ASEAN GSA

Michael Moore Distinguished Speakers Series Lecture Tickets

2007-09-14T10:54:00.001-04:00

The GSA has a limited number of free tickets available for Graduate Students to attend the Distinguished Speaker Series' first lecture by Michael Moore on September 29 at 8pm in Alumni Arena.

Tickets will be distributed at Alumni Arena, not the GSA office, at the following times on a first come, first served basis:

Monday, September 17 from 9am-12pm and 4pm-7pm
Tuesday, September 18 from 9am-12pm
UB ID required, while supplies last.

ASEAN GSA 2007-2008 Officers

2007-09-14T10:42:00.000-04:00

President
Leng Feng Lee
Mechanical Engineering -PhD

Vice President
Tai Boon Tan
Chemical & Biological Engineering - PhD

Secretary
Chin Giaw Lim
Chemical & Biological Engineering - PhD

Treasurer
Lye Theng Lock
Chemical & Biological Engineering - PhD

Senator
Ji Young Yoon
Linguistics - PhD

MDRF Grant Workshops

2007-09-06T12:02:00.000-04:00

JUST A REMINDER!!!

The GSA offers research grants for graduate students in the final stages
of their research. PhD students may receive up to $2000 and Masters
students may receive up to $1000 to help defer the cost of research.

The Fall deadline for applications is September 28 at 3pm in 310 Student
Union (for research that is to be conducted November 1, 2007- October
31, 2008).

If you would like to learn more about this opportunity, or if you have
questions about the application the MDRF Director (John Heberger,
gsa-mdrf@buffalo.edu) will be holding workshops on the following dates:

September 7 at 3pm in 330 Student Union
September 11 at 7pm in 145A Student Union

Michael Moore Ticket Distribution & Annoucenment

2007-09-06T12:00:00.000-04:00

Michael Moore Ticket Distribution Schedule:

The GSA has a limited number of free tickets available for Graduate
Students to attend the Distinguished Speaker Series' first lecture by
Michael Moore on September 29 at 8pm in Alumni Arena.

Tickets will be distributed at Alumni Arena, NOT THE GSA OFFICE, at the
following times on a first come, first served basis:

Monday, September 17 from 9am-12pm and 4pm-7pm
Tuesday, September 18 from 9am-12pm
UB ID required, while supplies last

**************************************************************************

Human Factors and Ergonomics Society

Are you interested in how humans interact with the environment or systems??
Are you interested in Human Factors Engineering or Ergonomics?? Or just
expand your knowledge â?¦

Come join the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES).

HFES is a student chapter of the national organization with the same
name that covers a number of avenues from engineering, psychology,
rehabilitation science, occupational therapy and architecture.

Membership is FREE!!! (thanks to the GSA)

Our first meeting will be held, Friday Sept 14, 2007 at 12:30pm.
Location: 341 Bell Hall (3rd floor conference room)

We will be electing new officers and deciding how to spend our budget of
$500 for 2007-2008. So come and join us, to find out more about our
group or just say Hi! to old friends and have the pizza and drinks that
will be provided.

We look forward to seeing you then!

Sincerely,
Mahiyar F Nasarwanji
President HFES

Events and Important Dates for 2007-2008

2007-09-04T15:01:00.000-04:00

September

Sep. 5th: Senate Meeting
The GSA Senate will be meeting at 7:00pm in 330 Student Union.
Sep. 7th: Java Junction
Free Dunkin' Donuts and Coffee will be available for graduate students in 310 Student Union from 11am to 1pm.

Sep. 7th: MDRF Grant Writing Workshop
3pm in 330 Student Union.

Sep. 11th: MDRF Grant Writing Workshop
7pm in 145A Student Union.

Sep. 14th: Mandatory Officer Training for Presidents AND Treasurers
3pm in 311 Student Union

Sep. 18th: Mandatory Officer Training for Presidents AND Treasurers
9am in 330 Student Union

Sep. 21st: Moondance Cruise
This catamaran cruise on Lake Erie will depart from Erie Basin Marina at 5:30pm with a cash bar on board. Tickets will be available as of August 27th for $5 each at the Sub Board Ticket Office (221 SU).

Sep. 26th: Deadline For Recognition Paperwork
Deadline for recognition paperwork for any club looking to be recognized at the October 3 Senate Meeting.

Sep. 28th: MDRF applications due at 3pm
Applications for research to be conducted between November 1, 2007 and October 31, 2008 are due at the GSA office at 3pm.

Sep. 30th: Deadline For New Officer and Senator Paperwork
Deadline for new Officer and Senator paperwork for recognized clubs.
* * * * * * * * * *

October
Oct. 1st: Deadline for Fall Fee Waivers and the Fall Childcare Scholarships

Oct. 3rd: Senate Meeting
The GSA Senate will be meeting at 7:00pm in 330 Student Union.

Oct. 31st: Deadline For Recognition Paperwork
Deadline for recognition paperwork for any club looking to be recognized at the November 7 Senate Meeting.
* * * * * * * * * *

November
Nov. 7th: Senate Meeting
The GSA Senate will be meeting at 7:00pm in 330 Student Union.

Nov. 28th: Deadline For Recognition Paperwork
Deadline for recognition paperwork for any club looking to be recognized at the December 5 Senate Meeting.
* * * * * * * * * *

December
Dec. 5th: Senate Meeting
The GSA Senate will be meeting at 7:00pm in 330 Student Union. This will be the last meeting to apply for club recognition.

* * * * * * * * * *

Message from GSA President

2007-01-23T15:29:00.000-05:00

Dear Members,

Please find below is an email message from the current INTERIM President.

Sincerely,
Sherene Cheah

* * * * * * * * * * *
Subject: Message from GSA President
Date: Tue, 23 Jan 2007 14:26:21 -0500
From: Stephanie Frank

Dear Fellow Graduate Students:

I would like to take this opportunity to again invite all of you to meet with me to address any questions, comments, or concerns you might have about either myself, the executive board, and/or GSA. Since being appointed president, I have sent several messages out asking students to take advantage of the opportunity to share their concerns and to work with me in addressing issues. To date, not a single senator has contacted me and I find it hard to believe that no one has questions about the transition or ideas for the improvement of GSA.

In today's issue of Generation Magazine, a graduate student reported frustration over the appointment of a president from the same department as the previous president...making the inference that the same issues that plagued last semester's executive board will continue this semester. The statement is highly inaccurate...Aubrey and I are from two completely different departments...we came to know each other only from my work in the GSA and my time served on the Election Committee. Questions were also raised in the article over why certain budget lines were allocated a certain amount of money versus other budget lines. The article points out that only $4000.00 was allocated to international clubs, but what is not mentioned is that the senate itself approved the budget in the April 2006 senate meeting. Additionally, international clubs were actually allocated a total of $8500 with $5500 given to all the clubs that got early recognition and an additional $3000 was set aside for any clubs that did not get early recognition but might apply for recognition at the beginning of the year, or for any new international club that may form.
This example of misinformation and lack of knowledge is exactly why I have been asking for departments and senators to meet with the current Executive Board and discuss problems and concerns. I challenge the student body and the senators not to be passive members of the senate, but rather, to take a personal interest in the affairs of their student government and to learn how policies and procedures are enacted and enforced. Just as it is the responsibility of the executive board to serve the student body to the best of its abilities, it is the senate's responsibilty to question the whole of GSA (be it the executive board or the senate itself), to be active members, and to perform their duties to the best of their abilities as well to ensure that all of the graduate student body is best served.

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please email them to me at rzp@buffalo.edu.

Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter.

Sincerely,
Ronald Piaseczny,
JD GSA President

Newfane Elementary School

2007-01-08T15:21:00.000-05:00

Dear members,
Please read below of a request from an elementary school teacher in Newfane, NY (25.1 miles / about 30 minutes drive) from UB North Campus with regards to seeking out international students to speak at their school's multi-cultural awareness event.

If you are interested, please contact Ms. Ludwig through her email as provided below. If there are several of you who would like to volunteer for this event, we can maybe coordinate a carpool. You can contact me at spcheah@buffalo.edu
* * * * * * * *

Throughout the month of March we will be celebrating multi-cultural awareness at Newfane Elementary School. We are looking for groups that may be interested in coming to share different aspects of their culture with us. If you think that your group might be able to help, please e-mail me at tludwig@newfane.wnyric.org at your earliest convenience. Thank you so much for your time.
Sincerely,
Tammy Ludwig

A message from the Acting President

2007-01-07T19:19:00.000-05:00

From the GSA website

* * * * * * * *
A message from the Acting President:
Greetings fellow graduate students... my name is Ronald Zenon Piaseczny and I have recently been appointed by the GSA to the position of GSA President. I am very honored by the appointment and hope to serve the entire graduate student body to the best of my abilities during my interim presidency.

At this time, I'd like to take a few moments to introduce myself. I attended UB as an undergraduate student from 1994 to 1999 and earned a bachelor's degree in English with a minor in Polish Studies. During that time, I was very active in student organizations and student government. I held various positions at Generation Magazine, was World Music Director at WRUB, was involved with the Polish Student Association, the Literature Society, and other organizations. Also at that time, I volunteered with and served as Chief Executive Officer of UB's former student run and operated ambulance company, Baird Point Volunteer Ambulance Company, Inc. Outside of school, I was very involved locally and interned with various law enforcement agencies, including the NYS Attorney General's Office and the United Stated Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. In May 1997, I had the good fortune of holding a federally appointed position with the United States Attorney's Office here in Buffalo, NY.

Following undergraduate, I attended Widener Law School in Wilmington, DE, where I graduated with my Juris Doctorate. As a law student, I continued to be active not only academically, but also with my school and local community. I served as president of my school's chapter of Phi Alpha Delta as well as the Association of Trial Lawyers of America. In my last year of law school, I was able to take much of the knowledge I learned while interning at the Philadelphia Gay and Lesbian Civil Rights Center and with the help of other passionate and dedicated students created Widener Law School's first ever gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender student organization. Finally, while still in my last year, I worked in the Norristown District Attorney's Office as a Pennsylvania Supreme Court Certified Intern.

Returning to UB in 2003, I completed undergraduate coursework in psychology and political science, earning bachlor degrees in both. At the present time, I am a student in the Counseling, School, and Educational Psychology Department, completing my masters work in Rehabilitation Counseling and starting my doctorate work in Counselor Education. In 2004, I and a colleague founded the student chapter of the Association of Rehabilitation Counselors of America. For the past two years I have served as CSEP's student senator and served on the GSA Election's Committee last year. When not at school or serving my student organizations, I work as a mental health counselor with a local community mental health agency. I have been active in the GSA for some time now and have vast experience and knowledge of student government and organizations. It is my plan to run for president of GSA for the 2007-08 academic year and hope that my time as Acting President will be spent serving the interests of the graduate student body to the best of my abilities and talents.

Again, I'd like to thank the GSA for this opportunity to serve and I look forward to working with you all.

New GSA President

2007-01-07T19:17:00.000-05:00

FYI...

* * * * * * * * *
Dear Senators,

Several of you have expressed concern of the lack of a President of the GSA between now and the next Senate meeting. The current e-board has heard those concerns and have taken the following steps necessary to address your concerns: The chair of the election committee was asked to organize an election for President of the GSA.

In the meantime, there is a need for a GSA President to be in office for several reasons:
1) attend the Graduate School Executive Committee meeting on Jan 25th
2) attend all of the January Sub-Board meetings
3) arbitrate in the senate meeting.

