Committees
Graduate & Professional Students interested in OPEN Committee positions should fill out a committee application and send it to the COGS office (cogs@msu.edu).
Listed below are the Committees, the number of seats available for COGS appointments, the committee descriptions, and the committee members.
Downloads:
Spring 2013 COGS Events Committee Chairperson Needed
Apply HERE by 1/7/13: Events Committee Chairperson Application
2012-2013 Committee Seats
UNIVERSITY COMMITTEES
ACADEMIC COUNCIL - (6 Seats)
Meets once a month, usually Tuesdays from 3:15 - 5:00pm. 1 year term. http://acadgov.msu.edu/index.html
This council is composed of faculty and students and is the highest body to consider academic programs and procedures of the University. It also approves general student rights and responsibilities. According to COGS by-laws, the President and VP for External Affairs are automatically appointed. Four more graduate representative are elected resulting in 6 representatives total.
| 1. Stefan Fletcher - Pres. Auto |
2. Suzanne Borkowski - VPEA Auto |
3. Leslie Jo (LJ) Shelton |
| 4. Missy Wright |
5. Sarah Fitzgerald |
6. Purushotham Pakala |
ACCOMMODATING TECHNOLOGY COMMUNITY - (1 Seat)
Analyzing and recommending, to VP of library and technologies, improvements to the University's handicapper accessibility policies which promote successful applications of technology in accommodating self-reliance and productivity for students, graduates, faculty and administrators who experience physical or sensory impairments.
1. Krista Buehrer
ALL UNIVERSITY AWARDS COMMITTEE - (1 Seat)
The committee which selects the recipient of the Robert F. Banks Institutional Leadership Award (recognized at the annual Awards Convocation in February). Committee members are appointed by the President. There are 2 meetings during fall semester, an organization meeting and a selection meeting.
CELEBRATIONS COMMITTEE - (1 Seat)
Meets 6 times/year on a Thur. from 3:30-5:00pm. 1 year term. www.msu.edu/celebrations
The mission of the Celebration Committee is to anticipate, plan for and communicate about events that might evolve into a celebratory atmosphere.
| 1. Ninitha Asirvatham-Jeyaraj |
DPPS OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE - (1 Seat)
Review complaints against officers.
Patrick True 2011 - 2013
EAST LANSING UNIVERSITY STUDENT COMMISSION - (2 Seats)
Meets on the 2nd Tue. of every month at 5:30pm in Conference Room A in City Hall. 1 year term.
Meets to improve student and local relations; establish a formal link between University student population and the government of the city; review issues that have a potential to affect lifestyle, livelihood and/or regular activities of the student population.
| 1. Zach Meisel |
2. Ben Fraser |
THE STEERING COMMITTEE - (2 Seats)
The Executive Committee shall meet periodically with the President and Provost for an exchange of information and views on University Policy. The Executive committee shall act on behalf of Academic Council on occasions when action is needed before Academic Council can be called to session. Sets the agenda for Academic Council and Faculty Council.
| 1. Stefan Fletcher - Pres Auto-UCGS |
2. Dionisia Quiroga |
INSTRUCTIONAL COMPUTING & TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE - (1 Seat)
Meets every other week according to member's schedules in 215 Computer Center. 1 year term.
Considers and makes recommendations to directors of appropriate academic and administrative units on matters relevant to instructional computer use including, but not restricted to: Management of Instruction, Advising, Curriculum Management, Support Services for Faculty.
1. Kathryn Meyers
RADIO BOARD - (1 Seat)
Meets 2-3 times a year according to member's schedules. 1 year term. http://impact89fm.org
This is a governing body of MSU Student Radio. Meets when necessary.
1. Dominque Lewis
RESEARCH INTEGRITY COUNCIL (RIC) - (1 Seat)
Provide education in Research Integrity and Responsible Conduct in Research, and extend this to all disciplines that involve scholarship and creative activities.
1. Dionisia Quiroga
UNITED WAY STEERING COMMITTEE - (1 Seat)
Meets once per month. 1 year term.
This committee provides opportunities that generate student awareness and support activities for MSU United Way community charitable campaign. You will be contacted about meeting through e-mail. Tehre will be a luncheon, a kick-off in September, and an awards celebration.
OUT OF STATE FEES COMMITTEE - (1 Seat)
This committee receives information to review in the mail. Materials consist of students presenting cases requesting to be considered in-state for purposes of reducing tuition costs. After review committee votes by phone.
WOMEN'S ORGANIZATIONAL COORDINATING COUNCIL - (1 Seat)
This in an informal committee discussing women's issues. There will be 2 or 3 group projects during the year.
