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Minutes from November 2, 2006, 3:00 PM

Download Word File: Minutes-11-2-06 3:00

 

Associated Students of Occidental College

General Assembly Minutes

November 2nd, 2006

3:00 PM, J204

Minutes by Chelsey Brack

 

Senate Members Present: Matt Kuzio, Jimmy Gillan, Patrick McCredie, Rozell Hodges, Max Thoman-Tedford, Konstantin Chaykovskiy, Andrew DeBlock, John Wilson

 

Guests Present: Brenda McNary, Tate Smith, Sandy Runyan, Brittany Sanders, Katharine Hager, Eric Roddie, Chandrika Francis, Sarah Richey, Mike Kuhn, Jessica Lobl, Chelsey Brack (11).

 

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Katie and Patrice welcomed everyone to the IPO Study Abroad Information Session.

Meeting opened at 3:14 PM, Katie and Patrice welcomed Susan Popko.

 

Susan said she is very interested in getting a sense of who at the meeting had studied abroad, who was considering, who will next semester (show of hands). She said that for the first time ever, this year Oxy accepted all study abroad applications, and that last year there were only thirty-four students who studied abroad and because the interest was too big the college could not keep up with the pace. For the last seven years, getting into a study abroad program has been very competitive. The program went from sending 30-32 to 40 students this year though. She said she is happy with the progress, and hopes that it will continue and that the financial support to make it happen will continue. What she finds most interesting surrounding study abroad are the rumors, which include the necessity of a GPA of 4.0 to study in Britain, or that there is no study abroad program in Jordan, etc. She then opened the floor for questions.

 

Chandrika Francis asked about the requirements for studying abroad, and Susan answered that the requirements are specific to the program. The majority are set by the specific universities themselves. For example, tropical biology, a very popular field of study at James Cook University. JCU has a minimum of 3.0 or 3.3 GPA in biology classes. Or if a student wants to go to Argentina, they need 5 or 6 semesters of Spanish in order to be successful in doing that. She said the IPO wants the students to be successful when studying abroad, not struggling. She said that sometimes there are stated requirements, sometimes obscure requirements, but please don’t automatically disqualify oneself. Come talk to her in Weingart 101 so she can work with you. It is based on the program, and there is a very broad range of what students can choose.

 

Chandrika Francis asked what different kinds of programs there are, and Susan answered that it depends on the student’s area of interest, what school the student wants to go to/region. For example, a student is at a program in Samoa, and before she went, she researched background work in different traditions, took very in-depth classes, and already an idea of the project she wanted to work with. A very specific project helped guide the placement. Susan proceeded to say that she wants more direct feedback from students to figure out other things for the non-Oxy study abroad. Also, typically, it is not something where you travel with your friends for a great time, it is more about exploring something independently.

 

Max Thoman-Tedford said that he had confusion last year with studying abroad in France. He tested out of the requirement at Oxy, but wants to know if he is qualified to do it though he hasn’t taken French classes at Oxy. Susan answered that Oxy's requirement is two semesters of language at Oxy. To go to France, students need through 202, and the placement is through 102. She suggested that Max take a proficiency exam, and to meet with the chair of the Language Department for an oral interview for skills. She said that things like that would to make sure you're at a level of language where you can do well on your study abroad program

 

Brittany Sanders said that works at the IPO and went abroad to France. She said that, from her experience, the language requirement is there to help you. She said that she had taken 6 semesters of French at Oxy and couldn’t imagine going in unprepared.

 

Tate Smith asked if it is possible to study abroad if a student is a physics or geology major, and Susan: answered that it is possible, but the student has to work at it really hard. 20% of the class going this year are majoring in science. It is something students must plan with their advisors, and sometimes senior year is a more preferable time to go, more time later on. She suggested Tate talk with his advisor to plan courses he could take abroad. Tate asked what the minimum semester requirement is, and Susan said three to four semesters.

 

Mike Kuhn asked what changes have been made that have let more students in the study abroad program, and Susan answered that last year was different financially. President Susan Prager, this year, has had funds allocated, as well as the size of incoming class was raised so income for study abroad was raised, and funds from college budget helped as well.

