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SASgov Weekly – September 28, 2009

1. Upcoming SASgov Events & Announcements
a. SASgov elections on Sept 29! LAST CHANCE to run for a GAPSA seat!

2. Upcoming GAPSA Events & Announcements
a. Penn Reading Project Discussion for Grad Students: The Gross Clinic, September 30
b. Reception for Winners of the GAPSA-Provost Award for Interdisciplinary Innovation, October 1
c. Blockley Pourhouse Happy Hour, October 2
d. Live Jazz Champagne Brunch at Philadelphia Museum of Art, October 4
e. El Vez Dinner, October 6
f. GAPSA Exec Board Special Election Information, voting October 7, nominations due October 5

3. Other University Announcements
a. First Meeting for the Penn Working Class and First-Generation College Students, September 28
b. Korean Graduate Student Association Welcome Party, September 28
c. Share the Road Kick-Off Event, September 29
d. Art of Living Club at Penn presents Breath, Meditation, and Mind, September 30
e. Indian Ocean Concert, October 3
f. Argentine Tango Lesson sponsored by PennTango, October 4
g. Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowship Information Session, October 9
h. PDSC Speed Dating Event, October 16

4. Other Events of Interest
a. UPenn Bookstore Book discussions:
Saturday, Oct. 3 at 1PM
Penn Alumna Julie Kraut
“Slept Away”

Monday, Oct. 5 at 6PM
Penn Alumnus Vishaal Bhuyan
“Life Markets: Trading Mortality and Longevity Risk with Life Settlements and Linked Securities”

Tuesday, Oct. 6 at 6PM
Penn Professors’ Ira Harkavy and Frank Johnston
“The Obesity Culture”

5. Calls for Papers & Symposium
a. Penn Humanities Forum Graduate Conference “Missed Connections”
b. Symposium:  Dialogues on Animality, October 2-3, 2009

6. Graduate Student Center Programs / Announcements
a. Navigating Series events!

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1. Upcoming SASgov Events
SASgov strives to improve the living, learning, and working experience of graduate students in the School of Arts and Sciences.  For more information, please visit http://www.sas.upenn.edu/sasgov/

a. SASgov elections!
Meet students across the university and get involved in student government by becoming a GAPSA representative! This is your LAST CHANCE to run for a GAPSA seat - represent SAS grad student interests while working with other grad students from across the university.
The election will take place next Tuesday, Sept 29th, at 6:30pm, location TBA.

There are 4 research seats remaining! If you plan to run or have any questions, email sasgov-comm@sas.upenn.edu.  For more info on GAPSA, the university-wide student government, visit http://www.gapsa.upenn.edu/

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2.  Upcoming GAPSA Events & Announcements
GAPSA is the university-wide student government for all graduate and professional students at the University of Pennsylvania.
Check the events page of the GAPSA website (http://www.gapsa.upenn.edu/engage/events) regularly, as GAPSA is finalizing some great social events for September!

a. Penn Reading Project Discussion for Grad Students: The Gross Clinic, September 30
The Graduate Student Center and GAPSA invite graduate and professional students to discuss the 2009-10 Penn Reading Project.
Students who wish to participate in the discussion should go to the Penn Reading Project website to view videos and read background texts. Be sure to log in with your PennKey to access all of the background materials.

The discussion will be followed by a reception. This event is free, but please register in advance at:
http://www.gsc.upenn.edu/activities/personal.php

b. Reception for Winners of the GAPSA-Provost Award for Interdisciplinary Innovation, October 1
Winners of the 2009 GAPSA-Provost Award for Interdisciplinary Innovation will show off their research at this poster session and reception.  Please register at www.gsc.upenn.edu/register.

