Student Council

Back to the current announcements

December 15, 2004

Just so you know that in spite of it all, we're thinking of
you...STUDY BREAKS.

*THURS: TEA AND COOKIES, 12-2PM at LEWISOHN
*FRI: HEARTY STUDY-BREAKFAST, 9-11AM at LEWISOHN

---------more info on events---------

**Tea & Cookies!!!!

To assist your studying, the GSSC will be providing you with
caffeine and sugar in the form of tea and cookies.

WHEN: Thursday, 12 - 2
WHERE: Lewisohn Lounge
WHY: Because you're studying too hard.

**FREE, HEARTY BREAKFAST and an opportunity to find STUDY GROUPS!!!

WHEN: FRIDAY 17th, 9AM-11AM
WHERE: GS LOUNGE
WHAT: Breakfast and sign up sheets for study groups

THE MORE PEOPLE WHO COME THE BETTER THE OPPORTUNITY TO FIND A STUDY GROUP

Email Abbey Dubin, Sophomore Class Pres. with any questions or
suggestions @ [email protected]

---------------and, our favorite section…

**************************
** Random Columbia Club **
**************************

This week, we are not featuring a random club. After all, everyone
is off for winter break. However, if you want to learn about the
many possibilities, just visit the site below for information.
There are many clubs at Columbia, and they are all waiting for YOU
to join them.

http://www.columbia.edu/students/org_gov_az.html

Also, if you are a member of a club, and would like for us to
feature it at our next Random Columbia Club, please send us the
name of the club, a short description, meeting times & venues,
contact information and website (if available).

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December 15, 2004

Tea & Cookies!!!!

To assist your studying, the GSSC will be providing you with
caffeine and sugar in the form of tea and cookies.

WHEN: Thursday, 12 - 2
WHERE: Lewisohn Lounge
WHY: Because you're studying too hard.

See you there!

--
Alissa D. Gafford
Academic Affairs Representative
General Studies Student Council
Columbia University

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December 13, 2004

GS HOLIDAY PARTY TONIGHT!!!!!

MONA LOUNGE (109th & Amsterdam)

6:00PM-9:00PM

FREE FOOD AND DRINKS!!

**Must Bring 2 IDS to Drink**

This is the LAST event of the semester, so hope to see you there,

Liz Hollister
Social Chair
School of General Studies
Columbia University

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December 10, 2004

The Columbia Spectator printed a staff editorial on Wednesday
regarding swipe access on campus. The GSSC found it necessary to
reply to this editorial in order to be certain that our needs as GS
Students are heard and understood both by the Spectator and Columbia
community. Keep scrolling below and you will find first our
response and then the editorial from the Spec.

As always, thank you for your feedback on all that we do. Please
email [email protected] with any comments or concerns on this
release or any other issues you think should be addressed.

Have a great weekend. We hope to see you on Monday from 6-9 at Mona
for the GS Holiday Party and tonight at the Senior Class Karaoke at MOD starting at 9.

Best,
The GSSC

***

To the Editor:

The School of General Studies Student Council takes issue with a
number of points made in the staff editorial “No Excuses, Just
Swipe” (Dec. 8). The Spectator takes numerous positions that are
either uninformed or incorrect. First, the School of General
Studies is not an affiliate institution as you claim, but rather, a
full member of the University as it has been since its inception.
Second, the debate surrounding swipe access is much greater than
this editorial leads to think. This is not simply an issue of
allowing universal swipe access to CC and Barnard students since
they minimally share dorms. If the Spectator had spoken with any
administrators involved, you and your readers would know the
seriousness of the security issues involved and that the
reevaluation of the swipe access policy carries with it the risk of
a more strict, more limited swipe access policy. All four
undergraduate e-boards are involved in the serious discussions
regarding swipe access: that is CCSC, ESC, GSSC, and SGA, not
solely the two you mentioned.

Furthermore, we reject the notion that a specific part of the debate
should be solved without looking at the broader issues, of security
and accessibility. Those in GS or Barnard understand the hassle
every time you try to attend a class, a club meeting, a study
session, or just a party in a Columbia dorm. We quickly learn to
call ahead, to get someone swiping in to sign us in as well, or who
the friendly security guards are.

The ensuing debate on this issue should not encourage divisiveness,
but conversely, the four undergraduate student bodies, their
student governance, and their administrations must all work
together for the equal benefit of all. We are stronger as one
united undergraduate community; let’s not forget that. In this
vein, we invite all concerned students to attend a student rights
forum, which we are currently organizing for February. Together,
we can improve our quality of life as Columbia Undergrads.

The GSSC

***

Opinion

STAFF EDITORIAL: No Excuses, Just Swipe

Students deserve ready access to each other's dorms .

December 08, 2004

For years, the Columbia College Student Council and Barnard Student
Government Association have been debating the issue of swipe access
in residence halls. But we still have to sign in every time we take
the trip across Broadway, and nobody yet has offered a single
convincing reason why Barnard students shouldn’t receive swipe
access to Columbia dorms and vice versa.

CCSC and SGA must revisit the issue of swipe access—now—and find a
working solution to the problem.

Three and a half years ago, CCSC and then-Vice President for Student
Affairs Gene Awakuni rejected a proposal to allow Barnard students
to swipe into Columbia dorms. They explained that they feared
mixing the distinct cultures of Columbia and Barnard. They also
felt that granting swipe access would open a “Pandora’s Box” in
which students from the other affiliated schools, GS and JTS, would
also request swipe privileges.

Frankly, it’s ludicrous to fear that granting Barnard students
Columbia swipe access will somehow “blur the lines” between the two
schools. Thanks to the housing exchange program, many Columbia and
Barnard students already live in the same dorms and can eat in each
other’s cafeterias. Despite this mingling, Columbia and Barnard
retain their own identities. Additionally, not allowing Barnard and
Columbia students easy access to each other’s dorms unnecessarily
reinforces the occasional animosity between the two schools.

There are everyday, practical reasons to end the practice, too.
Columbia students have to come downstairs and sign a visitors’ log
each time their Barnard friends want to visit. For students in
committed relationships, who are frequent visitors in each other’s
residence halls, security guards often get tired of going through
the motion and just wave the visitor through. We appreciate their
friendliness, but that’s a security risk.

Slightly more understandable is the fear that other undergraduate
institutions affiliated with Columbia would cite Barnard’s swipe
privileges as a reason why they should get access, too. Yet if
Barnard were to gain swipe access, it would be easy for Columbia to
justify its decision to GS and JTS. Barnard and Columbia students
already share residence halls to an extent. Very few GS students
live in Columbia or Barnard dorms, but many Barnard students live
in Hartley and Columbia students live in Plimpton. Whether or not
GS students should also be granted swipe access is another issue,
but Columbia would not have a hard time maintaining the status quo with GS.

The issue of swipe access seems to represent the often ambiguous
relationship between Barnard and Columbia. We want to have more
undergraduate unity, but at the same time the administration
justifies rejecting the swipe access proposal on the basis that it
would be problematic to “blur the lines” between the two schools.
Granting swipe access would address both these concerns. CCSC and
SGA must refocus on this important issue and find a way to
implement reciprocal swipe access.

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December 10. 2004

Don’t forget the amazing events we have lined up!

*FRI: SENIOR KAREOKEE NIGHT, 9PM-UNTIL at Mod Nightclub, Downstairs Lounge

*SAT: FALL SEMESTA FIESTA CHARITY EVENT, 8:30PM at Low Library Rotunda

*MON, DEC 13, GSSC HOLIDAY BASH, 6-9PM and MONA

---------more info--------------

**Fabulous Night of Karaoke

WHEN: THIS Friday Night, Dec. 10th, 9 PM - Until
WHERE: Mod Nightclub, Downstairs Lounge 505 Columbus Avenue, Between
84th and 85th Streets

Train: Take the 1,2,3,9 to 86th Street (Walk south on Columbus
Avenue between 85th and 84th Street)

FREE beverages if you sing (starting 11 PM). But you must be 21 to
drink (and we require 2 Ids. Your CU ID is fine).

