September 11th, 2007
*Introduction of the ZSA as an organization, and what we do.
*Some examples of past (recent) years' events:
-Columbus Zoo trip with behind-the-scenes tours of the animal hospital, penguin exhibit, gorilla house, etc.
-Bat Zone trip with a special, interactive tour given by Rob Mies.
-Detroit Zoo trip with behind-the-scenes tours of the animal hospital and arctic ring of life exhibit.
-Baltimore/Washington D.C. trip to see the National Aquarium (& a special dolphin show!), and National Zoo.
-Tour of MSU's Dairy Cattle Center
-Tour of the MSU Museum, with a special presentation on how specimens are prepared.
*Some exampes of past (recent) years' speakers:
-Michigan United Conservation Club
-Professor presentations on Study Abroad
-Rob Mies from the Bat Zone
-Binder Park Zoo curators
-Capital Area Humane Society
-Career Services
-Professor presentations on their research
-Live animal presentations
-Potter Park Zoo's head zookeeper
*Annual Activities:
-SET (Science, Engineering & Technology) Day to teach high school seniors more about Zoology and the ZSA
-Beggin' for Bones, our Halloween fundraiser for Capital Area Humane Society.
-Can Drive for the Wildlife Warriors Fund (founded by Steve Irwin)
*Being a member of the ZSA:
-Paying for dues ($8 per semester). Check made payable to: Zoological Students Association. If you oay today or at the next meeting (9/25), receive 10 extra points.
-Dues cover pizza & refreshments at the end of the year, the 3 organizations we donate to each semester, and help with trip costs.
-When you pay your dues, you become an official member, which gives you priority for trips.
*Point System:
-Helps the E-board keep track of your participation in the ZSA.
-The breakdown: meetings (10), trips (50), other activities (30).
-For each can/bottle brought to meetings, receive (1) point.
-More opportunities will arise for more points to be earned.
-The top 3 people with the most points will receive prizes at the end of the year.
*Graduation Cords:
-Requirement of (150) points earned.
-Given on the 2nd to last meeting with a short ceremony.
-Contact the E-board ASAP if you are graduating in December!
*T-Shirts:
-Submit your design by 10/5 to Sasha ([email protected]). Receive (10) points for your submission.
-A vote on the 10/9 meeting will determine the design.
-The winning submission's artist will receive (30) points and a free t-shirt.
*Announcements:
-E.O. Wilson (Father of Sociobiology) will speak at the Wharton on 10/22 @ 7:30 PM. Free student tickets are available at the box office. Hurry! They're going fast!
-Study Abroad Fair on 9/20 @ the Union from 12-6 PM.
*Extra:
-Member suggestion about wristbands from the Wildlife Warriors Fund. We will look into this to see if we can get some for the ZSA.
-Dr. Snider (head of Zoology Department & our sponsor) attended and gave us some valuable advice about being active in the ZSA, as well as the MSU and local communities. By using our knowledge and passion for the sciences to educatate others, we will be moving forward as a positive force. He also encouraged us to communicate with one another and the Zoology department, including the graduate students and alumni board. This should be taken seriously. We are ambassadors for Zoology.