A description of TGIF
TGIF
is a minimally organized group which meets every so often on Friday
afternoons
to discuss readings (generally but not restricted to book selections).
IUS's longest running
reading
group began its distinguished existence in February of 1988 and
continued
its activities until it reached a peculiar denouement at the end
of January in 1993. After a two-year hiatus, TGIF resumed operations at various off campus locations.
The members hope some day to return to a venue on campus.
Members fall into three categories: those who hardly ever miss a
meeting,
those who come occasionally, and those who come once or twice in their
careers. Membership
in all three categories is restricted to those who are interested
enough
to have read the material and show up for a meeting. A large
number
of IUS employees can boast of membership in one category or another and
new members are always welcome.
How we proceed
Nominations
for future readings (no restrictions on topic or genre - as you can see
from the past readings) are solicited from all IUS employees. A ballot
listing all nominations received is then circulated, and the
three
or four readings with the most votes are put on the list for future
discussion.
Prior to each meeting, a volunteer is found -- someone with
professional
competence in the subject -- to open the discussion with five or
ten minutes of remarks and to help the rest of us get the most
out
of the material. If the past is any guide, at a typical meeting
there
will be between six and twelve members present - so the number is
usually not too large for a serious discussion with plenty of
opportunities
for all of those present to participate. Meetings generally last
as long as at least two people are left and willing to keep talking.
Back
to
the TGIF Page
Further information about TGIF can be obtained from kyle
forinash
TGIF would like to thank Bill Rumsey for long and faithful service
as
organizer and coordinator for TGIF (1988-2001).