Don't like to sing? Well, Mod features tunes from the 70's, 80's,
and 90's, and a great menu filled with comfort food favorites just
like mom used to make. That'll have you forgetting your finals and
out of your senior rut in no time!

Check them out at: http://www.modnyc.com/

** FALL SEMESTA FIESTA
Location: Low Library Rotunda
When: Saturday, December 11, 8:30pm

Have a ball saving a Child's Heart at the "Fall Semesta Fiesta."
This event takes place every year and includes a semi-formal dance,
a live band, and door prizes. Since it don't mean a thing if it
ain't got that swing, this year's theme will be A Swing Thing,
featuring performances by the Korean Drum Troupe, Manhattan Hoppers
and lessons by CU Swing! The Semesta Fiesta is held in Columbia
University's elegant Low Library Rotunda. This year, ALL PROCEEDS
WILL BENEFIT “SAVE A CHILD’S HEART” (www.saveachildsheart.com).

It's like Coolsville here, daddio. We do not discriminate on the
basis of school, religion, nationality, dress, or dancing ability!
So bring your friends. $15 in advance/$20 at the door.

**MONDAY: LAST GS EVENT OF THE SEMESTER!!! HOLIDAY PARTY!!!
LAST GS EVENT OF THE SEMESTER!!!

Take a Break in between classes and finals and Come Join your fellow
GS classmates in a little Holiday cheer!

WHEN: Monday, December 13, 6-9PM
WHERE: MONA LOUNGE (109th & Amsterdam)

FREE DRINKS***FREE FOOD***FREE DRINKS***FREE FOOD

Must Bring 2 IDs to Drink and any Holiday Attire is always Encouraged!! :)

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December 9, 2004

Dear GSers,

On Thursday December 9, 2004 at 6pm in partnership with the Center
for Career Education there will be an internship panel consisting
of 3 seniors who will talk about their internship experiences.
Following the panel there will be a focus on finance presentation
and overview of careers in the financial sector to be presented by an alum.

These events will be held in the Center for Career Education on the
lower level of East Campus (enter through Wien courtyard). These
events are free and open to the GS community; I encourage you all to attend.

Sincerely,

Isak de Portalis
Alumni Affairs & Career Education Representative
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December 6, 2004

Hello GSers. Revving up for the last week before finals? Well here
are a few events to stretch your mind a bit:
--------------------
*TUES, DEC 7, CHANUKAH CAN-NORAH with Manhattan Borough President C.
Virginia Fields, 4:45PM on COLLEGE WALK

*FRI, DEC 10, SENIOR KAREOKEE NIGHT,

*MON, DEC 13, GSSC HOLIDAY BASH, 6-9PM and MONA
---------------------
[more info on events after our random club section]

Random Columbia Club of the week:

***************************
*** CU Film Productions ***
***************************

* Columbia University Film Productions (CUFP) is the leading
undergraduate resource for filmmaking at Columbia University. This
student organization supports all film related needs for the
Columbia undergraduate Community. CUFP supplements the theoretical
courses in the Columbia film division and offers undergraduate
students the opportunity to master the art of filmmaking. With over
330 active members, CUFP has weekly meetings as well as multiple on
going productions. CUFP organizes guest lectures, training
seminars, and other educational film related events. CUFP also
organizes independent film screenings with some of the leading
films and filmmakers in the NY independent scene. Furthermore, CUFP
has an annual film festival showcasing some of the finest films from
the undergraduate community at Columbia.

* Columbia University Film Productions Meetings:
When: Mondays at 9:00pm
Where: Lerner Hall Party Space

* For more information visit http://www.columbia.edu/cu/cufp/
Or e-mail Thibaut Fagonde: [email protected]

---------more info on events-----------

**Chanukah CAN-norah, “A Little Light Dispels a lot of Darkness”

Columbia & Barnard’s student groups are uniting to build a 10-foot
menorah made of over 500 industrial size food cans which will be
donated to the hungry and needy in our community. After the
CAN-orah is built, a distinguished honoree will address the crowd
and one of the menorah’s eight flames will be kindled. There will
be refreshments of traditional potato latkes (pancakes), drinks and
doughnuts. To purchase the food cans for charity, raffle tickets
will be sold and local businesses asked to contribute. Each
food-can / raffle ticket costs $5. 100% of proceeds go to charity.
An iPod Mini will be awarded for a winning raffle ticket.

WHEN: Tuesday, December 7th, 2004. “CAN-norah”
building 1-4 pm, 20th Annual Lighting Ceremony w/ C. Virginian
Fields, Manhattan Borough President 4:45pm
WHERE: College Walk, Columbia University

Contact: Rabbi Yonah Blum
212.531.3999 or [email protected]

Co-sponsors: Alpha Epsilon Pi, Sigma Chi, Sigma Delta Tau, Office
of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs, College Republicans, Kappa
Alpha Theta, General Studies Student Council, RAPHAEL, Chai
Society, JLSA, Community Impact

**FRIDAY: SENIOR KAREOKEE

FREE beverages if you sing (starting 11 PM). But you must be 21 to
drink (and we require 2 Ids. Your CU ID is fine). Don't like to
sing? Well, Mod features tunes from the 70's, 80's, and 90's, and a
great menu filled with comfort food favorites just like mom used to
make. That'll have you forgetting your finals and out of your
senior rut in no time! Check them out at: http://www.modnyc.com/

WHEN: Friday Night, Dec. 10th, 9 PM – Until…
WHERE: Mod Nightclub, Downstairs Lounge 505 Columbus Avenue, Between
84th and 85th Streets.

Train: Take the 1,2,3,9 to 86th Street (Walk south on Columbus
Avenue between 85th and 84th Street)

**MONDAY: LAST GS EVENT OF THE SEMESTER!!! HOLIDAY PARTY!!!
LAST GS EVENT OF THE SEMESTER!!!

Take a Break in between classes and finals and Come Join your fellow
GS classmates in a little Holiday cheer!

WHEN: Monday, December 13, 6-9PM
WHERE: MONA LOUNGE (109th & Amsterdam)

FREE DRINKS***FREE FOOD***FREE DRINKS***FREE FOOD

Must Bring 2 IDs to Drink and any Holiday Attire is always Encouraged!! :)

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November 30, 2004

Weekly Update:

Welcome back from thanksgiving—I hope the Turkey has finished making
its way through your digestive system. If not, here are a few events
to help you get back into the swing of things just in time for finals!

Also, look at our new section of the Weekly update, where we
spot-light Columbia clubs. Here we go!
------------------------------------------------------------
*THURS, Dec 2: GS HANG OUT at MONA LOUNGE, 5:30-8:30PM

*SAT, Dec 4: CUSmile PART, 10PM-1AM on FRATERNITY ROW (114th street
btwn Bdwy and Amsterdam)

*SAT Dec 4: GALA BACH CONCERT, 8:30PM at St. Paul’s Chapel

*SUN, Dec 5: BRUNCH at Lewisohn Lounge, 11AM-1PM

*SUN, Dec 5: The Storm and Sea CONCERT, 2PM at ROONE ARLEDGE
AUDITORIUM

[More info on events below, after other info]
------------------------------------------------------------

--Keep your calendars open and your eyes pealed for the following
events:

*TUES, Dec 7: Channuka Can-norah lighting ceremony and food drive,
4:45 on College walk

*TUES, Dec 7: GSSC meeting will be moved to Lerner 501

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

** GSSC's featured club **

In order to promote GS participation, the GSSC will feature a
"random Columbia Club" in its weekly updates. Our first club is the
Bhakti Club.

