Student Council

-----------------------------------------------------

The next GSSC meeting is in February 22, 2005.

Please note that the GSSC meets in the Satow room, 5th floor of Lerner Hall

All are welcome to attend.

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The GSSC has prepared guidelines for funding and co-sponsorship requests. Please review the guidelines and the funding request form before applying for funding. For your convenience, the form is posted in Word format.

Please contact Marianna Astakhova if you have any additional questions about funding.

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February 21, 2005

COME ONE, COME ALL
TO THE
GS BOWLING TOURNAMENT
THURSDAY, FEB 24TH
@ LEISURE TIME BOWL
(Port Authority, 2nd Fl)
5:30PM-8:30PM

$5.00/person

PRIZES awarded to winning team!!

You MUST SIGN UP in the GS Lounge (the sign up sheet is on the GSSC Board)

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February 17, 2005

***********************
** How Will We Grow? **
***********************

Your Chance to Weigh In and Speak Out on
The Future of Columbia in Manhattanville…

Panel Presentations followed by Questions from the Student Audience

• Tom DeMott - Coalition to Preserve Community, West Harlem Tenants Coalition

• Tom Kappner - Head of the Coalition to Preserve Community

• Jeremiah Stoldt - Director of Campus Plan, Columbia University

• Warren Whitlock - Director of Construction Coordination, Columbia University

Moderated by:
Varun Munjal, CC ’06, Columbia College Student Council & Columbia University Senate

What: Manhattanville Panel and Q&A
When: Friday, Feb 18, 1 PM,
Where: Lerner Cinema

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February 16, 2005

GS HAPPY HOUR
THURSDAY, FEB 17TH
@ MONA (109th & Amsterdam)
5:30PM - 8:30PM

Come hang out with old friends or meet new ones!!
(2 IDs to drink)
--------------------------------------------------

--------------------------------------------------
COME ONE, COME ALL
TO THE
GS BOWLING TOURNAMENT
THURSDAY, FEB 24TH
@ LEISURE TIME BOWL
(Port Authority, 2nd Fl)
5:30PM-8:30PM

$5.00/person

PRIZES awarded to winning team!!

You MUST SIGN UP in the GS Lounge (the sign up sheet is on the GSSC Board)

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February 14, 2005

Happy Valentine's Day! Here's your GSSC Weekly Update!
Love,
The GSSC

TUESDAY, February 15:
**UNIVERSITY SENATE TOWN HALL MEETING: "SHOULD COLUMBIA
RESTORE ROTC" 7-9, DAVIS AUDITORIUM IN SCHAPIRO ENGINEERING

TUESDAY, February 15:
**GSSC WEEKLY MEETING, 7:30-9, SATOW ROOM IN LERNER.

WEDNESDAY, February 16:
**LIVING BEYOND 9 to 5: PROFESSIONALS DISCUSS WORK-LIFE
BALANCE, 8-10, Lerner C555

THURSDAY, February 17:
**HAPPY HOUR: 5:30-8:30, MONA LOUNGE, 109TH & AMSTERDAM

--MORE EVENT INFO--

ROTC TOWN HALL: The University Senate Task Force on ROTC is holding
a discussion, open to anyone with a CUID, of the merits and
implications of the proposal to restore ROTC. Contact
rotc-taskforce@columbia.edu or http://www.columbia.edu/cu/senate/
for more information. WHEN: Tuesday, February 15th at 7:00 in the
Davis Auditorium in Schapiro Engineering.

GSSC WEEKLY MEETING: Come join the GSSC in the Satow Room in Lerner
and hear what your student government is working on to enhance your
Columbia experience. Bring ideas and share with the council how we
can help you. WHEN: Tuesday, February 15th at 7:30 in Satow.

LIVING BEYOND 9 to 5: Interested in a career in Law, Medicine, or
Engineering? Concerned about whether that career will allow you
time to care for your family, hang out with your friends, or
service the community? Want to hear from professionals already in
those fields? If so come to this discussion on work-life balance.
WHEN: Wednesday, February 16th at 8 in Lerner C555.

HAPPY HOUR: Come hang out and relax with your favorite Columbia
friends. We'll be down at Mona Lounge at 109 & Amsterdam. Come
stop by. Same GS drink specials. WHEN: Thursday, February 17th
at 5:30 at Mona Lounge.

