News
The VSA Council Meets Sundays at 7:00PM in College Center MPR (room 223). All students are welcome to attend.
November 19, 2008
Committee Chair Visit:Chairs Katie Hite and Lisa Collins explained that they have been “empowered by President Hill” to examine ways in which students are thriving at Vassar and to devise policies and procedures that encourage excellence. As part of CIE, they have recently developed two policy recommendations. The first of these recommendations, a statement supporting the admission of undocumented students, has already received great support from both the VSA and the administration. The second recommendation, which favors increasing access for community college and transfer students, reflects the committee’s belief that it is “extremely difficult to enter Vassar” for those who are not first-year applicants. CIE felt that, as a college, “we weren’t being equitable” in terms of entry-point access. The committee is hoping to follow in the footsteps of many peer institutions by initiating a series of “cultural audits” during the second semester. These audits will consist of small focus groups of students, led by administrators, and will involve discussions of student life on campus. Sustainability Committee Report:Ashley Money, a representative from Sustainability, explained that the committee has met once this past month. She explained that there are usually two meetings per month, one of which is open to the general student body. The committee has been working to complete the Vassar Sustainability Report, and kicked off the dorm energy challenge at 12am on Sunday. The challenge will continue until December 14th. CIRC Report:Dan Savage, of CIRC, noted that the committee has met twice thus far this semester, once with the Board of Trustee’s Investment Responsibility Committee to review the intended divestment from companies operating in Darfur. He explained that CIRC does most of its work in the Spring, and will begin meeting more regularly when proxy voting begins. Report from CCAC:Allison Bloom, a rep from CCAC, explained that the committee has met twice so far. Discussions have focused on what the committee has accomplished in the past, as well as its goals for the future. A primary concern has been the community shuttle and the extent to which it meets student needs. The committee has also been assessing senior projects and the representation of VSA community orgs on the “Get to Know Your Own Neighbors” website. CCAC has also begun evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the “Good Neighbors Program”, and is hoping to devising means of encouraging discussion among students engaged in community action. Drug and Alcohol Committee Report:Max Ernst explained that the committee has expressed concern about increased use of cocaine, LSD |
and acid on campus, and is exploring the ways in which ACDC coordinates its party menu. As of DAC’s October 27th meeting, Health Services had reported the highest incidence of drug and alcohol-related issues among members of the Class of 2011. The overall rate of medical calls relevant to substance-use, however, has decreased this year. Tobacco use will be discussed at the next meeting. CCET Committee ReportCCET’s representative announced that the committee has met five times this semester, and has been devising a proposal for a new committee on academic technologies (CAT). He noted that CCET is currently a “problem-solver”, but that its members would like to formulate a committee that is more policy-oriented. The new proposed committee will simplify its membership and ensure representation from different academic areas. “Keep Coke” Resolution PresentedJeremy Bright, joined by five other representatives of the “Keep Coke” campaign, presented a resolution urging Council to overturn its recent approval of the “Kick Coke” resolution. He and the other campaign members expressed support for the continued sale of Coca-Cola products at Vassar, and they showcased 300 signatures from Vassar students and employees who were also opposed to “kicking” Coke. The “Keep Coke” resolution specifically requests an open forum discussion of the issue, and asks that the VSA Council repeal its November 2nd decision on the “Kick Coke” resolution until it obtains a relevant referendum from the student body. TAs, 2009 and Joss, among others, defended the Council’s earlier decision; they cited the high volume of student responses collected and analyzed by Council members, and explained that each member’s vote ultimately reflected the opinions of the majority of his or her constituents. Final consideration of the “Keep Coke” resolution was ultimately tabled until the November 23rd VSA meeting. Endorsement of Transfer Students Policy:The VSA endorsed the Transfer Students Policy, as presented by the Committee on Inclusion and Excellence. This policy represents an incremental expansion of need-blind admissions, and is a means of increasing access for Community College transfer students. Resolution in Support of Vassar Workers:The VSA Council voted to approve Council Action 23-4: A Resolution in Support of Vassar Workers. Presented at the November 9th meeting, this resolution urges the college to provide fair compensation packages for its employees. |
November 12, 2008
