Minutes of the BGSA General Body Meeting Date: Thursday, September 6, 2001 Time: 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Attendance: 26 Topics Discussed The meeting was called to order by BGSA President, Victor Udoewa. Introductions The BGSA officers for the 2001-2002 academic year were introduced and attendees introduced themselves. President Victor Udoewa (MEMS) VP of Networking Kimberly Smith (PHYS) VP of Recruitment Danielle Paige (PSYC) VP of Undergraduate Relations Kalatu Davies (STAT) Treasurer Asma Ishaq (ADMN/MGMT) Secretary Rachel Vincent (CAAM) Purpose of the BGSA Victor reiterated the three-fold purpose of the BGSA: to provide a professional, informative, and social network for graduate students of African heritage in order to insure their retention and continued academic success at Rice. to work with the undergraduate students of African heritage in order to encourage them to pursue graduate degrees. to assist Rice University in recruiting qualified students of African heritage into the University's graduate and professional programs. Amendments to the Constitution Victor presented prospective amendments to the BGSA Constitution concerning the order of succession and absentee voting. The amendment (9) concerning the order of succession should the office of President be vacated was read and accepted by the general body by a majority (verbal) vote. The amendment (10) concerning absentee voting was read and accepted by the general body by a majority (verbal) vote. Black Student Coalition The Black Student Coalition (BSC) consists of members of the Black Student Association, the Black Graduate Student Association, and the Rice chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers. The BSC organized the "Dialog on Diversity" lecture given by Dr. Cornell West on April 16, 2001. The BSC is working to continue this lecture series and is in need of a BGSA representative. If you are interested in serving on the BSC please contact Victor Udoewa (bgsa@rice.edu). Rice Concert Commission Members of the Rice Concert Commission (RCC), Jose-Miguel Yamal (jmy@rice.edu) and Richard Cholaikan (info@rgcentertainment.com), noted that their group is working to bring concerts to Rice University. Artists that were mentioned included Jill Scott and George Clinton. For more information about the RCC please contact Jose-Miguel or Richard. Greater Houston BLACK PAGES Copies of the Greater Houston BLACK PAGES were distributed to meeting attendees. To request a copy of the Greater Houston BLACK PAGES please email bgsa@rice.edu. FYI Online Membership Form Please submit your information to the online membership list. The BGSA receives inquiries from prospective students about contacting black students in various departments. Although the BGSA does have a list, we do not want to publish your information online without your permission. Attendance in Meetings The BGSA meets not only to provide a forum for black graduate students at Rice, but also to provide black graduate students from different departments an opportunity to meet one another. We encourage your continued attendance at future BGSA meetings. BGSA | News | Programs | Members | Links | Contacts Last Updated on: 09.07.2001