What do we do?
The Biology Graduate Students Association is the students group for all graduate students in the Biology Department at McGill University. We organize social events such as wine and cheeses and graduate student retreats, as well as educational and research events such as symposia and workshops.

Who is a part of BGSA?

All graduate students in the Biology department of McGill University are members of the BGSA.
Graduate Contact List

Click HERE to read our constitution!

Friday, December 25, 2009

BGSA Winter Retreat – January 15-17, 2010

Who: BGSA members, their friends and partners

What: Kind of like the September camping trip, but with skiing and snowshoeing

When: Friday Jan. 15th to Sunday Jan. 17th, 2010

Where: Keene Farm, near Keene Valley, NY (about 2 hours from Montreal)

http://www.accmontreal.ca/en/huts/keenefarm

Why: Get together after the holidays, welcome new students and have fun!

Keene Farm is a big log cabin in the Adirondack Forest Preserve (New York) owned by the Alpine Club of Canada. You can drive right up to it and it has wood stove heating, insulation (!), gas lighting and stoves for cooking, and sleeps 30 people in bunk beds with foam mattresses. There is an outhouse and no running water.

Your browser may not support display of this image.

What to do?

There are lots of outdoors activities within walking and short-driving distance, suitable for everyone from beginner to advanced levels. You can rent cross-country ski gear and snowshoes at the infamous Mountaineer store* and there are trails all over the place. For downhill skiers, Whiteface Mountain is about 30 min. away in Lake Placid. The cabin is cozy and warm if you want to relax indoors or play games after making snowmen.

Your browser may not support display of this image.

** ‘Mountaineerfest’ is the same weekend http://mountaineer.com/?page_id=83

What to bring?

  • Passport or border-crossing driver’s license
  • Sleeping bag, pillow, and indoor shoes/sandals and clothes
  • Your ski or snowshoe gear (or rent there) and outdoorsy clothes
  • Games or musical instruments
  • Food and drinks (either food groups or BYO, will figure out later)

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Annual BGSA Holiday PARTY!!!!!!!!!


Biology Holiday Party

Thursday, December 10th, 2009 - 5:00 pm

Thompson House, 3650 McTavish

Let’s celebrate the season with a night of

departmental drinking, dining and dancing!

It's that time of the year again! Come for a night of dinner, dancing, games, prizes, kid's crafts and performances by your colleagues/students/labmates!!

We have a full evening planned so don't forget to:

Buy a ticket!

Bring a dessert for the dessert potluck contest - fabulous prizes to be won!

Bring a gift you would like Santa to distribute to your kid/supervisor/labmate/colleague

Non perishable food items for donation to a local food bank

Ticket Prices

Faculty $15

Staff and Post-Docs $12

Grad students $8

Kids (4+) $4

Significant others, kids, friends and family are all welcome! There will be activities for the kids! Significant others pay the same price as the person purchasing the tickets.

Adult ticket prices include one drink ticket!

Get your tickets from:

- Lydiane Gaborieau Stewart N5/12

- Monica Radovski Stewart W6/15

- Michael Noujaim Bellini 235

- Kiyoko Gotanda Redpath 008

For more info contact Lydiane (lydiane.gaborieau{at}mail.mcgill.ca).

Monday, November 16, 2009

Ray Comfort, Origin of Species and Creationism

Hello fellow biologists

Los Angeles-based creationist Ray Comfort plans to distribute thousands of free copies of Darwin's On the Origin of Species to students at 100 U.S. universities on November 19th. The same event will take place in at least 21 Canadian universities (including McGill) on November 24th.

This version of On the Origin of Species includes a 54-page introduction written by Comfort which contains false information and old Creationist arguments which you can read here:
http://assets.livingwaters.com/pdf/OriginofSpecies.pdf

For more information, please see the NCSE site for more information.
http://ncse.com/dont-diss-darwin

The NCSE made fliers and bookmarks containing correct information and the reasons why Ray Comfort is wrong.

While we have been unable to locate the place where the books will be distributed, we think it would be great if we could find them and hand out flyers on the 24th. Students across Canada are mobilizing at Universities where the books are reported to be distributed.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

PGSS update

Hi BGSA Members,

I'm writing to you from beautiful Mac campus with news from the Post-Graduate Student Society of McGill University (PGSS):

CFS REFORM & MEMBERSHIP
The current PGSS VP External has submitted proposals to reform many of the policies and procedures of the Canadian Federation of Students.
At the same time, a petition has been submitted to the PGSS to hold a referendum on whether or not the PGSS should de-federate (i.e. cease to be members of and pay membership fees to) the Canadian Federation
of Students.
More information at: http://pgss.mcgill.ca/EAC/index.html

QUESTIONS FOR PRINCIPAL HEATHER MUNROE-BLUM?
The Principal of the University, Heather Munroe-Blum, will be at the next PGSS Council meeting and be available to answer questions. Council will be collecting questions and choose which ones to ask our Principal. There will also hopefully be time for her to take questions from the floor, if there is time available.
Do you have a question you'd like to ask our Principal? Let us know!


