Dalhousie Association
of Graduate Students
Welcome to the website of the Dalhousie Association of Graduate Students! DAGS has been representing Graduate Students at Dalhousie University for over 25 years, acting as an advocate of Graduate Students at the local, provincial and national level.
The President and the members of the executive are always available to respond to questions regarding funding, community, academic and University affairs. Please visit our office in Student Services in the Killam Library, or email us if you have any questions at dags_dal.ca.
DAGS Office Hours
The DAGS office is located in Student Services in the Killam Library until the New Grad House opens in the fall. Please see the executive page for our office hours or to contact us individually.
Travel Grants
DAGS has a travel grant program, offering 10 grants per semester with a value of $100 each. Travel Grants are distributed on a first come, first serve basis.The application process resets every September, January and May.
To be eligible for a grant you must meet the following criteria:
1) You must be a paying member of DAGS (Check if you pay DAGS fees by going to student records on DalOnline. If you see a line under Account Detail for Term that reads: SSGS Society Graduate (DAGS) followed by a charge, then you are a paying member of DAGS.)
2) You must not be eligible for an FGS travel grant
3) Applications online must be submitted via email to dags.exec_gmail.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . The time stamp on these emails will be used to establish the order of applications and will thus be used as part of the screening process.
4) Incomplete applications will not be considered
*please review the application form for further information regarding the application process.
About DAGS:
The Dalhousie Association of Graduate Students is an umbrella organization representing Graduate Students at Dalhousie University for over 25 years. The Executive is responsible for the operations of the organization and its societies. Further, DAGS is an advocate of Graduate Students at the local, provincial and national level. It is also the owner of the Grad House social club.
To view the updated constitution of the Dalhousie Association of Graduate Students, please click the Icon below.
DAGS Societies
DAGS Constitution 2010
DAGS Executive
Join in the discussion of the latest FGS news and reflections from the Grad Studies'
Deans, Carolyn Watters and Sunny Marche. Visit the Deans' blog at
www.carolynwatters.typepad.com
You can also find:
- Contact information for all the DAGS Councilors from the societies under DAGS
- Names of the Graduate student representatives on various university committees and committees under DAGS
Grads on University Committees
Sitting on a university committee is an excellent way to learn about how the university operates and to insert a graduate student perspective into its administration.
DAGS Committees:
Executive Committee: Eric Snow, Jon Mcdonald, Michael van den Hoek, Bryce Swerhun, Brian Leblanc, Daniel Boyle
Social Committee: Jon Mcdonald (Chair) - looking for volunteers
Academic & External Affairs Committee: Eric Snow (Chair), Katie Birnie, Joanna Pearce, Alex Szumilas, Camille Angus, Felix Kannemann, - looking for volunteers
Elections Committee: membership pending
Faculty of Graduate Studies:
Faculty Council: Eric Snow,
Academic Appeals Committee: Eric Snow
Academic Planning & Curriculum Committee: Eric Snow
DSU:
DSU Council Representative: Patrick Bonnick, Rany Ibrahim
Academic & External Affairs: Eric Snow, Rany Ibrahim
Graduate Student Advisory Committee: Kathleen Patterson, Patrick Bonnick, Eric Snow
External Groups:
ANSSA Student Assembly: Eric Snow
CASA Graduate Student Committee: Eric Snow
DSU Handbook
A handbook of Dalhousie Student Union Services (http://www.dsu.ca) is made available to students in the early autumn. In addition to useful information, it contains an agenda for keeping track of classes and deadlines. And it is free.
The Dalhousie Multifaith Centre
The Dalhousie Multifaith Centre strives to explore the fundamental issues and concerns of the world from a religious perspective in a setting that encourages open and free discussion, and that appreciates divergent histories, attitudes, options, and values. The Centre is a space where students, staff, and faculty can address the basic questions of meaning and purpose in their lives no matter what their faith, philosophy, or doubt may be.
http://multifaithcentre.studentservices.dal.ca/index.html
About Dalhousie
First established in 1818, Dalhousie was originally a one-building high school in downtown Halifax. Now a sprawling 30 hectare campus with over 100 buildings, it is home to more than 10,000 students and 3,000 faculty and staff.