As a result of these reasons, President Elect Ronald Piaseczny was nominated by the e-board and office managers of the GSA to serve as President until the February Senate meeting when an election can be held. You should also be aware that several departmental representatives (CSEP, SPM) expressed the desire to nominate Ronald after the December Senate meeting, as he is running for President in the next term.

To better get to know Ron, please read his statement on the GSA website about his background and qualifications. Thank you for your involvement in GSA!

Sincerely,
GSA e-board

Happy New Year

2007-01-07T19:12:00.000-05:00

A Happy New Year to everyone. I hope that you all had a wonderful holiday season. We have arrived in the year of 2007 where any thing can happen. There's one more week of rest time for everyone before the Spring semester begins. Therefore, enjoy and savor the last few days of winter break!

Grad student money misused

2006-12-08T22:03:00.000-05:00

The Spectrum
Editorials - DECEMBER 8th, 2006
Grad student money misused
GSA is far from closing the books on gross misappropriation of funds

A $230-a-night hotel room, a $500 rental car and gas and a $84 steak dinner: This could have been the bill total for a businessman that just got his holiday bonus check or it could have been an average guy indulging himself after an unexpected raise, but in nobody's wildest dreams would it have been a Graduate Student Association officer using student money for a conference trip turned vacation.

With the resignation of the GSA president, this egregious abuse of student funds has become an exasperating reality.

At a three-day conference in Seattle, GSA President Aubrey Blacom surpassed his $500 spending allowance with fraudulent expenditures resulting in a high-class, all expenses six-day vacation which rung up the bill to nearly $2,200 dollars. He indulged at expensive restaurants making sure to tip anywhere from 20 to 50 percent; he rented a car rather than using the suggested free shuttle and went to put 809 unaccountable miles on that 2006 Chevy and then proceeded to submit all these expenses in paper work in order to get reimbursement.

Was there any thought put into this joy ride?

Despite the reasons and excuses that may be given by the officers in the coming weeks, such offenses raise quite a number of questions about the GSA and the officers that are supposed to honestly run this student organization.

When you're the president of a group, club or organization, it should be a given that you have a well-versed understanding of the policies and rules that can affect you in the job you earned. Executive board members of any club or organization do not have to have every little nuance of policy jargon from top to bottom memorized, but that member should have an understanding of the policies that he or she uses and is held responsible for.

This concept is very simple: if you are planning to go on a trip using GSA funding, wouldn't it be prudent to be versed in the process of reimbursement and what you can and cannot do with organizational funding? Looking at it from this angle, it is hard to give the president the benefit of the doubt. He was either very aware of the offenses he was committing — which means that he was unfit for such power — or he was naively unaware of the policies that directly affect him — which also means that he was unfit for such power.

Not to say that the actions of one individual should signify the character of the whole organization, but this type of situation should provoke a few questions and cause some finger pointing.

Each year most of the GSA office positions are won unopposed, sometimes to the point that they have a hard enough time just trying to fill them all, let alone filling them with worthy candidates. Although a great deal of effort would have to go into such reform, GSA may have to find a way to conquer this lack of concern and student apathy in order to get more qualified people running for positions that need hardworking, trustworthy individuals.

Some light has exposed the misdeed, but the situation is all but illuminated so far. The GSA needs to make sure that no one else is at fault. They need to dig deep with investigation to try to prevent another flagrant abuse of power, because it is definitely not the first incident of student government corruption, and it will surely not be the last either at UB.

GSA President Balcom resigns amidst misappropriation claims

2006-12-08T22:01:00.000-05:00

The Spectrum
Campus News - DECEMBER 8th, 2006
GSA President Balcom resigns amidst misappropriation claims
REBECCA REEVES - Staff Writer

In a heated Senate meeting Wednesday night, Graduate Student Association President Aubrey Balcom, on the verge of being impeached for alleged misappropriation of funds, resigned his position.

The legislative body's actions were spurred by Balcom's recent trip to a conference in Seattle in which he spent $2,177.78 on restaurants, a hotel room and a rental car, among other expenses. The original budget for the trip was approved for only $500.

The reimbursement — $1677.78 over the original budget — was approved by Jillian Flood, GSA vice president (who also attended the conference with Balcom) and Sakeet Varma, GSA treasurer.

According to Balcom, however, the BSA executive board was not the only body to approve the increase in spending money.

"Student Life, Sub-Board, I and the e-board approved it. If there were any questions, someone would've caught it," he said.

Varma said that he regretted his decision to sign the approval.

"I do agree I made a mistake, I don't deny that," Varma said. "But it was an honest mistake. If I could do it again, I wouldn't have signed it."

Varma said he had not reviewed the supporting paperwork—bills and restaurants receipts — before signing it because there had already been an incident that day with two office members, causing him to be rushed in his decision.

"I thought that at that time, getting the paperwork done would be the wisest decision because of the tremendous pressure," Varma said. "I should have not signed it. I should have looked at the receipts, but I put a lot of trust in the president."

Receipts from the trip filed for reimbursement showed that Balcom rented a car for $434.10, plus fuel costs. Balcom also spent $988.20 on a hotel for four days, including $60 in valet parking.

"(Balcom) said he only used Orbitz.com to find a hotel, but we found 25 hotels closer (to the conference) that were only $80 a night," said Andreas Stier, a senator and Physics GSA president. "They allowed themselves to spend the money."

Flood said that she thought that if e-board made a mistake, SBI would pick it up.

"I was under the impression that if something wasn't reimbursable, Sub-Board, I wouldn't reimburse it," Flood said. "I had a receipt for chocolate and I wasn't sure if I should submit it (to Sub-Board, I), but Gena told me they wouldn't reimburse it if it wasn't related to the conference."

Gena Zimmerman, GSA office manager, declined to comment.

"There has been an obvious lack of checks and balances," said Diane Hardy, a senator. "GSA shouldn't pay for vacations."

Flood said that she is considering resigning, but because two signatures are needed for paychecks and other paperwork, she is going to stay for the time being.

"If the students want me to resign, I will," she said. "But only if the senate wants me to resign. I'm going to do what the majority wants."

Varma said at the present time, he does not plan on resigning. He and the other administrators regret the results of Balcom's actions.

Flood believed that the conference was not the only reason students wanted Balcom impeached.

"I do believe had he not made some enemies, this wouldn't be such a big deal," Flood said.

An inquiry committee has been formed to investigate further into the case.

GSA Senate Meeting Outcome

2006-12-07T09:01:00.000-05:00

Dear members,

I am writing to inform you about the outcome of Wednesday's (December 6) Grauate Student Association Senate meeting. GSA President Aubrey Balcom has resigned at the meeting effective immediately, after being accused of embezzlement of the GSA funds.
(Please refer to the letter below, a letter which I formaly sent out to other International Club Presidents and Senators for details of the accusation of misappropriation of funds). I also have a copy of encumbrance form and receipts that were used as evidence, if anybody is interested.)

Throughout the discussion other executive board members were accused of negligence, and although no official action was taken against them (such as impeachment) a committee has been formed to further investigate the matter. GSA will continue to function as before, however, a new president will have to be elected (tentatively in the next semester), while if the formed committee finds it necessary/justified, the current executive board members will have to resign/be impeached and new ones re-elected (also next semester).

The meeting lasted for approximately two hours and sported heated argumentation.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

* * * * * * * * *
(Previous email to International Clubs)

Dear International Club committee members,

I, Sherene Cheah, President of ASEAN GSA am writing to you of a vital problem that currently exists within the GSA. It has come to my understanding that that the current GSA President, Mr. Aubrey Balcom has abused his power as President of the entire graduate student population here in UB. This abuse of power is in the form of money spending - money coming from the graduate student fee which each and everyone one of us has paid to fund departmental, clubs, organizations events, conference and research fundings as well as publication fundings.

Based on proof (funding reimbursement forms, receipts and approval submitted and approved by the current GSA committee members), it appears that Mr. Aubrey Balcom has managed to obtain a reimbursement of $2,177.78 for a 7-days conference in Seattle when the initial encumberance requests form was only appproved for the amount of $500.00. Clearly, the additional $1,677.78 which he received should have remained in the GSA account for legitimate funding requests approved by the Senate and Funding Committee.

This is one of several misappropriations made by the current GSA President.

On behalf of the ASEAN GSA, I appeal to you and your Senators who will be attending this coming Senate meeting on December 6th, 2006 to assist in bringing up this matter with the entire Senate and to help in the impeachment motion which will be put forth.

According to the GSA Consitution listed on page X = 1. Impeachment may be initiated by 2/3 vote of active senate members present (quorum vote)at a meeting; 2. Upon impeachment, a motion for removal from office shall also be considered; 3. When impeachment has been initiated, and while final action is pending, the officer mentioned in these proceedings shall lose the right to exercise any of the duties and powers associated with the mentioned office. (GSA Constitution, p.X)

Proof of documentation of the expenses made and reimbursed to Mr.Aubrey Balcom will be made available on the night of the Senate meeting itself. If you wish to obtain a copy of the expenses report prior to the Senate meeting to go through them with your committee members and Senator(s), you can contact Ms. Catalina Crespo at ccrespo2@buffalo.edu or myself at spcheah@buffalo.edu.

Please also inform your academic department senators of the issue here.

We may be a small number in the GSA organization, but together, I believe that the International Graduate Clubs can make a difference. It is important that we voice such concerns out to the entire Senate. I trust that all of you will do the right thing!

Should you have any further concern or question on this matter, please feel free to contact me at spcheah@buffalo.edu.

Sincerely,
Sherene Cheah
President,
ASEAN GSA

Jingle Jangle Jam

2006-12-04T19:38:00.000-05:00

REMINDER!

The Third Annual Jingle Jangle Jam will be held this Friday, December 8th at Pearl Street Grill & Brewery (76 Pearl St.) from 9pm-1am. Allgraduate students are welcome. OPEN BAR!!! Live Jazz Band, Pizza, Wings& Appetizers. Tickets are available at the Sub Board Ticket Office (221 Student Union)for $7 each, $10 at the door if available. Get your tickets now, space is limited.

Members featured in DL Comemmorative Booklet

2006-11-29T15:31:00.000-05:00

Dear members,

It appears that some of our members were caught on camera and included in the Dalai Lama's Commemorative Booklet. If you have not already checked the website out, take a closer look here!!

Dalai Lama Commemorative Booklets

2006-11-29T15:30:00.000-05:00

Message from William Regan - Director, Special Events

* * * * *
Dear Dalai Lama patrons from the UB community and the community at large –

Two months have passed since the University at Buffalo had the unforgettable opportunity to host several programs with His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama during his visit to campus September 18-20, 2006. Our campus community, and our broader Western New York community, are still talking about this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

To commemorate this landmark event in the history of our university and our region, UB has prepared a two-volume set of impressively photographed journals that vividly document the unforgettable series of events and the rich diversity of people who participated. More than 300 pages capture the experience.

While many of you have already purchased your books via an earlier notice, I am pleased to be able to post a second notice about this exclusive offer to purchase this beautiful limited-edition commemorative two-book set. To preview the boxed-set, please visit the UB home page for the Dalai Lama visit at www.buffalo.edu/dalai_lama. UB’s Office of Creative Services has put together a dynamic display here to give you a wonderful feel for this impressive retrospective ensemble.

UB is only printing a limited number of this commemorative, two-book set. It is priced at $22.95 per set, plus shipping and handling. We will take delivery of the units early next week, and will have them in the mail to purchasers by December 8th, well in time for the Holidays.