Cheers,

PGSS Councillors for Biology
Jonathan Whiteley
Caitlin Friesen
Michael Noujaim

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Pumpkin carving pictures are up!

Thanks to all who came out to this year's pumpkin carving contest! It was a great success and I'm sure some inter-lab friendships/rivalries have been formed.

Congratulations to the winners!
1st place: Colin Chapman Lab!
2nd place: Rudiger Krahe Lab!
3rd place: a joint effort by members of the Moon/Lasko/Dankort labs!

And a special thanks goes out to Kiyoko and Dragana for organizing the fun event.

Check out the pictures in the BGSA Picasa web album by clicking on the title of this post :)

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Pumpkin Carving contest!!!

It's that time of the year again.... No, we don't mean midterms, turkeys or even fall colours. We mean it's pumpkin carving time!

· Who: You and your fellow lab/office mates
· What: Pumpkin carving contest!!!!!
· When: Tuesday, October 27th at 11:30am
· Where: 4th floor lobby of Stewart Bio
· Why: Because you want to show off you can use the other side of your brain, win prizes and bragging rights and have a good time!

Pumpkins will cost about $6 for a large, ready-to-carve one. Grab your lab or office mates (bonus points if you convince your adviser to help!), any carving materials and lab accessories (no ethidium bromide please!) and let Dragana (dragana.rakic@mail.mcgill.ca) know you want to enter by Friday, October 23.

There will be prizes and bragging rights awarded. Will Abouheif's lab be able to retain their crown? Or will they be toppled by the second place Chapman lab or a team from the shiny, new Bellini building? Come find out on the 27th!!

You can check out pictures here:

See you there!

Cheers
Kiyoko and Dragana

Monday, October 5, 2009

BGSA General Meeting Minutes - September 28, 2009

BGSA GENERAL MEETING - September 28, 2009, 1100, Coffee Room

In attendance: Vincent F., Kiyoko G., Richard F. (secretary, minutes), Lydiane G., Dragana R., Aerin J. (president), Monica R., Caitlin F. (treasurer), Sofia I., Justin M., Ian H., Marie-Julie F., Xavier T-H., Rebecca K., Jonathan W. (vice-president), Michael P., Michael N., Dascha

BUDGET

- We estimate incoming funds for semester based on expected number of students. Estimated $1000 and budgeted accordingly. Budget passed unanimously (18 yeas, 0 nays) @1154

- Budgeted $300 for September orientation and spent $307

- Financial statement with final semester income must be forwarded to PGSS (CAITLIN F.)

ONLINE PRESENCE

- Jonathan W. has been revamping website, adding a blog/newsfeed, photo album and calendar. See http://biology.mcgill.ca/grad/BGSA/index.html

- Are there too many announcements via listserv?

- Discussed adding a weekly digest or a separate opt-in social listserv

- Dragana R: Reminders for specific events via listserv are still useful

- Michael P: status quo is fine; not inundated

- Rebecca K: doesn’t feel inundated

- Jonathan W: probably wouldn’t subscribe to a second list

- Being inundated with BGSA emails is not an issue among people here, but perhaps revisit the topic in the future

- Blog is useful for archiving and for announcing journal club meetings

- An online coordinator is needed to manage subscriptions and manage access to website, blog events advertised in the department and on the listserv (MONICA R.)

VOLUNTEERS TO FILL VACANT POSITIONS

1) New BGSA Councilors

- Lydiane G., Dragana R., Monica R., Justin M., Kiyoko G., Michael N., Dascha

2) PGSS Representative

- Aerin J. advises BGSA her intention to step down from being a PGSS rep, effective immediately and MICHAEL N. will replace her

3) Green Committee Representative

- Rebecca K. will not seek re-election as Green Committee Rep. She is looking for an enthusiastic person to replace her for next year to put ideas into action

- The Green Committee has some great ideas: reducing lab waste, changing recycling scheme, adding composting

FALL SEMESTER’S EVENTS

- MICHAEL N.: planning a dinner for new grad students

- XAVIER T-H.: can run another R workshop this semester, supplemental to and before the “R for all” workshop. Will contact Andy Gonzalez to coordinate

- The MBSU seeks better connection between undergrads and grad students, possibly via an “Introduction to Grad School” type event where grad students discuss their research and pass on their experiences. AERIN J., JUSTIN M., M-J F., and RAJEE R. will coordinate an event with MBSU.