ENERGY TRANSITION STEERING COMMITTEE - (1 Seat)
This is a committee that meets monthly to discuss sustainability issues on campus and to review and advise the Office of Campus Sustainability.
1. Robert Wilkinson
COMMENCEMENT COMMITTEE - (1 Seat)
Meetings are scheduled in advance each year during fall semester (one meeting early in the semester) and during spring semester (two: early in the semester and following the commencement ceremonies). The committee also serves to advise the President, the Provost and the Commencement Chairperson on procedural matters.
1. Jack Washington (11-13)
BOARD ELECTED COMMITTEES
ALL-UNIVERSITY TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE - (2 Seats)
**One rep must be resident of Owen Hall, Meets on 3rd Thursday in Sept. Oct. Nov. Jan. Mar. & Apri. 1-5pm. 1 year term. http://acadgov.msu.edu/other/AUTTC-2010-2011.html
Responsible for recommending to the Vice President for finance and Operations and Treasure all changes in the faculty, staff and student motor vehicle codes at MSU. Must handle all the appeals for parking violations. Further requires establishing policies, practices, procedures for parking permits on campus as well as recommend various other changes to be made in the general traffic flow to, from and within MSU.
| 1. OPEN (Owen Hall Resident) |
2. Nate Smith-Tyge |
ATHLETIC COUNCIL - (1 Seat)
This committee reviews issues pertaining to University athletics. There must be 3 nominees, and the President will select 1. Nominees must submit a statement of interest and resume.
WOMEN'S ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO THE PROVOST - (1 Seat)
Assists in identifying and in suggesting solutions on important issues relative to the roles and participation of women in the academic area of the University. The committee consults with the Provost and/or members of the Provost's staff to clarify academic issues.
WOMEN'S ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO THE VP FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS - (1 Seat)
Advises and makes recommendations to the Vice-President for Student Affairs and Services about issues and concerns of women students.
1. Renata Opoczynski
ADVISORY COMMITTEES
PRSIDENT'S ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON DISABILITY ISSUES - (1 Seat)
Nominees need to submit a bio letter with statement why they want to serve on the committee.
UNIVERSITY ACTIVITIES ADVISORY BOARD - (2 Seats)
Meets 1st Thursday of each month from 5:00-7:00pm. 1 year term. http://uabevents.com
Representatives from various student organizations meet once a month to discuss enhancing the Union building and its services.
| 1. Lexi MacMillan |
2. Yolanda Brooks |
MSU BIKES ADVISORY COMMITTEE - (1 Seat)
Meets once a month for 1.5 hours. 1 year term. http://bikes.msu.edu
This committee's main purpose is to advocate for bicycle circulation on campus. Some of the issues it will address are: enhancing the bicycle system including new facilities for bike parking and repair, monitor and look for ways to enhance our standing as a Bicycle Friendly University, develop a campus bike plan, and seek out grant opportunities for building a better bicycle system.
1. Mary Holschbach
ADVISORY/CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEES
COMMUNITY RELATIONS COALITION OUTREACH & MEMBERSHIP
1. Mary Holschbach
THE STEERING COMMITTEE (STUDENT INSURANCE ADVISORY GROUP) - (3 Seats)
| 1. Dionisia Quiroga |
2. Adam Lovgren |
3. OPEN |
MENTAL HEALTH COMMITTEE - (1 Seat)
1 year term.
OLIN HEALTH CENTER ADVISORY BOARD - (1 Seat)
1 year term.
1. Jane Christman
UNIVERSITY COMMITTEE ON HONORS PROGRAMS - (1 Seat)
This committee advises and consults the Director of the Honors College. It reviews, evaluates, and recommends programs, opportunities, and activities for honor students within the colleges and departments of the University, including the Honors College. It also recommends to the Academic Council standards for granting of honor degrees.
UNIVERSITY COMMITTEE OF INTERNATIONAL STUDIES AND PROGRAMS - (2 Seats)
This committee serves in an advisory-consultative capacity on all matters concerning International Projects, including study programs abroad, foreign student affairs, exchange relationships with foreign institutions, and contractual projects. It advises and consults the Dean on all foreign projects that are part of the University. Two representatives are needed. In the best situation, at least one member should be an international student.
