Here we name the (graduate) members of the various committees.

PGSC: Terri Brandt, Alex Mooney, Sarah Parks, Mitchell Rutkowski, Emily Sistrunk, Greg Vieira

Public Relations: Aaron Sander

Computer: Jon Wilson

Graduate Studies Committee:Tony Link,Adam Hauser, Emily Sistrunk

Colloquium Comittee: Michael Herman

About the Physics Graduate Student Council:

The Physics Graduate Student Council is the representative body for the graduate students in the physics department at Ohio State University. As stated in the Graduate Student Handbook the purpose of the PGSC is to facilitate communication between the department and the graduate students on all matters of mutual concern and interest.

The PGSC holds quarterly open meetings which all physics graduate students are encouraged to attend to discuss their problems and concerns. Additional meetings of the committee are held as needed. We try to keep informed about problems felt by the graduate students, and find ways to improve them within the department. All graduate students are encouraged to seek the advice and counsel of any representative on issues related to the University, the department, and the community.

The PGSC involves itself with several activities outside the quarterly meetings. We participate in the fall orientation sessions for incoming students, as well as organize the mentor program. We host two picnics each year where the graduate students can enjoy being outside Smith lab, eat and play games. The PGSC also holds the elections for the graduate student representatives to all the department committees. We also collect the votes for the core course teaching award, given each year at the department spring picnic. In addition, one committee member is designated to hold and distribute copies of past Qualifying Exams. Students wishing to check out a copy for study should contact a committee member. We are also involved with several small tasks, like keeping the stacks area nice, organizing receptions for graduating students, announcing thesis defenses and arranging colloquia lunch oportunities.

Seven graduate students serve a one year term on this committee. The PGSC acts as a liaison between the faculty, administration and the students. This committee also provides an appropriate forum for student complaints and grievances. The committee can make recommendations to help students deal with difficult situations, or present grievance issues to the administration. Other duties include assisting with open houses for prospective students, operating the elections for the various committees, and organizing various pizza parties and picnics throughout the year.

About the Public Relations position

One graduate student serves on this committee along with faculty members. This group plans and assists with open houses for prospective students.

About the Graduate Computer Committee

One graduate student serves on this committee, which helps maintain the computers in the stacks, and coordinates with the Computer Support Facility and the Vice Chair for Graduate Studies to keep the computers and software in the stacks up to date. Currently the committee controls $10,000 annually.

About the Graduate Studies Committee

Three graduate students serve on the Graduate Studies Committee along with faculty members. This committee reviews the graduate curriculum (required courses, exams, etc.) and makes decisions on the acceptance of graduate applicants.