We had a productive Student Services Committee meeting on Friday morning. Here's a brief update of what's been taken care of and what's in flux.
The Swamp
Apparently the big mud puddle in the courtyard that we all squelched through this summer is a long term problem. KSG is built on an old rail yard, so just a few feet below the green grass is a cement cap. There is no place for the irrigation water to drain to. To add to the problem, KSG is below the local water table so run off tends to pool in our courtyard regardless. Facilities has worked on the issue for years but haven't figure out how to change the way water moves downhill. What we need here is the Physics department I think!
Facilities
The facilities staff has begun polling the students on their space issues. It's an important piece of input and you should take a few minutes to fill it out!
We had asked about unlocking classrooms for group meetings after 6:00 PM. In the past there were theft problems when the rooms were open late. Rooms have been opened for studying around finals (and the schedule well publicized) and they weren't much use. The small rooms in Littauer 3 remain unlocked most evenings still. We're negotiating about leaving Land Hall unlocked because it has two group spaces. We'll see if we can resolve the security issues to do this. Student groups can reserve classrooms through ROAR if they want to use them after 6:00.
Library Services
There was a request to open the library earlier. It is one of the earliest to open at Harvard, beyond those open 24 hours. Opening earlier would require significant staff shuffling. Staying open later is much easier with the student staffing available. The library will be open later during finals as it was last year. More publicity will come out about this. For studying earlier, we're working to update the "Where can I study" list to emphasize quiet places early in the morning. We may try to post it outside the library as well. I would personally recommend checking out the balcony overlooking Starr in Belfer.
Rachel Hicks and Doug Levine are following up with the library on how they decide how many course packets to have on reserve. They use a formula today that takes class size into account. We'd like to see cost included, but we need to look at circulation statistics first to see about patterns of usage.
Food Service
There is a student discount which is basically the tax on the meal. If you bring your own mug, coffee is only $.90.
There is a comment board on the main door, which are you are encouraged to use to your heart's content!
Two committee members are working through a series of issues. Sodexho has only a one year contract and many things, including revamping the cafe space, are on hold until a long term contract is settled. In the meantime, we're seeing what we can resolve.
As a side note, the special student menu that student groups order off of was put together at student request and offers less expensive options, to make the KSSG student club money stretch farther.
Other Services
Rachel Hicks interviewed the two final candidates for the Director of Professional Development role which will hopefully be filled very shortly. There's ongoing work with IT and a variety of miscellaneous issues in progress. More updates to come!
Friday, November 30, 2007
Thursday, November 29, 2007
KSSG Meeting - Nov 28th
Our bi-weekly KSSG meeting was very good this week.
KSG Finances
We had a wonderful presentation on KSG finances from the Office of Financial Services. The school is in the black. As tight as you feel in those classrooms, enrollment is a bit smaller as well, though on target with projections. We learned a lot about the endowment, the revenue streams and the expenses. The Kennedy School is uniquely well balanced in revenue streams - with other schools much more heavily dependent on their endowment or their tuition. All I can say is if you donate money when you're a wealthy alum, make the restrictions as minimal as possible. It's astoundingly complex managing all the gifts out there today.
KSSG Finances
Similarly, the KSSG finances are in the black. Manu's team managed 145 requests from student groups for $53,000. They handed out $23,000, with only 2 appeals. They've started the budgeting process for the Spring term. Two thirds of the student activity fee goes to club and student group activities.
American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment
I presented to the KSSG about the ACUPCC that Harvard is considering joining. This would publicly commit Harvard to going carbon neutral by the date of their choice and integrating sustainability into every student's experience. I'm recommending that KSSG ask Dean Ellwood to endorse the commitment. We discussed the issue in this meeting and next week we'll vote on it.
Committee Updates
Alex Alexander has successfully scheduled International Day on February 22nd.
Lionel is making great headway in building up an alumni network.
Taufiq asked that everyone participate in the advisor, CA and TA awards, as a positive way to improve the quality of the services.