At this time, the only way to buy these commemorative books is on-line (through the internet). You can link to the purchase site through the Dalai Lama site listed above.

If any books remain unsold after Monday, December 8th we will make these available for purchase at the University Bookstore (UB North Campus) beginning Monday, December 11. But please do not wait! We do expect these books to sell out; we will not be issuing a second printing.

I hope you, as an attendee of one or many of the ‘Dalai Lama’ events, can take advantage of this exclusive opportunity. If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at wjregan@buffalo.edu.

Thank you for your interest!

Bill

William Regan
Director, Special Events
352 Fargo Quad, Bldg. #4
University at Buffalo
Buffalo, NY 14261-0050
voice: 716-645-6147 ext. 228
fax: 716-645-2801
e-mail: wjregan@buffalo.edu
www.specialevents.buffalo.edu
www.buffalo.edu/dalai_lama

Tibetan GSA - Movie: Windhorse

2006-11-13T15:59:00.000-05:00

Thanks for all your support and time.

Take care,Kunchok

Tibetan GSA

* * * * *
The Tibetan Student Association at UB is sponsoring a one time, special free screening of Windhorse starring Dadon Dawadolma, the singer that gave such an emotional performance at the Albright Knox Art Gallery Gusto at the Gallery Tibet event in September.

It's showing at 6 PM today, (Monday, November 13, 2006) at the UB Student Union Movie Theater on the North Campus as part of International Week.

It's free and open to the public so please spread the word!
It was shown as part of the Tibet in Buffalo Film Festival last Spring.

Here's a link to the story synopsis; About Windhorse / The Story Synopsis

ASEAN GSA & International Education Week 2006

2006-11-13T15:07:00.000-05:00

Dear members,

This is just a friendly reminder to you that this week is International Education Week. There are many events scheduled throughout campus and if you do have the time, do check them out. Our club will be screening a movie, SEPET at the Student Union theatre tomorrow (Tuesday, Nov. 14th) at 6:00p.m. You can read more about the movie we are screening by clicking on the title above or HERE! I hope to see you there!!!

GSA November Happy Hour

2006-11-09T16:18:00.000-05:00

The GSA is hosting its monthly Happy Hour tomorrow, Friday November 10th from 5:30 to 9pm at Mojo's (3148 Main St). We welcome all graduate students to come out for free beer, pizza, wings and Karaoke with Rockin' Robin.

GSA NOVEMBER EVENTS

2006-11-07T09:12:00.000-05:00

GSA NOVEMBER EVENTS

Nov. 3- Java Junction 11am-1pm in 310 Student Union
Free Dunkin' Donuts and Coffee

Nov. 10- Happy Hour at Mojo's (3148 Main St.)5:30-9pm
Free pizza, wings & beer and Karaoke with Rockin' Robin

Nov. 11- Distinguished Speaker Anderson Cooper
8pm in Alumni Arena, Tickets available in 310 Student Union

Nov. 14- Interclipper Digital Workshop
5-7pm in 311 Student Union

Nov. 20- Interclipper Digital Workshop
6-8pm in 311 Student Union

Look for coming events:

Dec. 1- Buffalo Sabres Hockey vs. NY Rangers
Tickets $15 each, 1 per ID
Available Nov. 15 at Sub Board Ticket Office (221 Student Union)

Dec. 8- Third Annual Jingle Jangle Jam
9pm-1am Pearl Street Grill & Brewery (76 Pearl St.)
Open Bar, Jazz Band, Appetizers, pizza and wings
Tickets $7 each, $10 at the door (if available)
Available Nov. 1 at Sub Board Ticket Office (221 Student Union)

Cold Stone Creamery Grand Opening Fundraiser

2006-10-26T15:32:00.000-04:00

Dear Members,

Here is a fun event for ice-cream lovers!!!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Cold Stone Creamery Grand Opening Fundraiser
Saturday, October 28
RESCHEDULED DUE TO OCTOBER STORM

Please join us at the Grand Opening of:
Coldstone Creamery

4110 Maple Road - Plaza Near Sweet Home Middle School
On Saturday, October 28 from 12pm to 11pm

Cold Stone Creamery will generously donate a portion of the sales from that day to the Center's Schooltime Transportation Fund.

The Schooltime Transportation Fund offers a stipend to provide bussing for children at under-served schools to attend Schooltime Adventure Series Performances. As the costs of transportation increase, it becomes more difficult for school districts to fund field trips. The Center offers this stipend to help schools continue to make live performance a part of the students' learning experience.

For more information about Cold Stone Creamery, and to preview the menu offerings, please visit: www.coldstonecreamery.com

Henry A. Panasci Jr. Technology Entrepreneurship Competition

2006-10-26T14:43:00.000-04:00

ATTENTION STUDENT INVENTORS AND ENTREPRENEURS:

Have you always dreamed of owning your own business and working for yourself? Well this is your chance to make that dream a reality! Apply now to enter UB's fourth annual Henry A. Panasci Jr. Technology Entrepreneurship Competition and win up to $50,000 in seed capital and business services.

The Henry A. Panasci Jr. Technology Entrepreneurship Competition (Panasci TEC) was initiated in 2004 and is funded with a $1 million endowment from the late Henry A. Panasci Jr. (former CEO of Fays Drugs)to facilitate and promote the commercialization of UB-generated technologies. It is designed to bring students from science and technology disciplines together with students from the School of Management to launch new businesses in Western New York.

Panasci TEC awards seed money and business services to the teams that present the best plan for the launch of a new business. The winning team will receive $25,000 in seed capital as well as in-kind services, and the second place team will receive $10,000 in seed capital.

As the competition enters its fourth year, we would like to increase participation. We are seeking participants with innovative ideas in the life sciences, technology and engineering industries to partner with current students or recent graduates from the MBA program at the School of Management.

To find out more about how you can become part of a team, please join us at our information session:
October 30, 2006, from 5 - 6:30 p.m. in 205 Alfiero Center

If you would like to learn more about the competition, please attend the information session or contact the Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership at mgt-cel@buffalo.edu or 885-5715 for more information. You can also visit our Web site at http://mgt.buffalo.edu/cel/tec.shtm to complete an application and learn more about the competition, rules and timeline.

Help needed because of the storm

2006-10-26T13:44:00.000-04:00

Subject: Help needed because of the storm

It has been brought to the attention of the GSA that a bunch of WNY agencies need some help as a result of the storm. They need volunteers to work night shifts, but they also need supplies. I (GSA VP-Jillian Flood - jnflood@buffalo.edu) have the contact information for each agency in case anyone is willing or able to help out with volunteering or donations. We're all very busy and trying to restock our own pantries, but I thought I'd at least pass the information of need along. I actually have all this on a paper copy if that's easier... Just thought I'd get the information out there in case anyone can help in any way!

FYI - Walmart is selling sweats for $4-$6 (a great donation!)

- Benedict House 716 834 4940 needs bottled water

- Buffalo City Mission 716 854 8181 needs canned meat, tuna, vegetables, soup, pasta; new men's socks and underwear; help clearing trees

- Compass House 716 886 1351 needs help clearing trees

- Cornerstone Manor 716 852 0761 needs milk, fresh/frozen veggies, lettuce, beef, poultry; coats; boots

- Food Bank of WNY 716 852 1305 needs all types of perishable and nonperishable food

- Gerald Place 716 897 9948 needs milk, meat and other perishable goods

- Harbor House 716 842 4184 neds new socks, towels, coffee, juice and milk

- Haven House 716 884 6000 needs snacks for kids, bread, peanut butter, soup, and arts and crafts for kids

- Homespace Corporation 716 881 4600 needs help clearing trees, milk, eggs, cheese, cereal and juice

- Little Portion Friary 716 882 5705 needs bread, prepared meals, nonperishable foods, blankets, batteries, warm clothing, shoes (men 9-12), bottled water

- McKinley Square 716 835 0970 needs assistance clearing trees

- Paradise House 716 892 2813 needs non-perishable foods, blankets, batteries and warm clothing.

The University at Buffalo Will Reopen on Tuesday, Oct. 17

2006-10-16T15:55:00.000-04:00

News Release

The University at Buffalo Will Reopen on Tuesday, Oct. 17
Resuming all Classes, Operations and Activities

Release Date 10/16/06

The University at Buffalo will resume classes, operations and activities on Tuesday, Oct. 17.

The Town of Amherst driving restrictions have been modified and power has been restored to the campus.

UB is aware that storm damage and power outages still impact significant areas in Western New York and that re-opening will present some challenges. Faculty, students and staff should exercise caution in traveling to and from the campuses. Some area traffic control lights remain out and debris may still be in roadways, particularly in neighborhoods and on side streets. Use of public transportation and car pooling is encouraged to assist in the clean-up efforts underway throughout Western New York. Please be aware that the campuses also continue to recover from the storm and clean-up work is underway.

As is always the case, employees unable to report as scheduled should contact supervisors and students unable to meet academic obligations should be in contact with instructors.

The storm and clean-up could impact some scheduled events at UB for several days; visitors are encouraged to check with campus program sponsors or go to www.buffalo.edu for information. In addition, plans may be made to reschedule campus events postponed by the storm closing. Again, check with programmers or online for updates.

Finally, UB appreciates the understanding and patience of the campus community, students, employees and parents over the past four days. The campus also expresses its thanks to its students, faculty and staff; local communities and government; and out-of-town people and resources that have responded to the storm and aided in the cleanup.

UB to Remain Closed on Monday

2006-10-15T23:05:00.000-04:00

News Release

UB to Remain Closed on Monday -- Announcement Regarding Tuesday Expected Monday Afternoon

Release Date 10/15/06

Respecting the Town of Amherst driving ban, continuing local power outages and the need for additional clean-up efforts in local communities, the University at Buffalo will remain closed on Monday, Oct. 16.

Classes are cancelled, but essential heath, safety, and facilities staff are expected to report as scheduled.

The university will remain in close contact with Town of Amherst and power authority officials throughout the day on Monday with hopes of resuming full UB operations on Tuesday. The decision to remain closed one additional day was made Sunday evening based on the latest information available to the campus.

UB appreciates the difficulties faced by many in the community, including UB students, faculty, and staff over the past few days and hopes an additional day of closing will assist in community and campus restoration of power and storm clean-up.

UB Residence Halls continue to operate with full services, the Student Union remains open, campus shuttle bus service has been maintained, and libraries on the North Campus will be open on Monday following their regular hours.

We hope to provide information about whether UB will reopen on Tuesday by mid-afternoon on Monday. The information will be available on www.buffalo.edu, at 716-645-NEWS and broadcast on WBFO 88.7 FM.

International Education Week 2006

2006-10-12T16:05:00.000-04:00

Dear Members,

Each Fall semester, ASEAN GSA participats in International Education Week organized by the ISSS office. This semester is no exception. ASEAN GSA is proud to present a film screening of ‘SEPET”. Mark the date on your calendar!! The details are as follows:

Date: Tuesday, November 14th, 2006
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.
Venue: Student Union Theatre

Sepet is an artful piece of drama that weaves the themes of Malay-Chinese racial relations and the issue of nationhood within a simple plot of a love story.
The Movie Site : http://www.sepet.com.my
The Director's Blog : http://yasminthestoryteller.blogspot.com

Surface Theme:
A Love That Transcends Racial and Cultural Barriers.

