YCSC Holds Open Meeting

On the night of November 18, more than thirty students attended this year's inaugural Open Student Council Meeting. YCSC held the meeting with a twofold intent. The first part of the meeting was dedicated to informing the student body about the actions currently being considered and undertaken by the Executive Board. For the duration, the floor was open for the board to hear student concerns.

Sruli Tannenbaum, president of YCSC, opened the session with a call to hold an open meeting on a bi-weekly basis. He then greeted the newly elected members of the freshman and sophomore class boards. After announcing their names and congratulating each officer, he began to list the recent accomplishments of the Student Council. His announcement that the long awaited Guide to the Perplexed has finally arrived was met with a very positive response. The next issue addressed was the upcoming annual Chanukah concert. Tannenbaum thanked Secretary Howard Mazin for his efforts in organizing the grand event and securing the appearances of headliners Mordechai Ben-David and Dedi. The president continued with his dispensing of accolades by congratulating the seniors in charge of the Chicago City Limits event, as well as the members of the YU Debate Society who had emerged as victors at a recent event.

The focus then shifted to the issues that are currently on the table. Tannenbaum announced that efforts were being made to have WYUR, Yeshiva University's own radio station which has been silent for more than a year, back on the air during the spring semester. He also spoke of plans for an upcoming event that would include one of YCSC's "famous Dougie's parties." He also stated that Morg Mart would be open for business in the near future.

Following this short talk, Tannenbaum invited those in attendance to voice their concerns. The first student to speak was YC Junior Jeff Bander. A former resident and self-professed "advocate of Muss Hall issues," Bander presented various areas of interest pertaining to the deficiencies of that residence hall. Among them were the lack of accessible vending machines and the absence of a lounge on par with those of Morgenstern and Rubin Halls. Others in attendance agreed with Bander's concerns and Tannenbaum promised that the matters are being looked into.

The next topic to receive attention was the issue of student events. Dror Barber, Chairman of the Canvassing Committee, announced that his committee was taking responsibility regarding the advertising of upcoming events. There had been difficulties in this area that had resulted in student complaints about lack of information. Naftali Nadel, a former candidate for sophomore class president, revealed some surprising results of a survey that he distributed during his campaign. The statistics suggested that there is a significant percentage of YC students who would prefer to attend events without the presence of Stern girls. This revelation was met with mixed opinions and will be investigated.

Mazin brought up the issue of the usage of AOL for entertainment on the library computers. Many students have complained about this practice which is hampering computer availability for the intended purpose, academic use. Tannenbaum promised that the issue would be addressed and has since arranged to meet with Pearl Berger, Dean of the Library to discuss the problem. Barber continued by pointing out other deficiencies with regard to the library. He suggested that the library hours should be extended for study during finals and that there should be more copy machines available. A number of students vocally expressed their agreement with the latter recommendation. Tannenbaum responded with an announcement that they are pursuing efforts to have 501 Furst Hall, as well as the cafeteria, open all night for study during finals. He also expressed regrets that copy machines could not be installed in the dormitories due to the possibility of damage.

Tannenaum commented that he was pleased with the turnout and hopes that it will be even better at the next meeting. He stated that YCSC was anxious to address the "diverse range of issues brought to [their] attention by the student attendees." Tannenbaum also wished to inform the entire student body that the Executive Board "welcomes their concerns at all times and appreciates their input."