Now over 170 years old, Dalhousie was founded by George Ramsay, the Ninth Earl of Dalhousie and then Lieutenant-Governor of Nova Scotia. The Earl had modeled his namesake institution after the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, creating Canadas first non-denominational college in a time when other institutes of higher lerning were supported and organized by religious groups.
In 1886 the University moved to the Forrest building on what is now University Avenue and began to expand. By the turn of the century, its rigorous standards and tolerance of new ideas helped lift it to regional prominence.
Dalhousie boasts many important "firsts" in its history. Not only was it Canadas first non-sectarian college, but it also established Canadas first Chair in physics in 1878. Its Law School, established in 1883, was the Commonwealthss first to teach common law outside of Britain. The Dental School, which dates from 1908, was also the first in Canada, and the Institute of Public Affairs, set up in 1936, was the first organization of its kind in Canada.
More than 60,000 people have studied at Dalhousie since its modest beginnings. Graduates have become prime ministers, premiers, distinguished jurists, business leaders, inventors, research scientists, scholars, teachers, actors, musicians, writers, leaders in health care and more.
Map of the Dalhousie Campus
http://www.dal.ca/visit/map/
Health Plan
As a full-time student of Dalhousie Student Union (DSU), you are automatically enrolled in the DSU Health Plan (http://www.dsu.ca/ourservices.asp?cmPageID=202). Part-time students may opt into the plan. This plan provides a comprehensive set of supplementary health insurance benefits in excess of those provided through your provincial Medicare program.
When you register as a full-time student, paying full-time fees for the September term at Dalhousie, you are automatically covered under the Dalhousie Student Union Health Plan, provided you are covered by your provincial health plan or one which is equivalent. Part-time and co-op students may not be automatically covered, however they may opt-in to the plan. Students beginning in the Winter semester may opt-in to the plan before January 30, for coverage from January 1st until August 31st, at a cost of $100.00.
This plan runs from September 1st until August 31st, at a cost of $150.00 for the entire year and provides health and accident insurance including: Prescription Drugs at 80%, Extended Health (physiotherapy, chiropractic, etc.), at 80% co-insurance based on a $25 per session maximum and a $400 per school year maximum per service, one eye exam per year, HIV prophylaxis, Emergency Out-of-Canada/Province Hospital, Surgical and Medical Expense Benefit, Green Shield Travel Assist, Accidental Dental, Ambulance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment.
Students also have the option to add their spouse and/ or dependent children, for an additional fee of $150 for September enrollments and $100 for January enrollments.
DALPLEX - Recreation and Leisure
If you are interested in sports and fitness, Dalhousie University is a great choice for pursuing an athletic lifestyle. Both Halifax and the University offer excellent recreational facilities, from the playing fields on the Commons and the jogging and cycling paths of the city parks, to Dalhousies ice arena and Dalplex. Dalhousie has a complete package of athletic facilities available to its students, faculty, staff, alumni and neighbours. Membership at Dalplex is included in your student fees and it provides access to the fitness classes, weight rooms, pool, and arena. Other services and classes are available at an additional cost, with discounted prices for students and members. Pick up a copy of the current Dalplex Programme brochure at the front desk of the Dalplex or check out http://www.athletics.dal.ca/
Dalplex is open:
Monday - Friday from 6am - 10:30pm
Saturday from 7am - 5:30pm
Sunday from 9am - 5:30pm
Varsity Sports
Dalhousie University is Tiger territory, and varsity sports are a big attraction on campus. Dalhousie teams are very competitive on both the regional and national levels. With 13 varsity teams in the AUAA, Dalhousie participates in more extracurricular sports activities than any other university in the Atlantic region.
There are six womens and seven mens varsity teams on campus, including mens and womens cross country and track and field, mens and womens volleyball, mens and womens swimming, and mens hockey. All students are eligible to try out for the teams. If youre interested, contact the Athletic department (494-3752) early in the autumn to find out about try-outs.