--ANNOUNCEMENTS--

U.S. Military Veterans at CU
Are you a US Military Veteran? The Columbia Military Veterans
Club Wants You!
http://www.columbia.edu/cu/usmilvetscu/

GSSC Student Life Committee
Do you enjoy planning events? Do you have good, creative
ideas? Would you like more control over where your student life
fees are spent? Email gssc@columbia.edu today and ask to join
the Student Life Committee!

--RANDOM CLUB OF THE WEEK--

**********
** CORE **
**********

History

The Columbia Organization of Rising Entrepreneurs (CORE) was founded
in late 1999 by students in pursuit of becoming entrepreneurs.
CORE's leading objectives are to provide educational and
professional resources for students at Columbia University with
interests in entrepreneurship. In past years, CORE has successfully
organized university-wide business plan competitions, awarded both
graduate and undergraduate students thousands of dollars in prize
money, and sponsored numerous events featuring successful
entrepreneurs as speakers. There are currently over 800 members in CORE.

Goals

CORE was designed to help students learn more about entrepreneurship
by providing a wide range of resources from basic information to
contacts in the business world. This year, however, CORE is turning
its attention to a new, campus-wide initiative. CORE wants to not
only develop student entrepreneurship, but to channel that
interest, energy, and talent back into the community through the
expansion of the Columbia Student Enterprises project. CORE will
help students develop and implement business plans that would
eventually result in student-run, profit-generating enterprises
that target the needs of the immediate university and greater New
York community. In addition, CORE would like to see an
'Entrepreneurship 101' course offered to Columbia undergraduates
and will begin laying down the foundation for such a class through
a series of speaker panels that will focus on basic business concepts.

* What: CORE
* Contact: core@columbia.edu
* Website: http://www.columbia.edu/cu/core/

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February 10, 2005

GSSC: UPDATE

Hello and Howdy. The GSSC sadly notifies you that the Billiards
tournament had to be cancelled but no fear! There are a number of
great events coming up, such as:

* MONDAY, Feb 14: FIRST YEAR LUNCH @ Lewisohn

--and, non-council events abound!--

* THURSDAY, Feb 10 7PM Lecture on Racism and Academic Freedom @ 602 HAMILTON

* SATURDAY, Feb 12, 11AM-12:30PM: BECOME A BIG SIBLING @ 306 Lerner

--Special Shouts Out--

* U.S. Military Veterans at CU

Are you a US Military Veteran? The Columbia Military Veterans
Club Wants You!
http://www.columbia.edu/cu/usmilvetscu/

* CU RELAY FOR LIFE

The Relay for Life is a fundraiser held in the Spring with all
proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society. The event is an
overnight party with games, entertainment, free food, and much
more! The Relay is The American Cancer Society's national
signature event and the largest fund-raising activity in the world.
Columbia raised over $86,000 last year and hopes to raise over
$120,000 this year! So join the fun and the fight against cancer
by joining one of our committees or starting a Relay team!

So, just click on the link (via www.curelayforlife.com) to register
and start fundraising online! It's only a $10 registration fee to
get started and the rest of the fundraising is up to you! Get
10-15 of your friends together so you can all take turns walking
the track over the 17 hours of the Relay. Oh yea...and you have to
have FUN!

--more info on events--

*THUR, Feb 10, 7PM @ 602 Hamilton: LECTURE on "Racism,
Anti-Semitism, and Free Speech in the Academy. " Sponsored by Columbia ACLU, and
the College Libertarians, and Columbians for Academic Freedom.
"A native of Harlem, Meyers has spent his entire professional career
working in the fields of civil rights, civil liberties, law,
education, and urban affairs. He is regarded as an expert on civil
rights and race relations. Former executive director of the NYCLU,
and assistant director of the NAACP, Meyers is currently on the
board of FIRE and is the founder and executive director of the New
York Civil Rights Coalition."

* SATURDAY, Feb 12, 11AM-12:30PM: BECOME A BIG SIBLING @ 306 Lerner
BECOME a BIG BROTHER, BIG SISTER, ACADEMIC TUTOR, COLLEGE MENTOR,
FRIEND to ONE of a 1000 YOUNG PEOPLE at the DOUBLE DISCOVERY CENTER
(DDC). 2 HOURS a WEEK is all it takes to LEAVE a LASTING IMPRESSION.

