2-28-07

International Affairs Commissioner’s Report

Adam Fardy

Good evening,

This week has been a busy one.  On Monday, I met with I.S.U to go over Spring Quarter group event proposals and we also met with the individual groups as well to discuss their events.

On Tuesday, I further researched the Workers Rights Consortium.  I cross researched this organization with other groups like the F.L.A (Fair Labor Association) and the L.R.G (Licensing Research Group) who is the actual licensing group who works with Ohio University.  Based on our peer institutions, 4 out of the 10 colleges (Delaware, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Carolina) actually belong to both the W.R.C and the F.L.A.  When comparing the clients of the W.R.C to the F.L.A and the L.R.G, 78 out of the total 166 colleges belonged to both the W.R.C and the F.L.A, 63/166 simply belonged to the W.R.C, and 15 out of the total 166 belonged to all three organizations.  Also through further research, it seems pretty apparent that the W.R.C pertains to colleges first and foremost and that their operational code of conduct seems to be more intrusive and extensive, basically more effective and accurate in accessing Manufacturing companies.  I will be scheduling an appointment with Dr. Smith next week; to discuss these findings, conduct further research, and take the necessary steps in having the University hopefully join the W.R.C.

Lastly, I was supposed to have a resolution up tonight in regards to the Baker Catering Policy.  When I met with I.S.U. on Monday, Krista McCallum Beatty (I.S.U.’s faculty advisor) and the rest of I.S.U agreed to include other factors within the resolution.  I will be meeting with Krista later this week to draft a more extensive resolution, which meets I.S.U.’s approval.  That resolution will be up for next Wednesday’s meeting.

Have a good rest of the week.

-End of Report-

International Affairs Commissioner’s Report

2-21-07

Good evening,

On Monday, I met with the I.S.U. to discuss the new baker catering policy and some effective suggestions and alternatives at the meeting on Tuesday.  The meeting went well and our strategy was to promote improvement rather than reiterate faults with the existing policy.

On Tuesday I attended the New Baker Catering Meeting along with I.S.U., Christine Sheets, Gwen Scotss, and Dr. Kent Smith.  During the meeting, several of I.S.U.’s questions and concerns were addressed.  Many suggestions and programs were mentioned by Christine Sheets, yet none of them were in effect as of right now.  We stressed that in order to improve the conditions of the policy, change must occur as quickly as possible.  Two ideas were addressed in the meeting, and it was decided that these would go into effect.  The first was giving the opportunity to all international students along with a Baker Catering official, to cook their own food in a licensed kitchen on the O.U. campus, example Jefferson Dining Hall.  The second idea that was considered and will go into effect is a list that will be revised every year that will have approved caterers that the students can use for their events.  Baker Catering still has the ‘right of 1^st refusal’ first and foremost, yet Christine Sheets stated that students could use another caterer for their event as long as Baker Catering catered some of the food as well.  Since this will go into effect, the international students will have the opportunity to add their various caterers that they have used from over the years to list for approval as well.  Overall, the meeting was positive and some helpful considerations and suggestions were discussed.

Next week, I will have a resolution on the list of approved caterers in regards to the new Baker Catering Policy.

Lastly, the Ladysmith Black Mombazo Concert will be tomorrow night at 7:30 p.m. at Templeton Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium and admission is free.

Have a good rest of the week.

-End of Report-

2-14-07

International Affairs Commissioner’s Report:

Good evening,

This week has been really busy.  I had a meeting with Dr. Alan Boyd last Thursday.  We discussed the results of the diversity and retention forum and we also looked at some possible solutions of fixing the initial welcoming procedures for incoming international students.  The solutions that were discussed were transportation from the airport to the university by the university, student senate attending the I.S.U. Fall picnic, strengthening Pre- College overall and also creating U.C. classes for international students.

Yesterday I had a meeting with Dr. Smith in regards to the Workers Rights Consortium and we collaborated on joint research into the university’s partnership with the Licensing Research Group, and how the Worker’s Rights Consortium compares to the LRG.  We also spent time discussing possible differences between the FLA and the WRC.  I will be looking into our peer institutions further this week to see which institutions are apart of the LRG as well as the WRC.

Just a reminder that the Ladysmith Concert will be on February 22^nd, @ 7:30 p.m. in Templeton Blackburn Memorial Auditorium   

Have a good rest of the week.

-End of Report-

2-7-07

International Affairs Commissioner’s Report:

Adam Fardy

Good evening,

Last week I mentioned that a resolution would be up for this evening in regards to the Workers Rights Consortium.  Due to recent findings, I have postponed the resolution until the end of the month.  At the end of this month, I have been told that there will be a meeting to finalize further research and decisions.  I will be looking forward to those updates and will keep everyone posted in regards to the University joining the WRC.

This week I have contacted Dr. Alan Boyd to set up a meeting for the beginning of next week to start working on the welcoming procedures for next year’s international students.  I have also been in contact with Dr. Smith’s assistant, Tamika Kramer, to help coordinate and choose the location for the new Baker Catering policy meeting.

At this week’s general body meeting for I.S.U, we discussed some upcoming events for the month of February, which are sure to please.  Chinese Student and Scholars’ Association and Chinese Student Language Association will be having ‘Chinese Spring Festival’ on February 17^th from 3:30 – 11:30 p.m. in the Baker Ballroom.  The tickets are $6 and are already on sale.  I.S.U. will be hosting the Research Symposium in Baker on February 16^th from 3-5 p.m.  Lastly, on February 22^nd at 7:30 p.m. will be the Ladysmith concert in Templeton Blackburn Memorial Auditorium.  This group has released many c.d.’s and has already won a grammy.

I also have a U.I.C. meeting this Friday where we will be discussing The Center for Khmer Studies in Cambodia, University of Cape Coast in Ghana, and La Trobe University in Melbourne, Australia and their partnerships with Ohio University.

Have a good rest of the week.

-End of Report-