Senior Officer Visit:Rachel Kitzinger, Dean of Planning and Academic Affairs, and Betsy Eismeier, Vice President for Finance Administration, presented Council with an overview of Vassar’s current financial situation. The Board of Trustees has just generated a series of new budgeting guidelines, laboring under the assumption that the endowment will regain some value by July. Current plans dictate that the college’s budget for the 2009-2010 school year will be $6.5 million less than it was for the current academic year. Despite this financial strain, Vassar will not modify its new need-blind policy. The college is aware that the economic climate has iplaced additional strain upon students’ families, but it remains committed to meeting need-based aid for current students. According to Betsy and Rachel, substantive changes will be seen in policies regarding employee compensation and physical plant operation. Most projects involving construction of new buildings and renovation of existing facilities will be canceled or postponed. Wage raises are highly unlikely, but as the college is committed to maintaining competitive salaries for its hard-working employees, it is aiming to avoid any pay decreases. Currently vacant positions will be evaluated, and those deemed less necessary will not be filled. Senior Officers are beginning to evaluate and restructure their divisions, and the administration is working to generate ideas about how to ope rate the college more efficiently. Rachel noted that one issue recently discussed is the ordering of library books, as new volumes can be quite costly, but are necessary to maintain Vassar’s comprehensive collection. 2:2 and need-blind policies for international students are currently “off the table”, however, and future cost/benefit analyses of the college’s programs and services may result in some restructuring of its summer offerings. Report from the VSA President:The VSA Exec Board met with the Board of Trustees over October Break, and is looking to pave the way for more student involvement with the Trustees in the future. The Board has been very supportive of need-blind policies for international students. The President also sits on the Priorities and Planning Committee, and reported that P&P is focused on modifying next year’s budget. He has recommended that the college maintain all current positions and avoid filling vacant ones. Short term changes are currently being made, but longer term modifications – involving the structure of the curriculum and the ways in which the college is run – must be made in the coming years. The VSA’s resolution on gender neutral housing has been unanimously endorsed by CCL, and the new policy is moving forward. The President has also been collaborating with Sustainability on carbon neutrality, and has been working with Betsy Eismeier to assess the |
state of local businesses, given the effects of nearby construction and the current economic climate. ViCE Report:Anabel Graff, of ViCE, reported that the MSTRKRFT concert was very successful. She also announced that After Hours with Jason Anderson took place on Sunday, and urged sti Vassar Jazz Combo would be performing on Tuesday. Film League will be showing “The Dark Knight” next week, and a musical version of Jurassic Park will soon be presented by NoViCE and Special Events. ViCE Music is currently working on an event for the last day of classes, as well as a large event in February. ViCE is also looking to initiate more activities in the Poughkeepsie community. It is currently exploring the idea of renting a theater at the Roosevelt to screen films. The VPs for Finance and Activities commended ViCE for its efforts this year. The group has been highly organized, and has been collaborating well with groups like Vassar Greens and the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life. Report From CCP:Amory Meltzer, of CCP, reported that the committee has met five times so far. It has been discussing the launch of a new Media Studies JYA program in London, as well as policies for low-enrollment classes. Regulations relevant to class size are in existence, but are not typically enforced; the college will now begin cutting courses that do not satisfy these enrollment qualifications. CCP has also approved new courses for Latin American Studies and signed off on an updated academic calendar. Qualitative Analysis (QA) courses, CEQs, class schedules and GPA requirements for JYA are all undergoing review. Drug and Alcohol Committee Report:According to a report submitted by DAC representative Max Ernst, the committee has met once so far. Max noted that incidences of drug and alcohol-related medical problems have decreased this year, but that “harder drug use” has been observed on campus this semester. More specifically, the DAC has discussed policies regarding EMS and ID checks at the Halloween party. The committee has also been reviewing the quality of ACDC’s party menu and the costs of items therein, and student tobacco use will be examined at the next meeting. “Tasty Tuesdays”The President announced that there will be local vendors tabling in the College Center every Tuesday. As part of an effort to continue the success of “Meet Me in Poughkeepsie” and to help local business, these new “Tasty Tuesdays” will continue through the rest of the year. |
November 2, 2008
Report from the VP for Activities:The VP for Activities has been working on coordinating the “Passport to Arlington” project, and has also been focused on revamping emergency contact forms for organizations involved in overnight off-campus trips. A new policy will stipulate that orgs must register these off-campus events through the VP for Activities; more information about these changes will be emailed to org presidents. The Activities Committee has received a large number of applications for org certification, and is carefully considering each one before making certification proposals to Council. The VP for Activities has already begun planning next year’s Fall Leadersip Conference, and is currently working with the VP for Student Life to improve equipment use at The Mug. Committee Report from CCL:Sasha Klimczak, of CCL, reported that one of the committee’s central discussion topics has been gender neutral housing; the committee has concurred that a “barrier” currently exists in Vassar’s housing policy, and it hopes to encourage the institution of a more inclusive set of regulations. CCL has also been working to promote sustainability, and is exploring the idea of bringing Zip Cars to campus. Chris Roellke has been communicating with the company, but the college is still investigating logistical issues. A recent suggestion involves bringing in portable speed bumps and temporary radar systems to promote pedestrian safety. The committee has begun consideration of the Kick Coke resolution, and is anticipating the VSA’s official vote on the resolution. Sasha explained that alcohol use on campus has also been a key topic at meetings, and reported that President Hill has not opted to sign The