Rachel discussed movement in the Services committee, but you can read all that in the services committee post.
When meeting minutes are available I'll post a link to them.
KSG Finances
We had a wonderful presentation on KSG finances from the Office of Financial Services. The school is in the black. As tight as you feel in those classrooms, enrollment is a bit smaller as well, though on target with projections. We learned a lot about the endowment, the revenue streams and the expenses. The Kennedy School is uniquely well balanced in revenue streams - with other schools much more heavily dependent on their endowment or their tuition. All I can say is if you donate money when you're a wealthy alum, make the restrictions as minimal as possible. It's astoundingly complex managing all the gifts out there today.
KSSG Finances
Similarly, the KSSG finances are in the black. Manu's team managed 145 requests from student groups for $53,000. They handed out $23,000, with only 2 appeals. They've started the budgeting process for the Spring term. Two thirds of the student activity fee goes to club and student group activities.
American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment
I presented to the KSSG about the ACUPCC that Harvard is considering joining. This would publicly commit Harvard to going carbon neutral by the date of their choice and integrating sustainability into every student's experience. I'm recommending that KSSG ask Dean Ellwood to endorse the commitment. We discussed the issue in this meeting and next week we'll vote on it.
Committee Updates
Alex Alexander has successfully scheduled International Day on February 22nd.
Lionel is making great headway in building up an alumni network.
Taufiq asked that everyone participate in the advisor, CA and TA awards, as a positive way to improve the quality of the services.
Rachel discussed movement in the Services committee, but you can read all that in the services committee post.
When meeting minutes are available I'll post a link to them.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Meeting w/ Dean McCarthy - Nov 26
After a few weeks of juggling schedules I met with Dean Mhttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifcCarthy to review the mid-career issues list to see what we might triage out to other parts of the KSG organization. The reps are hearing some things that might normally go to a Program Director and could be better handled in other parts of the administration.
You can read details here. For a summary, read on.
Program Director
As might be expected this personnel issue is taking longer to resolve than anyone hoped. The Dean can't legally share anything with us, other than to emphasize they're still spending a great deal of energy looking for solutions and stepping into the breach where they can. We're working to make sure our first mid-career seminar on is on Dean McCarthy's schedule so he can update us as a group in January.
Academics
Betty and Scott have been working extensively with the Dean through the Academic Affairs committee to bring our issues forward.
We discussed the concern that the approach to teaching about plagiarism was too militant. The Dean mentioned there used to be more writing tutors and they were easier to locate. Generally the best approach is to ask a CA, a TA or the professor if you're concerned that the idea you're working with may not be original. If you have any questions about what to cite and how, asking is the best policy. Learning to use also Refworks removes a lot of the fiddly burden of sorting out punctuation and so on.
Diversity
There's been a concern that not enough US diversity is represented at the Kennedy School. Dean McCarthy reports that we lead the nation in diversity in the MPP program but always find it harder to match that in the mid-career program for a variety of reasons. If you'd like to get involved, there is the diversity committee, which always lacks enough mid-career representation.
KSSG and Student Life
Apparently in past years, the mid-careers have run several successful campaigns for KSSG President, in part because they had August to organize. Even in the last few years there have been successful Mason Fellow Presidents. This year was a little off kilter because of the situation with the program director, but it's expected the trend of a politically active mid-career class will pick up again!
Our next meeting is December 5th!
You can read details here. For a summary, read on.
Program Director
As might be expected this personnel issue is taking longer to resolve than anyone hoped. The Dean can't legally share anything with us, other than to emphasize they're still spending a great deal of energy looking for solutions and stepping into the breach where they can. We're working to make sure our first mid-career seminar on is on Dean McCarthy's schedule so he can update us as a group in January.
Academics
Betty and Scott have been working extensively with the Dean through the Academic Affairs committee to bring our issues forward.
We discussed the concern that the approach to teaching about plagiarism was too militant. The Dean mentioned there used to be more writing tutors and they were easier to locate. Generally the best approach is to ask a CA, a TA or the professor if you're concerned that the idea you're working with may not be original. If you have any questions about what to cite and how, asking is the best policy. Learning to use also Refworks removes a lot of the fiddly burden of sorting out punctuation and so on.
