CUNY Graduate Center
Doctoral Students’ Council
Constitution & Bylaws Committee Minutes

February 29, 2008

DRAFT

Present: Stephanie Domenici Cabonargi, Gregory Donovan, Rob Faunce, Allyson Foster, Denise Torres

Guests: Sean Murray (entered 5:57), Carl Lindskoog (entered 5:58), Adele Kudish (entered 6:20)

Chair: Allyson Foster (AF)
Minutes: Rob Faunce (RF)

I. Approval of Agenda
Motioned by RF, seconded by Gregory Donovan (GD), approved by unanimous consent.

II. New Business
Two potential revisions to Section 1.6 was presented by RF for James Hoff of the Advocate. Discussion of distinctions in those proposals regarding distinctions in availability to Editors-in-Chief of the Advocate of funds from outside sources (such as advertising) ensues. Denise Torres (DT) states that according to the Fiscal Accountability Handbook, ad proceeds belong to the DSC. Stephanie Domenici Cabonargi (SD) feels the issue is about keeping the current language. GD suggests the issue is about Plenary approval. DT feels it is about getting further explanation from James Hoff. RF motions to table the issue pending further clarification from James Hoff. DT seconds. Approved by unanimous consent.

GD presents two bylaw changes. Bylaw 5 would change the maximum speaker fee related to Professional Development and Cultural Affairs grants to $500 (from $300). Motioned by RF, seconded by GD, approved by unanimous consent.

Bylaw 3.6 would strike language prohibiting money for refreshments in order to make the two grants (Professional Development and Cultural Affairs) consistent. Motioned by RF, seconded by GD, approved by unanimous consent.

RF presents a change to Bylaw 9, which would define election protocols and eligibility for USS delegate. Motioned by RF, seconded by AF, approved by unanimous consent.

RF presents a change to Bylaw 13, which would bring conditions of the Health Issues Committee’s schedule and minutes up to date with Open Meetings Law. Motioned by RF, seconded by DT, approved by unanimous consent.

RF presents a change to Bylaw 15 which would strike enumeration of Adjunct Project Coordinator wages and raise stipend totals for DSC Co-Chairs. DT asks about Adjunct Project Coordinator duties and potentiality for multiple coordinators. RF explains that this statute is in direct conflict with a pre-existing statute in Section 7.3 which allows for multiple coordinators and the possibility of changing stipend amounts, per formal agreement with the DSC. Guest Carl Lindskoog and Sean Murray enter. Discussion ensues regarding appropriateness of Section 7.3 versus the language of Bylaw 15 on the Adjunct Project Coordinator wages issue. GD leaves meeting. RF motions to separate the motion; AF seconds, approved by unanimous consent. SD motions to approve raising stipend totals for DSC Co-Chairs from $700 to $800 per month. RF seconds, approved by unanimous consent. RF motions to approve striking enumeration of Adjunct Project Coordinator wages from Bylaw 15. AF seconds. Vote deadlocked 2-2, motion fails. GD rejoins meeting. Guest Adele Kudish enters.

RF presents a proposed Bylaw 18, which would state the DSC’s commitment to good faith compliance with NYS laws (such as Open Meetings Law). AF motions to approve; RF seconds; approved with unanimous consent.

RF motions to adjourn, DT seconds, approved by unanimous consent at 6:20pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Rob Faunce