The Presidential Commission on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (PCSOGI) convened Monday afternoon to discuss lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered-related issues on the NIU campus.

There was no need for a quorum, and nine members were in attendance, including Margie Cook, LGBT Resource Center director; ombudsman Tim Griffin; and Julia Lamb, outreach coordinator for the Center for Southeast Asian Studies.

The commission discussed the submission of student names to serve on the commission, along with setting up a permanent liaison with the LGBT Resource Center. The commission mentioned that there are currently two students on the commission, but they have not attended the meetings.

Cook went on to highlight the events and turnout for LGBT Awareness Month. She described it as “very, very successful.”

Also brought up at the meeting were the upcoming Eychaner Awards, which recognize outstanding members of the LGBT community. The awards will be handed out May 1. The commission confirmed all the necessary details for the ceremony to be held as planned.

The commission’s budget was also brought up, with reassurance.

“We have quite a bit of money left,” Lamb said.

The commission plans to put much of that money into printed materials.

A revision of the Affirmative Action Plan was also discussed.

Community organization Project Alliance was also said to be making its defunct funds available to the Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays organization (PFLAG).

Meetings are the third Monday of every month. The next meeting is scheduled for May 20.