The Bhakti Club is dedicated to introducing the spiritual culture of
India to the members of the Columbia community. Bhakti means
devotion. Bhakti yoga is meant to help one revive one's spiritual
connection with God through some of the most conventional means
such as eating and discussing.

The club meets twice a week: Vegetarian Cooking Class + Feast - Each
Wednesday at 7pm in the back of Lerner Auditorium. The club offers
free cooking demonstrations
which are followed by a delectable vegetarian feast. Bringing your
own Tupperware or dish is preferred.

Study Group - Every Friday at 5pm in Lerner Hall W503. A light
vegetarian dinner is served followed by a lively and intellectually
stimulating discussion on the Bhagavad Gita.

For more information visit:
http://www.columbia.edu/cu/bhakti/index.html or e-mail Vineet,
[email protected]

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

--More info on events--

**GS HAPPY HOUR
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2ND
MONA LOUNGE (109th & Amsterdam, SW Corner)
5:30-8:30 PM

DRINK DISCOUNTS FOR COLUMBIA STUDENTS AND GUESTS!! MUST BRING TWO IDS TO DRINK!!

**CUSmile Party: SIX Countries. EIGHT Fraternities. FOUR Sororities.
ONE Global Cause. Put these together and what do you get? Russia.
China. Mexico.India.Jamaica. The Pacific Islands. Specialty drinks.
Free beer. An all-night party. The biggest event of the semester:
CUsmile's Around the World awareness initiative.
WHAT: An inter-house party going on all night! $5 in advance, $10 at the door
WHEN: Saturday, 12/4; 10-1 on Fraternity Row, 1-4 afterparty at the West End
WHY: To raise awareness and funds for Operation Smile.
WHERE: Zeta Psi – India, Sigma Chi – China, Psi U – Russia, AePi - Jamaica
IRC – Mexico, SigEp - Pacific Islands, West End - Around the World!
Music provided by DJ Tunnel (www.djtunnel.com)

** The Columbia University Bach Society Chorus & Orchestra directed
by David Rosenmeyer celebrates its Fifth-Year Anniversary with a
Gala Concert

WHEN: Saturday, December 4, 2004 at 8:30pm
WHERE: St. Paul's Chapel, Columbia University
Free Admission - no tickets necessary

***The Columbia University Wind Ensemble Presents: The Storm and Sea Concert
Sunday, December 5th 2pm Roone Arledge Auditorium. Free for
Students, $5 suggested donation otherwise.

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November 19, 2004

Weekly Update:

*CULTURAL DINNER TONIGHT: GS SHABBAT DINNER, 7PM @ MATHILDE
SCHECHTER COMMONS, (A JTS dorm located on 120th, half a block east
of Amsterdam)

*CELEBRAISIAN 2004: SAT NIGHT, 6PM @ LERNER HALL

—MORE INFO—

SHABBAT DINNER
What is Shabbat? Going to Columbia you may have heard the term
Shabbat mentioned. This term is the Hebrew word for Sabbath, which
Jews celebrate from Friday sundown to Saturday sundown. It is
traditional to start Shabbat off with a dinner where many members
of the community come together to celebrate the "day of rest" by
eating, drinking, singing and praying. The GSSC and JTS would like
to invite you to enjoy a great meal and to see what goes down at
traditional Shabbat dinner. This dinner should be a great
opportunity to bring the community together to have a taste of one
its cultures. FRIDAY NIGHT @ Mathilde Schechter commons. A JTS dorm
located on 120th, half a block east of Amsterdam. Cost: $5 a person.
Please RSVP by Wednesday at the latest. E-mail Josh Niehaus @
[email protected] or sign up in Lewisohn Lounge (on the GSSC
board) or in the lobby of the Mathilde Schechter dorm.
Space is limited so please act quickly

CELEBRASIAN
The Asian American Alliance annual culture show, is coming up this
SATURDAY, November 20. They’ve got a jam packed show, featuring
such acts as Kite Operations, CU Bhangra, Microphone Vandalists,
Lion Dance, Raw Elementz, and a fashion show by FIT. Tickets will
be sold at the Lerner Box Office as follows: Friday : 11 AM - 4 PM,
Saturday : 11 AM - 6 PM. Tickets are $10 presale, and $12 at the door.
Saturday, Nov. 20

WHEN: Dinner at 6:00pm | Show at 7:00pm
WHERE: Lerner Hall Roone Arledge Auditorium

In addition, every attendee will be treated to a delicious dinner
catered by Saigon Grill, Indian Cafe, Kyoto Sushi, Ihawan, and
Szechuan Huong. Doors open at 6 PM for the dinner, and the show
starts promptly at 7.

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November 18, 2004

Dear GS student,

A group of students at the Columbia University Senate have been
contemplating the national tuition crisis that affects all of the
3,300 colleges and universities across the United States. Through
much research and discussions, we have developed a grassroots
campaign called the National Tuition Endowment (NTE) that we hope
to send to Congress for review by January.

The NTE is made up of seven critical pillars that can generate more
than $30.7 billion in the next ten years. Please see refer to our
information sheet for more information on these seven critical pillars.

In order for us to get this campaign moving, we are asking for your
help. We are asking that all of the student governments in America
to join us to lobby Congress to pass the
National Tuition Endowment Act of 2005.

If you would like more information about the NTE, please feel free
to visit our Web site at www.tuitionendowment.org.

If you are interested in volunteering to be a part of this
grassroots campaign, please feel free to contact Stephania L. Vu,
our Grassroots Director, at [email protected].

Thank you for being cognizant of this tuition crisis that affects so
many university students every year!

Best,
Matan Ariel
NTE Project Director
http://www.tuitionendowment.org/

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November 18, 2004

*THUR (TODAY!) 11/18: STUDENT SERVICES COMMITTEE @ LERNER HALL Rm.
W503 –FREE PIZZA and SODA

*FRI 11/19: GS SHABBAT DINNER @ MATHILDE SCHECHTER COMMONS, (A JTS
dorm located on 120th, half a block east of Amsterdam). RSVP NOW!

—Look Below—

STUDENT SERVICES COMMITTEE: Have you ever been frustrated with a
housing issue, a library policy, the cost of on campus dinning, the
state of the GS Lounge, or any other issue with Columbia's student
services? Come Thursday, stay the whole time or just stop by, and
learn how you can get involved in making changes to better the
Columbia experience. Tells us about the problems you want the committee to
address or learn easy ways that you can start and make a
difference. Also, know of an industry you want to work in? Wish you
could connect with other GS students that are working in that field
or have connections in that industry? At the meeting we will tell you
about the Talent Mining program we hope to start which will connect
GS students with other GSers who can help them reach their goals.
THURSDAY 4-6PM in LERNER W503. ***FREE PIZZA AND SODA***

SHABBAT DINNER: What is Shabbat? Going to Columbia you may have
heard the term Shabbat mentioned. This term is the Hebrew word for
Sabbath, which Jews celebrate from Friday sundown to Saturday
sundown. It is traditional to start Shabbat off with a dinner where
many members of the community come together to celebrate the "day of
rest" by eating, drinking, singing and praying. The GSSC and JTS
would like to invite you to enjoy a great meal and to see what goes
down at traditional Shabbat dinner. This dinner should be a great
opportunity to bring the community together to have a taste of one
its cultures. FRIDAY NIGHT @ Mathilde Schechter commons. A JTS dorm
located on 120th, half a block east of Amsterdam. Cost: $5 a person.
Please RSVP by Wednesday at the latest. E-mail Josh Niehaus @
[email protected] or sign up in Lewisohn Lounge (on the GSSC
board) or in the lobby of the Mathilde Schechter dorm. Space is
limited so please act quickly

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November 17, 2004

Inaugural Student Service Committee Meeting

When: Thursday 11/18 from 4-6p
Where: Lerner Hall, room W503 (go to 5th floor and follow the signs)

***FREE PIZZA AND SODA***

Have you ever been frustrated with a housing issue, a library policy,
the cost of on campus dinning, the state of the GS Lounge, or any other
issue with Columbia's student services?