Intramurals
There are about 50 teams participating in intramural competition each year in such sports as softball, basketball, volleyball, bowling, squash, raquetball, broomball and hockey, to name a few.
Dalhousies intramural organization includes, mens, womens and co-ed competitive leagues, with teams representing faculties, departments, residence halls or other recognized groups. Leagues are open to all students, faculty, staff and Dalplex members.
Sports Clubs
Another way to get involved in sports and recreation at Dalhousie, get fit and meet new people is by joining one of its many sports clubs. The University Sport Club Program consists of some 25 active clubs comprised of students, faculty, staff and community members. There are three classes of sports clubs available at Dal-competitive, recreational and demonstration. Clubs conduct regular pratices and participate in organized leagues and tournaments at local, regional and often national levels. Some of these clubs include: fencing, karate, rowing, water polo, cross country running, badmington, womens ice hockey, rugby, curling, scuba, track and field, basketball, and volleyball and figure skating. Membership in a sports club is open to all students, staff, faculty and members of the Dalplex and require a minimal membership fee. Contact the Recreation Office for further information.
Social Activities
There are numerous clubs and societies on campus. Some of which you are automatically a member as a graduate student here at Dalhousie. Your student fees provide financial support to these organizations, so it is important to get involved.
You are automatically a member of DAGS, the Dalhousie Association of Graduate Students. As described earlier in this handbook, we represent the interests and concerns of all graduate students at Dalhousie. All full-time students are also a member of the DSU, the Dalhousie Student Union (part-time students can become members by paying the full student fees). Matters of a general interest to all students are under the direct control of the DSU Council, and the Union regulates student organizations (including DAGS).
The graduate students in your department likely have a graduate student society as well. Again you would automatically be considered a member of that society. These departmental societies are registered with DAGS which provides them with financial, social and political support. Alisting of the departmental societies that are members of DAGS are found under the "societies" link on our lefthand menu. You may recognize your own department in this list, if not, it may be to the advantage of all graduate students in your department to create a departmental society and register with DAGS.
There are other clubs, societies and associations with interests as diverse as chess, scuba diving, politics, religion, photography and marketing. Refer to the Dalhousie Student Union's extensive list of student organizations. If you dont find the group you want, then we encourage you to create one! Visit the DSU office on the second floor of the SUB and ask for a list of clubs and societies with their contacts.
Bisexuals, Gays and Lesbians
The intent of DalOUT is to provide gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, transsexual, two-spirited, gender variant, intersexed, queer individuals, and the people who support them with education, advocacy and support.
http://societies.dsu.ca/DalOUT
Allies at Dalhousie exist to support students, staff, and faculty of the full spectrum of sexual and gender diversity. Allies work to provide programs, services, training, support, referral, and resources on Rainbow or lgbt issues at Dalhousie.
http://dalally.studentservices.dal.ca/index.php
International Students
(http://www.dal.ca/iss)
The Centre provides services and programs for international students. It is a resource and activity post for students and is dedicated to ensuring that international students make the most of their stay in Canada. The Centre can assist with locating temporary accommodation.
It organizes reception and orientation programs that assist international students in adjusting to the new culture and in achieving their educational and personal goals. The Centre provides ongoing information and advice on financial, legal, immigration, hospital insurance, housing, and employment and personal matters. The Center acts as a referral point to other services on campus. A variety of social, cultural, and educational programs are also held throughout the year.
The Centre has a lounge where students can meet or study. A number of international and national publications are on hand. International students may use the Centre as their permanent address to receive mail.
Dalhousie Women's Centre
(http://womenscentre.dsu.dal.ca/)
The Dalhousie Womens Centre exists in recognition of the common and diverse social, cultural, cognitive, and physiological needs of women. Run by the Dalhousies Womens Centre Society, the Centre provides a meeting place for faculty, staff and students to collaborate in groups, discuss important issues, and share common concerns. The Dalhousie Women's Centre houses a resource library for both research and personal reading and it offers referrals to women's services in the Halifax area. The Centre offers a wide variety of programs and events throughout the year, including Week of Reflection and International Women's Week. Located at 1229 LeMarchant St., all members of the Dalhousie community are invited to visit, and the DWC always needs women with energy and the interest to volunteer. Office hours are Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., call at 494-2432.
