YCSC Open Meeting Draws 40 Students

Student Concerns Discussed and Solutions Explored

The third Open Student Council Meeting of the year was held on Tuesday, January 27. Approximately forty students attended. YCSC held the meeting with a twofold intent. The first part of the meeting informed the assembled students about the actions curr ently being considered and undertaken by the Executive Board. Then, for the duration of the session, the floor was open for the board to hear student concerns.

Sruli Tannenbaum, president of YCSC, opened the session at 10:15 with an affirmation that YCSC will now fulfill its commitment to hold open meetings on a bi-weekly basis. He began by dispensing the customary accolades for the recent events and efforts of his council. They included mention of the Dougies, bagels, and pizza distribution during finals week, as well as the very popular Super Bowl event which he declared to be a huge success.

The focus then shifted to the issues that are currently on the YCSC agenda. Tannenbaum announced that efforts to have WYUR, Yeshiva University's own radio station which has been silent for more than a year, back on the air are well on their way. He cla imed that the broadcasting is expected to begin within the next few weeks. He then mentioned the upcoming return of another campus familiarity, Morg Mart. The mini-store housed in the basement of Morgenstern Hall is scheduled to open in a matter of days. Tannenbaum advised all students interested in obtaining paid employment opportunities at the mart to contact Charlie Ness, president of the Joint Business Society at SSSB, who is spearheading the reopening and management efforts. Tannenbaum also declared that the Guide Part II, which will include the listings of new students, is currently in the early stages of production.

Tannenbaum then allowed Ari Wartelsky, a recent graduate of YC, to speak on behalf of YUSSR (not affiliated with Yeshiva University). Wartelsky introduced a new program tentatively named the "Pushka Campaign" which would furnish each YU dormitory room and apartment with a charity box in order to raise funds for the organization which acts as a benefactor to Jews in the former Soviet Union. Wartelsky expressed the hope that for every dollar raised by students during the campaign, Yeshiva University Pres ident Dr. Norman Lamm would be willing to provide an equivalent University donation. Tannenbaum pledged the support of YCSC.

The floor was then turned over to the student leaders of each class. David Schwartz, Senior Class President, announced that there is an ongoing search for a venue at which to hold the Senior Dinner. He also noted that his council is currently planning a class trip to the critically acclaimed Broadway show, The Diary of Anne Frank. The president of the Junior class announced an event called "Mind Games" which is scheduled to take place on February 19. Details will be publicized in coming days. D ov Brandstatter, Sophomore Class President, explained that his council is investigating the possibility of having a paintball event. Pinchas Shapiro, who holds the presidential post in the Freshman class, announced that a Freshman Class Shabbaton will be held on the weekend of March 21. In addition, a laser tag event is currently being planned.

Following this short talk, Tannenbaum invited those in attendance to voice their concerns. Moshe Singer, a freshman, opened the discussion with a complaint about the close proximity of smoking to the entrances of the residence halls which makes it diff icult for asthmatics who live in the dorms. He suggested that smoking should be banned within a certain distance from the doorways. Tannenbaum said that various options would be investigated. The topic then shifted to various complaints about the cafeteri a. Tannenbaum explained that improvements in that area are always being investigated.

Another common issue was subsequently addressed, that concerning the availability of copy machines. Tannenbaum reiterated previous contentions that companies refuse to place machines in residence halls. However, he did offer the hope that a new store which may soon open in the Yum Yum location will maintain a copy machine of its own.

On an academic note, a number of students complained about the new requirement of Physical Education classes to have a written final examination. No solution was reached, but consensus seemed to favor the position that such examinations serve no produc tive purpose. Students also expressed concern regarding the obvious dearth of useful academic advisement and qualified academic advisors. Tannenbaum assured the assembled crowd that options for change are being explored.

David Schreiber, YCSC Vice President, was impressed by the success of this third meeting. He asserted that those in attendance "were truly interested in the welfare of students." He added that "they raised intelligent issues and articulated them well. "

This idea was echoed by Tannenbaum who claimed to look forward to these open meetings because it gives YCSC an opportunity "to hear what's pressing on students minds in the setting of an open forum which allows for debate on both new and outstanding is sues." Tannenbaum urged all students to keep YCSC informed about their concerns.