The UCLA Graduate Students Association is the voice of graduate students on campus. The association meets for forum every three weeks and takes positions on current issues affecting graduate students. Forum meetings are at 5:30 p.m. in the Ackerman Viewpoint Lounge.
Agenda
- Voting for GSA elections began this week and will last through next Monday on MyUCLA. The elected positions are uncontested but candidates still need a 10 percent voter turnout to pass a referendum that will increase fees in order to fund the Graduate Writing Center.
Special Presentations
- Bob Williams, executive director of Associated Students UCLA, spoke about ASUCLA’s current projects. These projects include applying for gold-level Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification for the South Campus Student Center.
- UCLA is launching a healthy campus initiative, and ASCULA will contribute to this by providing nutrition information for the new south campus restaurants and offering healthier food options.
Williams also said the university was approved to sell fair-trade products, other than coffee and tea, which are already sold on campus. In line with these sustainability efforts, ASUCLA is focusing on increasing use of reusable bags over plastic bags. ASUCLA is also expanding its licensing program, and the university already has the largest international licensing initiative. Williams also said ASUCLA has plans to upgrade food services in Ackerman Union and create more space for students. Chancellor Gene Block has agreed to creating a casual dining facility with liquor options in Ackerman as well.
- Representatives from the Armenian Graduate Association announced that the organization is commemorating the Armenian Genocide next week with a panel on genocide, movie screening, and candle light vigils. The events are part of Armenian Genocide Awareness Week.
Officer Reports
- President Michael Weismeyer said he attended the Graduate Housing Oversight Committee to discuss construction of Weyburn Terrace Phase II. Weismeyer chaired a housing subcommittee of the Graduate and Professional Students Welfare Committee, discussing ways of improving quality of life in graduate housing and effective use of the new Weyburn buildings. Weismeyer also attended a meeting of the Center for Student Programming, which is undergoing a review. He is contributing information on how the center could improve its support of student groups.
- Arda Melkonian, vice president of internal affairs, said the Graduate Student Resource Center Oversight Committee had its first meeting this quarter and approved a 2012-2015 strategic plan. She also participated in screening applicants for the 2013-2014 Student Regent.
- Doris Melkonian, vice president of academic affairs, said the Graduate Writing Center Oversight Committee had its first meeting this quarter. The committee discussed writing center usage data, spring quarter programs, and a priority plan.
- David Chillin, vice president of external affairs, said he attended the Student Advocates for Graduate Education conference in Washington D.C. with Weismeyer during spring break. They advocated for graduate student issues at congressional offices.