Difference between revisions of "Town Hall Meeting Fall 2009 Notes" - Rhea

Latest revision as of 10:44, 3 February 2010

Here are the topics we talked about on the last Town Hall Meeting and the solutions to some of the problems:

• Computer of Windows 7 system might be set up on the 6th/7th floor.

• Language Requirement Test might be easier to pass than before. Anyone who took it may share their thoughts with us.

• We strongly suggest removing our math email addresses from the webpage to avoid junk mail. - Prof. Bell will see what he can do.

• Could computers in offices be optional? i.e. if everyone in office do not need a common computer, could we send it back if it is taking up too much space? - This issue can be dealt with on a case-by-case basis, see Dr. Bell if it is an issue.

• There is a way to logout your officemate and login yourself if someone forgets to log out and the system is locked. You can get a login card from the Student ID Office in the Union for $6.

• Please run your large projects in the background when you are using Euler or similar common shared server.

• Reduced teaching load this spring for certain students with strong academic record and heavy teaching loads in the past.

• We strongly recommend a math calendar on the website, combined with colloquium and tea time schedules.

• Try to keep in mind that we share offices and most people would not want closed doors. Please try to be considerate and do not disturb people constantly.

• When you have a preference or would not want to take a split assignment/back to back classes, put that on the comment space before turning in your schedule card. Also, if you do teach back to back, and classrooms are far away, maybe you should contact Peter Cook.

• If you expect a pay raise on the advance topic, you should plan to take it before Jul 1st. Apparently, the fiscal year begins at this time and raises will not be recognized until the following year.

• We would appreciate if our salary could be more transparent, in terms of how our teaching progress or academic progress would affect on our salary. - This will be a little bit complicated since apparently only Dr. Saerens understands the process.

• First years are guaranteed to have summer jobs. Others should consider that summer hiring is limited. But if you taught the courses that are open in the summer before, you have a better chance to be hired. So plan early if you need the job.

• We would appreciate if we have a common phone card for the fax machine in main office. And we would be willing to pay each time we use that card instead of having to buy a card to use the machine. - Prof. Bell recommends that students ask faculty members (advisors, etc.) for the fax machine. And Prof. Bell is more than happy to help with faxes as well. If this solution does not work, we will address the issue when it arises.

• We would invite some graduate students to share their experience with us in bridge to research occasionally. And we would try to make it a 45 min talk and then questions and answer time.

• We strongly recommend the recruitment weekend this spring. - No recruitment weekend possible this semester because of the number of applications and accepted candidates. There will be a few students who will be invited at different times but no official recruitment weekend.

• If you are traveling internationally for conference and need a substitute for teaching, you should complete an official form for it in order to have valid insurance with you when you travel.

• Can we have a game night just for relaxing in this semester? - We are planning it now.