Shutterstock thinks this is the North Alcove

Shutterstock thinks this is the North Alcove of Hewitt

It’s roughly 11am on a Tuesday morning, so you know what that means… Barnard Bearoness Maddie Stearn is here with her weekly wrap-up of the Monday night Barnard SGA meeting. Read about the Senator’s update, news regarding funding, and upcoming events in our community by reading below.

In this context “party” really means “vote,” but the terms don’t need to be mutually exclusive. If you still don’t get the 1920 reference (hello, 19th Amendment!) then you might want to reevaluate your life. If you’re still hung up on the word “party” then check out the end of this article where the Barnard Bearoness provides some patriotic party suggestions. It would be nice if you read the rest of the article, too.

Before getting your party on, Barnard Bears should go onto myBarnard immediately to vote in the SGA elections. There’s really no excuse not to vote, especially since SGA has even made helpful infographics for anyone who finds themselves lost in the black hole of myBarnard. Don’t forget to vote on the amendments as well. Due to some technical difficulties, the amendments will not appear if you have your popup blocker on. You can either disable your popup blocker and be on your merry way, or you can just click on the link that myBarnard displays after you finish voting for SGA positions.

In other SGA news, University Senator Erin Bryk gave a presentation on the work that the Senate has done over the course of the semester, including the Rules of University Conduct, the Quality of Life Survey, and supporting Columbia Prison Divest. The Senate has also worked on developing the new Diversity Committee initiative and starting in the Fall of 2015 the committee will include 1-2 non-senate members. If you are interested in a position email Erink Bryk at eb2799@barnard.edu.

JCCC had some updates as well, and SGA voted to support three of the four applications for funding. The The approved funding will go to the  Columbia/Barnard team at the College Unions Poetry Slam Invitational (CUPSI), the Columbia University Gospel Choir, and the Kite Festival. The Columbia Barnard team that went to CUPSI requested $795 to cover half of the registration costs for the event (costs that would otherwise have to be paid out of pocket by team members). The Columbia University Gospel Choir applied for $950 to cover the cost of using tech equipment at their new location. The Gospel Choir’s previous location did not charge for the use of technical equipment. SGA also approved the Kite Festival’s request for $875 to cover costs for the event. The application that SGA did not approve came from the Ivy Council, who requested $118 to cover the cost of a conference the council attended earlier in the year. SGA voted against the proposal because no Barnard students are on the council and the legislation that the council brought back will only be presented to ESC and CCSC.

Now for External Updates:

  • Stop by 16 Handles this Wednesday, April 15th for  “Treat Fro-Yo Self.” When you purchase froyo at 16 Handles, 16% of sales will be donated to the Barnard Senior Fund. Remember to let 16 Handles know that you’re there for the Senior Fund.
  • The Committee on Arts is hosting its last Artist Spotlight Event in Liz’s place this Wednesday, April 15th at 7:00pm.
  • The junior class dinner is happening this Wednesday, April 15th from 7:00pm – 9:00pm in the Diana Event Oval. The first 100 attendees will receive free t-shirts!
  • SGA day is happening this Friday, April 17th! Ben & Jerry’s! Inflatables! Free pinnies!
  • On Thursday, April 23 the First Year Council will be holding the class dinner from 7:00pm – 9:00pm in the James Room (4th Floor) of Barnard Hall. Don’t forget to RSVP.
  • The Junior Class Council is hosting a Career and Networking Brunch on Saturday, April 25th. Don’t forget to register.
  • The Committee on Arts and Culture will be hosting a Student Art Fair on April 25th. If you would like a spot in the fair email sgacoa@barnard.edu.
  • The Barnard senior class is co-hosting an event with the Senior Experience and the Senior Fund on Monday, April 27th from 11:00am-2:00pm. Free food likely involved.
  • Jason Williams, Manager of Hewitt Dining Hall, will be holding office hours every Wednesday from 1:00pm – 3:00pm in the North Alcove.
    • UPDATE: Chair of the Food Advisory Committee Elisabeth Stam has located the North Alcove and will post signs leading to the mysterious Alcove.

Patriotic Party Suggestions For All Of Your Voting Needs

Who says you can’t combine your love for the democratic system with some good old-fashioned fun? Luckily the Barnard Bearoness is here to provide some wholesome suggestions for election festivities. As the voting continues, you can also…

  • Play Voting Charades! Familiarize yourself with each candidate’s platform by acting it out! You will surely be the hit of the political scene at Barnard.
  • Take a shot of espresso every time someone votes! You’ll need a large group of people in order to get properly caffeinated. This suggestion also doubles as a study technique. Now you can write your papers like a crazed chipmunk.
  • Play Pin the Tail on the Bear! Be warned, this is only for people looking for a challenge, as bears have very small tails.
  •  Make an election piñata! Let’s keep this clean folks, no making piñatas out of rival candidates. Instead, you can beat the candy out of a festive bear, a replica of the Athena statue, or a model of Lehman Library(foreshadowing its impending demolition…).

You could always go for a more traditional party, just make sure that you actually vote.

Hewitt in its true form via Shutterstock