Bwog, and a line of genial business people, welcome you GSSC!

In a week of momentous political decisions, we here at Bwog would like to announce one of our own. Columbia political animal and our special correspondent Joe Milholland proudly presents our first in what will be continuing coverage of GSSC. 

On Tuesday night at the General Studies Student Council meeting, Gilbert Garisco, a member of the Spectator editorial board, came to the council to ask for help in finding General Studies students for a conversation about the school. Garisco wants GS students from as many backgrounds as possible – he mentioned veterans, students with families, and LGBTQ students – to talk about their GS experience.

Garisco said he is “interested in the silent majority” of GS students who don’t usually have their voice heard. Garisco believes there is a common thread of opinion among GS students that isn’t r typically expressed. Although he is a member of Spec, Garisco’s goal is “not an expose,” and he said the end result “could be a general observation.”

After Garisco spoke, VP of Finance Ian Hewitt went over GSSC’s current budget situation. The council has spent about 98% of its revenue and has $7,163 left. However, Hewitt noted that there are some sources of revenue coming up this semester ($28,000 from TIC for Gala, $6,000 from Senior Cruise, and at least $5,000 from the first year dance). Hewitt also predicts that the further expenses for Gala will cost $34,970 and that they council will spend $9,000 for finals snack attack this semester.

The council also voted in a support of the resolution to extend GS’s add-drop period to the fifth week of the semester. The resolution will be presented at the next E-board-deans meeting.

Other Updates:

• GSSC was not looped into the sophomore formal this year because of the “Debaclennal” (GSSC President Peter Nason’s term for the Bacchanal controversy). However, GSSC does want to tackle more 4-council, class-specific events.
• Mike Small, who taught English to orphans in Syria recently, wants GSSC (and the rest of the undergrad councils) to make care packages for the children he taught.
• The council is looking for entertainment acts for the Gala.
• The council increased the budget for a Passover event on April 8 by $150, although they debated whether the GS lounge would be the best place for it. The council also declined to fund $75 of $100 to an event with Bill Nye and an expected audience of 800 people since funding it would only have given recognition to the council at the event rather than making the event possible.

Carefully curated business people via Shutterstock