- Jonathan W.: McGill wants to include grad studies in their Open House, which can also introduce undergrads to grad studies

- Aerin J.: a reminder that we can apply for PGSS grants to help fund events (up to $700) though only 20% of the grant can go to food and drinks

TRAVEL GRANT DRAW

- 9 people entered. All are drawn in order in case one declines, it passes to the next person in the list

- The draw: 1) Maryna Lesoway, 2) Richard Feldman, 3) Helen Jensen, 4) Trond Sigurdsen, 5) Tammy Gregg, 6) Kecia Kerr, 7) Suzanne Gray, 8) Inke van de Sluijs, 9) Daici Chen

TA EVALUATIONS

- At the last Biology General Assembly, the faculty noted the absence of TA evaluations and questioned whether they were useful

- Aerin J. confirmed that TA evaluations are important to Grad Students so faculty suggested the BGSA implement the evaluations

- The previous evaluation (paper-based, established by the MBSU) was too complicated and required too much work from the admin to function well

- Michael N.: Possibility of using Scantron?

- RICHARD F. and KIYOKO G. will work on a new system and meet with Laura Nilson (GTC Chair) to get the system up and running

COMPOSTING

- Chase Moser wants to establish composting in Bio Dept and needs help with it

- Some sentiment that the department should be forward thinking on this

- Rebecca K: It’ll be important to establish a composting system in conjunction with the department’s Green Committee. The idea should be presented at a Green Committee Meeting. We should look to Concordia as an example of a successful compositing program

EVENT SIGN-UPS

Pumpkin Carving Contest – Tues Oct 27 – Dragana R., Kiyoko G.

Holiday Party – Lydiane G., Michael N., Kiyoko G., Vincent F., Dascha, Sofia I.; Aerin J. and Jonathan W. will help (** more people needed! **)

Trivia Night – Sofia I., Michael P.

Leaf Trip – Aerin J., Vincent F., Lydiane G.

Curling – Richard F.

Games Night – Morgan B.

Cinema du Parc movie – Morgan B.

Meeting adjourns at 1203.

Friday, September 25, 2009

BGSA Fall Reading Group: Get on your Gaia

Hello reading group aficionados:

Next week's paper asks whether microbes make clouds to help them
get around (and affect the climate in doing so). Regardless of what
the answer might be, the best way to get to Thomson House next
Thursday at noon is probably not-cloud related.

We'll be tackling the question of planetary self-regulation, amongst
other things, at noon in room 406 (Oct. 1).

Hope to see you there.


Spora and Gaia: How microbes fly with their clouds
Ethology, ecology & evolution [0394-9370] Lenton yr:1998 vol:10 iss:1 pg:1 -16

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Subscribe to the BGSA Calendar

If you use a calendar application that supports the iCal format, you can automatically include BGSA events in your calendar, so you'll always know what's being planned and never miss out on the fun!

Instructions:
  1. open your preferred calendar application (iCal, Sunbird, Outlook, etc.)
  2. Use the 'subscribe' command, or equivalent
  3. Copy and paste this url when prompted: http://www.google.com/calendar/ical/mcgillbgsa%40gmail.com/public/basic.ics
Note that you can also include our calendar in your own google calendar: see google's calendar help for instructions.

Friday, September 18, 2009

BGSA General Meeting - Sep. 28, 2009

Monday, September 28, 2009. 11am. Stewart Biology Coffee Room.

Free donuts! Find out what's going on in the department! Get involved! Help organize events!

The current agenda is included below. If you would like to add anything, contact the secretary (Richard Feldman).

AGENDA

  1. WELCOME
  2. RECAP OF SUCCESS OF ORIENTATION AND SEPTEMBER EVENTS
  3. UPDATED BUDGET & FINANCIAL STATEMENT
  4. NEW ONLINE PRESENCE
    1. How best to use Blog, Events Calender, Listserv
  5. VACANT COUNCIL POSITIONS
  6. UPCOMING EVENTS + SIGN-UP TO HELP ORGANIZE

Pumpkin Carving

Christmas Party

Trivia Night

Curling

Ice-breaker Canoe Trip

McGill open house

Other

  1. TA EVALUATIONS
  2. COMPOSTING
  3. NEW BUSINESS
  4. TRAVEL GRANT DRAW
  5. CLOSING REMARKS

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Biology Wine & Cheese

Celebrate a new academic year, meet new members of the department and catch up with old friends!