Amethyst Initiative. A subcommittee will soon be established to focus on alcohol use and abuse. The meal plan has been up for discussion, but the committee’s statistical analysis of survey results is still needed. Additionally, CCL is evaluating student rights and responsibilities, and is exploring the possibility of generating a Student Bill of Rights. “Kick Coke” Campaign ResolutionThe VP for Student Life moved to pass a resolution to “Kick Coke” from Vassar College, as presented at the previous Council meeting. Reed Dunlea, of Kick Coke, claimed that an individual’s choice to buy Coca Cola products “is not actually on the table in this campaign”. He highlighted that the resolution is focused on Vassar College, an “educational institution with a commitment to social justice” – not “a shopping mall.” Reed also contested recent claims that “Coke is cleaning up its act in Colombia and India”, stressing that Coca Cola has been running a very intense public relations campaign. Challenging suggestions that kicking coke might threaten local business, Reed explained that bottling is carried out by the “Coca Cola Bottling Company off New York, Inc.”, |
a branch of a much larger company that does business in 46 states. The primary vendor at Vassar is Aramark, which is also not a local company; Aramark has claimed that they can eliminate Coke from campus dining areas by next semester, if necessary. Another key vendor, Triple J Vending, is a much smaller local company, so the Kick Coke Campaign would only push for them to eliminate Coke by next year. Triple J has already agreed to consider bringing in more local companies. Noyes responded to Reed’s points, emphasizing that the resolution is primarily addressing an “ethical and human rights issue”. He claimed that it is “unrealistic” for the Vassar community to expect a massive enterprise like Coca Cola to be so aware of human rights violations “that are 2 degrees of separation away from” its central authority. He concluded that Coca Cola is “clearly making an effort to remediate the situation”. Danny McBree, of the Food Committee, proposed an economic argument for bringing in outside vendors, claiming that “if Coke’s going to kick itself, it will do so.” TAs submitted a report with a summary of opinions from various members of the TAs and the Class of 2009. The results of the report both supported and critiqued the resolution. She wondered whether banning Coke from campus would be Vassar’s best option, and instead suggested divesting funds, leveraging ownership shares, sending letters, or encouraging other colleges to get involved with the campaign. TAs also voiced concern about the potential loss of local jobs at the Coca Cola Bottling Company, particularly given Vassar’s current efforts to improve relations with the Poughkeepsie community. Per TAs’ recommendations, TS moved to amend the second whereas to add the word “allegations”. Reed approved this change, claiming that it was consistent with the campaign’s intentions. THs urged council members “not to think myopically” on this issue, and encouraged members not to abstain from voting on the resolution. She emphasized that “this is a divisive issue”, and the Council members are “here to make decisions that are not necessarily black and white”. Council finally voted on the resolution, and it passed by a margin of 14-8. It will now move forward to CCL for further discussion. Passport to ArlingtonThe VP for Activities announced that the VSA’s “Passport to Arlington” project will begin Nov. 3 and continue through Dec. 14. Students can receive stamps when they visit any of 51 merchants in the Arlington area. Those who complete their passports may submit them to the HSBC on Raymond Avenue and will be entered into a drawing to win a $1000 prize. Orgs of the Month for Sept. and Oct.:VSA Council declared VJU Org of the Month for September for its “Challah for Hunger” event. The Council also declared ASA the Org of the Month for October for its “Back to School Concert”. |
September 10, 2008
Executive Board Fall Office Hours:Visit us in CC207. We’re all available by appointment. President: Jimmy Kelly- Tuesday: 4pm-5pm; Wednesday: 11am-1pm; Thursday: 1pm-2pm VP for Student Life: Nate Silver- Wednesday: 10am-12pm; Thursday: 1pm-2pm VP For Activities: Alex Dempsey- Wednesday: 3pm-5pm; Thursday 1pm-2pm VP for Academics: Camille Friason- Monday: 11am-1pm; Friday 11am-12pm VP for Operations: Caitlyn Ly- Wednesday 10am-12pm; Friday: 10am-12pm VP for Finance: Marcelo Buitron- Wednesday 2:00-4:00PM, Friday2:00-4:00PM Fall Elections Dates!Filing: Sept. 10th at 12am (begins); Sept. 17th at 5pm (ends). To see who’s running, read candidate statements & learn more about elections, click here. |
New Campus Community Shuttle:Starting this weekend, a community shuttle will be available to take students to Stop & Shop, Adams and the train station, among a few other Poughkeepsie destinations. The shuttle schedule and map will be posted mid-week. Meet Me in PoughkeepsieAt its latest meeting, the VSA Council announced plans for “Meet Me in Poughkeepsie”, a day dedicated to strengthening relations between Vassar students and the local community. Taking place on October 10th, the event will incorporate a series of activities and trips into Poughkeepsie to expose students to area highlights. Orgs are encouraged to sponsor said trips; sponsorship applications will be due September 15th. New Campus Meal Plan:The VSA Council has begun discussion of recent changes to campus dining. Of particular concern are the financial efficacy of the all-you-can-eat point system and the effects of the new meal plan on campus social life. Students are encouraged to voice their opinions about the current plan, either by speaking with their representatives or attending upcoming meetings! Open PositionsCouncil has declared the following positions open and up for appointment:
Those interested in involvement in the BOE or DOC Search Committee should submit applications to vsaoperations@vassar.edu. *For more information about the meetings and activities of the VSA leadership, please contact Vice President for Operations at VSAoperations@vassar.edu. |