2 August 2004

PSANA EXCO Meeting
2 August 2004

Disclaimer: Please note: the matters discussed herein are the personal views and opinions of the members present at the meeting. They are therefore not the views or policies of PSANA or the University of Pretoria and PSANA and the University of Pretoria therefore do not accept liability for any damages or implications arising from the correctness of the facts stated in these minutes, unless specifically stated.

Apologies: James (Bob)
Absent: Rene
Members Present: Marelize, Ronald, Bernice, Paula, Freddie, James, Craig
- It has been decided that members that are absent from meetings for 4 consecutive meetings will be formally warned and reprimanded. Rene Sutherland has qualified for such a warning
1. Final Year Symposium
- Thanks to all members and people that made the event a success
- Microbiology, zoology and biochemistry represented the largest groups of students present
- According to survey, 40% of third year students don't know what to do, or are undecided

2. Expansion of welfare portfolio
- New members wishes to become an active member of PSANA committee, it is decided that he may attend functions and meetings immediately, but his membership will be official as of the next term starting next year

3. Faculty Dinee
- Number of guests catered for =300, expected expenditure is R52000
- Union caterers

• Venue R3000
• Waiters R190 for evening (we need 20 waiters)
• 3 course sit down dinner
• Final charge to guests is R120/person

- LC de Villiers sports center can be rented for R10000
- The zoo has free venue, but we must pay for food, waiters are R20/hour/waiter

4. ASC complaints
- 2 Posts were advertised, one equity position, one unspecified
- Students were unhappy with candidate selection, and the selection process
- There is concern as to the possible political nature of the appointment
- It is reported that no official invitation to staff members was made as to the viewing of the CV's of applicants, or to participate in the screening of applicants.
- Professor Cloete was approached by Prof. Stroh, and replied to the students complaints
- It has been suggested that a student representative at a departmental level, sit in on such decisions, and during the drawing up of selection criteria
- Students and staff are unwilling to formally complain, due to lack of confidentiality, and repercussions from departmental heads, and harassment from higger ranking staff
- PSANA has to be able to provide confidentiality to the complainants so that no action can be brought against them, discussions with the Dean will be held as to the best way to do this, in the mean time unofficial complaints have to be handled as serious, and treated with utmost confidentiality.