12/13/23 Minutes
Attendees: Caroline, Dan, Faith, Anthony, Will, Serena, Tricia
Winter Retreat
- Seems so far that there might be under-enrollment. So far, 20 people signed up but need 30 to break even.
- Anthony will send another follow-up email.
Funding Questions
- Buffins Fairy
- Caroline will organize the buffins fairy stipend for next semester
- Right now, invoices for direct bagel purchases are submitted straight to Tricia and she submits the reimbursement.
- Tricia suggests buying gift cards, getting receipts, and submitting for reimbursement.
- Caroline will find new buffins fairies in a few weeks.
- Department Funds
- Will has updated this to reflect increased department funds to $400/department/year.
Steinbach Scholars
- For Bio, PO, and AOSE (Serena, Anthony, Will?) department reps: keep this on your radar – we should be looking for nominees now for the Steinbach scholars.
- Advice: ask not just students but also post-docs for Steinbach Scholar suggestions.
Meeting Time Next Semester
- Caroline to send out email about meeting time poll in the next month. We’re keeping the current schedule through IAP for now.
- Keeping meeting for Dec 20 that may focus on Winter Retreat planning.
Social Events Update
- ~20 people at Holiday Party
- Dan thinking of having a similar party or social event in early 2024.
- Faith and Dan to discuss or scope out whether a mid-week or weekend activity would be preferred.
Suggestion from Tricia to have something that may accompany Random Acts of Kindness (https://mindhandheart.mit.edu/rak-week) or Grad Appreciation Week (https://oge.mit.edu/community-diversity/programs-for-current-students/graduate-student-appreciation-week/)