COME, VOLUNTEER with DDC and MAKE a DIFFERENCE in a YOUNG PERSON'S
LIFE. MAKE a DIFFERENCE in YOUR LIFE! APPLICATIONS are on-line at
WWW.DOUBLEDISCOVERY.ORG and JOIN US at ONE of the following UPCOMING
VOLUNTEER ORIENTATIONS which take place in the DDC office in 306
LERNER HALL.

Saturday, February 12, 11am-12:30pm,
Wednesday, February 16, 8-9:30
Wednesday, February 23, 8-9:30pm

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February 3, 2005

________________________________________________________

*** G L A S S H O U S E R O C K S ***

THIS Thursday, February 3rd

Starting at 10 PM

Alfred Lerner Hall (that's right, ALL of it)

2 IDS to DRINK

This event is FREE and open to all undergraduates of CU

________________________________________________________

Featuring:

- Two dance parties

- laser tag

- dance performances on the ramps every half hour

- a sampling of foods from all across the world brought to you by campus
cultural groups

- Texas Hold 'Em tournament

- open mic/karaoke

- ice cream

- DDR

- live jazz and appetizers/crepes

- caricature artists

- and MORE!

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February 2, 2005

Volunteer To Teach Conflict Resolution!

Like working with kids? Want to make a difference?

Then join Peace by PEACE. We teach conflict Resolution to 5th graders in
Harlem and the Washington Heights. One of the largest volunteer groups at
Columbia, we are entering our thirteenth year of teaching. We interact with
over 800 students in seven different schools. At the end of the year we
have a huge festival that brings students, volunteers, teachers, and VIPS to
the Riverbank State Park for a day fun, food, t-shirts, and ice-cream. Our
program works around your schedule: you teach when you have free time. The
weekly time commitment entails one hour of teaching and transportation to
the school, plus a short, fifteen-minute meeting to plan for each lesson.
If you can spare an hour a week, come check us out by attending our info
session, Thursday, Feb. 3 at 8:00pm in the Lerner Piano Lounge (2nd floor
Lounge on the west side of building). If you have any questions or
concerns, do not hesitate to contact us at peacebypeace@columbia.edu

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February 2, 2005

COME SHOW US WHAT YOU'VE GOT...even if it's not much! :)

GS BILLIARDS TOURNAMENT
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10TH
5:30PM-8:30PM
AMSTERDAM BILLIARDS
(344 Amsterdam, btwn 76th & 77th)
Only $5.00!!!
PRIZES GIVEN OUT TO 2005 CHAMPIONS!

You MUST sign up in the GS Lounge ASAP (poster is on GSSC board)

Take a break from school to show your competitive side or just come
to be with friends!

******ALL LEVELS WELCOME******

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February 1, 2005

Dear GS,

It appears that someone has hijacked my email in one way or another in order to send out viruses to the General Studies community.

I apologize for this inconvenience, and will be talking with AcIs to see what can be done.

Please ignore any attachments you might received--the GSSC will never send you an attachment in a School wide email.

Thank you,

Ariel Beery
Student Body President,
Columbia University--School of General Studies
www.columbia.edu/cu/gssc

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

January 31, 2005

Weekly Update

Jam-packed and ready to go, the GSSC is gonna put on a show…

**TUES, FEB 1st, 7:30-9PM: Screening of the film “Columbia
Unbecoming” and Forum on Students Rights moderated by Chaplain
Davis @ Lerner Cinema

**THURS, Feb 3rd, 5:30-8:30PM: Hang-Out @ MONA Lounge

**THURS, Feb 3rd, 10PM-1AM: GLASS HOUSE ROCKS @ Lerner

**SUN, Feb 6th, 11AM-1PM: FIRST SUNDAY BRUNCH @ Lewisohn

SNAPSHOTS FOR NEXT WEEK—

**WED, FEB 9, 7-9PM: GAME NIGHT with Pizza @ Lewisohn Lounge

**THURS, Feb 10, 5:30-8:30PM: GS BILLIARDS TOURNAMENT @ AMSTERDAM
BILLIARDS

-----------Important Announcement--------------

Many of you have expressed interest in pursuing careers in
industries other than investment banking and consulting. We have
partnered with the Center for Career Education to get a better
understanding of the industries and sectors of highest interest to
you. We need your help to get a good read on what areas and
organizations are of highest interest to you. Please follow the
link below to the survey where we are collecting the data by
FEBRUARY 4th. We expect the survey to take between 10 and 20
minutes depending on your personal employer preferences. Even if
you are interested only in investment banking and consulting,
please do fill out the survey as that information is helpful in
understanding overall employment preferences.