Undercurrent Theme:
The Chinese migrant's story of failed adoption of his new homeland. The struggle of a prototypical economic migrant in his attempt to achieve union with his adopted homeland and the shadow of his past that prevents him from consummating the relationship. The story weaves together an emphatic story about the struggle of a migrant race in Malaysia and their attempt to breakaway, to reinvent themselves, to redefine who they are in relation to their adopted land, beyond the long shadow of history, cultural confines & socio-political lines that force them to take on their limiting identity, roles and ultimately their meaning of existence and destiny.

(Taken from Wiley Chin's website, <http://www.ximnet.com.my/thelab/blog/blog.asp?id=53>)

Echo Newsletter - November Issue

2006-10-11T16:19:00.000-04:00

The November issue of GSA's newsltter, ECHO is out. Get your copy from your respective academic department or the GSA office located at 310 Student Union.

This month's newsletter featured Michele Tan who was ASEAN GSA's former Vice President (2005-2006).

Read all about it!!!

The Echo Write Up

2006-10-03T09:24:00.000-04:00

If you have not already received and read the new newslettter The Echo by GSA, here is an electronic version of the write up on our club.

GSA Newsletter: The Echo
Publication: September, 2006
* * * * *
The Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Graduate Student Association was initially established in UB to foster stronger relationships among students from the 10 South East Asian member countries; Brunei, Singapore, Cambodia, the Philippines, Myanmar, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia.

As stated in the association’s mission statement, the formation of ASEAN GSA was to maintain and share the richness of cultures, from the 10 members’ countries as represented on the association’s logo, to the students at UB as well as the local community.

ASEAN GSA aims to contribute to UB the differences which each country possess particularly in 7 aspects: cultural understanding, friendship, teamwork, leadership, management, love, and peace. The association is also determined to share and promote the understanding of cultural, educational, and ethnic perspectives of ASEAN countries.

Each year, ASEAN GSA participates in UB’s International Education Week held in November. It has been tradition since the formation of the association to organize a screening of film(s) in UB’s International Education Week organized by the office of International Students & Scholars’ Services.

ASEAN GSA showcases films and/or documentaries pertaining to cultural and political awareness of the people of South East Asia. As current ASEAN GSA president, Sherene Cheah (PhD - ELP) asserts , “visual presentations is a powerful medium in getting messages across while at the same time allows the general public to easily associate what is happening in other parts of the world and culture”.

In the past, ASEAN GSA presented a screening of The Will to Live, bringing the filmmaker to UB as well as one of the film’s contributors to discuss the possible range of expressions of humanity in suffering oppression. Past films and docu-dramas shown at ASEAN GSA events are The History Behind Angkor-Wat, I Not Stupid, and Bophana: Prisoner of Khmer Rouge Torturing Chamber.

Today, ASEAN GSA is comprised of a total of 60 members coming from the graduate as well as undergraduate class of UB. Members of ASEAN GSA have been actively involved in activities organized by the GSA as well as other GSA member departments, clubs and organizations. In addition to participation in social activities, ASEAN GSA has been involved in community work such as collection of funds for Tsunami survivors and blood donation drives.

If you are interested in joining ASEAN GSA, please drop an email to Sherene Cheah at spcheah@buffalo.edu. For more information and club updates of ASEAN GSA, please visit their website at: http://ww.aseangsa.blogspot.com

8th UB table tennis club Round Robin tournament

2006-10-03T09:15:00.000-04:00

Dear members,
If you are interested in a game of Ping-Pong... please read the following:

** 8th UB table tennis club Round Robin tournament ***

Drinks will be served for free.

Oct 11, 06 (Wed) (7pm-9 pm) Intermediate-Advanced level
Oct 12, 06 (Thu) (7pm-8:30pm) Women league
Oct 13, 06 (Fri ) (7pm-9pm) Beginner-Intermediate level
Oct 14, 06 (Sat) (2pm-5pm) Intermediate-Advanced level
(Limitation : 16 players in each event)

Registration fee: Free ($0)
Award certificate: first, second, and third place of each group receive award certificate.

Place: Pool room of Student Union (second floor)

How to play in tournament ----------------------------------
All players play each other, so even if you lost, you can still play. Women also welcome to play with guys on the other day, if you do not mind. It is possible to play twice in the same level or different level. If you received 1st or 2nd place in Beginner-Intermediate level, you should play in Intermediate-Advanced level.

How to register? -----------------------------------------
Please e-mail the following info. to: ubtt.club@gmail.com
1) Your name
2) Your department
3) Graduate or Undergraduate student or other
4) Date of tournament that you participate
5) Your gender
6) Your skill level (Professional, Advanced, Intermediate or Beginner)

Professional: Players who can return almost all of serves.
Advanced: Players who can hit balls to the place that you aimed
Intermediate: Players who know more than 3 types of serves.
--------------------------------------------------------

Please visit our brand new website at http://gsa.buffalo.edu/TT

Regards,
Yasuhiro Aoyagi
UB Table tennis club president

GSA Events - October 2006

2006-09-29T16:15:00.000-04:00

Dear Graduate Students,

This month the Graduate Student Association will host:

Oct. 6th- Java Junction
Free Dunkin' Donuts and Coffee in 310 Student Union, 11-1pm

Oct. 20th- Hockey Game
Buffalo Sabres vs. Carolina Hurricanes, 8pm at HSBC Arena
Tickets are $10 each (2 per UB ID card)
Available at the Student Union Ticket Office as of October 2nd

Oct. 28th- Tour of Old Fort Niagara & Wine Tasting
Waterstreet Landing, Leaving UB at 12 pm SHARP!
Tickets are $10 each (2 per UB ID card)
Available at the Student Union Ticket Office as of October 2nd.

HH Dalai Lama

2006-09-21T11:49:00.000-04:00

His Holliness the Dalai Lama at UB's stadium on September 19th, 2006

**Additional photoes can be located on the ASEAN GSA Flickr picture site or on UB's Dalai Lama website (photographs). If you wish to revisit or share the Dalai Lama's speech, you can access them at the same website (videos).

Important Things to know about the Dalai Lama's Visit to UB

2006-09-15T10:34:00.000-04:00

* **Important Things to know about the Dalai Lama's Visit to UB* **

The Distinguished Speakers Series event featuring the 14th Dalai Lama on Sept. 19, 2006 is a huge event for the UB community. Both campuses will be very busy, so read on to prepare for this important day.

Please car pool when possible, arrive early, dress for the weather (the 9/19) performance/lecture will be outside, rain or shine) and please be patient.

**Quick Tips**

· The Visit of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama has two main campus-wide events.

1. Interfaith Service with the 14th Dalai Lama
Mon. Sept. 18, 2006, 4 pm, Alumni Arena (**tickets still available at Alumni Arena Box Office - see hours below-$15)**

2. Distinguished Speakers Series: His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama Tues. Sept. 19, 2006, UB Stadium Pre-lecture Performance (1 pm); Lecture (3 pm) (UB expects up to 30,000 people at this event. **Tickets to this event are sold out)**

· Classes are cancelled on North Campus on Tues. Sept. 19

· The Sept. 19 program will be held rain or shine in the UB Stadium

· Parking and transportation will be restricted on Sept. 19. Parking arrangements (including shuttle passes for off-campus and South Campus parking) must be made in advance. If you have not already done so, visit the Alumni Arena Box Office during the listed hours.

· Tune to 1620 AM within a four mile radius of campus to hear the status of campus traffic. And please be patient.

· Car pool . . . whenever possible. Park your car and do not move it during the day.

· Arrive early . . . – no later than 1 pm but earlier is better, and be seated no later than 2:30 pm

· Security . . . will be heightened. These items will not be permitted in any venues: Large Bags, Weapons, Signs or Sticks, Glass bottles, Duffel Bags, Flags, Voice Amplifiers, Knapsacks, Banners, Noisemakers, Umbrellas, Coolers, Strollers.

· Dress . . .for the weather. The Sept. 19 Dalai Lama performance/lecture will be held RAIN OR SHINE in the UB STADIUM. Umbrellas will NOT be permitted in the stadium so please dress
appropriately.

· Expect delays and please be patient.

PLEASE NOTE:

- Tickets to the Interfaith Service are still available. Visit Alumni Arena Box Office during the hours listed below.**

- As a campus-wide Day of Learning, Sept. 19 will feature many Dalai-lama related events. Visit http://buffalo.edu/dalai_lama/events for a downloadable schedule.

Alumni Arena Box Office Hours
(for Sept. 19 Parking & Shuttle Passes and Interfaith Service tickets ONLY. Tickets to the Sept. 19 Dalai Lama program are sold out.)

Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2006 9 am - 7 pm
Thurs. Sept. 14, 2006 9 am - 5 pm
Fri. Sept. 15, 2006 9 am - 5 pm
Sat. Sept. 16, 2006 10 am-2 pm
Mon. Sept. 18 2006, 10 am - 3:30 pm

For a complete list of TIPS and FAQs for the Sept. 19 Dalai Lama program, visit:
http://www.student-affairs.buffalo.edu/special/dltips.shtml
*Or*
http://www.buffalo.edu/dalai_lama/directions.html

Dalai Lama Tickets Available at GSA

2006-09-12T15:30:00.000-04:00

Dear Members,

For those of you who have yet to get your tickets, here's how to obtain them! Read below.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Dalai Lama Tickets Available at GSA
Date: Tue, 12 Sep 2006 15:07:09 -0400
From: Stephanie Frank
Reply-To: slfrank@BUFFALO.EDU

Dear Students:

There are some tickets available for the Dali Lama in the GSA office (310 Student Union). Please be advised it is one ticket per student ID and they will be distributed on a first come first serve basis.

Tickets are availbale today, Sept 12th until they run out.

Please pass this information along to your department/ club members.

Mark Diamond Research Fund

2006-09-11T10:02:00.000-04:00

The Mark Diamond Research Fund Grant is now awarding up to $1000 for Master's students, and $2000 for PhD students for their thesis/ dissertation research.

Workshops on grant writing procedures and the application process will be held:

Monday, Sept. 11 in 145D SU 12-1pm
Wednesday, Sept. 13 in 311 SU 5-6pm

These workshops are not required, but can be very helpful. You can find the guidelines and application forms in the GSA office (310 SU), or coming soon to the GSA website (http://www.gsa.buffalo.edu)

The first deadline for applications is Friday, Sept 29 (applications must be received in 310 SU by 4pm)

For more information, contact the MDRF Director, Catalina Crespo at ccrespo2@buffalo.edu

Your tickets are HERE!

2006-09-06T21:22:00.000-04:00

Dear Members,

I have your tickets!! To those who have signed up with me to obtain their tickets, please come and get your tickets from me.

Thanks to GSA's event coordinator, Steve Krysty and to all our members who have been actively involved in GSA events - ASEAN GSA was able to secure amazing seats at the Dalai Lama speech event. I was informed that ASEAN GSA tickets have seats allocated really up front and close to the stage. How close and upfront?? We will have to find out on that day itself :)

I want to thank you all for taking the time to read my email reminders on obtaining tickets through ASEAN GSA as well as being so prompt in signing up to get the tickets. THANK YOU!!
You can retrieve your tickets from me at the following place and time.