Come Thursday, stay the whole time or just stop by, and learn how you
can get involved in making changes to better the Columbia
experience. Tells us about the problems you want the committee to
address or learn easy ways that you can start and make a
difference.

Also, know of an industry you want to work in? Wish you could connect
with other GS students that are working in that field or
have connections in that industry? At the meeting we will tell you
about the Talent Mining program we hope to start which will connect
GS students with other GSers who can help them reach their goals.

I hope to see you Thursday 11/18 from 4-6p in Lerner Hall W503!

Omri Chaimovitz
GSSC: Student Service Representative

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November 16, 2004

GS Reminder: SPEAK UP ABOUT YOUR RIGHTS

TOWN HALL ON STUDENTS RIGHTS
Do you pay tuition? Are you part of the Columbia community? Then,
shouldn’t you have enforceable rights? Come tell us what rights you
think you deserve as a student, and be a part of the movement to
defining what we hope can become an enforceable student bill of
rights for undergraduate students.

WHEN: TUESDAY 11/16, 7:30-9PM
WHERE: Lewisohn Lounge
WHY: Because everyone should have rights. And there will be dinner.

—ALSO—

*NOT-FOR-PROFIT CAREERS: This panel will explore different ways of
engaging with the community as an undergraduate student in Columbia
University as well as the opportunities open to students to work in
a non-profit or governmental agency after graduating. TUESDAY, 7-8pm
@ 5th floor of Kraft Center, Hillel (606 West 115th Street, between
Riverside and Broadway)

—AND DON’T FORGET—

MIDNIGHT MANIA: come enter over 9 contests, with prizes ranging from
a free year
of housing (Yes, a free year of Columbia Campus housing), to
hundreds of dollars (I think its almost $1000) of gift
certificates, to $500 in free books from the bookstore, $500 of
events @ Lerner, and more...

And

*MEALAC: Come learn about the Department of Middle Eastern and Asian Languages
and Cultures (MEALAC) from Professor of Comparative Literature, Gil
Anidjar, and Eric Posner, GS '06. A brief twenty-minute talk will
be followed by a Q&A session. And of course, we'll be serving the
rare Middle Eastern/South Asian delicacy of PIZZA! So come one,
come all, and come on time if you want a slice! WED NOV 17 6-7 @ Lewisohn

back to top

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November 15, 2004

Good week, fellow students. Have we got stuff for you—never a dull
moment with the GSSC!

-------Weekly Update--------

*MON 11/15: RESUMANIA, 12-2PM @ LEWISOHN

*MON 11/15: MEET THE MAJORS, 8 – 10PM @ LEWISOHN

*TUES 11/16: PIZZA LUNCH, @ LEWISOHN

*TUES 11/16: TOWN HALL: WHAT ARE STUDENT RIGHTS? 7:30-9PM @
LEWISOHN, dinner will be served.

*WED 11/17: MIDNIGHT MANIA, 9:30PM @ Levine Gym in DODGE!!!

*THUR 11/18: STUDENT SERVICES COMMITTEE @ LERNER HALL Rm. W503 –FREE
PIZZA and SODA

*FRI 11/19: GS SHABBAT DINNER @ MATHILDE SCHECHTER COMMONS, (A JTS
dorm located on 120th, half a block east of Amsterdam)

—AND—

*TUES 11/16: NON-PROFIT CAREER TALK, 7-8PM @ KRAFT CENTER, 5th Floor

*WED 11/12: MEALAC MAJORS EVENT, 6-7PM @ LEWISOHN

--More Information on above-listed events--

MEET THE MAJORS: Come meet GS Students majoring in departments
across the University and get their advice on what classes to
register for! MONDAY NOV 15, 8 - 10 pm @ Lewisohn Lounge (sponsored
by Academic Affairs and the Junior Class)

PIZZA LUNCH: Why not? Come mingle, eat and sign up for the Shabbat
dinner! TUESDAY at LEWISOHN, sponsored by the First Year Committee.

TOWN HALL: What are student rights? What rights to you deserve to be
protected by the University? Should there be an enforceable student
bill of rights? Come help start a process to define and create
student rights at Columbia, TUESDAY 7:30-9PM @ LEWISOHN. DINNER
WILL BE SERVED.

MIDNIGHT MANIA: come enter over 9 contests, with prizes ranging from
a free year of housing (Yes, a free year of Columbia Campus
housing), to hundreds of dollars (I think its almost $1000) of gift
certificates, to $500 in free books from the bookstore, $500 of
events @ Lerner, and more...

STUDENT SERVICES COMMITTEE: Have you ever been frustrated with a
housing issue, a library policy, the cost of on campus dinning, the
state of the GS Lounge, or any other issue with Columbia's student
services? Come Thursday, stay the whole time or just stop by, and
learn how you can get involved in making changes to better the
Columbia experience. Tells us about the problems you want the
committee to address or learn easy ways that you can start and make
a difference. Also, know of an industry you want to work in? Wish
you could connect with other GS students that are working in that
field or have connections in that industry? At the meeting we will
tell you about the Talent Mining program we hope to start which will
connect GS students with other GSers who can help them reach their
goals. THURSDAY 4-6PM in LERNER W503. ***FREE PIZZA AND SODA***

--AND--

FREE DINNER FROM SAIGON GRILL and KOSHER FOOD will be served!!!!

(Co-sponsored by Community Impact, the Student Committee for Service
Learning, the Kraft Center for Jewish Life (Hillel), the Office of
the Chaplain, and the Columbia College Student Council, the GSSC)

*MEALAC: Come learn about the Department of Middle Eastern and Asian
Languages and Cultures (MEALAC) from Professor of Comparative
Literature, Gil Anidjar, and Eric Posner, GS '06. A brief
twenty-minute talk will be followed by a Q&A session. And of
course, we'll be serving the rare Middle Eastern/South Asian
delicacy of PIZZA! So come one, come all, and come on time if you
want a slice!

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November 13, 2004

The Columbia University Advisory Committee on Socially Responsible
Investing will hold its community hearing on Tuesday, November 23,
2004, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., in Davis Auditorium of Schapiro
Engineering Building, Room 412, 530 West 120th Street. Students,
faculty, alumni and staff of Columbia University are invited to
present their views on the University's ethical and social
responsibilities as an investor.

Those who wish to speak during the hearing are asked to forward to
the Office of Shareholder Responsibility, at
[email protected], an e-mail message specifying his or her
University affiliation and the specific topic(s) that will be
addressed, by 5 p.m., Monday, November 22, 2004.

Speakers may address the Committee for a maximum of five (5) minutes
each. Speakers are asked to focus their comments on the issue(s) of
concern and to recommend, in his or her opinion, the action(s) to
be taken.

For more information, please refer to the notice that will be
provided on the University's SRI Website at:
http://www.columbia.edu/cu/secretary/SRI/
and advertised on the Campus media.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Please contact me (870-2269) if you have questions.