http://surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=76005766216

ALSO

Want study Partners? GSSC discussion:
https://www1.columbia.edu/sec/bboard/gssc-discussion

---MORE INFO ON EVENTS---

*TUES, Feb 1st: SCREENING OF COLUMBIA UNBECOMING.
The General Studies Student Council, Barnard's SGA, the Engineering
Student Council, and Columbians for Academic Freedom, present the
film, 'Columbia Unbecoming' - a collection of student testimonials
on instances of academic abuse, bias, and and violation of
students' rights in and out of the classroom. The screening will be
followed by a discussion on student rights, academic freedom, and
the surrounding controversy, moderated by Chaplain Davis. Tuesday,
February 1st, at 7:30 PM in Lerner Cinema. CUID only.

*THURS, Feb 3rd: HANG OUT AT MONA LOUNGE
It’s that time again, for our bi-monthly get together at Mona. Cast
your worries away for a while with your peers…at MONA LOUNGE (109th
& Amsterdam) [Drink Specials- MUST BRING 2 ID's TO DRINK]

*THURS, Feb 3rd: GLASS HOUSE ROCKS
Even if you normally skip these e-mails, read the bit about Glass
House Rocks. It's not really funny, but it is an all-school event
featuring Lazer Tag, free food, free drinks, five bands, two DJs,
five student dance performances, ice cream, hot chocolate, and the
opportunity to check your mail (and e-mail!). And it's THURSDAY.
Like this THURSDAY. Like the day after the day after tomorrow. From
10 pm to 1 am. In Lerner.

*SUN, Feb 6th, 11AM-1PM: FIRST SUNDAY BRUNCH @ LEWISOHN
Start your Super Ball Sunday early with our first GS Sunday Brunch
of the semester. Come have bagels, waffles, fruit, doughnuts and
coffee, meet other GS students, and start the day right. Courtesy
of the Junior and sophomore classes, and the Parents Liaison.

-----and, the moment you’ve all been waiting for----

***********************
** WKCR 90.9 FM NY **
***********************

WKCR 89.9 FM NY is Columbia's student-run radio station. Committed
to providing New York with alternative programming, WKCR broadcasts
a wealth of musical genres and distinctive news and arts programs.
>From jazz to blues, all programming is created and directed by
students, airing 24 hours a day, every day of the year. WKCR is
currently broadcasting in all five boroughs of New York City as
well as parts of Long Island and New Jersey. As the first FM radio
station in the world, WKCR has brought excellence in radio to
Columbia University and New York as a whole for over sixty years.

You can listen to WKCR at 89.9 FM or on the web at www.WKCR.org

** Contact - Board@wkcr.org

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

January 27, 2005

*THURSAY, Jan 27, 4-4:30PM: SOCIAL COMMITTEE MEETING @ Lewisohn

*THURSDAY, Jan 27, 4:30-5PM: SPRING FORMAL COMMITTEE @ Lewisohn

--and--

*THURSDAY, Jan 27, 7-9PM: LECTURE: The Media and the Middle East: A
Misrepresentation of? @ HAMILTON 306

*FEB 1: Undergraduate Student Councils sponored screening of the
film discussed in the media, Columbia Unbecoming, followed by a
moderated discussion

*FEB 3: PARTY ALL NIGHT LONG

--More Information----------------------------------

**SOCIAL COMMITTEE MEETING: Do you...like to work with people? Want
to get involved? Have ideas for social events? Have unrestrained
energy and need a release?
If you answered YES to ANY of these questions please join us at:
G.S. LOUNGE in Lewisohn, THURSDAY, JANUARY 27TH 4:00 PM - 4:30
PM. We want to build your Social Committee!

(FREE FOOD * FREE BEVERAGES * FREE FOOD * FREE BEVERAGES)

We are looking to fill positions and to begin planning for the GS
Bowling and Billiards Tournaments, St. Patrick's Day Party, Spring
Formal, etc.

**SPRING FORMAL COMMITTEE MEETING: Do you... Want to help organize
a HUGE event? Enjoy working with others? Have creative ideas? If
you answered YES to ANY of these questions please join us at: G.S.
LOUNGE in Lewisohn, THURSDAY, JANUARY 27TH, 4:30 PM - 5:00 PM.