Libraries
The Dalhousie University Libraries (http://www.library.dal.ca/) serve students, faculty, and staff not only at Dalhousie University but all over the region. Likewise, Dalhousie students have access to library materials from the six universities in the Halifax area, government offices, schools and an excellent public library system.
University Libraries
Dalhousie University has four libraries where as a graduate student, you may borrow much of their book holdings for a period of up to 3 months. These libraries include: the Isaak Walton Killam Memorial Library, the W.K. Kellogg Health Sciences Library, the Dalhousie Law Library, the Pharmacy Library and the DalTech Library. All of these libraries are linked with NOVANET, the name of the centralized computer network which connects most of the major university libraries in the city. This network provides an integrated catalogue of the collections at all the libraries involved. The NOVANET can be accessed from within the libraries, or on the network within the libraries, or on the network within your department or from home through the phone lines (check with the computer service information desk on the basement floor of the Killam Memorial Library).
The libraries also have an extensive collection of CD-ROM (compact disk, read only memory) databases which may be accessed from the libraries or remotely. Some of these data bases include: Anthropological Literature, Aquatic Sciences & Fisheries Abstracts, Applied Science and Technology, Canadian Business Trade & Technology, CANSIM, Environment Abstracts, Medline, Life Sciences, etc.
You might find it valuable at the beginning of the year to attend one of the libraries tours and instructions sessions. There is usually a schedule of these sessions posted in the libraries in September, or you can ask at the Reference Desk.
Carrels and Study Space
There are about 60 closed carrels in the Killam Library that are available for graduate students. Since carrel space is at a premium, only students who do not have study space in their own departments and are currently in the thesis-writing stage of their degrees are eligible. If you are in the thesis-writing stage of your degree and your need a carrel, contact your graduate supervisor as soon as possible in September. Students who find that they are able to share carrels are encouraged to indicate this, as it might increase their chances of getting one. Please remember that the key to a carrel is not a license to keep materials from the Library for your sole use.
As well as assigned carrels, the libraries have numerous open ones for general use. These are available to all students on a daily first come, first served basis. Some departments also have office space available for their graduate students.
Public Libraries
The Halifax Memorial Public Library on Spring Garden Road is the closest branch to Dalhousie campus. An excellent assortment of books and other literature are kept at this location and three other branches located around the city. The basement is equipped with books and toys for children of all ages, and there are full programs of puppet shows and movies. Call 421-6983 or drop into the library to pick up a schedule. Or visit http://www.halifaxpubliclibraries.ca/
The Rebecca Cohn and The Art Gallery
The Dalhousie Arts Centre (http://www.dal.ca/~cohn/box.html) houses the 1,000-seat Rebecca Cohn Auditorium, a 250 seat theatre, two studios, a sculpture court and the Dalhousie Art Gallery.
The Dalhousie Art Gallery (http://artgallery.dal.ca/) is located on the lower level of the university's Arts Centre (below the Cohn Auditorium). Established in the 1953-4 academic year, it is the oldest public art gallery in Halifax, with a mandate to collect, preserve, interpret and display both historical and contemporary works of art. Its programs of exhibitions, lectures, films and artists' presentations are offered free of charge. In its role as an academic support unit, the Gallery provides a locus where aesthetic appreciation and criticism may develop and where related cultural issues may be examined. Guided tours and topic-related seminars are offered for school and university classes by qualified Gallery staff (by arrangement). The Gallery is an active area of research, producing scholarly publications to accompany exhibitions; as well, it maintains an extensive library of art journals and publications which are always available for reference or study. The Gallery is the custodian of a rich, varied permanent collection of art, which it holds in trust for the enjoyment and education of the whole community. The continued operation of the Dalhousie Art Gallery as an active exhibition centre is made possible with generous funding from Dr. John A. Scrymgeour.
