Resolution 2
A Resolution Regarding Standard Procedures for Time Sensitive Issues

Whereas, the GPSA has standing committees that adequately deal with longterm projects and are rather adept at tackling the overwhelming majority of graduate student concerns; but during the year, there are a number of issues that impact the interests of graduate students, which do not easily map onto the institutional structure of the GPSA;

Whereas, as a representative body we work best when we have the time to digest information and deliberate on a course of action, but issues often emerge rapidly, without warning, and require quick action;

Whereas, the track record of the GPSA showcases our cooperation with University administration, student assemblies, and our respective constituencies, but there are times when the interests of the graduate students community collide with the agendas of others;

Whereas in the spirit of cooperation, transparency, and democratic “fair play” we are often at disadvantage against time constraints, efficiency concerns, and zerosum decision-making and are in danger of operating in a reactive fashion with serious consequences;

Whereas the following proposed standing rule is in concert with Robert’s Rules of Order, the GPSA’s parliamentary authority, on committing or referring a question (sections 13 and 14);

Be it therefore resolved that the GPSA adopt the following procedures into the 2006–2007 Standing Rules and Special Rules of Order for a recommended course of action in the face of time-sensitive and divisive issues.

1. By majority vote, the GPSA may charge a GPSA Standing Committee or GPSA appointed members of a relevant external committee with the task of gathering information on a time sensitive topic.
2. By majority vote, the GPSA may convene a temporary and ad-hoc informational “Special Committee” composed of no more than five members of the GPSA or the Council of Representatives.
   1. Members of said committee will be appointed by the executive committee.
   2. A chair of a relevant committee, such as Housing or Pay & Benefits, may sit ex-officio on the Ad-Hoc committee.
3. All individuals charged with this information gathering task must not have a conflict of interest with the situation at hand.
4. The assigned committee or individuals will act quickly to gather all information pertinent to the short-term issue, issue a summary report (including any and all statements of the interested parties), timetables of proposed action(s), and issue a verbal report to the whole assembly.
   1. Reports will be due either at the end of the current GPSA meeting, or at a special convening of the GPSA.
   2. A letter summarizing the pertinent information and the complaint may be produced and sent to the relevant university bodies upon approval of the GPSA (Or executive committee).
5. Reports will be subject to GPSA discussion and any resulting resolutions subject to vote.
6. The Committee will and must:
   1. Operate in a limited time frame (for example, a BREAK out’ session from a Council Meeting, or over two days)
   2. Work with the preexisting bureaucratic structure laid out within the charter
   3. Facilitate coordination among our standing committees when issues overlap.
   4. Maintain an independent perspective
   5. Have a group of “fresh” members who do not feel the weight of other committee business and who can dedicate quick and directed energy to time sensitive concerns
7. The Committee will not and must not:
   1. Unnecessarily delay action on urgent issues; issues must be addressed before the next GPSA meeting unless otherwise recommended by the Committee and accepted by the GPSA;
   2. Recommend a course of action outside of the GPSA Charter;

Be it finally resolved: This resolution will stand as a recommendation for the year of 2006–2007. At the end of that time:

1. Should the GPSA find the Special Committee modus operandi effective, they may chose to extend its operation into following years or adopt a charter change to incorporate the Special Committee.
2. Should the GPSA find the Special Committee modus operandi ineffective, they may chose to discontinue or advise against its further employment.