Diversity
There's been a concern that not enough US diversity is represented at the Kennedy School. Dean McCarthy reports that we lead the nation in diversity in the MPP program but always find it harder to match that in the mid-career program for a variety of reasons. If you'd like to get involved, there is the diversity committee, which always lacks enough mid-career representation.
KSSG and Student Life
Apparently in past years, the mid-careers have run several successful campaigns for KSSG President, in part because they had August to organize. Even in the last few years there have been successful Mason Fellow Presidents. This year was a little off kilter because of the situation with the program director, but it's expected the trend of a politically active mid-career class will pick up again!
Our next meeting is December 5th!
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Services Committee Update - Nov. 13
These are the notes from Rachel's update (the VP for Student Services) on the Student Services Committee's activities. Being on the committee, I thought I'd share them.
There's a long list of things for planning committee meeting on the 14th; fridge, Sodexho, library hours
The committee met once and a member is dedicated to each of the areas under our jurisdiction
Rachel had meetings with candidates for Office of Professional Development Director's job.
Rachel got a volleyball net up, replaced the pens in the Taubman carrels and got the doors fixed in Littauer.
Doug Levine will have bulletin board in Forum to post all of these updates.
- Letha
There's a long list of things for planning committee meeting on the 14th; fridge, Sodexho, library hours
The committee met once and a member is dedicated to each of the areas under our jurisdiction
Rachel had meetings with candidates for Office of Professional Development Director's job.
Rachel got a volleyball net up, replaced the pens in the Taubman carrels and got the doors fixed in Littauer.
Doug Levine will have bulletin board in Forum to post all of these updates.
- Letha
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Issues Raised by the Class to the Reps
As you've been in touch with us, we've been compiling a list of issues raised. We've divided them into the committees that will work on them and have in some cases updated the status already.
We've published this list of issues in the Useful Links section in the right hand column. Or you can check it here.
We want to accomplish two things with this. The first is to keep you informed about what your colleagues are asking for and what we're doing about it. The second is to create some institutional knowledge for the Mid-Career class next year.
This is all about two-way communication though, so please do send us your comments and thoughts. Come to KSSG meetings, serve on committees, stay involved. We shape our experience of the school to a surprising degree.
We've published this list of issues in the Useful Links section in the right hand column. Or you can check it here.
We want to accomplish two things with this. The first is to keep you informed about what your colleagues are asking for and what we're doing about it. The second is to create some institutional knowledge for the Mid-Career class next year.
This is all about two-way communication though, so please do send us your comments and thoughts. Come to KSSG meetings, serve on committees, stay involved. We shape our experience of the school to a surprising degree.
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Check-In with Dean McCarthy
On Friday, Dean McCarthy and Assistant Dean Kugal invited the class reps for the MPA and MPA/MC classes to a meeting. They were interested in hearing how things are, given that we've been without a Program Director for longer than anyone intended.
Lionel raised the important question, "what does the program director"? They listed out:
- Admissions and recruiting
- Representing the interests of the MPA programs, when academic decisions are made
- Leading advising and providing a bridge between the support we can get from our academic advisers and from careers service's coaches.
- Working on our seminars and other class specific projects
In past years, the program directors have been very available to the students, providing support, guidance, an ear and generally a portal to the administration. Dean McCarthy, Dean Kugel and Edith Stokely are trying to fill those roles today, but they know it is not the same thing.
We communicated that the lack of concrete news has left people wondering. Dean McCarthy emphasized how much time they've invested in the issue and that it is by no means a low priority for them. It's taken longer to resolve than they hoped and when they have news they can share, they will. Given the nature of personnel issues, what they can share is deeply circumscribed.