Thursday, 9/7/06, 1-5 pm 411 Capen Hall
Friday, 9/8/06, 9-1pm 411 Capen Hall

If you cannot make it at the following times or you wish to meet up some other time, please email me and we can work something out. My email is spcheah@buffalo.edu

* * * * *
Some of you inquired about the FREE posters being handed out to students who are lining up to get their own tickets. I was informed that the FREE posters are NOT the commemorative poster of the Dalai Lama as advertised on the website and on the banners (as seen here).
The FREE posters are actually the promotional posters used by the SA office to promote the event. You can see a small version of the poster (in black and white) on the Spectrum newspaper. The really fancy Dalai Lama commemorative poster which many of you think they are giving away free are only on SALE from the UB Dalai Lama website website

* * * * *
I just wanted to remind everyone once again that our club has an up and running website. Should you missed any email(s) (accidentally deleted, forgot to read, misplaced emails, etc.) and/or annoucements, you can retrieve those information from our website. The URL is http://www.aseangsa.blogspot.com. Bookmark it!

Have a great week ahead and an exciting start to a new fall semester.

Sincerely,
Sherene Cheah
President, ASEAN GSA 2006-2007

ASEAN GSA 2006-2007 Officers

2006-08-31T17:48:00.000-04:00

President:
Sherene Cheah
Educational Leadership & Policy - PhD

Vice President:
Tam Nguyen
Computer Science - MS

Secretary:
Alex Brian Ticoalu
Industrial Engineering - MS

Treasurer:
Carl Leung
Finance - MS

Senator:
Aki Niimura
TESOL - EdM

GSA Welcome Back Bash!!

2006-08-31T15:46:00.000-04:00

First GSA event of the year!!

Come join the GSA at Mojo's (3148 Main Street., near South Campus)

Friday, September 1st
6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
for FREE beer, pizza, and wings!

This event is open to all GRADUATE STUDENTS!

Dalai Lama Tickets Updates!

2006-08-30T14:13:00.000-04:00

Dear Members,

GSA has just informed me that ASEAN GSA have secured tickets for the Dalai Lama event on Sept. 19th. All members who have submitted their names to me before August 17th can be rest assurred that you do have a ticket to the event. I will be picking up our tickets soon (within this week) and will send another email to you with regards on how to claim your ticket from me (Sherene Cheah).

For members who did not sign up to obtain tickets to the Dalai Lama speech with ASEAN GSA, you can still obtain a ticket from UB.

Please find below the schedule and venue of UB student ticket distribution. Please note that tickets to the event are free to all current UB students!

Limit of 1 ticket per Student. Valid UB ID required. Tickets will be available at all scheduled distribution sessions.

A free Dalai Lama commemorative poster will be given to the 1st 4,000 students to pick up tickets!

* * * * * * * *
September 19th Dalai Lama Lecture
UB STADIUM
Pre-program: 1:00PM; Lecture: 3:00PM

UB Student Ticket Distribution Schedule
(If you are a law, medical, dental, undergraduate, or MBA student: please consult your student government for details on how to obtain your tickets)

DATE / TIME / LOCATION

September 5th
10am – 7pm - Alumni Arena

September 6th
11am – 3pm - Alumni Arena
5pm – 8pm - Ellicott Food Court

September 7th
11am – 4pm - Harriman Hall
6pm – 8pm - Harriman Hall

September 9th
9am – 12noon - Alumni Arena
1pm – 4pm - Harriman Hall

September 11th
10am – 3pm - Alumni Arena

Welcome back!!

2006-08-28T15:13:00.000-04:00

Dear Members,

A warm welcome back to each and everyone of you to a brand new school year. I believe that many of you have had a relaxing summer break, if not a fairly industrious one.

The 2006-2007 academic year is off to an exciting start with a historic visit from His Holiness the Dalai Lama. ASEAN GSA is not missing out on this event and together with the entire UB community we will be there to witness this special event.

Once again, a big welcome back to UB!!

ASEAN GSA E-BOARD

Dalai Lama Tickets REMINDER

2006-08-14T11:45:00.000-04:00

ASEAN GSA is coordinating with GSA in getting tickets with seats in the same section for members. If you are interested in witnessing and participating in this historic moment with us, please contact Sherene Cheah at spcheah@buffalo.edu to reserve your ticket as soon as possible.

Please send an email to Sherene including your UB person number by Thursday, August 17th, 2006. Each UB student has been allocated one ticket each. If you have any further question(s), please contact Sherene.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama

2006-05-17T19:11:00.000-04:00

This coming academic year, 2006-2007 is an extra special year. Shortly after the start of the new academic year, UB will be hosting a special visitor and speaker in UB's biggest event ever.

While the entire 2006-2007 Distinguished Speaker Series plans have yet to be finalized, a special September 19th Distinguished Speaker event will take place. His Holiness the Dalai Lama will be at UB to address the community on the theme of promoting peace across borders through education. This will be the culmination of a historic three-day visit to Buffalo by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who will receive a SUNY honorary doctorate in humane letters prior to the lecture.

The event details are as follows:
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
UB Stadium, UB North Campus 1:00 p.m.
Program begins 3:00 p.m.

ASEAN GSA will try to coordinate with GSA in getting tickets with seats in the same section for members. If you are interested in witnessing and participating in this historic moment with us, -please contact Sherene Cheah at spcheah@buffalo.edu to reserve your ticket.

If you are interested to learn more of the visit from His Holiness, click on the banner below.

Fw: GSA Announcements

2006-05-11T13:18:00.000-04:00

From GSA: GSA Announcements

1. GSA May -June Events
2. Scholarship for students in the visual and performing arts
3. Fall Conference for Teaching Assistants
******************************************
1.
Buffalo Bison Baseball Game
Dunn Tire Park 275 Washington Street
Friday June 2nd 2006

Food Tent Pre Game band bash 5:30 pm Game starts @ 7:35 pm
Seats on the 3rd base line
Fireworks after the Game!!!
Tickets just $2 dollars at GSA office 310 Student Union 2 per id avail
5/11/2006

*****************
GSA Happy Hour

Mojo's on Main

May 19th 2006 , 6-9pm

Beer, Wings & Pizza

Mix, Mingle & Munch

Schools Out For Summer!!!!

********************************

Watch this Space for exciting Summer Programs from GSA www.gsa.buffalo.edu)

Whirlpool Jet Boat day trip
2nd Annual Moondance Cruise
Movies @ the Amherst Theater
Happy Hours @ Mojo's
Bison Baseball GamesWelcome Back Bash @ Pearl Street Brewery & Grill

**********************
2.
There are two scholarship opportunities available from the Rhode Island Foundation for graduate students in the visual and performing arts who are Rhode Island residents. The deadlines are May 15 and June 9. Further information and application forms are available from the Rhode Island Foundation's website: www.rifoundation.org

3.
TARGET YOUR TEACHING:
Fall Conference for Teaching Assistants

Sponsored by
The Center for Teaching and Learning Resources
Monday - Wednesday, August 21-23, 2006
8:30 - 5:00 p.m.
120 Clemens Hall
Register on-line at the CTLR Web site by August 11, 2006 http://www.buffalo.edu/ctlr

TENTATIVE PROGRAM

MONDAY, AUGUST 21st

8:30 Registration and Coffee
9:00 Welcome
Jeannette Molina, Director
Center for Teaching and Learning Resources
9:15 Common Classroom Problems
Clyde Herreid
SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor
Biological Sciences and
Director, TA Fall Conference
11:45 BREAK
12:00 Lunch with the University Libraries
1:00 Ten Commandments of Effective Teaching
Clyde Herreid
2:45 BREAK
3:00 Micro-Teaching Information
3:15-5:00 Panel Discussion: Troubleshooting Classroom Issues

TUESDAY, AUGUST 22nd

8:30 Coffee and Conversation
9:00 Why Do We Have to Learn This Stuff Anyway?
J. Ronald Gentile
SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor, Emeritus
Counseling, School and Educational Psychology
9:45 Planning a Lesson
J. Ronald Gentile
10:45 BREAK
11:00 Workshops
*Planning a Course/Syllabus
Peter Gold, Associate Dean
College of Arts and Sciences
*Teaching with Technology
Stacy Person
Educational Technology Center
*Critical Thinking and College Students
Christine Tinnesz, Associate Director
Methods of Inquiry Program
12:30 Lunch (on your own)
1:30-5:00 Micro-Teaching Sessions in Small Groups

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23rd

8:30 Coffee and Conversation
9:00 Classroom Assessment & Feedback
Clyde Herreid
10:30 Active Learning Techniques
Clyde Herreid
12:00 Lunch (Pizza Party)
1:00 Workshops
*Internet Resources for Teaching and Learning
Christopher Hollister, Information Literacy Librarian
Undergraduate Library
*How to Construct and Evaluate Multiple Choice Tests
Elaine Davis, Associate Dean for Student Affairs
School of Dental Medicine
*Technology Tools for TAs: Opportunities and Challenges
Richard Lesniak, Director
Academic Services, CIT
Leslie McCain, Educational Technology Specialist
College of Arts and Sciences
2:30 Closing Remarks and Conference Assessment
Register on-line by August 11, 2006
SEATING IS LIMITED!
There is a $35 registration fee for this program. More information is available at the CTLR Web site.
http://www.buffalo.edu/ctlr
NO WALK-INS will be accepted on conference date due to pre-planned group activities.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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ASEAN GSA End of Year & Farewell Party

2006-05-05T22:56:00.000-04:00

A very special thank you to all E-board officers and ASEAN GSA members for your attendance at our annual end of year party. It's been a wonderful year serving you and on behalf of all ASEAN GSA E-board officers, we wish you all a great summer and best wishes.

A very happy and "tummy-filled" looking members smiling for the camera.

Our new ASEAN GSA E-board members for year 2006-2007, Treasurer - Carl Leung and new Vice President - Tam Nguyen.

GSA officers: Steve Krysty and current and Vice President, Jillian Flood mingling with ASEAN members.

GSA: Fundraiser for Free Clinic Reminder

2006-05-05T20:17:00.000-04:00

FROM GSA:

Subject: Fundraiser for Free Clinic Reminder

Just a reminder that we will be having a huge free clinic fundraiser on
Saturday (tomorrow), May 6th!
Please fwd to all your friends!

Just some of the stuff we will be raffling off: $150 to Seneca Niagara
Casino to use at their shops and restaurant!!!
2 Six Flag Passes
Tabletop grill, Kenneth Cole handbags, Puck signed by Jason Pominville,
Autographed photos from the Bills, Buffalo Bisons tickets, Free One
month Membership to Terry's workout and to Bally's Gym, Golf Lesson,
Lasertron passes, and $$$$HUNDREDS in restaurant gift certificates!

!Day after Cinco de Mayo Fiesta!

May 6th, 7pm
Mister Goodbar, 1110 Elmwood Avenue Buffalo, NY 14222

Lots of Games! Let's get a graduate/professional student tourny going!
Lots of Singles looking to meet New People!

7PM Mexican food potluck, followed by pizza

Drink and be merry while supporting a great cause! $5 at the door gets
you free beer and also supports the Lighthouse Free Medical Clinic,
serving the uninsured of East Buffalo.
Raffle tickets $1/1 or $5/10

End of YEAR Farewell/Appreciation Party

2006-05-01T08:40:00.000-04:00

Dear Members,

Today, is the last day of classes here at UB and I know that many of you are preparing for your finals as well as rushing to get your final papers/assignments complete. Some of you are graduating and some will be returning next year.

Part of the ASEAN GSA tradition is the annual end of year party that allows all members to come together celebrating the end of the school year and to recognize those who are leaving us.

