Student Leaders to Assume New Posts

by Ariel Brandwein

As the start of the school year speedily approaches, elected student officials are begining to take their respective positions under the new system of student governance.  Both as a result of the new system’s problems and the slight election margin for Yeshiva Student Union President, many students are wondering exactly what kind of student leadership awaits them. 

The members of the YSU, led by President Shai Barnea are all enthusiastic about shouldering the mantle of leadership.  “You bear the burden of a tremendous responsibility as any leader, but I’m proud to carry that responsibility,” Barnea said.    “I envision planning events, but I also envision dealing with school administrators,” he added. 

Gabriel Jacobson, the President of the Sy Syms School of Business Student Administration, also offered some of his aspirations for the coming year.  Aside from the annual student reception, a dinner held at the beginning of each year allowing for Sy Syms students to mingle with faculty and administrators, Jacobson anticipates coordinating a more informal atmosphere through which students can meet with their dean, Dr. Charles Snow.  The meeting will  provide a forum for students to voice suggestions and to become acquainted with their school’s chief executive.

Additionally, in collaboration with the Office of Placement and Career Services, Jacobson plans to have SSSB alumni meet with students to teach them “real world” skills, deemed integral to achieving success in the rigorous business world.  “We don’t know what really goes on,” he explained.  “Most of what we know is from textbooks.” 

Joshua Goldman, President of the Student Organization of Yeshiva, is just as eager to begin his tenure.  He intends to continue popular events from previous years such as Mishmar and Chagigas, though he plans to increase their appeal.  Furthermore, SOY is “planning on bringing in a wide range of speakers, from Roshei Yeshiva to other activists, in order to engage students across the spectrum in studying Torah and issues facing the Jewish community,” Goldman said.  In this manner, he expects to encourage students to take an active standpoint on religious issues.

Assisting the student leaders in their endeavors is Andrew Leibowitz, the Assistant Dean of Students.  “I’m there to coordinate and facilitate,” pointed out Leibowitz.  He also intends to encourage the students to think creatively and independently, hoping to improve student activities by “thinking outside the norm.”  Moreover, Leibowitz plans to increase interest in events by making them more entertaining and featuring more inter-campus activities.  “I want students to say, ‘Hey I want to go to those events,’” he realyed.

Despite an acknowledged desire by all of the student leaders to execute their goals for the upcoming year, concern was raised over the outcome of the election for YCSU President.  Some students felt that the final ballot numbers were extremely close, indicating a split student body.  However, members of the canvassing committee doused these issues by noting that although this year’s election proved to be very close (ballots were counted numerous times), this is characteristic of all elections.  Yehuda Shmidman, a senior member of the Canvassing Committee, noted that this only indicates a healthier competition.  He also mentioned that three-way races, such as last year’s election, are usually closer than a two-way election. 

Students also voiced concern over the decreased number of ballots cast on Election Day.  “If more students turned out for elections, our student leaders would have more credibility,” said one student.  “It’s about time students got their acts together.” 

 “Hopefully the new system will allow us to increase the number of events run by individual clubs,” noted Barnea.  “There will be more people who will have the ability to affect change.” 

Members of the canvassing committee agreed.  Although they felt that although the new system might not solve every single issue immediately, they certainly view it as a step in the right direction.