 

Max Thoman-Tedford asked if Susan expects the same magnitude of study abroad applications to go through next year, and Susan answered that it was again a question of money, working with outside donors, figuring out different ways to make it work, other steps taken with various programs. She said she has great hope and expectation that it will happen again.

 

John Wilson said he has heard of a recent appointment of a student to IPO Application Committee. Wanted to know if the student helping a lot, and Susan pointed out student sitting in audience, Katie Hagan, as the appointed student. Susan said that Katie has been on the committee for past 3 years, and it works very well. Through GA, there is a student off-campus study committee as well, Katie participates on that as well.

 

Brittany Sanders asked about the "major" rumor, saying she heard that she had to have her major declared by the time she went abroad. Susan said that Oxy requires only that students declare by the end of their sophomore year. She added that since most students study abroad their junior year, most people have declared, but IPO doesn’t require, it’s more coincidental. She also added though that sometimes with sciences, declaration helps the application.

 

Konstantin Chaykovskiy asked where IPO office is, and Susan answered that it is located in Weingart 101. She said that if students want to talk, make appointments, email/call here to talk all the time.

 

Brenda McNary asked if there is a place where students can see a list of all of the programs without having to come in and see Ms. Popko, and Susan answered that the website is always up, and is really helpful. On it are links to other programs, instructions on how to book a flight, etc. She said that if students don’t want to come into the office because they’re not sure what to ask yet, they can just come in and check out guidebooks and lists of students who have studied abroad recently who are on campus so students can contact them with questions. There are study abroad program completed evaluations in the office to look at as well, and there is lots of information to be accessed.

 

John Wilson said that he read an article in newspaper, and so he was wondering about Susan’s suggestion that there are 60 programs here, 5 at a comparative school like Pomona. He asked if that implies that the IPO will be trimming down the number of programs we have it offers, and if so, will that increase the number of students. Susan replied that there is no plan to systematically go through and cut programs. She is committed to matching student interest with programs. A year and a half ago, when she came, she was asked why there was a Honduras program while students wanted to go to Nicaragua, so the programs were changed. She said that it can be challenging having programs where no one goes on them. They do credit evaluations, grade translation scales, and lots of work that goes into approving a program and then trying to maintain a relationship with that program. She said there is only really cause for a concern when there are changes made in quality of a program, etc., which is something that they take very seriously. When students don’t go on a program, her department asks why, figure out why, so they can change that program. She said she doesn’t think of it as “We need 35 programs like Pomona,” or programs like other schools.

 

Mike Kuhn asked if when students study abroad they pay the normal Oxy tuition, but some programs more expensive than others. He asked what if they cost less, and Susan answered that it is comprehensive fee that equals Oxy tuition. All students pay that regardless of what program they go on. Occidental College is committed to offering all access, and there are some programs that cost more or less, but it all financially counts.

 

Brittany Sanders added on the note of financial aid that the FA office airfare grant is very worthwhile, and that students need to ask for in advance. Her ticket to France cost $1200 and the FA covered $1000, so people should look into that. Susan answered yes, the FA helps people out a lot, and said that for those of you who are looking at studying abroad, contact the FA.

 

Jessica Lobl asked if a student applies in the Fall, can he/she apply in the Spring as well, and if the student could re-do his/her program. Susan answered that in the past it was one application in one year, but now no longer in that situation. She said that it is not something the off-campus study abroad committee has revisited yet, but now more than once a year is fine. She reiterated that people should come in, talking with returnees, etc. and that the application for next Fall is due as soon as students come back from this coming winter break. She said that the application is not hard, that there is a lot of paper, but students should really take care with your faculty recommendations because they really matter. She stressed that students should not put it off, and that students should look to faculty who can write the best recommendation for us sooner rather than later, and that students have all of break to take care of polishing things.

 

Patrice thanked Susan, and closed the discussion. Katie reminded everyone to contact asocga@oxy.edu with any questions or concerns for Katie and Patrice. They also encouraged people to partake in the Exploration of Blackness Week, and reminded everyone about the meeting in J204 next week, same time and place as today.

Meeting adjourned at 3:43 PM.