Thank you.
______________________________________________
Ivan Gonzalez
Director, Shareholder Responsibility
Columbia University
Interchurch Center, Room 510
MC 7712
475 Riverside Drive
New York, NY 10115
Tel: (212) 870-2269
Fax: (212) 870-2280
[email protected]

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November 12, 2004

Want to improve that Resumé?...wait, you don't have one? It's ok!!
On MONDAY, NOVEMBER 15th in the GS lounge there will be a Resumania
event from 12-2pm in partnership with the Center for Career Education.

Please come with your resumé´and learn from the best. If you don't
have a resumé to bring it's ok, there will be several career
counselors to help you write one from scratch. Please don't miss
this opportunity; it's the only one this semester. I hope to see
you all there.

Best,

Isak de Portalis
Alumni Affairs and Career Education Representative
General Studies Student Council

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November 11, 2004

HAPPY HOUR @ MONA (109th & Amsterdam)

THURSDAY, NOV 11

5:30PM-8:30PM

Must Bring 2 IDs to DRINK!!

*GS STUDENTS GET DISCOUNTS*

--AND--

This Tuesday night, Nov 16: Town-Hall Meeting on "What are Student's Rights? What are the University's Responsibilities? Should there be a Bill of Students Rights for Columbia's Undergraduate Community?"
--Discussion on this timely topic will be accompanied by a FREE DINNER.

--AND--

FREE FOOD, FREE ADVICE:

Come and discuss the good and better classes you have taken at Columbia. Get the real scoop about your planned major from other GS students. Find that last classes you are missing to fill next semester's schedule.

MEET THE MAJORS night MONDAY NOV 15, 8 - 10 pm Lewisohn Lounge Please try to RSVP with you major, or interest at [email protected] so we can get count of the numbers of attendees and which majors will be present.

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November 8, 2004

Want to improve your job searching skills and learn from those most
capable of helping you?...then mark your calendars.

On MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8th at 6pm in partnership with the Center for
Career Education there will be a JOB SEARCHING SKILLS workshop. The
workshop will be held at the Center for Career Education located on
the lower level of East Campus (enter through Wien Hall courtyard).
If you require more specific directions, please feel free to contact
me.

I urge everyone who has time, especially you seniors, to attend this
very informative workshop.

I also want to take this opportunity to apologize for the short
notice. I will make a greater effort to notify you at least a week
in advance of events organized by myself and the Center for Career
Education.

Sincerely yours,

Isak de Portalis
Alumni Affairs and Career Center Representative

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

November 7, 2004

Well the weather's turning, and midterms are slowly transforming
into finals, but one thing never changes: the GSSC still has lots
of events scheduled just for you!

***In this email: EVENTS--GS PRESS--GS HOUSING***

*MON NOV 8: JOB SKILLS WKSHOP, 6pm, Center for Career Education

*TUES NOV. 9: SPECIAL GSSC MEETING on BUDGET, 7:30-9pm, Satow Room
(Lerner Hall, 5th Floor)

*THURS NOV 11: HAPPY HOUR AT MONA, 5:30-8:30pm, 109th & Amsterdam

*SUN NOV 14: BUSINESS SCHOOL FORUM, 6pm, Satow Room (Lerner Hall,
5th Floor)

--AND--

Tired of GS students getting bad press (or no press)? Know what to
do about it? We need you to help the GSSC build a media strategy
and re-brand itself within the Columbia community. Contact Chris @
[email protected] for more information.

--AND TEASERS--

*NOV 15: Thinking about majoring in MEALAC?

*NOV 17: Midnight Mania, 9:30pm

---INFO ON EVENTS---

*MON NOV 8: JOB SKILLS WKSHOP, 6pm, Center for Career Education

Want to improve your job searching skills and learn from those most
capable of helping you? On MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8th at 6pm, in
partnership with the Center for Career Education, there will be a
JOB SEARCHING SKILLS workshop. The workshop will be held at the
Center for Career Education located on the lower level of East
Campus (enter through Wien Hall courtyard).

* TUES NOV 9: SPECIAL GSSC MEETING on BUDGET, 7:30-9pm, Satow Room
(Lerner Hall, 5th Floor)

Want to know how the GSSC allocates your student life fees? This
meeting, open to GS students only, will allow you access to the
budgeting process.

*THURS NOV 11: HAPPY HOUR @ MONA (109th & Amsterdam), 5:30PM-8:30PM

Must Bring 2 IDs to DRINK!! **GS STUDENTS GET DISCOUNTS**

*SUN NOV 14: BUSINESS SCHOOL FORUM, 6pm, Satow Room (Lerner Hall,
5th Floor)

FREE - Business Casual attire required.

Columbia Business School students discuss what to think about in the
job search after college – PLUS FREE FOOD (Kosher too!). What you
can learn:

1. How to approach the search for a first job, and what
opportunities exist in the marketplace
2. What to think about and what to take away in working for the first time
3. How decisions in your first job might influence your career
The decision-making process in choosing whether or not to come back
to graduate school

PLUS:

Member CBS panel to work from structured questions
Open mike Q&A to follow the structured portion

Dinner to be served following the event; students will be able to
interact with panelists and additional business school students.

Brought to you by: University Senate, CBS, CCSC, SEAS, SGA, GSSC,
CCE and the Econ Society

--AND, GOT HOUSING?--

Dear GS student,

Housing is one of the top concerns for GS students. We at the GSSC
want to help!

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 looking not only for what you find challenging about the
housing system, but also what you like about the system, the
services you receive, and your housing unit as a whole.

We hope that with your help we might be able to find recurring
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 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 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 [email protected]. 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

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

November 5, 2004

SUNDAY BRUNCH THIS, WELL, SUNDAY

This Sunday, November 7 - SUNDAY BRUNCH at Lewisohn Lounge 11am-1pm

Come have bagels, waffles, doughnuts and coffee, meet other GS students,
and start the day right.

Courtesy of the Junior and Sophomore classes, and the Parents Liaison.

--sent to you wirelessly by the GSSC

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

November 4, 2004

BUKHARIAN DINNER and INDIAN DANCING:
FRI, NOV 5th at 8pm in Lerner Auditorium.

Free dinner from Bukhara Grill, followed by Raas/Garba (Indian folk
dancing). Come one, come all! RSVP to [email protected]
immediately! (Space is limited.)

Co-sponsored by the Office of the University Chaplain, USCC, SGB,
ESC, CCSC & GSSC.

—AND TEASER (save the date!)—

YOUR FIRST JOB Forum
Sunday, Nov 14, 6pm
What: Your First Job Forum
Lerner Hall

More info to come soon!

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

October 27, 2004

Dear GS student,

Housing is one of the top concerns for GS students. We at the GSSC
want to help!

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
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.

E-mail Matan at [email protected]. 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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October 22, 2004

Well hello there. Here’s the Weekly Update, and I’m your host,
Hootie the Howler. Are you ready for a week of fear, fright and
trick'r’ treatin’ night? Well, ready or not, here we come!

***THURSDAY: HALLOWEEN PARTY 9:30PM - 1AM @ The Parlour,
250 W. 86th Street at B'way

***SUNDAY: TRICK OR TREATING ON CAMPUS - FOR KIDS! 2PM - 5:30PM
Starting at GS Lounge

(MORE INFO ON ALL EVENTS AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS EMAIL)

---AND---

***STUDENT GROUPS: GET ON TV
Columbia Television's Campus Programming department is looking to
create more awareness of clubs and events amongst the student body.
If your organization has performances, events, weekly practices or
debates that should be broadcast to the Columbia community, please
contact Alisa Gross at [email protected].

