OGC: Years in review, Cooper, Quarterdeck 4.1, TAMU

Quarterdeck 4.1

Oceanography Graduate Council
The years in review: 1993-1995

by D. Craig Cooper

Have you talked with a graduate student who is familiar with the activities of the Oceanography Graduate Council (OGC) executive board lately? Whether faculty, staff, or student-you may be interested to learn what the OGC has accomplished over the past few years.

If, after reading this article, you want to express your thoughts to an OGC representative, you could log onto one of the department computers and check out our web site (accessible through the Texas A&M Oceanography Home Page), learn the latest on the OGC's activities, then come find one of the members of the OGC executive board. If you have time to drop by a bimonthly meeting, you are invited to the 11th-floor conference room every other Monday between 12:30 and 1:30. Or just email your ideas to OGC and we will find you. Your input is welcome.

1993
Exams
1994
Search committees
Core courses
1995
Computing
Search committees
1996
Equipment
Student travel and research
O&M and beyond
Future plans

1993

Exams

OGC began a campaign to eliminate qualifying exams for students seeking a master's degree. Students believed that since the degree of difficulty and content of these exams varied among sections and annually within single sections, they did not fairly test student knowledge. In 1994 the oceanography department responded to student concerns and eliminated qualifying exams for master's degree students.

1994

Search committees

OGC actively participated in the search for a new department head. Many students had the opportunity to meet and interview one or more of the candidates, and student input was important in the final selection.

Core courses

OGC learned that the core-courses were not adequately preparing graduate students for future careers in oceanography. We helped initiate a movement to give the core-courses more "core" and insure that all students learn the necessary information. In 1995, Department Head Dave Brooks created a committee, which included a student representative, to provide recommendations for improving the core courses. The department has implemented the committee's suggestions and the "core" of the courses will be more rigorously standardized.

1995

Computing

OGC took steps to insure that all graduate students will be provided with reasonable access to all departmental computer services-free of charge! This includes use of printers, personal computers, Unix workstations, and access to email and the internet.

The Department of Oceanography received six new Power Macintoshes. These computers (along with user-friendly desks and chairs) were installed in room 1102, and are available for graduate students to use 24 hours a day. These computers have been a tremendous asset since they were unveiled. A printer and color scanner are expected shortly. CD-ROM databases will be purchased as soon as OGC compiles a list, and new software will be added whenever OGC is informed of the need.

Search Committees

OGC actively participated in the search for two new faculty members. Again, many students had the opportunity to meet and interview the candidates and student input was important in the final selection.

1996

Equipment

OGC anticipates the arrival of a new photocopier for general student use. Each oceanography graduate student will receive a copier code which allows a limited number of copies (~150) per month.

Student travel and research

For many years, OGC mini-grants have helped a great number of students to complete their research and attend national meetings. The list is long, but among those students are John Pohlman and Celia Villac, both of whom defended within the last six months.
OGC recently developed a plan to make travel money from the Graduate Enhancement Funds available to all students on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants are urged to find matching funds for travel grants.
The enhancement funds will also help improve departmental facilities, maintain resources in the Working Collection, provide dollars to help prepare presentations, and support student research to the greatest extent possible.

O&M and beyond

OGC has always provided funds and organizational time to plan social events. Although the style of these activities may change, OGC will continue to facilitate social occasions. Financial constraints have led to the demise of the "Big Parties," but OGC plans to replace them with a series of smaller events that require less time and money.
OGC attempts to help foster a sense of unity within the Department of Oceanography by hosting monthly luncheons in the observatory of the O&M Building and helping new students learn the ropes.
OGC continues to perform community outreach programs. This February several oceanography graduate students judged a local science fair. The Galveston Beach Clean-Up was a huge success in 1995 (See "A day at the beach with the OGC" in the Fall 1995 Quarterdeck). With some help, we can do it again in 1996.
Texas A&M University has a lot of outdoor equipment and OGC has money for equipment use and university vans. Does anyone have ideas?

Future plans

During the past two years OGC has become an active governing body, and the efforts of the executive board help shape departmental procedures, provide needed facilities and services for graduate students, and provide outlets for stress relief. OGC's efforts have had a positive effect throughout the department. There is still much to do and executive board members have plans to:

Upgrade and rebuild the 6th-floor computer lab
Improve student research opportunities on the Gyre
Facilitate the planning of weekend-excursions for groups of oceanography students
Host informal departmental luncheons more frequently

These goals can be met with a little help from students and faculty alike. Many OGC stalwarts will graduate soon, and the organization needs an infusion of enthusiasm. This is a group in which individuals can make a large difference with a little time. The foundation is there and we need to build on it. What OGC really needs is your input. Come on... it'll be fun!