HGSC Statement Regarding Impaired Process at the GSA

HGSC STATEMENT REGARDING IMPAIRED PROCESS AT THE GSA

In light of the allegations against President Vlahu and general turmoil and dysfunction within the Graduate Students Association (GSA), the History Graduate Student's Committee (HGSC) would like to make a statement:

The conduct of the GSA and its executive reflects poorly upon all graduate students at the University. The current state of the GSA as a representative body is deplorable. While accusations from those students seeking impeachment have been perceived by outside parties as indicating that a "leadership crisis" exists, we propose that this state of affairs actually constitutes a more general "GSA crisis." The current deadlock demonstrates the failure of the GSA to function as intended.

We call on all GSA course councillors to return to decorum and allow the business of student government to continue unobstructed. We seek not to end debate or even disagreement, but desire that our governance process operates in an environment where all councillors feel able to voice without fear the interests of the students they represent. The current mean-spirited discourse mars not only those directly involved, it casts all graduate students in a petty and irresponsible light.

We call on both the "Students for Accountability" and the GSA executive to present detailed evidence to support their respective positions without resorting to inflammatory language and defamations of the opposing viewpoint. Until adequate information to the contrary is provided, we continue to support the current democratically elected president and executive.

We call on all students to recognize that the current GSA Constitution and Policies does not specify the manner in which executive meetings must be recorded and that previous executives have operated with far more autonomy, financial mismanagement, and shoddy record keeping — without complaint. It is in the interests of all students for the GSA to govern within the parameters of the current Constitution and Policies, while the Policy Review Committee completes its work.

The HGSC anticipates a time when reason will prevail and it may be possible to represent the interests of our history colleagues in a student government free of petty politics and personal attacks.

Lecture: "The Day the Wind Carried the Smallpox Sickness Among Them"

"The Day the Wind Carried the Smallpox Sickness Among Them"
Dr. Keith Carlson
Seven Days That Changed the World Lecture Series
Sponsered by the Department of History
Date: Tuesday November 18th 
Time: 6pm 
Location: Hose and Hydrant Brewing Company

Photos from Grant Writing Festival

Thank you to everyone who attended the Grant Writing Festival!  It was a successful event.

Event: Grant Writing Festival

Are you struggling with your SSHRC application?  Postdoc and fellowship deadlines getting you
down?  Join us on Friday October 24th for a grant writing festival!  Bring your questions, proposals, and programs of study for some feedback from your fellow graduate students.  If you are ahead of the game we would you love you to come and help others!

Pizza will be provided.  Please RSVP on our facebook group here or in the comment section below.

Date: Friday Oct 24th
Time: 5:30-8
Where: Grad Commons

Lecture: The Day Malthus Invented a Population Problem

"The Day Malthus Invented a Population Problem" 

Dr. Jim Handy

Seven Days That Changed the World Lecture Series
Sponsered by the Department of History
Date: Tuesday October 28
Time: 6pm
Location: Hose and Hydrant Brewing Company

New and Improved Welcome BBQ Pictures

Thanks to everyone for coming out to the BBQ last week.  Here are some pictures:

New and Improved Welcome BBQ

Hello, History Graduate Students!

The HGSC Welcome Barbeque, much like the phoenix of myth, has risen from the ashes. It has resurrected to provide you the opportunity to celebrate the start of term and meet up with friends and colleagues, both old and new.

When: Friday, 26 September, 5:30PM

Where: 811 8th Ave N

What: Barbeque and Potluck. The HGSC will provide meat and veggie burgers, as well as some non-alcoholic beverages. We are asking everyone to please pitch in and bring a salad, a side, a dessert, or some extra beverages. BYOB

**Every year we try to guess the amount of veg burgers to buy and every year we get it wrong, so if you're a vegetarian/prefer veg and are thinking of attending, please email michelle[dot]desveaux [at]gmail.com so we can try to get the number right for once.**

How to get there: Route 4 Mayfair (provided it is running) stops a block away on 7th Ave N. It is also a relatively short walk from downtown. Please plan ahead to get home safe; if you will be drinking arrange for a sober ride home.

Partners and families are, of course, welcome, and we hope to see you all there!

~Michelle Desveaux