---MORE INFO ON EVENTS---

****FRIGHTENINGLY FABULOUS GS HALLOWEEN PARTY
So You're All Trussed Up for Halloween with No Place to Go? Then
come to the Frighteningly Fabulous GS Halloween Party THURSDAY,
OCTOBER 28TH 9:30 PM - 1:00 AM @ The Parlour, 250 W. 86th Street at
B'way (86th Street Station on the 1 and 9 train)

For $7 you get: All you Can Eat Treats (yum) for a Trick (grrr)
**FREE**Ghoulish Drinks: EVERYONE is Welcome, but Darlin's You Must
be 21 to Drink. (Two forms of ID are required. Your CU ID and your
Driver's License would be fiendish) Our Shockingly Good Live Band,
Barra Libre ( will be playing all the songs
you wicked creatures want to hear)

Wear your Costumes, because we'll be judging and awarding you.
(Prizes, brutes)

Please RIP, oops RSVP, no later than Tuesday, October 26th,
otherwise, you'll have to PAY $10 at the door (and wouldn't that be
terrifying?!) If you're bringing Ghosts (friends, baby), $10 please
RSVP them, too.

COPY AND PASTE this Entire link to RSVP:

http://www.evite.com/pages/invite/viewInvite.jsp?event=KJFTFEJRMNZZEKSVWEKL&unknownUser=true

****TRICK OR TREATING ON CAMPUS - FOR KIDS! Sunday, October 31st,
2PM - 5:30PM at GS Lounge, Lerner Hall & Various Campus Locations.
HOW: Please CHECK IN at the GS LOUNGE. Your child(ren) will pick
up trick or treat bags, and you will receive a campus map marked
with locations where trick or treaters will be welcome as well as
instructions for how to go about it. Have a cookie and some cider
before you head out, or when you get back (or both), and take a few
minutes to meet some GS Parents and their families.
*** PLEASE NOTE THAT IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO RSVP TO THIS EMAIL IF
YOU THINK YOU CAN ATTEND THIS EVENT - WE WANT TO MAKE SURE WE HAVE
ENOUGH TREATS FOR ALL *** Email: Kasia Brathwaite at
[email protected] or call 516-603-6472. Hope to see you there!

----

Good luck on MidTerms,

Hootie and the GSSC

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

October 22, 2004

CASINO NIGHT SATURDAY 10/23 9pm to 1am in Roone Arledge @ LERNER

Win prizes, including: Jets tickets, an iPod, Nintendo GameCube,
portable DVD player, a television and much more!

2 ID's to drink at the event.

Tickets are on sale now in the Lerner Box Office-----buy tickets in
Lerner Box office $5, $7 at the door.

WANT TO GO FREE? BE A DEALER: Dealer training starts at 7pm at
Arledge. Get there early and get in free, 2 free tickets, and work
a table!

---AND---

Keep Thursday, Oct 28th open for the infamous GS Halloween party.
Muhahaha. Muhahaha. Muha...(play scary music as you read that out
loud.)

Keep on rockin' those midterms,

Love,

GSSC

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

October 17, 2004

Midterms got you down? Having a hard time getting off the ropes and
back into the ring? Don't worry--the GSSC is here to do our thing.

---WEEKLY UPDATE---

WEDNESDAY 10/20 -- STUDY BREAK hosted by the Junior class,
12:30-1:30 pm in LEWISOHN LOUNGE

THURSDAY 10/21 -- GS TEA PARTY hosted by our Academic Affairs Rep,
Alissa, 4-6:30 pm in LEWISOHN LOUNGE

FRIDAY 10/22 -- CU SENATE MEETING, open to the public, 1:15 pm.
Location posted on the Senate website a few days prior to the
meeting. http://www.columbia.edu/cu/senate/

--AND—

HALLOWEEN TRICK’R TREAT (FOR KIDS!) on CAMPUS, OCT 31, 2-5PM
More info: If you have young children, siblings, relatives or
friends whom you would like to take trick-or-treating on Campus
bring them out! Please email Kasia Brathwaite at
[email protected] if you have an interest so that we can get an
accurate count of how many trick or treaters will be joining us.
Trick’r Treating will be followed by Hot Cider in the GS Lounge
until 5:30pm.

--AND ALSO--

Can you develop websites? The GSSC is looking for talented designers
and programmers to bring the GS online community, well, online in a
good way. Interested? Think you have what it takes? Want experience
working for the GSSC? Email Erica Jackson: [email protected]

Want to express yourself another way?
Want to tell the Columbia community how you feel about being a student at GS?
How your semester has been so far?
Email Erica to have your story posted on our upcoming "faces of GS" section of the site.

---Have a great week!

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

October 10, 2004

Hi Everyone, it's time for another GS Weekly Update, in a new and
easy to use format, showing you the date and important info in the
beginning, and more information below:

MONDAY, October 11:
**GAME NIGHT at 8pm in LEWISOHN LOUNGE. FREE PIZZA!

THURSDAY, October 21:
**GS HANG OUT at MONA LOUNGE for HAPPY HOUR, 5:30-8:30pm

TEASER: &&&&& Look out for the upsurge in GS Spirit this week &&&&&

--MORE INFO ON EVENTS--

GAME NIGHT: Come play your favority board games in GS lounge!
Bring'em if you have'em, and enjoy free pizza, courtesy of Abbey
Dubin, Sophmore Class President. WHEN: Monday, Oct 11 at 8pm in
Lewisohn.

GS HANG OUT: Come hang out at our bi-monthly happy hour at Mona
lounge--a bit of downtown in Morningside Heights.WHERE: 109th and
Amsterdam - SW corner. WHEN: Thursday, October 14, 5:30PM-8:30PM.
**Must have 2 ID's to drink** G.S. Students get discounts! It's
gonna be a blast so see ya there!

back to top

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

October 7, 2004

Have a slow Weekend? Not anymore!

RELAY FOR LIFE KICKOFF EVENT, SUNDAY OCT 10, 12-3pm in LOW PLAZA

Come support Columbia's Relay for Life this year at the first
kick-off event! The American Cancer Society's Relay for Life will
be held here at Columbia in April, and the kick-off event is your
ticket to LEARNING MORE and joining the fun! Enjoy food, games, DJ,
and prizes on Low plaza, Sun. Oct. 10th from 12 noon until 3pm.

--AND WHAT ABOUT NEXT WEEK?--

You'll have to wait till Sunday's Weekly Update, but here is a hint:
Keep Monday, Wednesday and Thursday nights open...We'll be playing
games, getting political and hanging out after a long week at
school, respectively.

Have a great weekend!

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

October 4, 2004

Hey there,

Following our Town Hall last Tuesday, we at the GSSC wanted to send you a list of committees that are available. Committees are an easy way to better get to know the GS community, and there is no time-commitment-a kind of volunteer-as-you-go, a la carte way to building a community.

But first, events:

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

DIVERSITY IN THE WORKPLACE PROGRAM, OCT 7, 2-6pm in LERNER 568-569

Students can register for any combination of the following events: Banking and Consulting Diversity Best Practices, Diversity Best Practices in the Manufacturing, Publishing, Software and Public Service Sectors, Real World Advice on Diversity in the Workplace, and Diversity Employer Networking Reception. Senior leaders from Bain and Company, Barclays Capital, CIA, Deloitte, ESPN, Ford Motors, Goldman Sachs, Microsoft, Time Inc. are speaking at the events and they and members of their teams will be available at the networking session. To register and get more information, go to: http://www.cce.columbia.edu/employers/events/students.php

FREE MOVIE SCREENING, TUESDAY Oct 5 at 7:30pm in MILLER THEATER

The Columbia University School of the Arts is proud to present a very special FREE screening of "P.S.," a new film (produced and written by two talented SoA alums!), shot right here in Dodge Hall, taking place in the "Columbia University School of Fine Arts" in which Laura Linney plays an Admissions Officer. This is a very special evening, with some very special guests, and a limited number of tickets are available to students, faculty and staff. To pick up your complimentary ticket, please visit Toni Scott in the School of the Arts Dean's Office in 305 Dodge Hall, between 9am and 5pm on Monday, October 4 and Tuesday, October 5: Again, tickets are limited! Get yours EARLY.