c. Blockley Pourhouse Happy Hour, October 2
Date: Friday, October 2nd, 5:00pm-7:00pm
Location: Blockely Pourhouse, 3801 Chestnut Street
Details: Beer, wine, spirits, and light appetizers provided for all graduate students. Must present valid Penn graduate ID for admittance. Must present 21+ ID for alcoholic beverages.
Tickets: None required. Cost is $5 at the door, good for a 2-hour open bar and light appetizers.
Questions: Contact gapsa.sa@gmail.com

d. Live Jazz Champagne Brunch at Philadelphia Museum of Art, October 4
Date: Sunday, October 4th, 10:30am
Location: Philadelphia Museum of Art
Tickets: On sale starting Tuesday, September 22nd, at 11:00 am, exclusively on Ticketleap., for $18. Ticket includes brunch and one glass of champagne or a mimosa. Limit 2 tickets per Penn graduate ID. Must show valid 21+ ID to receive alcoholic beverage.
Questions: contact gapsa.sa@gmail.com

e. El Vez Dinner
Date: Tuesday, October 6
Time: Event begins promptly at 6:30
Location: El Vez Restaurant
Details: Tickets available exclusively at gapsa.ticketleap.com for $25. Tickets include three course meal and glass of wine. Must show valid 21+ ID to receive alcoholic beverage. Limit 3 tickets per Penn grad ID.
Questions: contact gapsa.sp@gmail.com

f. GAPSA Exec Board Special Election Information
The GAPSA Executive Board has two open positions: Vice Chair for Student Life and Vice Chair for International Affairs.  Elections for these two positions will be held at the 2nd General Assembly meeting on October 7, 2009 at 6pm in Bodek Lounge (Houston Hall).   Interested graduate and professional students should contact the Vice Chair for Equity and Access, Michelle Jacobson, at gapsa.vcpluralism@gmail.com.  More information for the positions can be found on the GAPSA website (www.gapsa.upenn.edu). Nominations and self-nominations are due by Noon on Monday October 5, 2009 and should be sent to Michelle Jacobson, gapsa.vcpluralism@gmail.com.

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3. Other University Events

a. First Meeting for the Penn Working Class and First-Generation College Students
Date: Monday, September 28th, 12:00noon
Location: Law School, Gittis 213
Working-Class Students! Students who were the first in their family to go to undergraduate! Come to our first meeting of the year!! Meet upper-classmen and students from outside of the law school who come from similar backgrounds. We will be planning activities for this semester, discussing the formation of the group, and having a good ol’ time. Bring your lunch! (next time there will be food . . . sorry)
Questions: contact jenagris@law.upenn.edu

b. Korean Graduate Student Association Welcome Party
Date: Monday, September 28, 7:00pm
Location: Hall of Flags, Houston Hall
Questions: contact Kook Jin Ahn, kookjin@seas.upenn.edu

c. Share the Road Kick-Off Event
“Share-the-Road” kickoff campaign begins Tuesday, September 29th, at 10:00 am at the bookstore entrance.
The objective of the “Share-the-Road” campaign is to educate both bikers and motorists as to the laws and safety tips to which both groups need to adhere.  For bikers – don’t ride on sidewalks, be a part of the traffic pattern and flow, use signals, bike security and how to ride, but stay safe.  For motorists- know that there are responsibilities you have to accommodate bicyclists, and that the police will be enforcing motor vehicle compliance.

d. Art of Living Club at Penn presents Breath, Meditation, and Mind
Date: Wednesday, September 30, 7:00pm-8:30pm
Location: Brachfeld Room, Room 225, Houston Hall

The ‘Art of Living Club @ UPENN’ is offering free, weekly workshop open to all graduate students interested in learning new breathing & meditation techniques that can help decrease stress, reduce negative emotions while increasing energy, focus and efficiency. In addition, come hear about our upcoming events including our ‘Yoga Empowerment Service’ course (Oct 1-6) as well as ‘Heroes of Humanity,’ (Nov an event to recognize the amazing work done by non-profits within the city of Philadelphia.
RSVP at http://secure.artofliving.org/events.aspx?state=PA&city=PHILADELPHIA&type=-1

e. Indian Ocean Concert
The Philadelphia chapter of Association for India’s Development (AID) is organizing a charity concert on October 3, 2009, in the University of Pennsylvania campus, featuring the Indian pop music band, “Indian Ocean” (http://www.indianoceanmusic.com/). For more information and to purchase tickets online visit http://philly.aidindia.org/ .

