration at the meeting to Stacy Chappel gssmgr@uvic.ca no later than October 20, 2008 at noon.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Margaret Atwood on the importance of the Arts
I am thrilled to see the arts becoming a major election issue. Have a look at Margaret Atwood's excellent rebuttal to recent cuts to federal arts funding here.
UVic could take a cue from this article too. Where is our funding for fine arts grad students at UVic? Is it reflective of the huge contribution the arts makes to our community and culture? To our ways of thinking and perceiving the world?
What can be done about this? What should fine arts funding for graduate students look like at UVic?
For another take on the issue, check out this hilarious video.
See how fun politics can be when artists are in charge?
UVic could take a cue from this article too. Where is our funding for fine arts grad students at UVic? Is it reflective of the huge contribution the arts makes to our community and culture? To our ways of thinking and perceiving the world?
What can be done about this? What should fine arts funding for graduate students look like at UVic?
For another take on the issue, check out this hilarious video.
See how fun politics can be when artists are in charge?
Monday, September 22, 2008
Since supercollider closed, play catan!
Since the super collider in Geneva had to be closed (until it can be warmed up enough that humans can repair it) you should all come to Settlers of Catan night at the Grad Centre tonight instead of smashing atoms!
If only the super collider had enough lumber and ore...
If only the super collider had enough lumber and ore...
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