Therefore, please join us this Friday in making our final event of the year a memorable one. The details are as follows:

Date: Friday, May 5th, 2006
Time: 5:00 PM
Venue: 331 Student Union (It is the room behind the GSA office. In case you feel you may get lost or a little disoriented, go to the GSA office and ask)
Food: All food are catered from Wegmans (there will be vegan items for our vegan friends)

RSVP: To ensure that we have enough food for everyone, please send an email to aseangsa@hotmail.com. Please RSVP by Wednesday, May 3rd - 11.59PM

I hope to see you all there, come hungry and good luck in your finals!!

Sincerely,
Sherene Cheah
President
ASEAN GSA

GSA Jobs and S. Campus office

2006-04-24T10:28:00.000-04:00

Subject: GSA Jobs and S. Campus office

1. South Campus office now open at the Health Sciences Library at Abbott
Hall room 200, follow signs. Tuesdays and Fridays 9-4

2. The Graduate Student Association has two jobs available beginning
ASAP. We have already received two resume's for the positions and are
looking to get all of our services up and running for students ASAP.

All positions require attendance to the GSA Senate meetings and
Executive Staff meetings. All positions are paid on a monthly stipend
basis. The workload will vary with ongoing projects but the average
time commitment is 10 to 15 hours per week.

Applicants should send their resume/ vita and a cover letter explaining
their interest in the position to the GSA office, SUNY Buffalo, 310
Student Union, Box 502100, Buffalo, NY 14260. The deadlines for all
applications is April 25th, 2006.

Editorial Service Director
GSA provides FREE Editorial Assistance Program to help graduate
students improve the quality of their papers and dissertations.
Editors can help students with grammatical errors, sentence structure,
organization, and other writing techniques. The service requires
students to drop off printed versions of their papers; notifications
for pickups of edited papers are promptly sent via email once a paper
is edited. Turnaround times vary according to the length of the paper
submitted.

Editors do their best to meet deadlines if any, but that should be
treated as a courtesy rather than a binding on the editors. Time
permitting, editors can also occasionally set up appointments and
clarify doubts that students may have.

Please note that editors cannot, in general, be asked to provide much
assistance with content due to their unfamiliarity with the subjects
of most papers they edit. This program should not be intended to
substitute for thesis guidance or a structured teaching program.

Editors cannot be held responsible for omissions, errors or delays
since this is not a paid professional service and editors, who are
also UB graduate students, are not obliged through any contract to
other students directly for their services. However, we assure you the
editors maintain the highest professional conduct and are open to
suggestions. Please be nice and patient to editors and help the GSA
run this service professionally for everybody's best interests.

Applicants for this position should have excellent editing skills as
well as communication skills.

The position is paid on a per diem basis.

Mark Diamond Research Fund Director.
The Mark Diamond Research Fund (MDRF) is looking for a graduate
student to serve as Director of this grant-making program of the
Graduate Student Association. The MDRF provides grants to graduate
students to support thesis and dissertation research, and receives its
funds from the GSA and the Graduate School of the College of Arts and
Sciences. For detailed information on the program, see
http://www.gsa.buffalo.edu/funding.html.

Applicants for this position should be organized, have strong writing
and evaluation skills, demonstrated leadership abilities for running
workshops and grant meetings, and excellent interpersonal
communication skills. The position requires 10 hours a week, which
includes six scheduled office hours and four additional hours (with
occasional requirements of additional hours during peak activity for
the program). The MDRF Director is responsible for promoting the
program, scheduling and conducting workshops, meeting and
corresponding with prospective grant applicants, processing grant
applications for three annual MDRF grant cycles, recruiting MDRF
council members to review applications, scheduling and running the
council meetings, preparing all notification letters to applicants,
and supervising all procedures related to administering the program.
This 12-month position pays $6500.

This is a particularly exciting opportunity for students interested in
gaining experience in the field of grant writing and grants
administration. Interested students should send a cover letter and
resume by April 25 to: GSA office, SUNY Buffalo, 310 Student Union,
Box 502100, Buffalo, NY 14260. Drop off your information in 310 is
you prefer.

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GSA Announcements

2006-04-20T09:42:00.000-04:00

Subject: GSA Announcements

1. TODAY. Biosciences Journal Meeting ( attachment)
2. Only 35 Connan O'Brien tickets left at GSA
3. Input on Distinguished Speakers Series

*****************************************
1.
All UB graduate students are invited to attend an organizational meeting
for the GSA-funded BioSciences Journal, "BIOLOGUE." Biologue will
communicate advances in the biological sciences at UB and in WNY, and
highlight bioscience news from afar that is of interest to the UB and WNY
communities.

ALL MAJORS DESIRED! Students with various skills are encouraged to participate: Publishing, Writing, Technical Communication, Editing,Marketing, Business, Advertising, Graphic Arts, etc. A diverse cross-section of UB majors is also desired - students not only from fields related directly to biosciences, but those with perspectives on the social,legal, economic and historical impact of biological sciences should be represented.

The meeting is planned for Thursday 20 April 2006, 6:00 pm in Farber Hall Room 136, South Campus.

The attached flyer (MS Publisher document) announces the meeting and provides an agenda. Please forward the flyer to all of your club members and/or print and post the flyer on your local bulletin boards. We look forward to seeing you there!
Thank you kindly.
Lana Burl
President, Exercise & Nutrition Sciences GSA
SUNY University at Buffalo
Buffalo, NY 14214
lanaburl@buffalo.edu

2.
GSA has 35 tickets left for the Conan O'Brien speech this Saturday night. They are one per ID and will be given out "first come, first serve".

3. Please send us you input on these speakers. Thanks

1. Jean-Michael Cousteau
2.Queen Latifa
3.Sandra Day O'Connor
Ben Stein vs Al Franken
Bill OReilly vs Bill Mahar
Maxine Hong Kingston
Spike Lee
Dan Brown
Dave Barry
Hanan Asharwi
Jk Rowling
Jon Kleese
Sally Ride
Ken Burns
Jonathon Stroud
Talk Sex with Sue Lady
Neil deGrasse Tyson

The numbered speakers were our top choices, the rest are in no order of significance.

GSA South Campus Satellite Office

2006-04-12T22:29:00.000-04:00

OFFICE HOURS WILL START AS OF TUESDAY, APRIL 18

GSA South Campus Satellite Office Has Arrived!!!!

Graduate Students now have the option to stop at the Health Science Library
to conduct any business they would normally conduct on North Campus.

The office is in the iPrint at UB room to the right when you walk into the
library.

Office Hours are Tuesday and Friday from 9am to 4pm.

You can do all of the following (and more) at the office:

- Drop off receipts
- Pick up forms
- Submit funding requests
- Pick up tickets to GSA events

Anything you need from GSA can be processed at the Satellite Office!!!

GSA website: www.gsa.buffalo.edu

Tonight Tibetan and Buddhist Law is subject of Class!

2006-04-05T12:32:00.000-04:00

Tashi Delek!
Tonight Professor Rebecca French from the UB Law School will discuss Tibetan and Buddhist law in Knox Lecture Hall from 7:00 PM to 9:40 PM as a guest lecturer for the Tibet: Myth and Reality course.

This should be very interesting. Please try to attend!

Sincerely,
Martin McGee

GSA Elections on 5th, 6th and 7th of April

2006-04-04T18:26:00.000-04:00

Subject: GSA Elections on 5th, 6th and 7th of April

Reminder:
________

The GSA 2006-2007 Elections for the President, Vice President and
Treasurer are on the 5th, 6th and 7th of April, 2006.

The candidates for the above posts are :

Candidate for President: Aubrey S. Balcom
Candidate Slogan / Brief Statement:" Experienced, Dedicated and
Committed, Getting things done for Grad Students!"

Candidate for Vice President: Jillian Flood
Candidate Slogan / Brief Statement:"I am Flooded with ideas to improve
GSA !! As incumbent VP, I am better able to dedicate my time in office
to continuing to improve GSA at our local level as well as nationwide."

Candidate for Vice President: Xiaojun (Gene) Shan
Candidate Slogan / Brief Statement:"I am committed to serving all
graduate students and drawing international students to GSA activities."

Candidate for Treasurer: Saaket Varma
Candidate Slogan / Brief Statement:"A friend you can trust on,
accountableto and approachable by every graduate student."

REMEMBER TO BRING STUDENT ID CARD.

The timings and venues for the elections are as follows:

Wednesday (April 5th, 2006): 9:00 am to 5:00 pm - Student Union Lobby,
North Campus.

Thursday (April 6th, 2006): 9:00 am to 12:00 pm - Student Union Lobby,
North Campus.

Thursday (April 6th, 2006): 12:30 pm to 4:00 pm - Harriman Hall, South
Campus Campus.

Friday (April 7th, 2006): 10:00 am to 4:00 pm - Harriman Hall, South
Campus Campus.

Thanks,
GSA Election committee.
_______________________________________________________________________

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GSA Announcements

2006-03-19T23:36:00.000-05:00

1. Thai Festival

2. Bi-annual journal in biomedical sciences

*******************************

1.Thai Food Festival 2006

April 10th, 2006

5:30-7:00pm

Social Room (Flag Room), Student Union

Ticket: $7 (Food, performances, lucky draws), available at SBI Ticket
office (2nd Floor, Student Union)

2.
Dear Graduate students,

I am writing in to inform all the graduate students about a new bi-annual periodical in biomedical sciences which is sponsored by the Graduate student association.

This bi-annual journal in biomedical sciences will be a peer reviewed periodical which will print scientific review articles from the graduate students from various bio-medical sciences related departments in the university at Buffalo and from other American universities.

A few of us students are planning to meet up this Friday 17th March 2006 in the south campus to form an editorial board of five members. There would be a lot of other details and ideas that will be shared during this meeting. Amongst other things to discuss, we also plan to come up with a name of the periodical.

If any of my fellow graduate students feel that they would like to contribute to this periodical, please do send me an email. I will let you know about the timing and place where we plan to meet.

Hope to hear from you all and thank you for reading this msg.

Cheers
Saaket Varma
Graduate Student
Svarma2@buffalo.edu
Dept. of Biochemistry
SUNY at Buffalo

Nomination for next year's GSA Distinguished Speaker

2006-03-19T22:38:00.000-05:00

Subject: Nomination for next year's GSA Distinguished Speaker

Hello Senators and Presidents,

GSA is considering the ballet for the next year's GSA Distinguished Speaker
now. Please help us to choose the proper speaker by nominating you favorite
lecturers.

If you have a specific speaker in mind that you desire to see next year at UB, let us know and the next GSA choice DDS speaker could be your choice!

You can nominate multiple speakers. You can either come up with your own choices or pick up names from the list we provide here (Please find the two speaker lists from the attached files).

Please email the Names and the Categories/Titles of the speakers you choose back to GSA communication director Catalina at ccrespo2@buffalo.edu by Wednesday, March 22.

Thanks
Jun Xu
GSA president

GSA 2006 Election announcement

2006-03-19T20:35:00.000-05:00

Dear Graduate students,

On 5th -7th of April 2006, we will have the GSA elections to fill the
offices of the President, Vice President and Treasurer for the following
academic year.

In order to choose the right people into office and ensure that your
mandatory fee is spent properly, we urge you to take an active interest
in the forthcoming elections.

In this regard, those of you who are interested to run for offices and
have already attended at least one senate meeting this year should
remember to file their statement, petitions and budget by the 21st of
March 2006, 4:30 pm in the GSA office 310 Student Union. Also be aware
that you would have to attend the mandatory meeting on the 20th of March
2006, 6:30 pm, if you have not already attended one of the two earlier
meetings.