Indian Ocean is a contemporary fusion music band from India that has received overwhelming recognition and popularity over the past few years. The band’s fusion music style has not only appealed to the Indian community but also has greatly moved a global community of music lovers. The concert will take place on Saturday, October 3 at 6:30pm in the Harrison auditorium, Penn Museum of Archeology and Anthropology. Come, feel the phenomenal sound of the “The Magnificent folk music fusion rock band” (India Today) ? get your tickets today at http://philly.aidindia.org/ . (There is a limited time discount on students’ tickets.)

[All proceeds from the concert go towards helping the poor and needy and in supporting grassroots level initiatives on education, livelihoods, natural resources, health, women's empowerment and social justice in India.]
Office with any questions – 212.403.6627 or membership@pennclub.org.

*Please note that any purchases made must be settled with a major credit card.

f. PennTango presents Beginning Argentine Tango Lessons

Curious about Tango, but not a student?   Already dance Tango and want to practice and meet other dancers?  PennTango is hosting Tango lessons. Each class is followed by 1.5 hour OPEN PRACTICE TIME  **OPEN to EVERYONE**.  Come practice, dance, meet new people, and have fun!!!

Date: Sunday, October 4. Class: 3pm-4:30pm. Open Practice 4:30-5:45
Location: Arch Auditorium (36th Street & Locust Walk, 2nd floor)
To see more details and RSVP, go to:
http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=125954969164&mid=1063691G20530307G2a316a7G7
Questions: contact  penntango@gmail.com

g. Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowship Information Session
Interested in getting a $70,000 Fellowship?

…Then come to the Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowship information session. The director of the Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowships will be at Penn on Oct. 9th to answer any questions that you might have. You will also get to hear about the experience of a Penn student, who was successful at obtaining the fellowship last year.

When: Oct. 9th, 2009 from 1:30-2:30
Where: The Fireside Room on the second floor of the Arch building (building with red doors at the corner of 36th and Locust)
Who: 1st or 2nd year students who might be eligible for the fellowship (You are eligible if: 1.you are a naturalized US citizen OR 2. you are the child of parents who are both naturalized US citizens OR 3.you currently hold a green card)
What: Meet the director of the Paul and Daisy Fellowships and get to hear about the application process.
For more information about the Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowship, please visit http://www.pdsoros.org/faq/#question1.

h. PDSC Speed Dating Event, Sponsored by Penn Design Student Council
Date: Thursday, October 15, 7:00-9:00pm
Location: Roosevelt’s Pub, 2022 Walnut Street
Price: $10, includes one drink ticket. If you sign up with a friend, you get $1 off each ticket.
This is a great opportunity to interact with students in other schools in a fun setting. SEAS meets SAS anyone? MFA + MBA = <3 ? Think of it as good time management, or dating on fast forward, since you don’t have time for anything else. Drink specials for participants until 9pm. Buy your tickets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12-2pm in the Graduate Student Center.
Questions: contact Erika Lindsey, erikamlindsey@gmail.com

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4. Other Events of Interest

a. UPenn Bookstore Book Discussions!
Saturday, Oct. 3 at 1PM
Penn Alumna Julie Kraut
“Slept Away”
A book for young readers. New York City girl Laney Parker can’t wait to spend her summer vacation hanging out with her friends, but her mother has enrolled her at Camp Timber Trails instead; a rustic, un-air conditioned nightmare.

Monday, Oct. 5 at 6PM
Penn Alumnus Vishaal Bhuyan
“Life Markets: Trading Mortality and Longevity Risk with Life Settlements and Linked Securities”
A complete guide to longevity finance that offers an extensive look at how to trade life settlements.

