Agronomy Graduate Student Club Minutes
October 3, 2001
Alison Carpenter (new President) brought the meeting to order. She began the meeting
with a welcome.
Secretary Report
Indi Braden (Secretary) read the minutes from the last meeting held on September 5,
2001. She also reported on the people that will be receiving thank you notes for helping
at the annual picnic and for presenting at the POS committee management discussion.
Treasurer Report
John Kost (Treasurer) reported that the club has $1104.14 in the account. There are some
checks that still must be cleared. There are coffee mugs available for $5/mug.
Graduate Student Senate Report
Carla Rogis (GSS representative) discussed that President Geoffroy wants to set up a new
council for administrative interaction with graduate students (for more information ask
Carla or Lori).
Lori Hinze (GSS representative) mentioned that we needed to get our proposals turned in
for the Reading Room. They (GSS) will be approving up to $400/semester. The
deadline is October 19th. We need to form a committee to meet with our Treasurer.
Carla Rogis and Brad VanDeWoestyne volunteered for the committee. There was some
discussion about the need for e-journals and using ‘retired’ computers. Eric Hurley
suggested getting a good computer monitor.
Lori will need a substitute for GSS representative while she is doing research at Cornell
University.
Old Business
 The annual picnic was a success. We had several people to come and enjoy the
great food.
 John Pesek Sustainable Agriculture Lecture Series – We had a report from Terry
Loecke. The Leopold Center will be forming a committee to continue the series.
Eric Hurley suggested that we, as a club, stay involved in the lecture series for
club recognition.
 Note for new students – membership is open, and there are no dues.
New Business
 POS committee seminar
The POS committee management panel discussion speakers will include Drs.
Lonychan, Blackmer, and Moore and Lori Hinze as a student presenter. We will need
a set-up committee. Volunteers included: Brad VanDeWoestyne, Clint Turnbull, Lisa
Duppong, and Lori Hinze.

Stipends
Phil Ramsel had prepared a comparison of ISU stipends vs. other state schools in
the Midwest. Handouts were provided.
GSS report was that there would be no changes in grad student tuition or stipends.
 Graduate School / Professional Career Day
Indi Braden mentioned that they still need more helpers.
 Lunch Bunch
Discussion was held about a lunchtime get-together. Decision was that we set a date,
send information out, and see who comes to decide on its success/failure.
 Farm Bill
Eric Hurley mentioned that we should contact our congressman (Boswell, for anyone
registered in Story County – 202/224-3121). As agriculturalists, we should voice our
opinions concerning the Farm Bill, specifically the conservation amendment. Go to
the Soil and Water Conservation website for more information.
Dawn Refsell mentioned a website that is available to view what is “on the table”
right now.
 Presentation
Clint Turnbull reminded us that there is an interesting presentation on Trade and
Markets in the Scheman building tonight 7:30-9pm.

Information for next meeting
Guest speaker
We may have a guest speaker for the next meeting.
Departmental committees
We will discuss and changes or additions of possible committees and graduate
representatives.
Graduate student surveys
We will have graduate student surveys to voice opinions on classes for the benefit of
the faculty of the department.
Alison Carpenter brought the meeting to a close.