For others who do not want to run for offices, please make the elections
successful by excercising your voting rights and ensuring that the
candidate of your choice is elected into office.

The Election Committee would also like to remind the clubs (all
departmental, international and special interest clubs) not to endorse
any candidate either through their list-serves or through club meetings.
In case such endorsement is brought to the notice of the Election
committee, the candidate will be disqualified from the elections and the
concerned club might be penalised.

Finally, we need VOLUNTEERS to man the booths on the day of the
elections. Refreshments (Lunch, snacks, beverages) will be provided.

For further queries please contact the ECC pguha@buffalo.edu

Election Committee
Graduate Student Association.
______________________________________________________________________

Thanks
Election Committee

Annoucement from Tibetan GSA

2006-03-10T11:40:00.000-05:00

Subject: 10th March "The 47th commemoration of the national uprising of Tibet"

Dear Friends,

Today, March 10th (Tibetan National Uprising Day), Tibetans and their supporters commemorate the fateful day in 1959 when Tibetans rose up against China's illegal invasion and occupation of their country. Chinese troops responded with brutal force and on March 17th the Dalai Lama and members of the Tibetan government were forced to flee to India. In the months that followed the uprising, tens of thousands of Tibetan men, women and children were massacred and imprisoned.

I have forwarded you another mail before this which is a letter sending to Hu Jintao, Chairman of the Chinese Communist Party for requesting to solve Tibet's issue. I am requesting you all to think about it seriously and if you feel like, then support us by sending this letter today.

Here I am sending y ou His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama's statement on this important day which he releases every year on this day all around the World. Please please take 10mins out of your busy schedule and read this important statement. I am sure you will learn alot of new and interesting views of His Holiness which he shares every year with everybody through this statement. So, check this out!!!!!!!!!

Thank you so much for all your kind support, precious time and
understanding.
Have a wonderful spring break!

Kunchok Youdon
UB

* * * * * * * * * *

Statement of His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the 47th Anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising Day

Today, as we commemorate the 47th anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising Day, I extend my warm greetings to my fellow Tibetans in Tibet and in exile, as well as to our friends around the world. I also pay homage to the brave men and women of Tibet who have sacrificed their lives, and who continue to suffer, for the cause of Tibetan people.

From around 1949, Tibet had witnessed a series of unprecedented events, marking the beginning of a new era in its history. As stated in the documents, the issue of Tibet was purportedly decided in 1951 through an agreement between the central and local governments, taking into consideration the special status of Tibet and the prevailing reality. Since then, I have made every possible effort to secure implementation of the policy to allow self-rule and genuine autonomy to Tibetans within the framework of the People's Republic of China, thus helping to create conditions for our people to coexist in harmony and unity as a member of the big family of the Chinese nation.

In 1954-55, I visited Beijing as a representative of the Tibetan people. I took the opportunity of that visit to discuss the future of the Tibetan people with Chairman Mao Zedong and senior leaders of the Party, government and military. These discussions gave me a lot hope and reassurances. So I returned to Tibet with optimism and confidence. However, from late 1955 ultra-leftist excesses began to assail parts of Tibet. By 1959, the whole of Tibet was plunged in deep crisis. As a result, I and over a hundred thousand Tibetans were compelled to go into exile. We have been in exile for 46 years now.

Sometime in 1974, we formulated the basic principles of our Middle Way approach for resolving the issue of Tibet, trusting that a time must surely come when we would have the opportunity to engage in talks with the Chinese leadership. In 1979, we were able to interact directly with the leadership in Beijing. At that time, Deng Xiaoping said that "except for independence all issues could be resolved through negotiations." Since then, I have pursued the Middle Way approach with consistency and sincerity.

I have of course made criticisms whenever I saw unbearably sad developments in China, Tibet and the world over. But my criticisms were confined to addressing the reality of each individual case. I have never departed from my commitment to the Middle Way approach at any time and in any given circumstance. This is clear to the world. Unfortunately, Beijing still seems unable to overcome doubts and suspicions regarding my intention; it continues to criticize me of nursing a hidden agenda of separatism and engaging in conspiracy to achieve this.

Since the re-establishment of direct contact between us and the People's Republic of China in 2002, my envoys and the Chinese counterparts were able to engage in a series of frank and extensive discussions during which they were able to explain each other's position. This kind of discussion, I hope, will help to clear the doubts and suspicions of the People's Republic of China so that we can move on to settle the differences in our views and positions, and thereby find a mutually acceptable solution to the issue of Tibet. More particularly, in the fifth round of talks held a few weeks ago, the two sides were able to clearly identify the areas of major differences and the reasons thereof. They were also able to get a sense of the conditions necessary for resolving the differences. In addition, my envoys reiterated my wish to visit China on a pilgrimage. As a country with a long history of Buddhism, China has many sacred pilgrim sites. As well as visiting the pilgrim sites, I hope to be able see for myself the changes and developments in the People's Republic of China.

Over the past decades, China has seen spectacular economic and social development. This is commendable. The Tibetan areas have likewise seen some infrastructural development, which I have always considered positive.

Looking back at the past five decades of China's history, one sees that the country saw a great many movements based on the principles of Marxism-Leninism. That was during Mao's era. Then Deng Xiaoping, through "seeking truth from facts", introduced socialist market economy and brought huge economic progress. Following this, based on his theory of the "Three Represents", Jiang Zemin expanded the scope of the Communist Party of China to include not just the peasants and workers, but also three other elements, namely the advanced productive forces, the progressive course of China's advanced culture, and the fundamental interests of the majority. Today, President Hu Jintao's theory of "The Harmonies" envisages peaceful coexistence and harmony within China, as well as with her neighbours and the international community. All these initiatives were undertaken in accordance with the changing times. As a result, the transition of political power and the development of the country have continued unabated. And today China is emerging as one of the major powers in the world, which she deserves considering her long history and huge population.

However, the fundamental issue that must be addressed is that in tandem with the political power and economic development, China must also follow the modern trend in terms of developing a more open society, free press and policy transparency. This, as every sensible person can see, is the foundation of genuine peace, harmony and stability.

Tibetans—as one of the larger groups of China's 55 minority nationalities—are distinct in terms of their land, history, language, culture, religion, customs and traditions. This distinctiveness is not only clear to the world, but was also recognized by a number of senior Chinese leaders in the past. I have only one demand: self-rule and genuine autonomy for all Tibetans, i.e., the Tibetan nationality in its entirety. This demand is in keeping with the provisions of the Chinese constitution, which means it can be met. It is a legitimate, just and reasonable demand, that reflects the aspirations of Tibetans, both in and outside Tibet. This demand is based on the logic of seeing future as more important than the past; it is based on the ground realities of the present and the interests of the future.

The long history of the past does not lend itself to a simple black and white interpretation. As such, it is not easy to derive a solution from the past history. This being the case, I have stated time and again that I do not wish to seek Tibet's separation from China, but that I will seek its future within the framework of the Chinese constitution. Anyone who has heard this statement would realize—unless his or her view of reality is clouded by suspicion—that my demand for genuine self-rule does not amount to a demand for separation. The convergence of this fact with a gradual progress in freedom, openness and media will create conditions, I hope, for resolving the Sino-Tibetan problem through negotiations. Therefore, I am making every effort to perpetuate the present contact and thus create a conducive atmosphere.

The Kashag of the Central Tibetan Administration has made a number of appeals to Tibetans and our international supporters to work toward the creation of a conducive environment for negotiations. Today, I would like to emphasize that we leave no stone unturned to help the present process of dialogue for the resolution of the Sino-Tibetan problem. I urge all Tibetans to take note of this on the basis of the Kashag's appeal. I make the same request to Tibet supporters and those sympathetic to the Tibetan people.

By the same token, I would like to tell the People's Republic of China that if it sees benefit in sincerely pursuing dialogue through the present contact, it must make clear gestures to this effect. I urge the Chinese leadership to give serious thought to this. A positive atmosphere cannot be created by one side alone. As an ancient Tibetan saying goes, one hand is not enough to create the sound of a clap.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation and gratitude to the international community for their consistent support to us. I would also like to express once again the Tibetan people's appreciation and immense sense of gratitude to the people and the Government of India for their unwavering and unparalleled generosity and support to us.

With my thoughts on the situation and feelings of the Tibetans inside Tibet, I pray for all of them. I pray also for the wellbeing of all sentient beings.

The Dalai Lama
10 March 2006

"Kundun" and the Tibet-in-Buffalo Film Festival

2006-03-07T17:34:00.000-05:00

Dear Friend of UB -
This is a (another) friendly reminder that the Tibet-in-Buffalo Film Festival kicks off this Thursday, March 9 at 7:30 pm at the Market and Arts Centre, 639 Main St., Buffalo with Martin Scorsese's landmark film "Kundun" (1997). It tells the story of the Dalai Lama's struggle to rule a nation from which he was forced to escape in 1959. Bruce Jackson, SUNY Distinguished Professor and organizer of the Buffalo Film Seminars, will introduce the film and lead a discussion following the screening.

UB is organizing the seven-part Tibet-in-Buffalo Film Festival in conjunction with the visit by His Holiness in September. The series will present a mix of feature and documentary films to provide a variety of cinematic perspectives on Tibet. Details about the films, which will be shown at 7:30 p.m. March 9, 23 and 30 and April 6, 13, 20 and 27, are available at http://www.buffalo.edu/dalai_lama/events.html

Ticket prices are $5 for adults and $2.50 for students. Series tickets are available for $30 and $15, respectively. A commentator will introduce each film.

A press release about the film series is available at http://www.buffalo.edu/news/fast-execute.cgi/article-page.html?article=77470009

We hope you can join us Thursday evening at the Market Arcade.
William Regan
Director, Office of Special Events
Co-Chair, Dalai Lama Visit Steering Committee
University at Buffalo
352 Fargo Quad, Bldg. #4
Buffalo, NY 14261-0050
Voice: (716) 645-6147 ext. 228
Fax: (716) 645-2801
E-mail: wjregan@buffalo.edu
Web: www.specialevents.buffalo.edu
www.buffalo.edu/dalai_lama

GSA Fat Tuesday - Mardi Gras Party

2006-02-28T23:53:00.000-05:00

MDRF Panel members needed

2006-02-28T22:51:00.000-05:00

MARK DIAMOND RESEARCH FUND - PANEL MEMBERS NEEDED!

MDRF grant applications are reviewed by a panel of graduate students.
The panel meetings for the Spring 2006 applications will take place on
March 21 and 22, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. 12 panel members are needed - six
for each day. Each panelist receives several complete application
packages to review, as either primary reviewer or secondary reviewer,
as well as the abstract and budget pages for the remaining
applications being reviewed that day. Your commitment would only be
for the one day (and of course the time to read and evaluate the
applications before the meeting).

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN SERVING ON THE PANEL, PLEASE FILL OUT THE
FORM BELOW AND EMAIL TO LISA HAYES, DIRECTOR OF THE MDRF AS SOON AS
POSSIBLE. Lhayes2@buffalo.edu.

MDRF SPRING 2006 - PANEL INTEREST

Name ______________________________

Email _____________________________

Department___________________________

Program: Masters _____ PhD _____

Indicate below your availability. If you are available both days,
please check both, and I will let you know which day you will be
needed.
Available March 21 (9 a.m. - 12 p.m.) ________
Available March 22 (9 a.m. - 12 p.m.) ________

Have you served on the MDRF panel before? Yes ____ No ____

Other experience with grant applications?