UNIVERSITY COMMITTEE FOR THE LIBRARY - (2 Seats)
Advises and consults the Director of the Libraries. It reviews, evaluates, and makes recommendations on all policy matters pertaining to the libraries. The committee also serves as one of the channels of communication between the libraries, faculty and students.
| 1. Nik McPherson |
2. Robin Blom |
MSU STUDENT FOOD BANK - (1 Seat)
STANDING COMMITTEES OF ACADEMIC GOVERNANCE
**you may only serve on one standing committee of academic governance at a time** (Uni-bylaw 4.2.1.6)
UNIVERSITY COMMITTEE ON ACADEMIC GOVERNANCE (UCAG) - (2 Seats)
This committee conducts a continuing review of the By-Laws for Academic Governance; it considers appeals of reviews of department By-Laws by college committees, provides guidelines for Academic Council elections and nominations to Academic Council committees. This is a standing committee of Academic Council.
| 1. Patrick True -VPIA |
2. Andrew Woodson |
UNIVERSITY COMMITTEE ON UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION (UCUE) - (2 Seats)
Meets every other Thursday at 10:15 am in the Board Room of the Admin Bldg. 1 year term. http://acadgov.msu.edu/committees/ucap.html
UCAP deals with all matters of academic policy affecting the University such as evaluation of instruction, advising and counseling, policy and distribution of educational and research resources. This is a standing committee of Academic Council.
| 1. Justin Droba |
2. Mark Tran |
UNIVERSITY COMMITTEE ON CURRICULUM - (2 Seats)
This committee deals with criteria for the establishment and deletion of courses, curricula and degree requirements proposed by academic units, as well as the approval and rejection of changes in graduate and graduate-professional courses recommended by the Graduate Council. This is a standing committee of Academic Council.
| 1. Alicia Stannard |
2. OPEN |
UNIVERSITY COMMITTEE ON FACULTY TENURE - (1 Seat)
This committee is the judicial and investigating agency for all tenure actions, such as interpreting tenure rules and acting on all cases of deviation from the rules. This is a standing committee of Academic Council. One representative is needed. Committee provides excellent opportunity to learn about tenure process for someone who may plan to work in academia after Graduate school.
1. Michael Armendariz
UNIVERSITY COMMITTEE ON STUDENT AFFAIRS - (2 Seats)
Meets once a month or twice a semester. 1 year term. http://ucsa.vps.msu.edu
Advises the Division of Student Affairs and Services on policies as they affect achievement, initiates and reviews amendments to the Academic Freedom Report and General Student Regulations. This is a standing committee of Academic Council.
| 1. Renata Opoczynski |
2. Elizabeth "Missy" Wright |
UNIVERSITY COMMITTEE ON GRADUATE STUDIES (UCGS) - (5 Seats)
1 year term. "http://grad.msu.edu/ugc/
UGC has shared responsibility with the Dean of coordination of graduate programs, and on policy pertaining to financial aid. This is a standing committee of Academic Council.
| 1. Stefan Fletcher - Pres Auto |
2. Lindsay Murphy |
3. Ayana K. Allen |
| 4. Michala Welch |
5. Purushotham Pakala |
JUDICIARY COMMITTEES
ANTI-DISCRIMINATION JUDICIAL BOARD (ADJB) - (1 Seat)
Chosen by University President. Application is available through President's Office.
1. Reshma Sambare
ALL-UNIVERSITY STUDENT HEARING BOARD (AUSB) - (3 Seats Minimum)
**Apply at Student Life, requires time commitment of one weekday from 6:30-9:30 per week. 1 year term.
| 1. Andrew Murray |
2. Rahil Sanghvi |
3. Dionisia Quiroga |
STUDENT FACULTY HEARING BOARD (SFHB) - (3 Seats)
This committee deals with alleged violations of all university policies or alleged violations of regulations other than those related to academic dishonesty, violations or professional standards, or falsification of admission or academic records as referred by the Office of Student Affairs and Services. One graduate representative serve a three year appointment. In addition an alternative representative is needed. The alternative will be actively involved in hearings throughout the semester.
| 1. Stephen Grandchamp |
2. Jason Jerome |
3. OPEN |
UNIVERSITY GRADUATE JUDICIARY - (3 Seats)
Listens to graduate grievances filed against the University or an instructor. These grievances are based on the GSSR. This committee rarely meets regularly, only when a case arises.
| 1. Jason Bart |
2. Michala Welch |
3. Laura Allen |
UNIVERSITY GRADUATE-PROFESSIONAL JUDICIARY - (5 Seats)
Meets only when need arises, must consist of 3 members from each of the 3 medical colleges. 1 year term.