**THE MEDIA AND THE MIDDLE EAST: A MISREPRESENTATION? Join Yael
Swerdlow, Pulitzer prize-winning photo-journalist has worked for
the United Press International, the Associated Press, and the Los
Angeles Times. Her 20 year career in journalism has led her to
Somalia, Southern Sudan, and Rwanda, working for the International
Medical Corps.

INFO: THURSDAY, JAN 27, 7PM @ Hamilton 306-----
Another timely reminder by the GSSC.

See you soon!

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January 25, 2005

So, how are classes? Sick of shopping around already? Well shop no
further—the GSSC is here! And here is a little something-something
to get your groove going…

*TUESDAY, Jan 25, 7:30-9PM: GSSC MEETING @ SATOW room in LERNER HALL

*WED, Jan 26: 12:30-2PM: PIZZA PARTY@ Lewisohn Lounge, sponsored by
the Junior and Senior Classes

*THURSAY, Jan 27, 4-4:30PM: SOCIAL COMMITTEE MEETING @ Lewisohn

*THURSDAY, Jan 27, 4:30-5PM: SPRING FORMAL COMMITTEE @ Lewisohn

--and--

*TUES, JAN 25, 8PM: DATE AUCTION Benefiting the Dance Marathon and
the Elizabeth Glazer Pediatric AIDS foundation, LERNER AUDITORIUM

*THUR, Jan 27, 7-9PM: LECTURE: The Media and the Middle East: A
Misrepresentation of? @ HAMILTON 306

*FEB 3: PARTY ALL NIGHT LONG

--and--

ARE YOU GS? We’re starting an I-AM-GS campaign on our almost
launched, newly designed, website, and are looking for people like
YOU to profile. Email Chris at crr2107@columbia.edu if you’re
interested.

ARE YOU A DJ? WANT A JOB ON CAMPUS? If there are any DJs in the
house, holler at Stephen, sgd2005@columbia.edu
------------------------------------------------------------------------
More Information----------------------------------

**WED PIZZA PARTY: The Junior and Senior Class Presidents would like
to welcome all of you as well as recruiting new members for our
respective class committees. Please come and meet your fellow
classmates, help us plan events for this semester, and enjoy a warm
slice of pizza!

INFO: WEDNESDAY, January 26, 2005, GS Lounge, 12:30 to 2:00pm

(FREE FOOD * FREE BEVERAGES * FREE FOOD * FREE BEVERAGES)

We are looking to fill positions and to begin planning for the GS
Bowling and Billiards Tournaments, St. Patrick's Day Party, Spring
Formal, etc.

INFO: THURSDAY, JAN 27, 7PM @ Hamilton 306

**AND OF COURSE OUR RANDOM CLUB OF THE WEEK

*************************************************
*** Columbia University Amnesty International ***
*************************************************

Amnesty International (AI) is a worldwide movement of people who
campaign for internationally recognized human rights. AI's vision
is of a world in which every person enjoys all of the human rights
enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other
international human rights standards. In pursuit of this vision,
AI's mission is to undertake research and action focused on
preventing and ending grave abuses of the rights to physical and
mental integrity, freedom of conscience and expression, and freedom
from discrimination, within the context of its work to promote all
human rights.AI is independent of any government,
political ideology, economic interest or religion. It does not
support or oppose any government or political system, nor does it
support or oppose the views of the victims whose rights it seeks to
protect. It is concerned solely with the impartial protection of
human rights. The undergraduate chapter of Amnesty International at
Columbia is heavily involved in campaigns for human rights on a
multitude of issues, ranging from political prisoners in the former
Soviet Union to women's rights in Iraq. We hold events such as film
screenings, concerts, fundraisers and speaker panels on human
rights related issues, as well as tabling throughout the semester.
Each year we send an average of 1000 letters to government
officials in our efforts to prevent human rights violations.

** Meetings: Wednesdays, 9 pm
** Location: Schiff Room, Earl Hall
** Web: http://www.columbia.edu/cu/amnestyinternational/
** Contact: cuai-board@columbia.edu

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January 20, 2005

Welcome Back GS!

Don’t forget: GS WELCOME BACK LUNCH this THURSDAY, Jan 20th:

WHAT: Welcome Back Lunch
WHEN: THURSDAY JAN 20, 12-2PM
WHERE: GS Lounge @ Lewishon

--and--

Done with the first week? Come hang out and unwind at MONA LOUNGE

WHEN: THURSDAY JAN 20, 5:30-8:30PM
WHERE: Mona Lounge, 109 and Amsterdam

2 ids to drink

-----
Another timely reminder by the GSSC.