Tuesday, Oct. 6 at 6PM
Penn Professors Ira Harkavy and Frank Johnston
“The Obesity Culture”
Using the Urban Nutrition Initiative - a Penn-established community partnership project - as their model, Harkavy and Johnston outline how “a culture of obesity” can be changed through community-based cooperation

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5. Calls for Papers & Symposium

a. Penn Humanities Forum Graduate Conference “Missed Connections”

The Graduate Humanities Forum of the University of Pennsylvania invites submissions for its 10th annual conference: “Missed Connections.” The one-day interdisciplinary conference will take place on Friday, February 19th, 2010 at the Penn Humanities Forum in conjunction with its 2009-2010 topic: “Connections.”  Our keynote speaker is Laura Otis, a leading 19th-century literature and science scholar and recipient of a MacArthur fellowship at Emory University.

What might it mean to consider the ways in which connections are foreclosed, desires for union left unsatisfied, communications disrupted? A “missed connection” might be as intimate as a brush with a stranger or as literal as a dropped phone call or departing plane; it might be a forgotten or neglected history or genealogy. “Missed Connections” seeks to foreground failures or absences of connection across disciplines and methodologies. We hope for briefs against perfect transmission, network theory attuned to the gaps in coverage. We are also interested in fields of study that might come into focus for being “unconnected”: the rural, the isolated (geographically and historically), the illegible, the strange/estranged.

This conference is open to all graduate students, at Penn and beyond, so if you know of someone at another institution who would be interested, please spread the word!
More information on the conference is available at our website: http://www.phf.upenn.edu/09-10/ghf/cfp.shtml
To apply, please send 250-word paper proposals for one of the panels (described on the website) along with a 1-page CV via email to Rachael Nichols at nichols.rachael@gmail.com by Nov 1, 2009. (Notification by Dec 1, 2009.)

b. Symposium: Dialogues on Animality, October 2-3, 2009

Interdisciplinary Graduate Student Conference, University of Pennsylvania
Held at Slought Foundation, 4017 Walnut St., Philadelphia
Organized by Ruth Erickson and Nathaniel Prottas

Description: Today, rather than being fixed, the terms “animal” and “human” are increasingly understood as in flux, bound together theoretically, historically, and socially to enact a complex reciprocity that both defines and challenges the traditional categories of disciplines. If at the heart of the humanities is the question “what does it mean to be human?” this symposium seeks to explore the role of animals in the history and formation of this question from different
disciplinary viewpoints.

The conference will include:
• “On Autobiography and (Animal) Locomotion,” a keynote address by Professor Akira Lippit of University of Southern California on Friday, October, 2 at NOON
• Panels on literature, art history, Darwinism, and public policy/law
• Paper respondents: Profs. Jean-Michel Rabaté (English, UPenn), Karen Beckman (Art History and Cinema Studies, UPenn), and Sheila Rodriguez (Law, Rutgers)
• Breakfast refreshments provided

For more information and symposium program: http://www.arthistory.upenn.edu/dialoguesonanimality/
Or contact, dialoguesonanimality@gmail.com

This symposium is generously supported by the University of Pennsylvania’s History of Art Department, Cinema Studies, SASgov, English Department, German Department, Comparative Literature Department, and the Center for the Interaction of Animals and Society.

6. Graduate Student Center Programs / Announcements – the NAVIGATING Series!

*Please visit http://www.gsc.upenn.edu/ for more information on upcoming Grad Student Center events or to register for the events below

Upcoming Navigating Series events at the Grad Center:

Navigating the Classroom

Determining Your Classroom Persona
Tuesday, September 29, 2009; 3:30 - 5 pm
Graduate Student Center, 3615 Locust Walk, Room 305

Working with Penn Students: Know Your Audience
Wednesday, September 30, 2009; 1:30 - 3 pm
Graduate Student Center, 3615 Locust Walk, Room 305

Managing Your Time While Teaching
Thursday, October 1, 2009; 12 - 1:30 pm
Graduate Student Center, 3615 Locust Walk, Room 305