GSA Meeting Minutes - April 20, 2010

UGA Graduate Student Association

MEETING MINUTES

DATE: April 20, 2010

LOCATION: MLC 153

For more information about GSA, please visit us online at www.ugagsa.org

1.         WELCOME

1.1               Meeting called to order at 7:05 p.m.

1.2               INTRODUCTION OF THE 2010-2011 OFFICERS:  Jason O’Rouke has been elected to serve as the 2010-2011 GSA President.  Lauren Moret has been elected to serve as the 2010-2011 GSA Vice President.  Richard Kerr will serve as the 2010-2011 GSA Chief of Staff / Secretary.

2.            OLD BUSINESS

2.1        HEALTH INSURANCE UPDATE:  The Board of Regents asked for more feedback from universities regarding the maximum out-of-pocket situation.  Robert attended a student health insurance meeting in Macon.  Many other university representatives attended as well and provided feedback directly to Pearce and Pearce regarding the proposed insurance plans.  Currently, the UGA Administration and Human Resources have pledged to support GSA and graduate students in the ongoing health insurance debate and are waiting for the State to pass the Budget.  This fall will mark the first time in which UGA is able to choose from two maximum out-of-pocket options, either $5000 or $2500.  Most likely, the administration will provide a 40% cost-share.  GSA will continue to work with the UGA Administration and Human Resources in providing feedback about graduate students’ preferences.

QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS:  If you have questions about insurance or benefits, please contact UGA’s Human Resource Office.

Office:  215 South Jackson Street, Athens, GA

Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm

Email:  gshiplan@uga.edu

Phone:  706-542-2222

Online, go to: http://www.hr.uga.edu/benefits/stuins/stuins.html

2.2        DISCUSSION OF OLD BUSINESS:  The floor was opened for general discussion. 

QUESTION:  Will there be an option to choose on an individual basis which health insurance plan you want?

RESPONSE:  No, it is an all or nothing sort of thing.  All graduate schools share the cost.

QUESTION:  Will it go into effect in August?

RESPONSE:  Yes, the new insurance plans and costs will take effect in August. 

The floor was closed for discussion.

3.         NEW BUSINESS 

3.1        TRANSITION TO THE NEW ADMINISTRATION:  Excited to get started, would like any input that you have to offer.

3.2        DISCUSSION OF NEW BUSINESS:  The floor opened for discussion of new business. 

Some topics were discussed regarding goals for GSA in 2010-2011, including:

Professional Development

Funding of Assistantships and Travel Opportunities

Student Involvement in GSA

Social Events

Philanthropic Efforts

The floor was closed for discussion.

4.         CLOSING 

Meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.