Hello,

Please see below for the minutes from the last DC meeting.  Attached are the committee reports.  If you have any questions or comments, please let me know.

Thanks,

Becky

BUSINESS ARISING

Events Committee temporary academic member replacement

Dr. Benaragama was elected by acclamation.

CORRESPONDENCE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Postdocs and the Faculty of Graduate Studies

· As of December 1, 2022, management of Postdoctoral fellows transferred to the Faculty of Graduate Studies from the Office of the Vice-President Research and International.  The move of postdoctoral fellows under the auspices of the Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) is in keeping with similar reorganizational moves across the U15. 

· The Faculty of Graduate Studies is well positioned to develop additional professional development for postdoctoral fellows.  Postdoctoral information is available on the FGS website and questions can be directed to PDFellows@umanitoba.ca.

· Dr. Cattani added that an FAFS Postdoc Association has been established.  He is unsure if it is formalized yet.

Biannual reporting of Department Council attendance

Academic member attendance at Department Council for July 1 to December 31, 2023 was circulated to members.

REPORTS

Graduate student report

· Lauren Gislason reported that PSGSA has created a new logo for the Department. Sweatshirts and toques bearing this logo are available for sale.  Information on items and ordering was sent to all.

· PSGSA will hold graduate studies information sessions for undergraduate students.  They asked professors to participate.

· The Plant Science Symposium will be held March 17-18 at North Dakota State University in Fargo.

Support staff report

Becky Dueck reported that support staff have asked for a new lunchroom location.  The current lunchroom in the basement is small and gloomy.  Dr. Fristensky added that meeting room 310 had a sink in it.  He suspects that the plumbing is still there.

NEW BUSINESS

Events Committee support staff member replacement

Justice Zhanda was elected by acclamation.

Student salaries

Basic hourly rate increase for all levels of students by $1.00/hr.

This should be revisited in October 2023 when the Manitoba minimum wage increases to $15.00/hour.

· Dr. Fernando commented that student wages should be posted somewhere.

· Discussion followed on whether we need multiple salary levels.  An increased salary should be available for returning students.

· Dr. Cattani added that PI’s can request to pay students a rate at a higher level.

Plant Science Biannual Committee reporting

Reports presented:

· Communications/Promotion Committee – Dr. Fristensky

· Events Committee – Dr. McCartney

· Social Committee – Dr. Fernando on behalf of Eppie Austria

· Point Management and Operations Committee – Dr. McCartney

• Dr. Duncan added the Department has representatives (Dr. Cattani, Dr. Duncan and Mary Meleshko) on the Faculty committee working on the Prairie Crops and Soils Research Facility to be built across from the Point.  They would like to meet with all potential Plant Science users of the building to make sure they are representing all user perspectives.

· Graduate Studies Committee – Dr. Gulden

· Seminar Committee – Kristen MacMillan

• Postdocs were invited to present in the Winter term.  A suggestion was made to ask Postdocs to present within six months of their arrival in the Department.
• Seminar attendance has been low.  Please encourage members of your group to attend.

· Safety Group – Becky Dueck

o Dr. Cattani added that an incidence report should be filed for all incidences related to an injury, even if minor.  It is not for us to determine if a report is needed – when in doubt, report.

· Controlled Environment Committee – Dr. Cattani (no written report submitted)

o The seed room is operational.  The switch had been turned off.  The switch is located in a room we have no access to.

o Renovation of the Horticulture Storage Building at the Point is taking place. The money has to be spent before the end of March.

o Two growth rooms are down.

o A proposal, valued at $60,000,000, for a new controlled environment facility has been submitted.  The outcome should be known in the next two months.

                  Reports are attached to these minutes.