Minutes for March 23, 2006:
3:35pm: Meeting convened.

There was a discussion of the upcoming NSF Site Visit at UMass, which is scheduled from Apr. 24-27. Posters and topics were discussed, as well as who did and did not want to attend. At present, Nate, Corey, Jackie, Youngsun, and Jess are planning to attend the site visit--each will present a poster on their CASA research.

Jess mentioned the SWAT form, which all CASA students are encouraged to fill out once again this year. This time it's online, and each student will have a unique access code; this is only to know who has and has not taken it--survey results will be anonymous. All students are strongly encouraged to fill out the form, as the NSF requires students attending the site visit to give a presentation based on the results.

3:45pm: Discussion of social activities. Jess reports that according to NSF regulations, SLC funding will not support social activities, but can be used for food at student meetings.

The floor was then opened to ideas for future social activities; suggestions included a movie night or game night. At present, no decision has been made to schedule either of these evehts.

3:50pm: Discussion of outreach activities. Ashton reported on SEES weather talks; there are several remaining dates in March and April available. Three or four people have volunteered, so there is sufficient interest. Update: We will be participating in the SEES Engineering presentation at McKinley Elementary School from 2:30 to 4:00pm on Thu. April 13.

3:55pm: Students going to the site visit were encouraged to arrange travel plans as a group to save on expenses. Update: all students travelling to the site visit will be flying together and will rent a van to travel to and from the Hartford airport.

4:00pm: Meeting adjourned.