The application process is currently open for conferences occurring from May 2010 to August 2010. To be eligible for a grant you must meet the following criteria;
1) Must be a paying member of DAGS
2) Must not be eligible for an FGS travel grant
3) Applications are available online (below) and must be submitted via email to dags_dal.ca. The time stamp on these emails will be used to establish the order of applications and will thus be used as part of the screening process.
Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please review the application form for further information regarding the application process
Society Funding Disbursements
How to Get Societal Funding:
1) Ratify with the DSU
You need to ratify with the DSU before you can get funds. Ratification ends every May, meaning your society has to ratify every year. To ratify with the DSU you need to give them 3 things: your constitution, completed acknowledgement form and completed ratification forms. The DSU ratification process can be done online at Tiger Society website.
2) Keep Financial Records
DAGS Societies will be required to submit their books for audit each semester prior to receiving their funding. To receive funding, you must include:
A) Society budget (Fall audit only)
B) Society ledger
C) Receipts of transactions
D) Bank statements
E) Bank reconciliations for EVERY month
The deadlines for audit are usually as follows: Mid-November, Early April, and Mid-August.
3) Attend the DAGS Council Meetings!
Make sure your DAGS representative attends the DAGS Council meetings or send an alternate because if your society is unrepresented at more than 3 meetings, you dont get any funding!!!
4) Confirmation of your numbers
Society funding is based every term (fall, winter, summer) on the number of full and part time students in your departments during that term. DAGS now has a system where we receive official enrollment numbers from the Registrar's Office, meaning societies are no longer required to have their departmental/school secretary to send the CFO an email stating the number of full-time and part-time graduate students.
If you have any questions, please write to the DAGS Chief Financial Officer at cfo.dags_gmail.com
Please Note: Only Societies whose members pay the DAGS fee may apply for Societal Funding.
DAGS Travel Grant Application
THE NEW GRAD HOUSE
With an all newly renovated space, the New Grad House will be the place to lounge anytime of the year!
The New Grad House is looking for departmentally themed decor to complete the new space. Consider leaving your mark in the New Grad House! Some of the stuff below would look fantastic on a resume.
Some examples of what's needed include:
1. We need a interior design consultant. Their role would be to consult with us on everything from interior colour schemes to general decor. (This would look great on a resume!)
2. A chalk artist for our menu/price boards.
3. A student (likely Chemistry and/or Math) to help with various diagrams and formulas which would be used to decorate menu/price boards.
4. Various, creative ceiling decor that is large, light, and unique. This could be anything.
5. Stage set design/decor. Essentially, anyone with creative ideas to make our stage really unique as opposed to simply a stage.
6. Exterior scale model (possibly interior as well) of the new grad house. Architecture and Planning students might like this one. We have the official blueprints to guide the process.
Food Menu
(coming soon!)
None other than The Creperie Mobile is coming to the New Grad House! Be sure to check back for a list of the tantalizing morsels offered up by these wizards in aprons.
Beverage Menu
Beers
Although the details are still to come, your home away from home will have a larger selection of quality brews with prices that wont dent your budget. :-)
Location
1252 Lemarchant Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Across the street from where the old Grad House was and Risley residence.
Booking
If you would like to book the Grad House for events, please contact:
The Grad House Bar Manager
gradhousepub_hotmail.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
The Grad House also has a BBQ available for customers who would like to book it for events and parties.
Equipment is available (ie. data projectors etc) for free for Grad Students from Faculty of Grad Studies or for rent from the DSU Tech Dept (Contact Pat Martin _ 494-3308)
Societal Treasurers:
The winter funding period is now over, summer audits will begin around mid-august and will be announced here on the website as well as by email, closer to the date. To prepare for the upcoming audit at the end of the summer, please ensure to keep track of the following information. The following documents should be included for a proper audit to take place:
1. General ledger
2. Cheque book
3. Bank deposit book
4. Bank statements
5. Bank reconciliations
6. Transaction records
PPlease make sure to keep all your receipts when purchasing things for your society, and never reimburse society members with cash, always by cheque. Also, please ensure that your society is ratified before submitting any funding request
If you would like to arrange a meeting in regards to any questions about this process or your society, please do not hesitate to get in touch with Michael (e-mail: cfo.dags_gmail.com)
How to do a bank reconciliation
The following is a list of graduate societies at Dalhousie. For more information on each society, please contact the person noted.
