Minutes from the 10 October 2001 PAC meeting

The following topics were presented/discussed at the Second PAC Meeting of the semester.

Andy Danielson has been looking into the intriguing possibility of our using the fabulous Blakesly Room as a study lounge! If we do get access to the place, the rules will be no food and drink allowed. Also, someone will need to get a key. In addition, Andy is looking into the prospect of getting folks in PAC paid for tutoring in upper division and graduate classes. Stay tuned.

Regarding tutoring...The ever-helpful Karon will post (or has posted) a list outside TH 334 of those GTA's who have opened their office hours for tutoring all lower-division students.

Mahndisa has proposed that we donate a portion of PAC funds to charitable causes. There was general support of this idea. The question arose as to which charities we'd like to help. Ryn will send out an email about it, asking for suggestions.

Financial disclosure in PAC...Jeff is in charge...he will disclose the balance of PAC funds. Jeff has been keeping track of where the money goes; he will keep written records.

Ryn talked about the idea of the PAC buying used textbooks and selling them at affordable rates (lower than what the Bookstore charges). There was widespread interest in this idea. Someone suggested that we might send a representative to each class or to each professor explaining this proposal. "PAC will buy your book and give you a better deal than the bookstore," etc. This would not only benefit PAC, but would benefit the students taking those courses. This intriguing idea shall be explored further.

Someone mentioned the fact that PAC is officially a chapter of the Society of Physics Students. Wow. We're part of a larger whole!

Daryl made an announcement: anyone with suggestions regarding the PAC website, please email her. The issue came up that it would be great if we could put a link to the PAC website on the Main Menu Bar of the Department Website. The verdict is this: Roger Bland, staunch ally of PAC, shall make this modification of the dept. website as soon as we get the official OK from Jim Lockhart. Daryl will handle this.

Daryl then brought up an important issue: is it true that some popular upper division physics classes, such as 331, shall be cancelled due to stringent enrollment requirements? There was a bit of discussion and debate on this issue. At this time, the issue remains controversial and unresolved...Daryl also said she's trying to get (or has gotten) permission to put up fliers on 3 floors of Thornton....

Someone then asked whether there are any upcoming PAC adventures/fieldtrips. Susan then explained that the Geology and Chemistry Clubs are interested in a joint camping trip with the PAC! Another PAC camping trip--possibly later this month or in Nov.--is in the planning stages. Stay tuned.

Albert brought up the idea of a Feynman Film Festival. Someone (I forgot who) said they'd look into renting movies for PAC.

Susan proposed a trip to a local lab. Widespred assent ensued. Possibilities mentioned included LBL, SLAC, NASA, SETI, IBM, and others. This idea is being explored.

Jeff suggested a PAC trip to visit UC Santa Cruz. This idea also appeared popular. Someone suggested we might rent a van from the university. It was then revealed that Gregg Grist has, in fact, a special license to drive a state-owned van. Roger Bland will be consulted on this matter.

Someone even suggested SAILING to Santa Cruz! This idea shall also be investigated.

So ended a productive if sparsely attended Second PAC Meeting.

Not specifically mentioned, but also worthy of note: the word on the street is that the PAC Newsletter has circulated to the Chemistry Dept and even to City College!!