YCSC Presidential Election 1998

The Commentator asked the three YCSC Presidential Candidatesto provide a written response to four questions:

1. What does it mean to be a student leader?
2. What qualifies you to be YCSC President?
3. What are your plans for next year's student council, if you are elected?
4. What is the one thing you would say to each student if you could speak with them individually?

Their Responses Are Unedited.

Dror Barber

1)It has always been my belief that a student leader is one who endeavors to best represent the student body by serving their needs and working to create an environment of which all may be proud. This individual must be ever careful to maintain an atti tude characterized by an open door and an attentive ear.

2)It should come as no surprise that I have long prioritized the value of experience. As they become better acquainted with the Yeshiva system, students come to recognize the inestimable importance associated with a thorough understanding of the inner workings of the University and the way in which improvements can be brought about most effectively. It is perhaps for this reason more than any other that I have labored in such capacities as Chairman of the Orientation, Registrar, and Canvassing Committe es, as well as serving as Freshman Class Vice President. Having organized successful events like Stomp, IMAX, and a Yankee game, I have become accustomed to the hard work and long hours that must be invested in order to provide engaging and enjoyable stud ent activities. Apart from this list of accomplishments, however, I think what will ultimately make all the difference is the possession of a genuine desire to work towards our common goal of a great university experience.

3)Among the many ideas that I hope to work on implementing next year are the following: A large-scale effort to revamp the Academic Advisement Center, with the introduction of advisors specializing in particular

4)I would like to express my earnest pledge to serve the student populace in every way possible. At the same time, it is my belief that the possibilities are most infinite when a presidency such as the one I envision is firmly built upon the successes of the past and, most significantly, upon the continued participation and involvement of each and every student

Daniel Drabkin

1)First and foremost, a student leader must posses the ability to deal with people. A student leader is not a leader of one group of people within the student body. Y.U. is an extremely diverse community, and the YCSC President who unites them all must be capable of dealing with every single person on a one-to-one basis. Our power as a student body is strongest when we work together. The Student Council president needs to make sure that we do just that.

2)For the past year I have worked on the Student Senate in order to maximize Y.U.'s academic potential. Working in this role, I have developed close relationships with people from all areas of Yeshiva University's diverse community. I've had the pleasure of working with people who disagree on issues, but agree on one primary directive: to make Y.U. a better place. I feel I can do more to unify Yeshiva University - working on the Senate and improving Academics is not enough. Student life is extremely i mportant - only when our living conditions are optimal can we achieve our maximum academic potential. I am committed to continue working closely with all students in order to achieve our common goal.

3) a)Registration Problems Solved by Us. The solution to Y.U.'s registration dilemma lies in the advancements of computer technology, in an organized internet-registration system. The talented computer-literate members of the student body among us are capable of making this work. I will bridge the gap between the administration and the student body to develop a relationship that benefits us all: an improved registration system for students, created by the students.
b)A Bigger, Newer, Quieter Study Area. The Y.U. Museum, located on the first floor of the library, is finding a new home for next semester. I will endeavor to work with administrative officials to set aside the area formerly occupied by the Mus eum for use as a study lounge.
c)No More Scheduling Conflicts. There is hardly an evening, in any semester, without an important lecture on philosophy, Jewish history, or the natural sciences. It should not be acceptable to us that scheduling conflicts prevent students from attendi ng these lectures. I will ensure that careful attention is paid to student schedules when planning these important events.
d)Increased Computer Resources. Many students are annoyed by the financial expense and trouble that they incur in order to access the Internet. I will strive to solve these issues. I will look to upgrade the current internet access that Y.U. offers its students. We, as students, deserve the most up-to-date computer access available.
e)Unity. Yeshiva University has always been a warm, united community. That is why I was heartbroken when students, having missed a final last semester due to a clerical error, received B's on their transcripts until they would take the final a month later. The administration overlooked the fact that students would be sending their transcripts to graduate schools. I endeavor to make sure that this type of miscomm unication and inadvertent violation of student rights does not occur. It is my intent to work closely with all parties to ensure a close-knit, friendly, and warm Yeshiva University community.

4)The one thing I would tell a constituent is this: I assure you that I will exhaust every avenue in order to improve student life. My administration will live by one rule: UNITY. I am committed to working with everyone. It is only when we w ork together, as one, that we will be able to establish the most comfortable student life possible.

Chanan Hoschander

1)A student leader is one who is aware of the concerns of the students and serves as their representative to the administration. It is incumbent upon any student leader to maintain contact with all of those that he is intended to represent. He must als o initiate organization within the student body and lead that organized force in the effort to improve student life.

2) Through many conversations with concerned students, I have become aware of the issues which are occupying their minds. I feel that I will be able to continue speaking with students during my term and will therefore be equipped to serve their interes ts. My experience at the Commentator has provided me with a look at the inner workings of the student council and the administration. I think that I will be able to work within this system with the help of the rest of the concerned members of the s tudent body in order to accomplish lasting goals.

3) I intend to remind the administration that most of the top-tier universities boast ethernet connections in every dorm room. A task force will begin to be established the day following the elections in order to deal with the practical details relatin g to the implementation of the internet connections which I hope will be in place by the fall. I will push for increased dialogue and cooperation between YCSC and all of the Judaic Studies student organizations in order to facilitate the advancement of is sues facing all students. I will address concerns that have been expressed by the Sephardic sector of the student body such as an investigation regarding the possibility of providing Kemach Yashan food products in the caf. There is a need for much improvement in the system of advisement and registration. I hope to establish advisement based on a student's major area of study. As soon as a student declares a major, a faculty member in that field will be assigned as his advisor. This will improve the quality of advisement and its pertinence to the student's academic goals. I expect that it will also serve to facilitate the registration process.

4) I want to express my firm belief that the outcome of this election has not yet been decided and that each student should exercise his ability to help his own cause by voting for the candidate who will best serve the interests of the student body.

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