Anatomy & Neurobiology
Email:
Tel:
Association of Health Administration Students
Biochemistry
Biology Society of Graduate Students
Chemistry
Classics
Community Health & Epidemiology
Earth Science
Economics
English
French
Health & Human Performance
History
Human Communication Disorders
Information Management
Interdisciplinary PhD student Society
International Development Studies
Law
David
Marine Affairs Student Society
Mathematics and Statistics
Microbiology & Immunology
Nursing
.
Oceanography
Pathology
Pharmacology
Physics
Physiology and Biophysics
Political Science
Anita Singh
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Psychology
Jonathan & Stephanie
Email: jmfawcet_dal.ca This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it / collinss_dal.ca This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Public Administration (MPA)
Colin Campbell
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Resource & Environmental Studies
President: Eric Snow
Vice President (External): Brian LeBlanc
Vice President (Academic): Bryce Swerhun
Favourite Place in Halifax: Point Pleasant Park
Favourite Quote: A spectre is haunting Europe: structuralisme. But what is it? Or perhaps: what the devil is it?- Ernest Gellner
Get in touch with me if: You want to participate in DAGS committee work, ask about university or faculty-level academic policies, love discussing philosophy or politics but have no one to talk to (Im thinking of starting a support group).
Random Fact #1: I hold a childish optimism that Greg Norman can still win another major, somewhere, somehow (if only hed stop making money for a bit and, you know, play some golf now and again!).
Random Fact #2: I love Star Trek TNG more than any of its cast members (especially Brent Spiner).
Random Fact #3: I would still play with LEGO if it were socially acceptable to do so.
Best way to get in touch with me: email
Vice President (Student Life): Jon McDonald
Hometown: Mount Uniacke, Nova Scotia
Favourite Place in Halifax: Bubba Rays
Favourite Quote: Sir, they view you as some kind of Ogre.- Smithers What! I should club them and eat their bones!- Mr. Burns
Get in touch with me if: You want to set up an event for grad students, a grad society, if you want to help out with fund raising or if you need a DAGS travel grant.
Random Fact #1: I hate lettuce, more than any other food in the world.
Random Fact #2: I love the TV show Big Brother.
Random Fact #3: I hate cream cheese, but I like cheesecake.
Best way to get in touch with me: Facebook (I have an addiction) or via email.
Chief Financial Officer: Michael van den Hoek
Hometown: Great Village
Favourite Place in Halifax: York Redoubt
Favourite Quote: "It was like teabagging a bear cub in front of its mother, the sheer audacity of it was the only thing that saved him," - Sven
Get in touch with me if: You need help with society banking/bookkeeping, or have Grad House Questions.
Random Fact #1: I am horribly addicted to Nanaimo bars.
Random Fact #2: I spent six summers building a stone and mortar Castle out in the middle of nowhere in my early teens.
Random Fact #3: I grew up in a greenhouse, did a degree in neuroscience and am pursuing a career in finance... lifes funny like that.
NEWS
12/05 - Travel Grants: We are currently accepting applications for summer Travel Grants, for events occurring from May to August 2010.
Key ResourcesDAGS Travel Grant ApplicationRatify Your Society!Information For Treasurers
Key Resources
Ratify Your Society!
Information For Treasurers
OFFICE HOURS
President: By appointment
CFO: Mon/Wed: 12:00 - 2:30
VP Academic:
VP External: By appointment
VP Student Life:
CONTACT
dags_dal.ca
cfo.dags_gmail.com
telephone
Office: n/a
CFO cell: 220-6664
