My Accomplishments:
Over the past two years, I've worked on a variety of projects to improve student life.
Technological Infrastructure:
Over the past two years, I’ve worked hard to
improve Columbia’s technological infrastructure and the CUIT organization.
Bringing change to a bureaucratic organization is no easy task, but I’m pleased
with the improvements so far, especially with the new director who was chosen
with significant student input.
Email Aliases:
One of my biggest priorities was creating
professional emails for students to use with outside organizations. After
working with CUIT for almost a year and a half, these were launched earlier
this semester.
Printing:
Replacing NINJa is one of my top priorities and
I’m pleased that we are moving to a new system in the fall. PHAROS, and other
printing systems, allow for a global printing queue and most of our peer
schools, as well as the Uptown Medical School Campus, already use it. I plan to
work closely with CUIT to ensure a successful launch with student input.
Expedited Google Drive Implementation:
For five years before my tenure, senators
promised to bring Google Drive to Columbia. I’m pleased that after working
closely with the IT committee of the Senate and CUIT, this was done early in my
tenure.
Open Data Policy:
Over the years, Columbia has collected an immense
amount of data related to student life through surveys, course evaluations, and
other mediums. Previously, Columbia has been hesitant to release any
information because of privacy concerns. However, I have worked closely with
CUIT and the Senate IT Committee to ensure that data will now released and a
protocol will be developed for future requests so that students can have access
to this data.
Gender-Neutral Bathrooms:
It
is important that all members of our community feel comfortable in all campus
locations, from the classrooms to the restrooms. That’s why I made this a
priority of mine in my first year on the Senate and worked closely with
GendeRevolution and administrators to make this happen in Lerner and other
buildings around campus.
International Students Experience:
I have worked closely with the
International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) to improve international
students’ experiences on campus. Already, this has resulted in an increased
staff at the ISSO and the introduction of office hours for students who are
unable to get assistance during business hours.
Student Input in Administrative Decisions:
As a Senator, it’s important to leverage the
University Senate to ensure that students are included in discussions which
will impact our lives.
CUIT Search:
During the search for the new director of CUIT,
I was able to secure spots for non-senators which allowed an ADI member, a
constituency which works closely with CUIT, to participate in the search.
Term Bill Discussions:
For the first time this year, students were
involved in discussions around where their money should be spent.
Transparency & Public Agendas:
Changing anything in the Senate is not an easy
feat; in addition to the 24 student senators, there are also 63 faculty and
many other constituencies. However, this past year I was able to convince a
majority of senators to agree to release public agendas so that community
members are aware of what the Senate is doing.
Relations with student councils and groups:
Before
I arrived on the Senate, CC’s University Senators often ignored their
responsibilities to Columbia College Student Council (CCSC) and other student
councils. During my tenure, I have pushed for greater collaboration between the
two bodies and have attended almost every single policy meeting and have not
missed a single CCSC meeting. Moreover, I’ve worked closely with the other
undergraduate councils to ensure that everyone was aware of work being done on
policies.
Quality of Life Survey:
As a member of the Senate Executive Committee, I
took the lead on designing and implementing this year’s Quality of Life Survey.
Last year, I helped analyze the data and wrote the entire report with Jared
Odessky. This experience helped inform a lot of changes for this year’s
iteration, such as dramatically shortening it, including important demographic
questions, and revamping sections to be more relevant to students.
o
If elected to a third year, I will use the
results to further guide policy changes at the Senate level.
My Ideas:
For my third year, I hope to continue working and accomplish a number of initiatives.
JJ’s Place Hours:
Columbia is one of the few institutions without
a late night eatery. While this issue may not normally be seen as relevant to
the Senate, I believe that initiatives which impact students should be
addressed by those who represent them. Already, I am in conversations about
seeing JJ’s Place’s hours extended on the weekends and hope to have this
implemented early next year without causing a raise in student fees.
Morningside Student Space Initiative:
One of
Columbia's perennial concerns is a lack of physical space on campus. In
acknowledgement of Columbia's imminent expansion into Manhattanville, I would
spend time working with administrators and members of the Campus Planning
Committee to ensure that group study space is prioritized when planning new
uses of space on our Morningside campus.
Gender-based Misconduct:
For the past two years, this has been a
significant conversation on campus. As a member of the President’s Advisory
Committee on Sexual Assault (PACSA), I’ve worked to bring more voices into the
committee, raising the number of students on PACSA and, for the first time,
getting a non-senator on the committee. Moving forward, I hope to ensure that
feedback is frequently sought on the policy to ensure it is fair for students.
Redesign the Senate Website:
The Senate website, senate.columbia.edu is one
of the most archaic websites at Columbia. This effects not only Columbia
community members from interacting and understanding the Senate, but also
prevents the Senate from efficiently disseminating information. In my third
year, I would continue the work that’s been done and push for a redesigned
Website.
Private Prison Divestment:
Over the past two years, Columbia Prison Divest
has pushed Columbia to divest from private prisons. Private prisons contribute
to mass incarceration because they profit off high rates of imprisonment and
lobby for harsher sentencing. As a University, we should conduct our
investments responsibly. Although divestment is a serious an apolitical tool, I
believe that this issue warrants divestment.
Transparency & Public Minutes:
While Public Agendas are a great step forward,
it is not enough. Faculty members on the Senate are weary about allowing public
minutes, but I plan to push for these after demonstrating the success of public
agendas.
Teaching Assistant (TA) Policy:
There should be a standardized
training program for TAs so that they understand how to perform their jobs.
Many TAs wish they had some formal instruction before starting – a move that
would also benefit students in lectures.
Renovating Dodge Fitness Center:
Dodge is a facility used by thousands every day
and has a lot of broken equipment and is in a state of poor repair. I plan to
encourage Athletics to focus their renovation funds on facilities used by both
athletes and non-athletes such as Dodge.
Senate Commission on Diversity:
This year, I advocated for the creation of a
Senate Commission on Diversity. Conversations about how students are treated
and interact with one another on campus are critical and institutionalizing
these discussions allows for long-term policy considerations. I’m proud that
just this past Friday, the Executive Committee voted to create this committee
and I hope to support their initiatives in the upcoming year.
Columbia Psychological Services (CPS):
Staffing
The number of students using CPS has increased
significantly and I support hiring additional staffers to meet this need.
Specifically, CPS should ensure its staffers represent the demographics of our
student body.
