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College	Department	Name	Attendance
	Art	Karla Lagunas	☑
	Film	Victoria Marshall	☑
	Music	Lukas Hutchinson	☑
	Theatre	Nick Case	☑
College of Hospitality:	Hospitality & Hotel Administration	Jaimi Garlington	☑
Integrated Health Sciences:	Health Physics & Diagnostic Sciences	Gregory Gill Clare Bennett	☑
	Kinesiology & Nutrition Sciences	VACANT  Donya Shahamati	☑
	Physical Therapy	VACANT	☐
	Brain Health	VACANT	☐
Boyd School of Law:	Law	Blanca Peña Dionne Stanfill	☑
College of Liberal Arts:	Anthropology	Emily Edmonds	☑
	English	Carlos Tkacz	☑
	History	Tyler Rodney	☑
	Political Science	Lila Hearn	☑
	Psychology	Hoor Ul Ain	☑
	Sociology	Drue Sahuc	☑
	World Languages & Cultures	VACANT	☐
School of Medicine:	Couple & Family Therapy	Melissa Ceballos Absent	☐
	Medicine	Daniel Aynlender Absent	☐
School of Nursing:	Nursing	Laura Chechel Absent	☐
College	Department	Name	Attendance
School of Public Health:	Environmental & Occupational Health	Emylia Terry	☑
	Healthcare Admin & Policy	Ernest Cornejo	☑
	Epidemiology & Biostatistics	Amruta Godbole Absent	☐
	Social & Behavioral Health	Ana Gonzalez	☑
College of Sciences:	Chemistry & Biochemistry	Jenny Napoles	☑
	Geoscience	Sierra Ramsey Absent	☐
	Life Sciences	Thomas Crippen	☑
	Mathematical Sciences	Ali Balooch	☑
	Physics & Astronomy	VACANT	☐
College of Urban Affairs:	Communication Studies	VACANT	☐
	Criminal Justice	Elisha Longoria	☑
	Journalism & Media Studies	VACANT	☐
	Public Policy & Leadership	Sylvia Desire Nyesiga Absent	☐
	Social Work	Emily Arriviello	☑
Interdisciplinary Programs:	Integrated Health Sciences	Katie Bricarell	☑
	Data Analytics & Cybersecurity	Anne Poole	☑

*Members may have been appointed by their department between the time of agenda posting and the meeting. All other members present will be available in the Minutes and listed below.

Members-at-Large: Amrit Shahi – Civil and Environmental Engineering ☑Kevin Navarrete-Parra – Political Science Miriam Borvick – School of Medicine Joe Cadiz – Nursing ☑Kevin Dangler – Nursing

Members of the Public Present: ☑Virginia Smercina – Business Manager ☑Bill Robinson – Faculty Advisor ☑Alissa Gardner – Graduate College ☑Valarie Burke – Graduate College

AGENDA

1. CALL TO ORDER

Called to order at 5:36 pm

2. ROLL CALL

Quorom has been established.

3. PUBLIC COMMENT                                                                            INFORMATION ONLY

(See foregoing notation regarding public comment)

Lila Hearn proposed the idea for a forum for graduate student housing.

Hoor Ain made a recommendation for additional council seats under psychology.

Alissa Gardner wanted to share information regarding resources that The Graduate College offers.  

Lukas Hutchinson made an announcement for shows that the department is currently offering.

4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES                                                                 FOR POSSIBLE ACTION

4a) The GPSA Council will consider approval of the minutes from the August 2024 Council Meetings (44-04) as posted to the public GPSA Drive.

Motioned by David King, seconded by Hoor Ain. Passed unanimously.

5. REPORTS & RECOMMENDATIONS                                              INFORMATION ONLY

5a) Executive Board

1. 1. President

President Marie will report to the GPSA Council concerning UNLV related issues or events important to the UNLV graduate student body. Board of Regents September meeting.

• Welcome new Department Representatives & Members-at-Large!

• Council Duties & Obligations
• Understanding OML

• Info for All Colleges!

• Access to supplemental dental healthcare:
• Vision is free this year

• Housing Study Updates
• Appointments of Director of communicate engagement and outreach & Director of communications and marketing

President Marie discussed the GA health insurance, the vision being free, and the housing study update. A proposal for tiny homes for graduate housing was discussed, with a focus on accessibility. PM also mentioned the appointment of directors of communication Delight Ejiaka and community engagement Ariadna Gutierrez, and the plans for graduate appreciation events. The shift in faculty composition was also discussed, with a focus on the impact on graduate students and faculty mentorship. Lastly, GPSA mentioned the underfunding of the institution and the need to find resources and support.

1. 2. Vice President

Vice President Carr will report to the GPSA Council concerning UNLV related issues or events important to the UNLV graduate student body. Updates regarding sponsorship program.

Vice President Carr discussed changes to their Sponsorship operating policy due to a reduced budget. These changes include an eligibility percentage increase to 85% from 80%, a score increase to 25 points from 20, group sizes limited to 5 individuals from 10, and a return to a $1250 limit per application from $2500. The quarterly budget was also discussed, with a total of $43,750 for August, September, and October. The number of incoming applicants requested over $62,000, which is far over the quarterly budget.