Co-sponsorship decision

2006-02-28T08:52:00.000-05:00

Decision has been reached. ASEAN GSA will commit to co-sponsoring THAI GSA's event with an amount of $50.00. Encumberance form for GSA will be prepared by Sherene & Pauline.

Request for co-sponsorship

2006-02-27T16:03:00.000-05:00

We have received a request for co-sponsorship of THAI GSA's upcoming event. Ii is recommend that our club commit to the same amount we did last year which was $50.00. Decision pending committee's feedback.

Early Club Renewal & Recognition

2006-02-17T16:05:00.000-05:00

Our club has just received a memorandum from GSA with regards to our ASEAN GSA's early club renewal and recognition for the following academic year, 2006-2007. Treasurer, Pauline has received the paperwork. The deadline for submission of paperwork is Wednesday, March 22nd at 4:00 p.m.

GSA February events...

2006-02-06T16:10:00.000-05:00

February 11th:
Brokeback Mountain @ The Amherst Theater 4pm
Free tickets available Feb 3rd @ GSA 310 SU 2 per id grad only

February 17th:
Java Junction 11am-1pm 310 Student Union
Free Coffee and Donuts for grads, Come in say hi meet the staff

February 28th:
Mardi Gras Party @ Pearl Street 9-12am, 76 Pearl Street
Come celebrate Fat Tuesday with GSA Open Bar, Music and Snax. Give Aways & Fun Tickets $ 7 dollars each. Limit 2 per id Grads only! Available Sub Board Ticket office Feb. 1st A Great Party after the Parade on Chippewa
Don't miss out!!

University Council Elections Announcement

2006-02-01T21:50:00.000-05:00

Subject: University Council Elections Announcement

Dear Senators and Presidents,

Please pass along this important announcement about University Council Elections to your students. Thanks!

The University Council Elections are to be held online Mar 20-22. The deadline for petitions is Monday February 27. This is to elect the only student representative in the University Council. Any interested grad students should come to GSA office, 310 Student Union, to pick up copies of University Council Roles and Responsibilities, University Council Election Rules and Regulations, Election Timeline, and the petition form.

Electronic copies of the University Council Roles and Responsibilities & University Council Election Rules and Regulations are also available at GSA's website (http://www.gsa.buffalo.edu )starting Friday, Feb 3rd.

Sincerely,
Jun Xu
GSA President

New Semester & Gender Inst. Film Festival

2006-01-17T10:47:00.000-05:00

Welcome back to a new Spring 2006 semester. I hope that everyone had a wonderful and relaxing holiday. To kick off the new semester, here's an invitation to UB's Gender Institute Film Festival which begins this Thursday. Here's the annoucement from them:

- - - - -
The Institute for Research and Education on Women & Gender (or the Gender Institute) at UB will hold its 10th International Women's Film Festival beginning this Thursday, January 19th, 2006. The films, shown at the Market Arcade, will be by and about women. We hope to see many of you there!

Best,
Gender Institute's Fim Festival Steering Committee Members

- - - - -
SCHEDULE (All films begin at 7pm)

January 19th: The Holy Girl/La Nina Santa. Lucrecia Martel. Argentina
January 26: Red Doors. Georgia Lee. USA, 2005, Color, DVD. English/ChineseFebruary 2nd: The Journey/Sarcharram. Ligy Pullappally. India/USA
February 9th: The Syrian Bride. Eran Riklis. Israel-Syria
February 16th: Take My Eyes/Te Doy Mis Ojos. Icíar Bollaín. Spain
February 23rd: Electric Shadows / Meng ying ton nian. Xiao Jiang. China

For the last night of the festival, March 2, 2006, we will feature short films by UB graduate students & women from Western New York.

After the screening, we will have a reception celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Gender Institute's International Film Festival -- all grads are invited to celebrate with us!

For more information about the festival, go to http://www.genderbuffalo.org for trailers, reviews, stills, and links to each film's theatrical website.

Season's greetings...

2005-12-20T11:22:00.000-05:00

Dear members,

Have a wonderful holiday break. To those who are celebrating Christmas, a very Merry Christmas wish to you!! To those who are travelling around the holiday season, have a pleasant and safe journey ahead and warm greetings! Lastly, a Happy New Year seasons' greetings to all and we will see you in the new year, 2006!!

International Education Week 2005

2005-10-19T16:11:00.000-04:00

We have just received confirmation from Eric Commins of ISSS with regards to IEW 2005. It is a go and our club will be showing a documentary provided by Vida on Khmer Rouge. Please find below information to the event:

Wednesday, 11/16/2005

“Autobiography of Bophana – Prisoner of Khmer Rouge Torturing Chamber”

The documentary depicts the life of Hout Bophana, a young woman enslaved and killed at Touls Sleng S21, a Khmer Rogue detention center. This documentary chronicles the life of this heroine from the start of civil war in 1970 through the present, where her life is now a story of courage against oppression.

ASEAN GSA
6:00-8:00 p.m.
Student Union 145D

We will be providing refreshments

For more information on International Education Week, please visit the complete schedule of other club and organization's events HERE

International Education Week participation

2005-10-16T16:19:00.000-04:00

Since the formation of ASEAN GSA 3 years ago, our club has been participating in UB's International Education Week in November. This tradition will continue on - we have invited guest speakers, conducted discussions and have showed documentaries/docu-dramas highlighting issues within the ASEAN member states. Not to be left out, this year we will again participate in this event. Vida has suggested a video documentary showing. Please find below information to the film.

* * * * * * * * * *

The film that we're showing is about a prisoner of the Khmer Rouge Torturing Chamber named HOUT Bophanna. Hout is her last name and Bophanna is her first name. The prison that she was in named Toul Sleng. Toul Sleng is now a museum, but once was a high school. It was taken over by the Khmer Rouge during its regime and was converted into an interrogation and torture center to purge Cambodia of intellectuals and perceived dissidents.

**More information about The Khmer Rouge**

Source: The Dith Pran Holocaust Awareness Project, Inc http://www.dithpran.org/killingfields.htm

In April 17th, 1975 the Khmer Rouge, a communist guerrilla group led by Pol Pot, took power in Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia. They forced all city dwellers into the countryside and to labor camps. During their rule, it is estimated that 2 million Cambodians died by starvation, torture or execution. 2 million Cambodians represented approximately 30% of the Cambodian population during that time.

The Khmer Rouge turned Cambodia to year zero. They banned all institutions, including stores, banks, hospitals, schools, religion, and the family. Everyone was forced to work 12 - 14 hours a day, every day. Children were separated from their parents to work in mobile groups or as soldiers. People were fed one watery bowl of soup with a few grains of rice thrown in. Babies, children, adults and the elderly were killed everywhere. The Khmer Rouge killed people if they didn't like them, if didn't work hard enough, if they were educated, if they came from different ethnic groups, or if they showed sympathy when their family members were taken away to be killed. All were killed without reason. Everyone had to pledge total allegiance to Angka, the Khmer Rouge government. It was a campaign based on instilling constant fear and keeping their victims off balance.

After the Vietnamese invaded and liberated the Cambodian people from the Khmer Rouge, 600,000 Cambodians fled to Thai border camps. Ten million landmines were left in the ground, one for every person in Cambodia. The United Nations installed the largest peacekeeping mission in the world in Cambodia in 1991 to ensure free and fair elections after the withdrawal of the Vietnamese troops. Cambodia was turned upside down during the Khmer Rouge years and the country has the daunting task of healing physically, mentally and economically.

Source: The Dith Pran Holocaust Awareness Project, Inc at http://www.dithpran.org/killingfields.htm

Nearly 2 million people died in Cambodia between 1975 and 1979 in a Khmer Rouge reign of terror in Cambodia. Information about the Killing Fields and the Khmer Rouge can also be found at http://www.pbs.org

For recent information about Cambodia, visit the Cambodian Embassy's website at http://www.embassy.org/cambodia

1st General E-MEMO

2005-10-05T17:19:00.000-04:00

E-MEMO sent out on Wednesday - October 5th, 2005 by Sherene Cheah

Thank you for becoming part of the ASEAN GSA and welcome to all our new and continuing Eboard officers.

Seeing that we all have different schedules - I believe that the best way of communication is through email. We will try to meet whenever possible, but emails should be our primary means of communication.
We are having problems gaining access to our listserv [GSA-ASEAN-LIST] - CIT it trying to remedy that, however our chances of recovering the listserv does not look good. We may be required to create a new listserv if we do not regain access to the current one.
Our website has not been updated for a year now , unfortunately. Our previous IT/web manager appeared to have abandoned the project and with the maintenance and financial upkeep of the website; it has detered us from redesigning and reaccessing the webpage. I have therefore created a new webpage - thanks to the FREE online community blogs. Our new communication website is now at http://www.aseangsa.blogspot.com . I plan to post the club's plans, schedules, minutes of meetings, annoucements and updates to the website. Theerefore, if anyone were to miss out on email communications, the website should be the best way to obtain information.
Our club has been allocated a total of $500 for this year's (2 semesters) activities. It's not a lot but we managed to stretch the amount out last year (e.g.: co-sponsoring other clubs' events, resfreshments/snacks for film showing, Spring/ end of year party for our club members & friends
This semester's event: ISSS's International Education Week in November. We will be showing a documentary about Cambodia - on the story of Bophana, a Cambodian tragedy. ISSS has yet to confirm with us the date for the documentary showing. The requested date put forth on the form is November 16th, a Wednesday and is scheduled for an evening viewing, and hopefully that date will work out. We have requested for a TV & VCR for the documentary.
Last year's showing, we provided snacks to all our attendees. About $50 was spent on snack items (e.g. box/can drinks, chips, cookies,etc.) We anticipated about 20 attendees but we managed to attract almost 30 attendees compacted in one of the smaller SU rooms. Would we (the club) like to obtain this sort of snacks/refreshments for our documetary viewers this year? Please let me know.
There is the second GSA Senate meeting later this evening. Vida and I will be attending it and will update you on the changes, updates and annoucements from GSA.
I hope that we could all get together. A good idea would be to also participate in one of the GSA happy hours. They usually provide food/drinks and open bar to members at places like the Steer on Main street or Pearl Street Brew. It would be a good chance to not only meet up with everyone but also others from other clubs and graduate departments.

ASEAN GSA 2005-2006 Officers

2005-09-29T15:09:00.000-04:00

President:
Sherene Cheah
Educational Leadership & Policy - PhD

Vice President:
Michele Tan
Informatics - MA

Secretary:
Alex Brian Ticoalu
Industrial Engineering - MS

Treasurer:
Pauline Anastesia Phoa
Geography - MA

Senator:
Vida Vanchan
Geography - PhD

Senator:
Risa Ikeya - PhD
Geography

Mission Statement

2005-09-29T15:06:00.001-04:00

To maintain and share the richness of cultures, from the 10 countries's flags represented on the logo, to the students at UB as well as the local community
To cultivate stronger relationships among students from the 10 South East Asian countries; Brunei, Singapore, Cambodia, the Phillipines, Myanmar, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia.
To contribute to UB the differences that each country possesses in 7 aspects: cultural understanding, friendship, teamwork, leadership, management, love, and peace.
To share and promote the understanding of cultural, educational, and ethnic perspectives of ASEAN countries.