We discussed some options to provide more advising support. If you've found that your academic adviser isn't a good fit, you should do two things. Reach out to the professors you think are a good fit. Knock on doors, sign up on office hours, reach out. Also, talk with Erin Ward Bibo (erin_ward_bibo at harvard dot edu) about your options. She read our applications and tried to match us with the right advisers, but it's an imperfect process and she's happy to reconsider.
We'll also be making an appointment with Dean McCarthy to review the list of issues you have raised with us and get some guidance on which ones belong in KSSG and which a director might have handled in a more typical year.
It was a very positive meeting and they reiterated their open door policy. They're concerned about how this is impacting our short year at the Kennedy School and want to be creative about finding solutions. If you have any thoughts, please feel free to contact us or go to them directly.
Lionel raised the important question, "what does the program director"? They listed out:
- Admissions and recruiting
- Representing the interests of the MPA programs, when academic decisions are made
- Leading advising and providing a bridge between the support we can get from our academic advisers and from careers service's coaches.
- Working on our seminars and other class specific projects
In past years, the program directors have been very available to the students, providing support, guidance, an ear and generally a portal to the administration. Dean McCarthy, Dean Kugel and Edith Stokely are trying to fill those roles today, but they know it is not the same thing.
We communicated that the lack of concrete news has left people wondering. Dean McCarthy emphasized how much time they've invested in the issue and that it is by no means a low priority for them. It's taken longer to resolve than they hoped and when they have news they can share, they will. Given the nature of personnel issues, what they can share is deeply circumscribed.
We discussed some options to provide more advising support. If you've found that your academic adviser isn't a good fit, you should do two things. Reach out to the professors you think are a good fit. Knock on doors, sign up on office hours, reach out. Also, talk with Erin Ward Bibo (erin_ward_bibo at harvard dot edu) about your options. She read our applications and tried to match us with the right advisers, but it's an imperfect process and she's happy to reconsider.
We'll also be making an appointment with Dean McCarthy to review the list of issues you have raised with us and get some guidance on which ones belong in KSSG and which a director might have handled in a more typical year.
It was a very positive meeting and they reiterated their open door policy. They're concerned about how this is impacting our short year at the Kennedy School and want to be creative about finding solutions. If you have any thoughts, please feel free to contact us or go to them directly.
Friday, November 2, 2007
The Scoop on the Food
There's lots of questions about Sodexho, so let me share what I've learned so far.
Last year there was a bidding process held for the food service in the Forum. A student focus group was brought together and all of their feedback was added directly to the request for proposal that all three vendors responded to. Sodexho was the most responsive to the student requests for things like a lower cost menu for student events, more vegetarian options and greener practices.
However, the process was rushed and there were unaddressed concerns by constituencies other than the full time students, so they were given only a one year contract. Several performance metrics were set to see if they could address the issues raised.
We're working to get more feedback on how Sodexho is specifically addressing the student concerns raised last year so we can pass them on to you. There are also some discounts that might be available to students so we'll get the details to those also.
You do get a discount on coffee if you bring your own cup so lets save some plastic lids!
If you have thoughts or questions on the food service, do let me know.
Last year there was a bidding process held for the food service in the Forum. A student focus group was brought together and all of their feedback was added directly to the request for proposal that all three vendors responded to. Sodexho was the most responsive to the student requests for things like a lower cost menu for student events, more vegetarian options and greener practices.
However, the process was rushed and there were unaddressed concerns by constituencies other than the full time students, so they were given only a one year contract. Several performance metrics were set to see if they could address the issues raised.
We're working to get more feedback on how Sodexho is specifically addressing the student concerns raised last year so we can pass them on to you. There are also some discounts that might be available to students so we'll get the details to those also.
You do get a discount on coffee if you bring your own cup so lets save some plastic lids!
If you have thoughts or questions on the food service, do let me know.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
KSSG Meeting 10/31
We had our second full KSSG meeting on Halloween. Now that the committees are largely formed movement is starting to happen.
Once Valerie Boyd (VP of Communications) gets the KSSG website updated and starts posting the minutes from the meetings, I'll link to them so you can read the details. Keep in mind the meetings are public so you can feel free to attend or ask that something to be added to the agenda.