1. 3. Treasurer

Treasurer Lopez will report to the GPSA Council concerning UNLV related issues or events important to the UNLV graduate Student body. This includes the budget report for the past month.

Treasurer Lopez reported an adjusted ending balance of $95,109 and 61 cents for August.

1. 4. Secretary

Secretary King will report to the GPSA Council concerning UNLV related issues or events important to the UNLV graduate Student body. Provide a brief training on Robert’s rules.

Secretary King provide a brief training on Robert’s rules.

5b) President’s Cabinet

• • • Director of Communications & Marketing

Delight discussed the upcoming football game and the need for graduate students to attend. She clarified that each graduate student gets one ticket per game and a discounted buddy pass and also mentioned that there will be a shuttle service to and from the stadium.

• • • Director of Engagement & Outreach

            Ariadna expressed interest in organizing a graduate appreciation night, possibly related to theater or             music, and planned to contact the relevant department head. Lucas from the School of Music mentioned       that concerts related to the Jazz and Commercial Music division are free for all students.

• • • Attorney General (vacant)

5c) GPSA Business Manager & Advisor

• Business Manager Virginia Smercina will report to GPSA Council concerning UNLV related issues or events important to the UNLV graduate student body.
  • Changes to the Graduate Commons Space

Business Manager Smercina discussed the vacancy of the attorney general position and encouraged interested individuals to apply. She also mentioned the upcoming cap and gown rental program for graduating students and the need for appointed representatives from departments to attend meetings.

• GPSA Faculty Advisor Dr. Bill Robinson will report to GPSA Council concerning UNLV Related issues or even important to the UNLV graduate student body.

Dr. Bill Robinson reported on the university's budget situation and new policies affecting events and student conduct.

5d) GPSA Committee Reports

Ways and Means: Chair Peña thanked the committee for their work on the FY25 Budget Sheet.

Sponsorship: There was a call for the remaining sponsorship seat, which is now taken.

5e) UNLV Campus-Wide Committees

Representatives serving on any external committee on GPSA behalf may use this time to provide updates.

5f) UNLV Departments/ Units

• • • Graduate College

Dr. Burke discussed the weekly newsletter and the Student Support Spot in the Graduate College. She also mentioned the partnership with the food pantry and the "Take What You Need" events.

6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS                                                                                FOR POSSIBLE ACTION

Unfinished Business is any motion or action item that was under discussion and was postponed or moved to this meeting at the discretion of the public body as approved by the chair.

7. NEW BUSINESS                                                                                               FOR POSSIBLE ACTION

New business is any motion that is new to this meeting. All items will be for possible action unless otherwise stated.

7a) Graduate Campus Committees                                                                   INFORMATION ONLY

Secretary King requests time for the discussion of the campus committees that have seats available GPSA students. 5 mins

Graduate Council Standing Committees: 

1. The Graduate Course Review Committee (GCRC) shall review and make recommendations about all graduate course changes, deletions, and new course proposals to the Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate College. The committee generally meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 1pm-3pm.

2. The Graduate Program Committee (GPC) shall review and make recommendations on all graduate program changes, deletions, and holds, as well as new graduate program and certificate proposals, to the Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate College. The committee generally meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 1 pm-3pm.  

3. The Graduate Program Review Committee (GPRC) shall work closely with the Vice Provost for Academic Programs office to coordinate and implement required program reviews of graduate programs per UNLV Bylaws. The GPRC shall ensure that there is a Graduate Council member on every graduate program evaluation team, that the process is followed appropriately, and shall keep the Graduate College Dean apprised of both the review process and the final outcome. The meeting times vary.

Graduate College Committees/Advisory Boards/Groups:

4. The Graduate Awards Committees (GAWC) shall review and make recommendations on scholarships, fellowships, NSHE Regents, Western Association of Graduate Schools (WAGS), and Graduate College awards to the Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate College. The committee is typically divided into two groups with the bulk of these committees’ work occurring soon after the deadline for scholarships and applications on December 1^st with the exception of NSHE Regents and WAGS awards. The committee recommendations are due generally to the Graduate College by the first of February 1. The committee meeting times will vary but typically meetings are on Thursday from 11am to 12:30pm [fall] & noon-1:30pm [spring]and varied (Group 1-GAWC-1: Scholarships and Fellowships) and Tuesdays, 2-3pm (Group 2-GAWC-2: Faculty and Student Awards; NSHE; WAGS).

5. The Graduate Academy Advisory Board (TGAAB) consists of graduate faculty as well as representatives from the Graduate College and other campus units that provide outreach or professional development for graduate or professional students. This is the main organizational body responsible for planning and executing outstanding professional and career development for graduate and professional students. This Advisory Board serves in an advisory capacity to the Graduate College to ensure that centralized professional and career development initiatives and offerings reflect the needs of graduate programs. Each member of this committee will be asked to serve on a professional development panel and/or host a workshop as well as recruit other faculty and staff to serve and/or host. This committee is also charged with assisting with the graduate professional development certifications and programs by reviewing student portfolios, planning cohort meetings, and assisting with events. The Advisory Board meeting times vary.