See you soon!

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January 18, 2004

Welcome Back GS!

After an amazingly packed last semester-with council averaging nearly three student life events per week (they're working like crazy for you), not to mention policy initiatives ranging from Housing to the redesigning of GS Lounge-I am very excited to welcome you to another amazing, intense, impactful and rewarding semester at Columbia.

To welcome you, we'd like to invite you to a GS WELCOME BACK LUNCH this THURSDAY, Jan 20th:

WHAT: Welcome Back Lunch

WHEN: THURSDAY JAN 20, 12-2PM

WHERE: GS Lounge @ Lewisohn

(And, later that day, come to Mona Lounge from 5:30-8:30PM for our back-to-school hang-out)

Now that I've gotten that off of my chest (it was hard to keep the surprise, I'm bad at that) I wanted to tell you about a few of the wonderful things your council members have done for you last semester, and what they have planned for the future.

SOCIAL: Aside from hosting bi-monthly hang-outs on Thursday nights at Mona Lounge, and planning both the Halloween Party and the Holiday Party, last semester's social chair-Liz Hollister-did a remarkable job keeping our campus thriving and teeming with opportunities to meet people and get out, adding flavor to the college experience. This semester is packed with things to do too! From St. Patrick's Day to a Billiard Tournament, and of course the much awaited GS Formal, there is so much more coming up. ARE YOU INTERESTED IN JOINING SOCIAL?

STUDENT SERVICES: The Student Service Committee, headed by Omri Chaimovitz, has worked last semester to find ways to improve the services we receive from Columbia, and will have a number of open meetings throughout the semester during which you can learn how to get involved in bettering the Columbia community and the services the school offers GS students. Also, there will be a number of Student Service events to publicize different projects we are working on including a feedback campaign and a talent mining database.

SENATOR and POLICY: Matan Ariel, our student senator representative to the Columbia University Senate, has been working on a number of policy initiatives, including improving GS Housing, fighting the rising cost of tuition through the National Tuition Endowment, providing lockers for GS Students, and, together with Alissa Gafford, our Academic Affairs Representative, creating an informal GSSC guide to registering for classes. Together with Pavan Surapaneni, the GSSC has tackled a number of policy initiatives such as the opening of the 120th Street Gate and the definition of student rights.

CLASS COUNCILS: As you know, every class year at GS has a president of its own, and each of these presidents have been working hard to provide you and your peers with both the support and opportunities you need to get the year going good. Akiva Zablocki, the Junior class president, for example, has held everything from Sunday Brunches to the upcoming Junior Class Formal. Josh Niehaus, Abbey Dubin and Claudia Barerra have also held events and forums, and this next semester is a promising one.

PARENT LIAISON: Kasia Brathwaite has worked hard to provide programming and policy support for GS students who are parents, to make your time her both easier and more enjoyable.

NEW MEDIA: The GSSC website, managed and envisioned by Erica Jackson and her committee, is undergoing a redesign to better serve our community, celebrate GS students and show the world what and who GS is.

AND THERE IS SO MUCH MORE-AND SO MANY WAYS FOR YOU TO GET INVOLVED.

Please see our website, www.columbia.edu/cu/gssc for more information, and keep your eyes pealed for weekly GSSC emails announcing events and opportunities.

Have a wonderful semester,

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

January 17, 2004

Dear GSers,

As we honor the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his struggle to cast off the vestiges of slavery and gain civil rights for all people regardless of their race or creed, I hope we all also remember that the evil institution of slavery itself has not yet passed from this world. >From the sex-slavery in Cambodia to the forced carpet laborers in India-and the sweat-shops and brothels in our very own United States-the enslavement of some human beings for the service of others continues.

Worse, some cases have wed two of the darkest crimes of humanity into one: in Sudan, the institution of Slavery was joined by the genocidal intentions of the State. The signing of the recent peace agreement still leaves millions of victims of the State's campaign of genocide, and thousands in bonds. One way to commemorate both the memory of Dr. King, and to respect and join in his struggle, is to fight this oppression as it rears its head in our day, for, as Dr. King reminded us, in the end they will not remember the words of their enemies but the silence of their friends.