Manu Tandon (mid-career and VP of Finance) did a great presentation on the deficit. Apparently last year money that the student clubs raised on their own was mixed with the Student Activity Fee money. When it was all said and done, about $16,000 of club raised money was spent by the larger KSSG. This money has to be returned to the clubs somehow.
To prevent a repeat, Manu's instituted a much more robust accounting system. Though I know there's grumbling that the process is too complicated for the clubs, his committee's really struggled with finding a fair but efficient way to distribute Student Activity Fee money to the clubs and doing the accounting properly. There are over 90 student organizations, which adds tremendous complexity.
As for how the deficit gets covered, Manu and Doug Levine (President) are still in talks with the administration.
Ann Hopper presented the budget for the Boston Tea Party and her plans for other events. The prohibitive cost for tickets and the lack of advanced notice were brought up to her. We also emphasized that when you add babysitting it would easily be a $75 or $100 evening out. Even though the tickets were subsidized, it's an open question how to bring the student cost down further while still offering a wide range of events.
A class representative from each class presented very briefly the top issues. Read the minutes when they're posted for details, but it was a huge range from fixing the squeaking chairs in Weiner to getting fresh pens in the Taubman study carrels to updating the curriculum and providing more family services. We listed as our top issues: a variety of academic issues, financial aid, family services, the alumni network and moving Dean Ellwood to support the American College and University Presidents Climate Initiatvie to President Faust.
And finally the VP's presented what their committees are working on. Tobias Vanderhoop (VP Internal Affairs) still needs committee members. Several projects are in motion in the Academic Affairs, International Affairs and Student services committees.
Once Valerie Boyd (VP of Communications) gets the KSSG website updated and starts posting the minutes from the meetings, I'll link to them so you can read the details. Keep in mind the meetings are public so you can feel free to attend or ask that something to be added to the agenda.
Manu Tandon (mid-career and VP of Finance) did a great presentation on the deficit. Apparently last year money that the student clubs raised on their own was mixed with the Student Activity Fee money. When it was all said and done, about $16,000 of club raised money was spent by the larger KSSG. This money has to be returned to the clubs somehow.
To prevent a repeat, Manu's instituted a much more robust accounting system. Though I know there's grumbling that the process is too complicated for the clubs, his committee's really struggled with finding a fair but efficient way to distribute Student Activity Fee money to the clubs and doing the accounting properly. There are over 90 student organizations, which adds tremendous complexity.
As for how the deficit gets covered, Manu and Doug Levine (President) are still in talks with the administration.
Ann Hopper presented the budget for the Boston Tea Party and her plans for other events. The prohibitive cost for tickets and the lack of advanced notice were brought up to her. We also emphasized that when you add babysitting it would easily be a $75 or $100 evening out. Even though the tickets were subsidized, it's an open question how to bring the student cost down further while still offering a wide range of events.
A class representative from each class presented very briefly the top issues. Read the minutes when they're posted for details, but it was a huge range from fixing the squeaking chairs in Weiner to getting fresh pens in the Taubman study carrels to updating the curriculum and providing more family services. We listed as our top issues: a variety of academic issues, financial aid, family services, the alumni network and moving Dean Ellwood to support the American College and University Presidents Climate Initiatvie to President Faust.
And finally the VP's presented what their committees are working on. Tobias Vanderhoop (VP Internal Affairs) still needs committee members. Several projects are in motion in the Academic Affairs, International Affairs and Student services committees.
Harvard Graduate Council
At the KSSG meeting on October 31st, the KSG Harvard Graduate Council representatives gave a presentation about what HGC is and their goals as council members.
You can view a badly copied version of their very nice presentation here.
In short, they sit on a school wide council that encourages interaction between the Harvard Graduate Schools and represents the graduate students to the Harvard wide administration.
You can view a badly copied version of their very nice presentation here.
In short, they sit on a school wide council that encourages interaction between the Harvard Graduate Schools and represents the graduate students to the Harvard wide administration.
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