6. Postdoctoral Advisory Board: This is the leadership body tasked with ensuring support for Postdocs and their graduate faculty mentors, and ensuring smooth and efficient operation of all aspects of the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs in the Graduate College. The advisory board’s meeting dates/times are Mondays 1-2pm.

7.  Socially Just Graduate Research & Student Success (SJGRSS): Focuses on new initiatives to support graduate faculty and students, to promote excellence, and to help advance the Graduate College to tier one status Includes socially just curriculum and experiences and advancing DEIJ. Charges for the upcoming academi year may include establishing: GA leave guidelines, redesign IDPs, Graduate Coordinator compensation. This group typically meets on Mondays, 2-3pm.

8.  Interdisciplinary Graduate Programs Working Group (IGPWP): Consists of IGP Directors as well as representatives from the Graduate College and other campus units to consider, propose, design, implement and guide innovative interdisciplinary graduate programs. This group generally meets on Thursdays.

9. Other Graduate College Working Groups/Advisory Boards are composed of invited faculty/student representatives across campus to explore and make recommendations to the Vice Provost and Dean regarding the advancement of graduate education for student and faculty success and support. The advisory board’s meeting dates/times will be determined; the groups will meet once or twice per semester.

Interest Form here:  

7b) Internal Committee Interest                                                                       INFORMATION ONLY

Secretary King requests time for the discussion of the campus committees that have seats available GPSA students. 5 mins

• Ad Hoc Fee Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing and evaluating student fees to ensure transparency, fairness, and proper use of funds. The committee will work closely with the GPSA and university administrators to audit current fees, propose necessary adjustments, and provide recommendations for increasing student fees to maintain current and future operations
• Constitution and Bylaws Committee is tasked with reviewing, updating, and proposing amendments to the governing documents of the Graduate & Professional Student Association (GPSA). The committee ensures that the Constitution and Bylaws remain relevant, reflective of current student needs, and aligned with university policies. Members will collaborate to analyze the existing framework, recommend changes, and ensure that any modifications promote the effective governance of the GPSA.

Interest Form here:

Secretary King discussed all committees with available positions and to reach out to GPSA or himself for more information.

7c) Nevada Graduate Student Workers                                                           INFORMATION ONLY
Executive Board Members of the Nevada Graduate Student Workers organization requests time address GPSA council and give an update on graduate assistant unionization efforts. 5 mins

Contact: unlvgraduatestudentworkers@gmail.com Website:  

Carlos Tkacz mentioned the card signing event that is happening on 9/30 and their collaboration with UAW for GA Unionization.

7c) GPSA 2024-2025 Annual Budget                                                                FOR POSSIBLE ACTION

Treasurer Lopez requests time to discuss and for possible action on the 24-25 annual budget. 20 mins

Treasurer Lopez presents the budget in depth for the current fiscal year. The council was encouraged to make amendments to the budget. Hoor Ain also had questions on the budget that was allocated for poster printing for the Research Forum. Jenny Napoles and Secretary King had questions regarding the Open Access Journal Fund as well as other programs (Continuation Support Grant and Emergency Relief Grants) that were discontinued, and Treasurer Lopez responded that there are other programs that can be accessed so that GPSA can focus their budget elsewhere.

Motioned by Hoor Ain, seconded by David King. Passed unanimously.

7d) 2024-2025 Goals                                                                                           FOR POSSIBLE ACTION

President Marie requests time for the discussion and possible action on the Goals for GPSA for the 2024-2025 academic school year.

The GPSA Executive Board discussed their goals for the upcoming year, focusing on enhancing community among graduate and professional students, addressing housing concerns, and expanding childcare support. They planned to organize regular community events, advocate for better graduate housing options, and develop and promote childcare resources. The board also acknowledged the challenges faced by student parents and expressed respect for their efforts. They discussed the need to update internal governing documents, sustain programs due to increased costs, and participate in the Nevada Student Alliance. The Graduate Life and Climate Project was mentioned, along with the need for accessible resources for tutoring and mentorship. The university's grant for preschool expansion was discussed, but the board was unsure about its progress and whether it would benefit graduate and professional students. A child care scholarship fund was also mentioned, but details were not readily available.
 

7f) Call for New Business Items

Items for consideration at future meetings may be suggested. Discussion is limited to description and clarification of the subject matter of the item, including the reasons for the request; emergency items  added at the discretion of the President (GPSA Bylaws Article IV, Sec.3).

8. ANNOUNCEMENTS                                                                                        INFORMATION ONLY
   - Graduate/Professional Rebel Appreciation Day at the Dining Commons - September 18, 2024
   - Graduate/Professional Rebel Appreciation Day at Football – September 28^th, 2024
            Tailgating 9am Kickoff 12:30
   - Homecoming October 21-25, 2024.
   - Next Meeting will be October 3, 2024 @ 5:30pm
9. PUBLIC COMMENT                                                                                        INFORMATION ONLY

(See foregoing notation regarding public comment)

No public comment.

10. ADJOURNMENT                                                                                             FOR POSSIBLE ACTION

Adjourned at 7:32pm.