The BGSA is happy to present a Wine & Cheese reception for all members of the Biology department (faculty, staff & grad students) on Wednesday September 23rd, 4-7 pm in the Thomson House restaurant (downstairs). Wine & Cheese (and a few other snacks) will be provided.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

BGSA Travel Grant ($400) - Sep. 25, 2009 Deadline

If you plan on presenting a talk or poster at a conference in the next 6 months (Sep. 1, 2009 - Feb. 28, 2010), you may be eligible for a $400 Travel Grant from your Biology Graduate Students Association! See the attached form and full policies on the second page for full details.

To apply for this semester's fabulous BGSA travel grant:
Please fill out the pdf form and email or print and return to The BGSA Vice-President before September 25, 2009!

A list of winners will be drawn randomly at the General Meeting on September 28, 2009 (date and location to be announced). Only the person at the top of the list (first name drawn) will be offered the award, but if for some reason that person becomes ineligible or declines the award, it will be offered to the next person on the list, until the award is claimed or the end of the award period (6 months).

Thursday, September 3, 2009

September BGSA Events

Hi everyone,

Just a quick update about some of the upcoming BGSA events for the month of September. Make sure to check out the softball and BBQ event hosted TOMORROW at "the resevoir" across from Thomson House. We're hoping to see new and returning faces out on the field!

September Events:

Friday, Sept 4
BGSA Softball and BBQ - "eat, drink, and play ball"
4-6pm at "the reservoir" across from Thomson House, new AND returning grad students and post-docs

Tuesday, Sept 8
BGSA Information Session - "an introduction to the department" 10-11am at W2/3 C in the Stewart Biology Building, new grad students and post-docs
&
BGSA Lab Tours - "a tour of the department"
11am-noon at W2/3 C in the Stewart Biology Building, new grad students and post-docs

Friday, Sept 11
TH Housewarming Party - "dancing and socializing"
9pm+ at Thomson House, new AND returning grad students and post-docs

Friday, Sept 11-13
BGSA Camping Trip - "last taste of summer"
Gatineau Park, new AND returning grad students and post-docs
E-mail Caolan at caolanko@gmail.com by Monday, Sept 7 if you're interested in coming!

Thursday, Sept 24
BGSA Wine and Cheese - "mix and mingle"
4-6pm at Thomson House, new AND returning grad students, post-docs, and professors

Monday, Sept 28
BGSA General Meeting - "get involved and enjoy free donuts"
11-12:30am in the coffee room next to W4/12 in the Stewart Biology Building, new AND returning grad students and post-docs

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Minimum Funding Level for Graduate Students Revised

The minimum level of support guaranteed to graduate students in the department will be increased to $15,500 per year plus fees, starting next academic year (2009-2010). See below for details.

The Biology department held another Assembly today, where I was asked to report back and present some statistics concerning the minimum level of support guaranteed to graduate students.

First of all, I want to thank all the people who helped collect data for today's presentation, and who came to the meetings and discussions to help me better represent BGSA members. This presentation prompted a lively discussion between graduate students and faculty at the assembly, and raised many issues related to graduate student support. It was evident that there are divergent views regarding whether graduate studies is a career unto itself, or is training in preparation for a higher-paying career afterwards.

Faculty reminded us that grant resources, needed to cover graduate support in the absence of scholarships, are limited, and that in fact NSERC Discovery grants have not only remained the same for decades, but that they are expected to decrease, which means that raising the minimum level of support increases the financial burden on their shrinking grants. Nevertheless, they were sympathetic to the rising costs of living since 2001, when the minimum level of funding was last reviewed.

The department chair, Paul Lasko, put forward a motion that 'the minimum level of support guaranteed to graduate students in the department be increased to $15,500 per year plus fees, starting next academic year (2009-2010)'. The motion passed, with a few abstentions, but no votes opposed.

I also presented some of the other issues not directly related to the minimum level of funding, and received some useful comments that I will pass on here:
- Firstly, it was pointed out that granting cycles typically last around 3 years, which makes it difficult for Faculty to plan sources of funding for the entire duration of a PhD (4-5 years). Nevertheless, a commitment is made to support incoming graduate students according to the department policies (see http://biology.mcgill.ca/grad/gradstudies.html "Fees and Finacial Support - Scholarships and Awards" section for more info), although there may be some uncertainty regarding how much stipend money will be available beyond the current granting cycle.
- Secondly, I was reminded that the department sends us letters (perhaps via email?) outlining the amount of funding we will receive in the upcoming academic year, and what our TA obligations are expected to be. This information is valuable for planning your finances, so look out for it and keep it for your records.

Jonathan Whiteley