Special Presentation

Schönn Franklin, President of the 71st Assembly, did a special presentation on the GPSA, its mission, duties, and governance. The GPSA is governed by policies from the University and the Student Fee Board, the GPSA constitution, the GPSA’s bylaws, and an unofficial GPSA delegate handbook. The GPSA is organized into an Assembly of delegates, the executive branch, and the judiciary. He explained what each branch of the GPSA does, who runs it, and how they work with other parts of the GPSA, as well as what each committee does.

Executive Board Reports

In Executive Board reports, President Jada Quinland introduced herself as the new president and shared about her background. She also shared that she has gone to various meetings as the transition moves on, she also shared that this morning she went to a meeting of the Student Leader Roundtable. She also shared that she will be meeting one on one with everyone so she can meet each person and their aspirations for the year.

Vice President Kailey Elrod introduced herself as the new vice president and shared her background. She also shared a 2 slide PowerPoint on Robert’s Rules of Orders which is a guide for conducting meetings and how motions works and their types.

Acting Executive Director of Communications Alex Zhao shared that he sent the 72nd Assembly Sharepoint link to Slack so everyone can access it and find that information, legislation, and documents. For anyone interested in being a committee chair please send him attendance records after each committee meeting and to please let someone know if you are not coming to the meeting. He also asked to let him know if you don’t want your face and voice on the Youtube channel for the special presentation. He also said he will be sending out the newswire tomorrow so please submit any event announcements or graphics by noon.

Executive Director of Finance Matt Billups introduced himself and shared a PowerPoint with information on the treasurer, its role, the different financial accounts, and how finances are managed in the GPSA. He also shared that there is money for more events this fiscal year so reach out to him with any ideas.

Faculty Senator Lillian Schaeffer introduced herself and her background. She also explained what the Faculty Senate does, what meetings she goes to, and that she ends her term on May 5th.

Graduate Council Claire Kelling introduced herself, and shared that she is the outgoing chair but since she has been in GPSA for 5 years she is happy to answer anyone’s questions and help. She also shared the Graduate Council is having transition meetings and shared where she votes and what her position does.

Ian Tennison, Chief Justice introduced himself and his background. He also thanked everyone who ran in the elections and those who returned from the 71st Assembly. He also shared what Judiciary does, their job, and what he specifically does as a Chief Justice. He also shared there are multiple openings, such as Executive Director of Communications, Finance, and External Affairs and to spread the word about these positions and apply if you are interested.

New Business

First was the election of the Speaker of the Assembly. Kailey asked for nominations from the Assembly, and received one self-nomination by Justin Baker. Justin shared a two-minute speech on why he wanted to be the Speaker, he emphasized his strong team communication skills and his work ethic. Voting took place and he was elected Speaker of the Assembly.

Next was the Review of the Standing Committees of the GPSA, Alex Zhao went through the committees, what they do, and the subcommittees of the ones that have them. There is the Student Engagement Committee, the Climate Action Subcommittee, the Professional Development Committee, Advocacy and Diversity Committee, and Internal Development Committee. He also shared the chairs are the ones who choose meeting times and lead the committee. He also shared a form for people to express their interests on the committees they want to be a part of.

Reports:

• Advocacy and Human Diversity: Vacant
• Professional Development: Vacant
• Student Engagement: Ama Agyapong shared they have the THIS event happening on April 16th, and that the link is on the Slack general channel.
• Internal Development: Vacant

Advisor Adam Christensen congratulated everyone who joined the GPSA, and thanked everyone for being a part of the GPSA.