This judiciary meets only when case arises. The committee consists of 5 graduate students, 3 of which are members from each of the 3 medical colleges and 2 of which are not.
| 1. CVM - Hannah Vanos |
2. COM - Leigh Gasworth |
3. CHM - Ryan Reece |
| 4. Michala Welch - Law |
5. Jason Bart - Law |
UNIVERSITY STUDENT APPEALS BOARD (USAB) - (1 Seat)
Meets weekly for 1 1/2 hours, times set according to members. Members should have previous judicial experience and have lived in a residence hall. **Apply through Student Life. 2 year term. https://www.msu.edu/%7eacadgov/committees/ustab.html
1. Jeffrey Mann
COGS COMMITTEES
COGS COMMITTEE FOR GOVERNMENT AND LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS - (4 Seats)
1 year term.
Members shall serve as liaisons between the Council of Graduate Students and State, Local and Federal agencies which affect the University. The President shall chair this committee.
| 1. Andrew Crosby |
2. Diomedes Solano-Rabago |
3. Kent Kovac |
COGS FINANCE COMMITTEE - (6 Seats)
1 year term.
The Finance Committee shall be charged with preparation and publication of a quarterly report of the revenues of COGS. The Finance Committee shall meet at least one week prior to the next scheduled Full Council Meeting to review, evaluate and prepare proposals of actions which require a vote by COGS, including funding requests and other pending financial matters. The Treasurer shall chair this committee. Chris Harvey 12/13 Treasurer
| 1. Amanda Herzog |
2. Shannon McGraw |
3. Diomedes Solano-Rabago |
| 4. Shannon Demlow |
5. Lauren Elster |
6. Kent Kovac |
COGS GRADUATE WELFARE COMMITTEE - (5 Seats)
1 year term.
There shall be a Graduate Welfare Committee which shall review and consider issues pertaining to the welfare of all graduate students. COGS VPEA shall chair this committee. Suzanne Borkowski 12/13 VPEA
| 1. Dante Cisterna |
2. Mark Tran |
3. Purushotham Pakala |
| 4. Leanna Popp |
5. Ninitha Asirvatham-Jeyaraj |
COGS CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS COMMITTEE - (5 Seats)
1 year term.
This committee reviews and revises constitution and by-laws of the Council of Graduate Students. COGS Parliamentarian shall chair this committee. Shannon Demlow 12/13 Parliamentarian
| 1. Lindsay Murphy |
2. Amanda Herzog |
3. Michala Welch |
| 4. Dan Dault |
5. Chris Harvey |
|
COGS EVENTS COMMITTEE - (6 Seats)
1 year term.
Interested parties should be willing to spend roughly 5-10 hours per month, helping to plan, coordinate, and run events. A strong desire to work with local business owners and community members is requested as well as a desire to strengthen social and professional networks. Events Committee Chair elected yearly. Lexi MacMillan 12/13 COGS Events Committee Chair
| 1. Lindsay Murphy |
2. Ben Fraser |
3. Colton Mullinix |
| 4. Christopher Haug |
5. Ninitha Asirvatham-Jeyaraj |
6. OPEN |
COGS EVENTS SUBCOMMITTEE: GRADUATE ACADEMIC CONFERENCE (GAC)
1 year term.
COGS Recording Secretary shall chair this committee. Jennifer Wray 12/13 Recording Secretary
| 1. Kristen Nolting |
2. Lisa Idema |
3. Diomedes Solano-Rabago |
| 4. Changchang Miao |
5. Robin Blom |
6. Mark Tran |
| 7. Ben Byl |
8. Ana Kelly |
9. OPEN |
| 10. OPEN |
11. OPEN |
12. OPEN |
COLLEGE COMMITTEES
**Committee Members MUST be in respective colleges**
CANR- CURRICULUM COMMITTEE - (1 Seat)
Meets for two hours every two weeks, September-May, and as necessary. 1 year term.
Clearing house for all curriculum matters. Those serving on this committee must be in CANR
CANR- COLLEGE ADVISORY COMMITTEE - (1 Seat)
Meets once a month, September-May and as necessary. 1 year term.
Serves as an open channel of communication between the college faculty, students and the Dean. Responsible for college elections, college faculty meeting agendas, selection of college nominees for various awards; advisory to the Dean. Those serving on this committee must be in CANR.
CANR- COLLEGE GRADUATE COMMITTEE - (1 Seat)
Meets for 2 hours once a month, September-May, and as necessary. 1 year term.
Reviews new graduate programs and revisions in existing programs, selects nominees for Distinguished Graduate Fellowships, Dissertation Completion Fellowships, etc. Reviews graduate program and student issues. Also functions as College Graduate Judiciary. Those serving on this committee must be in CANR.
CANR- TEACHING & ACADEMIC POLICY COMMITTEE - (1 Seat)
Meets as necessary, usually several times each semester. 1 year term.
Advises and consults with the Director of Academic Affairs on matters of teaching and academic policy. Those serving on this committee must be in CANR.