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

And now, what you've been waiting for: ways to get involved:

Social Committee: Got social skills? The social committee assists the Social Chair in the planning and throwing of parties, events and get-togethers. Join up. Contact Liz at [email protected]

Policy Committee: Think the GSSC should be more involved in external issues at Columbia and in the community at large? Join the policy committee to assist the VP External in charting and implementing GSSC policy. Contact Pavan at [email protected]

PR Task Force: Tired of GS students getting bad press (or no press)? Know what to do about it? We need you to help the GSSC build a media strategy and re-brand itself within the Columbia community. Do you have what it takes? Contact Pavan at [email protected]

New Student Welcoming Committee: Remember your first semester on campus? Do you want to help new students feel comfortable at Columbia? Then come help us enrich the GSSC's role in this important transition. Contact Stephen at [email protected]

New Media Committee: Are you a veteran programmer or designer? A writer or photographer? Do you want to augment your experience and portfolio? Help the New Media Chair build up the GSSC's online presence and provide the GS student body with new services to facilitate online community. Contact Erica at [email protected]

Student Services Committee: Are there student services you feel are lacking? Do you want to work for change instead of complaining to your friends? Join the student services committee to work on making Columbia a better place for all students. Contact Omri at [email protected]

Class committees: Do you want to invest in your class year at GS? Contact your class presidents and join their committees.

First Year: Josh Niehaus, [email protected]

Sophomore: Abbey Dubin, [email protected]

Junior: Akiva Zablocki, [email protected]

Senior: Claudia Barrera, [email protected]

Have a great week!

Ariel Beery
President, GS Student Body
[email protected]

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

October 1, 2004

How Ya'll doing? Ready for one of the biggest weekends of the year?
Don't really know what's going on? Well here is a little idea:

FRIDAY, Oct 1st
------------------------------------------------
11:00am: First Friday Forum: Meet DEAN AWN and learn about
"Religion, Ethnicity and Politics in the Current Iraq Crisis" at
LEWISOHN.

1:30pm: SOCCER IN CENTRAL PARK. Meet Abbey, our Sophomore Class
President, at LEWISOHN.

1:00-3:00pm: Roar! Columbia Lions Football Pep Rally--BBQ, student
performances and speeches on campus.

--then--

SATURDAY, Oct 2nd -- The Big Game (free tickets with a Columbia ID)
-------------------------------
9:30am: First Forty Students to get Forty Beverages--meet our First
Year Class President Josh on the STEPS OF LOW to rally GS Spirit
before the big game.

10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m: Shuttle BUS To BAKER FIELD for the big
game, meeting 117th & Amsterdam Avenue. You can also get to Baker
field by taking the 1/9 to 215th Street.

11:00am: TAILGATE (basically a BBQ) in the area surrounding Baker
Field--together with CCSC, SGA and ESC.

1:30pm: KICKOFF. Come watch the Lions tear up the Tigers for lunch,
while enjoying Columbia's own Baker field. Come on, we know you
love feeding time at the zoo.

--and then--

SUNDAY, Oct. 3rd
-------------------------------
11:00am: BRUNCH at LEWISOHN. Come have some good grub on the one day
you actually can have time to enjoy it.

11:00am: PARENT'S COFFEE at LEWISOHN. Come meet other GS students
who are parents and share your hopes and desires with our Parent's
Representative, Kasia.

-------------
Have a great weekend,

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September 27, 2004

-----------------------Weekly Update----------------------------

FREE CLASS LUNCHES at LEWISOHN
Meet, greet, JOIN COMMITTEES, get involved!
JUNIORs: => MONDAY Sept. 27th, 12:30-1:30 --That's TODAY!
FIRST YEARs: => TUESDAY Sept. 28th, 12:00-1:00

TOWN HALL MEETING => TUESDAY SEPT 28, 7:30pm-9:00pm at LEWISOHN
Come, hear and be heard. Your opinions matter, and this is the time to get involved.

GS HAPPY HOUR => THURSDAY Sept 30th
Come hang out. Place TBA

GS SUNDAY BRUNCH & first PARENT'S COFFEE => SUNDAY OCTOBER 3, 11am-1pm
Come have doughnuts and coffee, meet other GS students and bring your kids if you got'em. And if you don't got'em, come play with'em. Or not.

----------Additional announcements----------

EVER want to make a DIFFERENCE in kids' lives? Local FIFTH GRADERS need YOU!

Peace by PEACE is looking for energetic, committed people just like you to teach CONFLICT RESOLUTION to kids in Harlem and Washington Heights. What does this mean?

*One hour a week in a public school NEARBY

*a meeting beforehand with veteran students who will teach with you

*a curriculum and activities we designed ourselves

*training and orientation so you know just what to do

Peace by PEACE has been going strong at CU for over twelve years. Come to ONE of our trainings, 9 p.m. either MONDAY, SEPT. 27 or TUESDAY, SEPT. 28 in the JAMES ROOM in Barnard Hall, and find out why we're Community Impact's biggest community service program! Kids in Harlem and Washington Heights need someone to turn to. Why not you?

For more information, contact [email protected]

In observance of Library Card Sign-up Month, librarians from the Morningside Heights branch will do onsite NYPL card sign up at Barnard Library on Tuesday, September 28 from 11-1. They will register anyone with ID as indicated on the NYPL Library Card page: http://www.nypl.org/books/cards.html for a branch libraries' card.

ARE YOU A STUDENT LEADER? Get involved with IVY COUNCIL!!

Represent Columbia as a member of the COLUMBIA DELEGATION. You can improve student-life at Columbia by learning about and working with other
Ivy League Universities. Help plan the IVY LEADERSHIP SUMMIT, an annual conference for tomorrow's leaders with world-renowned speakers and unique opportunities. Work with IVYCORPS, the Inter-Ivy community service organization. Together we can make a difference. Work on ICC, Ivy Council's technical support group that creates new resources to facilitate improvements and communication across the Ivy League. COME LEARN MORE!

TUESDAY, Sept 28TH
7:00PM-8:00PM
LERNER E568

QUESTIONS? Email: [email protected] www.ivycouncil.org

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September 27, 2004

Dear Fellow GS Students:

Due to the non-traditional nature of General Studies students, there
are many who strive to juggle not only their academic
responsibilities, but often work and family as well. For those of
us who are parents, we know how challenging this can be.

It is in response to our unique needs that the General Studies
Student Council has created the role of Parents' Liaison. I am
delighted to have been entrusted with this responsibility and look
forward to working with as many of you as possible in identifying
the specific needs of students with children and determining how
these can be addressed.

The first step is finding out who we are and establishing our
community.

If you are a parent, or plan to be one, please respond to this
email. I would like to establish an email group that will help
keep you informed and aware of issues and events that affect us.
If you know of other parents in the GS community who might miss
this information because they are too busy to check their email,
please tell them about this initiative and urge them to contact me.

*** MONTHLY PARENT'S COFFEE *** FREE BRUNCH *** BRING YOUR FAMILY***
A Monthly Parents' Coffee Chat will take place at the GS Lounge at
Lewisohn Hall in conjunction with the GS Sunday Brunch. This will
give us a chance to get to know each other, benefit from our
combined experiences, and brainstorm about what can be done to help
us in the school/family balancing act (not to mention drink FREE
COFFEE and eat FREE DONUTS) - Your family is welcome! THE FIRST
PARENT'S COFFEE IS THIS SUNDAY - OCTOBER 3 - 11AM - GS Lounge,
Lewisohn Hall.

