Dalhousie Association of Graduate Students

Home

About DAGS

Get Involved

Orientation Week

Student Services

Funding

The Grad House

Page 7

NEWSNext DAGS Council Meeting: TBANext DAGS Board Meeting:Wed. Feb 1st, 6:30pm, Alumni Board Room Home

Welcome to the website of the Dalhousie Association of Graduate Students (DAGS). DAGS has been representing Graduate Students at Dalhousie University for over 30 years, acting as an advocate of Graduate Students at the local, provincial, and national levels.

The Board Members are always available to respond to questions regarding funding, community, academic, and University affairs. Please visit our office on the second floor of the Grad House (second floor, 1252 LeMarchant Street), or e-mail us at dags_dal.ca if you have any questions.

Announcements

New Office Manager, New Hours!

DAGS has recently hired a new Office Manager, Liz Fairhurst. We're now more available than ever to meet all your DAGS-related needs! Our main office is open Monday-Friday, 10:00am-12:30pm and 1:30pm-5:00pm. For board member office hours, see About DAGS .

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 served basis.The application process resets every September, January and May.

Deans' Blog

Join in the discussion of the latest Faculty of Graduate Studies news and reflections from the Dean and Associate Dean of Graduate Studies. Visit the Deans' blog here .

About DAGS

About DAGS

The Dalhousie Association of Graduate Students is an umbrella organization representing Graduate Students at Dalhousie University for over 30 years. The Board of Directors 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.

DAGS Board of Directors

President: Ryan Robski

MSc Student, Department of Physics

Office hours: Tuesdays 10:30-11:30am, Fridays 12:00-1:00pm (or by appointment)

Vice President Academic Affairs: Susan Heaslip

PhD Student, Department of Biology

Office hours: Tuesdays 4:00-6:00pm (or by appointment)

Vice President External Advocacy: Victoria Jones

MA Student, Department of History

Office hours: Wednesdays 3:30-5:30pm (or by appointment)

Operations Officer: Ariel Kleber

MLIS Student, School of Information Management

Office hours: Mondays 1:00-3:00pm (or by appointment)

Graduate Student Senate Representative: Rebekah Oomen

MSc Student, Department of Biology

Director (Architecture & Planning, Computer Science, Engineering): Sam Sun

MEng, Faculty of Engineering

Director (Arts & Social Sciences, Journalism, Law, Management): Eric Pegolo

MPA, School of Public Administration

Director (Health Professions): Colin Hebb

MSc, School of Health and Human Performance

Director (Medicine and Science): Alex Madore

MSc, Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology

Constitution and Bylaws

To view the current constitution and bylaws of the Dalhousie Association of Graduate Students, please click the PDF icons below.

Bylaws Oct 2011 - DAGS.pdf

Constitution October 2011 - DAGS.pdf

Get Involved

Get Involved!

Looking for a way to get involved in DAGS? Here's your chance! If you have questions about any of the positions described below, please feel free to contact us at dags_dal.ca .

Appointed and Hired Positions

There are no positions available at this time.

Committees

Budget Committee

The Budget Committee prepares DAGS' annual budget for presentation to the Board of Directors. If you're a financial whiz who wants to help shape our future spending, this is the committee for you!

If you're interested, please contact our President Ryan Robski.

Human Resources Committee

The Human Resources Committee reviews applications, interviews candidates, and advises the Board of Directors during the hiring of applicants for the Grad House Manager and Office Manager positions. This committee is a great place for people interested in human resources and having an input into DAGS' hiring decisions.

If you're interested, please contact our President Ryan Robski or Operations Officer Ariel Kleber.

Student Life Committee

The Student Life Committee helps to plan events for graduate students throughout the year. From the new Grad House opening, to hosting a national conference, to general fun events to engage graduate students, the committee strives to find ways to get everyone involved. If you have a passion for event planning and finding new ways to reach out to graduate students, we'd love to have you aboard.

The committee meets as needed based on the schedule for upcoming events. If you're interested, please contact our Operations Officer Ariel Kleber.

Academic and External Relations Committee

The Academic and External Relations Committee works on issues relating to academia within the Faculty of Graduate Studies or for graduate students in general. It is also a place to get involved with our external lobbying at all levels of government. This is a great committee for people who are coming in with ideas, or for those looking to get involved to help provide input and perspective into ongoing issues.

The committee meets once per month whenever possible. Meetings typically take no longer than an hour and a half. If you’re interested, please contact our VP Academic Affairs Susan Heaslip or VP External Advocacy Victoria Jones.

Orientation Week

Board of Directors' Reports

Every month, members of the DAGS Board of Directors prepare reports on their recent activities. You can find these reports below.

President: Ryan Robski

Reports:

VP Academic Affairs: Susan Heaslip

Reports:

VP External Advocacy: Victoria Jones

Reports:

Operations Officer: Ariel Kleber

Reports:

Graduate Student Senate Representative: Rebekah Oomen

Reports:

Director (Architecture & Planning, Computer Science, Engineering): Sam Sun

Reports:

Director (Arts & Social Sciences, Journalism, Law, Management): Eric Pegolo

Reports:

Director (Health Professions): Colin Hebb

Reports:

Director (Medicine & Science): Alex Madore

Reports:

November Report - President.pdf

November Report - VP EA.pdf

November Report - Director (APCSE).pdf

November Report - Director (MASSJL).pdf

November Report - Director (HP).pdf

November Report - Director (MS).pdf

Student Services Resources for StudentsDAGS Travel GrantsThe application process is currently open for conferences occurring from January 2012 to April 2012. To be eligible for a Travel Grant, you must meet the following criteria:1) Must be a paying member of DAGS.2) Must have already applied for or be ineligible for an FGS Travel Grant.3) Must be attending a conference relating to your program of study.4) Must not have received another DAGS Travel Grant during the same fiscal year.Applications will not be accepted retroactively or for conferences that will occur after graduation.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 these applications, as grants are provided on a first come, first served basis, 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.FGS Travel Grants For information on the travel grants provided by the Faculty of Graduate Studies, click here.DSU HandbookA free handbook from Dalhousie Student Union Services 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.The Dalhousie Multifaith CentreThe 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.Map of the Dalhousie CampusFor a map of the Dalhousie campus, click here.Student VIP Health PlanAs a full-time student and member of Dalhousie Student Union (DSU), you are automatically enrolled in the Student VIP Health Plan. 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.IntramuralsThere 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.Dalhousie's intramurals organization includes men's, women's and co-ed competitive leagues, with teams representing faculties, departments, residence halls and other recognized groups. Leagues are open to all students, faculty, staff and Dalplex members.Sports ClubsAnother 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 Dalplex and require a minimal membership fee. Contact Athletics and Recreation for further information.Social ActivitiesThere 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 (Dalhousie Association of Graduate Students), which represents the interests and concerns of all graduate students at Dalhousie. All full-time students are also members of the DSU (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 DSU 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.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 LesbiansDalOUT provides gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, transsexual, two-spirited, gender variant, intersexed, queer individuals, and the people who support them with education, advocacy and support.Allies at Dalhousie 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.International StudentsThe 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 Centre 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 CentreThe Dalhousie Women's Centre exists in recognition of the common and diverse social, cultural, cognitive, and physiological needs of women. Run by the Dalhousies Women's 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.LibrariesUniversity LibrariesThe Dalhousie University Libraries serve students, faculty, and staff not only at Dalhousie 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.Dalhousie 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 centralized computer network connecting most of the major university libraries in the city. This network provides an integrated catalogue of the collections at all the libraries involved. 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 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 library 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 SpaceThere 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 LibrariesThe 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 the Halifax Public Libraries website.The Rebecca Cohn and The Art GalleryThe Dalhousie Arts Centre 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 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.

Travel Grant 2012.docx

Funding

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 the 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 don't get any funding!!!

4) Confirmation of your numbers

Society funding is based every term (fall, winter, summer) on the number of full-time and part-time time students in your department during that term. DAGS now receives official enrollment numbers directly from the Registrar's Office, meaning societies are no longer required to have their departmental/school secretary send us an email stating the number of full-time and part-time graduate students.

If you have any questions, please contact us at dags_dal.ca .

Please Note : Only Societies whose members pay the DAGS fee may apply for Societal Funding.

Information for Society Treasurers

For more information on maintaining society financial records, audit requirements, and downloadable forms, click here .

The Grad House

The Grad House

With its welcoming atmosphere and newly renovated space, the Grad House is the place to lounge at any time of the year!

Food

The Creperie Mobile's very own Grad House Caf é is open for business! Check out their delicious menu options, or just stop by and see for yourself!

Beverages

Your home away from home has a large selection of quality brews with prices that won't dent your budget!

Location

1252 LeMarchant Street

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Across the street from the old Grad House location and Risley residence.

Booking

If you would like to book the Grad House for events, please contact the Grad House Manager, Mark Jurkovic, at gradh_dal.ca .

Equipment (e.g. data projectors) is available to graduate students for free from the Faculty of Graduate Studies, or for rent from the DSU Tech Department (contact Pat Martin _ 494-3308).

Front view
Main floor
Alumni Room
Alumni Room
lowerlounge_basement_gradhouse_graduatehouse.8
gradhouse_bldgshot_graduatehouse.9
Old Grad House (1995)
graduatehouse_ext_front_graduatehouse.1

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Societal Treasurers:

The due date to get your books in for the fall funding period is Monday, November 14th, though societies are encouraged to get their books in before that date. To prepare for the upcoming audit 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

Please 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 us at dags_dal.ca .

How to do a Bank reconciliation.xls

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The following is a list of graduate societies at Dalhousie. For more information on each society, please contact the person noted.

Anatomy & Neurobiology

Email:

Association of Health Administration Students

Email:

Biochemistry

Email:

Biology Society of Graduate Students

Email:

Chemistry

Email:

Classics

Email:

Community Health & Epidemiology

Email:

Earth Science

Email:

Economics

Email:

English

Email:

French

Email:

Health & Human Performance

Email:

History

Email:

Human Communication Disorders

Email:

Information Management

Email:

Interdisciplinary PhD student Society

Email:

Law

Email:

Marine Affairs Student Society

Email:

Mathematics and Statistics

Email:

Microbiology & Immunology

Email:

Oceanography

Email:

Pathology

Email:

Pharmacology

Email:

Physics

Email:

Physiology and Biophysics

Email:

Political Science

Psychology

Public Administration (MPA)

Resource & Environmental Studies

Email:

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KEY RESOURCESDAGS Travel Grant ApplicationRatify Your Society!Information For TreasurersOFFICE HOURSMain Office:2nd Floor1252 LeMarchant St(above the Grad House)Monday-Friday10:00am-12:30pm and 1:30-5:00pmBoard Members:See About DAGSCONTACTGeneral DAGS Enquiries:Liz FairhurstDAGS Office Managerdags_dal.ca902-494-2809Grad House Enquiries:Mark JurkovicGrad House Managergradh_dal.ca902-494-3816Page 1

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