One opportunity is a vigil held today to honor both the memory of Dr. King and of the victims of the on-going slavery and genocide in Sudan in front of the Sudanese embassy--more information below. I hope to see you there.

Ariel Beery

Student Body President,
Columbia University--School of General Studies
www.columbia.edu/cu/gssc

___________________________________________________________________

This Martin Luther King Day
STAND UP AGAINST INJUSTICE AND GENOCIDE

Candlelight Vigil for the Victims of Genocide in Sudan

WHEN: Monday, Jan. 17 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day), 5:00 pm @ Dag Hammarskjold Park, UN Plaza (47th St. and 1st Ave.)

TRANSPORT: Grand Central Station is nearest subway station (4,5,6,7,S)

Take a stand against the ongoing genocide in Sudan, where experts estimate that about 400,000 people have died in recent fighting.

Join us outside the Sudan Mission to the UN and send a strong message to the Sudanese government, to our own government, and to the international community demanding immediate intervention.

Light a candle to memorialize the tens of thousands of Sudanese who have already been murdered. Stand in solidarity with the over one million victims of rape, slavery, and displacement. Give meaning to "Never Again."

Email rachel@iabolish.com or call 1-800-884-0719 for more information.

Attending this event is a great way to get active in the fight against slavery and genocide. Even if you are unable to attend, you can support this movement by:

*Checking out our new Sudan Grassroots Activism Center at www.SudanActivism.com
*Taking part in one of our current campaigns
*Making a donation, becoming a Freedom Brigade member
*Purchasing merchandise at our online store to raise awareness

For more information, visit www.iAbolish.com or e-mail us at
info@iabolish.com.

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January 10, 2005

Hey ya'll,

If you're in the Columbia hood, join the incomming class to a
post-orientation afterparty, 3:30 to 5:30pm at Mona.

Hope to see you there,

Ariel

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January 9, 2005

===
=====
=======
=========
===========
=============
== Housing ==
=============

Dear GS student,

Housing is one of the top concerns for GS students. We at the GSSC
want to help! Please take a few minutes to think about housing and
tell us your opinion.

Lack of housing is just one of the many difficulties we face at
Columbia. In order for us to help you we need to hear your stories.
We are not looking just for what you find bad about housing, but
also what you like about the housing system, the services you
receive, and your housing unit as a whole. We hope that with your
help we might be able to find reoccurring themes of both strong and
weak aspects in the CU housing system. Our goal is to constantly
push for improving housing services and to encourage the
development of a cohesive housing community for our students

If you have had a great housing experience, if the employees at IRE
(Institutional Real Estate) were particularly helpful, if your
superintendent fixes your heat even before you notice it is broken,
or if your room and roommates assignment was a psychological
masterpiece,
LET US KNOW.

If you have encountered bad service, if your calls to UAH
(University Apartment Housing) were not answered, if your e-mails
were ignored, if you were denied housing despite being eligible, if
your room was infested with cockroaches, if the door had no lock, or
if your super was AWOL for months,
LET US KNOW!

E-mail Matan at ma2157@columbia.edu. Please include the incident\s
that encouraged\troubled you, the people involved, the dates, and
your housing location. Also, please let us know if you are willing
to have your name submitted to the administration, or if you prefer
to remain anonymous.

The General Studies Student Council

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December 30, 2004

Urgent and important message:

This is a request to contribute to the ongoing relief effort for the
victims of the Tsunami in South-East Asia. CNN estimates that over
120,000 people people would have died by the time all the bodies are
counted, making this the largest natural disaster in recent history.

Epidemics and lack of shelter for people whose homes have been washed
away may claim even more lives. The coastal areas of the worst-affected
countries - India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka - are among he poorest and most
densely populated in the world.

We often feel that we are too small and insignificant to do anything
about an event of such magnitude, preferring to leave relief to a
few governments that can contribute millions of dollars. However, each
of us can and should feel that we can make a difference as
active participants, not as passive spectators just reading and watching
the news. Even a $20-$25 contribution, the price of two movie tickets,
will go a long-way in the tsunami-affected parts of the world (Larger
contributions are more than welcome).

Here is a list of aid organizations that are accepting contributions
for the relief effort:

http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/asiapcf/12/28/tsunami.aidsites/index.html

Please make sure to navigate these aid websites and contribute your
penny or dollar to the relief effort. Please let as many people as you
know that they can help the victims of the tsunami by
making a contribution to the aid agencies involved in the global relief effort.

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