We are looking forward to planning more events which will include
our families and children - such as Halloween Trick-or-Treating on
Campus, a Fall Festival and more (hopefully based on ideas we
receive from you!)

So please, take just a moment and let me know who you are. I am
looking forward to working on your behalf and sincerely believe
that we can make a difference.

Eagerly awaiting your replies,

Kasia Brathwaite
GSSC, Parents' Liaison
[email protected]
516-603-6472

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September 20, 2004

FREE FOOD * FREE BEVERAGES * FREE FOOD * FREE BEVERAGES

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:

THE G.S. LOUNGE in Lewisohn
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29TH
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

We want to build your Social Committee!

We are looking to fill positions and to begin planning for the
Halloween Party, Winter Social, Spring Formal, etc.

*ALL G.S. STUDENTS WELCOME*

FREE FOOD * FREE BEVERAGES * FREE FOOD * FREE BEVERAGES

Liz Hollister
Social Chair
GSSC
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (716) 474-3507

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September 20, 2004

--CLASS committee LUNCHES in LEWISOHN: Take a study break to chill with your GS community! Meet, greet, JOIN COMMITTEES, get involved!

SENIORs: THURSDAY Sept. 23rd, 12:30-1:30.
Contact your president, Claudia Barrera, for more information: [email protected]

JUNIORs: MONDAY Sept. 27th, 12:30-1:30.
Contact your president, Akiva Zablocki, for more information: [email protected]

SOPHMOREs: TBA.
Contact your president, Abbey Dubin, for more information: [email protected]

FIRST YEARs: TUESDAY Sept. 28th, 12:00-1:00.
Contact your president, Josh Niehaus, for more information: [email protected]

**All GS students are invited to every one. You're always welcome.

--PARTY PARTY PARTY @ SCHERMEHORN PLAZA

THURSDAY Sept. 23rd, 8-10pm.

All will come...Few will leave...Bring 2 IDs to Drink (!!!) FREE FOOD AND BEVERAGES

--INTERMURAL SPORTS

It's not too late to sign up for intramural sports! Represent GS on the basketball court, flag football field, soccer pitch, or volleyball recreational floor. Sign up now as the seasons are fast approaching. Contact Josh Niehaus@ [email protected] to sign up.

--TOWN HALL MEETING

Next TUESDAY, SEPT 28, at 7:30pm, is our first GSsc TOWN HALL MEETING. Come voice your opinion, tell us what you need, and join committees to make our community a better place. Place TBA

--IVY COUNCIL

So now that you're in the Ivies, you should own it.

ARE YOU A STUDENT LEADER?

Do you want to get involved with the only Inter-Ivy League student government? Get involved with IVY COUNCIL!!

1) Represent Columbia as a member of the COLUMBIA DELEGATION. You can improve student-life at Columbia by learning about and working with other
Ivy League Universities.

2) Help plan the IVY LEADERSHIP SUMMIT, an annual conference for tomorrow's leaders with world-renowned speakers and unique opportunities.

3) Work with IVYCORPS, the Inter-Ivy League community service organization. Together we can make a difference.

4) Work on ICC, Ivy Council's technical support group that creates new resources to facilitate improvements and communication across the Ivy League.

COME LEARN MORE! FREE FOOD!!
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28TH
7:00PM-8:00PM
LERNER E568

QUESTIONS? Email: [email protected]
www.ivycouncil.org

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September 20, 2004

From: Columbia University Senate's Student Affairs Committee

Are you concerned about the dramatic increases in tuition, decreases in grants, and the outrageous debt loads for students in America's postsecondary education system? We are.

In response to the national tuition crisis, student leaders throughout Columbia University are planning to lobby congress to establish a "National Tuition Endowment Act of 2005". This bill will authorize the use of interest generated from student and parent loans as additional aid available to students pursuing postsecondary education in the form of a national tuition scholarship.

** Currently, we are looking for approximately 100 volunteers to help in the following ways:

GRASSROOTS ORGANIZING
(a) to help contact 3,300 student governments in all public and private nonprofit postsecondary institutions in America to endorse the establishment of the NTE;

LOBBY CONGRESS
(b) to help lobby congress by working with congressional staff in the writing and research of the NTE Act of 2005;

SCHOLARSHIP & MEDIA
(c) to help compose and edit articles, press releases, and the NTE website that will empower student governments around the country to
engage in a massive media blitz about the nation's tuition crisis.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE:

If you are interested in participating in the founding of the National Tuition Endowment, please attend one of the following information sessions. They will be hosted at Teachers College (between Amsterdam and Broadway on 120th street) in Grace Dodge Hall room 179 on

** TUESDAY, September 21st at 9:00 pm - 10:00 or
** THURSDAY, September 23rd at 9:00 pm - 10:00 pm.

A weekday information session will be held in room 407 of Low Library on Columbia's Morningside Campus on
** FRIDAY, September 24th at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

At these info sessions we will discuss the founding of the NTE and allow students, faculty, and administrators to volunteer for specific teams. At that time they will be asked to sign up for a one-hour training sessions; dates TBA.

We hope to see you there!

For more information about the National Tuition Endowment please
contact Nathan C. Walker at [email protected]

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June 22, 2004

Hello there GSers!

This is a longer email than usual, with a little introduction to the next year and a request for your help. But it's summer, so it should be ok, right? So please, grab a glass of lemonade, find some shade, and take a minute to read it through.

GOT SKILLS? If you have a talent or a profession-say you were an advertising executive or know how to create really nifty webpages-we want to know who you are. The Talent Mining Project is an effort by the GSSC to utilize the enormous expertise and human capital stored in our community, and harness it to the benefit of all. You will not be contacted by solicitors, nor forced to do anything you do not volunteer for-all we want to know is what you are good at, and in what ways may you be able to help us build a more unified and supportive community. Also, if you want to get involved, but don't have enough time to do so on a regular basis, tell us and we will try to find ways to incorporate you into student life that won't be so time taxing.

Please contact Omri at [email protected] with your information if you are interested.

ARE YOU A POET AND YOU KNOW IT? Or a fine-artist, dancer, actor? In addition to professional talents and expertise, the GSSC is putting together an arts festival for this next year-and we want you to be part of it. With the tremendous wealth of artistic spirit in GS, we think an arts festival can be a great way to strengthen our ties to one another, as well as to introduce us to the rest of the Columbia community.

Please contact Abbey at [email protected] with your information if you are interested.

CAN YOU DRAW? There is nothing like a cool t-shirt to say you're proud of your school.well, unless you have a cool mousepad, coffee cup and baseball cap. But the first step to all of these awesome "I Love GS" items are designs to put on them. So we're holding a competition to redesign the GS Owl mascot, and to create other designs expressing the spirit and uniqueness of the School of General Studies. The winner, chosen at the beginning of the fall semester, will get one of each item for his or her own personal collection.

Please send all entries to Isak at [email protected] and contact me, Ariel, for more information.

HAVE ANY IDEAS? The GSSC is here for you, to serve you, to make your life interesting and college more than just papers and tests. So if you have any ideas as to how we can make your experience here at Columbia better, easier or more meaningful, please feel free to contact me at [email protected]. Also, this year we will hold one town-hall style meeting a month-so don't worry, if you don't have any ideas just yet; come to a few meetings and I'm sure you'll get something.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that just because some students do not take summer classes, the GSSC has not stopped working for you. Yup, we're still here, trying to make your lives as fun and value-added as possible. Our Summer Coordinator is Claudia Barrera, who also is our Senior Class President for this next year. If you have any questions as to events and functions, please contact Claudia at [email protected].

That's all folks. Have a wonderful summer,

Ariel Beery
President, GS Student Body
[email protected]

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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 conveyance, the form is posted in word format.

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

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