CCSC Bureau Chief Adam Kluge reports on absences, introductions, and routine updates from the room where it happens.

Upon entering the Satow Room for this week’s CCSC general body meeting, I immediately noticed two glaring absences. The first, and arguably more important, was the sheer lack of cupcakes on the Executive Board’s table. Now, I understand that there were no uproarious birthday celebrations being held this week. That being said, the spoiled child in me missed the delectable desserts. Motion to incorporate cupcakes into all weekly meetings? Anyone… anyone?

Additionally, it was also quite obvious that several CCSC members were absent from this evening’s meeting. Most noticeably missing was VP of Policy Henry Feldman (CC ’21), although CCSC President Patricia Granda-Malaver (CC ’20) did an exemplary job filling those most distinguished Sperry Top-Siders. There were also a handful of Student Services representatives absent, as well as the absence of Alumni Affairs representative Yasna Vismale. I am not quite sure if this was due to the prevalence of illness that seems to be taking this campus hostage, although the girl who sneezed directly into my neck during my Psychology class last Thursday would most likely beg to differ. Most likely, this was due to the beginning of Rosh Hashanah.

But the show, as they say, must go on.

The first item on the agenda mostly concerned the introductions of the new Class of 2023 CCSC Officers. This group of bright-eyed, bushy-tailed new governmental officials seemed more than excited to be a part of CCSC, the brutal underbelly of politics not yet removing the smiles from their faces (Kidding… maybe). Essentially, CCSC 2023 is intent on rolling out a platform that directly combats the endurance of a stress culture here on Columbia’s campus, finding Imposter Syndrome to be the root cause of this insecurity. In order to handle this concern, the officers spoke about the potential structuring of workshops or small groups for discussion on this subject. In addition, the newbies also spoke about tentative plans to create and release a new mobile app for the Columbia student body, where events and information might be better organized. Oh, how cute it is to dream.

Okay, major updates time. University Senator Ramsay Eyre spoke about continuing efforts to integrate further collaboration between all undergraduate colleges, in the areas of assistance, health, and academic resources.

Academic Affairs representative Zayba Qamar spoke about her recent meetings with Dean Hollibaugh, concerning continuing efforts to diversify the Core Curriculum. In particular, new meetings to discuss the integration of new perspectives into Lit Hum will begin to take place. Additionally, the entirety of the Art Hum syllabus has been changed dramatically, with the prospect of pilot courses tentatively being considered for Spring 2020.

Gender and Sexuality Representative Kwolanne Felix (CC ‘22) gave updates on her continuing work with various peer advisory boards, concerning the basic framework and structuring of the reporting processes being used across campus.

Pre-Professional Representative Brooks Rubin spoke about recently meeting with CCE about payment/stipends for undocumented campus workers, as well as the potential streaming of the Federal Work Study program. Most, if not all, of his proposals were met with a resounding ‘no,’ and his reporting of this information was met with a resounding groan from other CCSC members.

In the world of individual class councils, the Class of 2020 will be hosting the first Lerner Pub this Thursday (free drinks and pizzas for seniors, so that seems like the only necessary information needed). Additionally, Octoberfest planning continues to be discussed, so keep an eye out for more info on that programming. The Class of 2021 will be voting on a new CCSC Student Representative in the near future, proving that the democratic process must never rest. The Junior class is also looking at a potential trick-or-treating event for late October, as well as a potential clothing swap for November. You go, CCSC ’21!

Now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for: the Executive Board!

Moment of silence for the absence of Henry Feldman.

Seriously, shut the fuck up. We missed him.

Okay, back to the news.

CCSC VP of Finance Sarah Radway (CC ’21) and CCSC President Patricia Granda-Malaver recently met about allocations for Farm Share, and the period of co-sponsorships for the fall semester has officially come to a close. Additionally, Radway continues to advocate for the use of LionLink events, in order to create one location for student organizations to be advertised to the greater campus community. Again, Sarah… maybe the Tumblr reference is a bit outdated. I’m pretty sure a CCSC 2023 member scratched their head.

The MetroCard program, which will provide MetroCards to low income students, so that they might explore the greater NYC area, has officially been approved for funding, and will be rolled out in the coming weeks. Additionally, VP for Campus Life Jesús Guerra Ocampo (CC ’21) spoke about Homecoming programming, set for October 18th. There is sure to be plenty of free food and Columbia swag, so it seems like it’s shaping up to be a damn good time. Additionally, Basketball Mania is scheduled for October 24th. I am still not planning to attend, but news of a potential dunking contest has me reconsidering. Maybe.

CCSC VP of Communications Blessing Utomi (CC ’22) announced the likely incorporation of a videographer into the CCSC family, tasked with the responsibility of documenting various CCSC programs and events, in order to continue to make CCSC more accessible to the campus community. Additionally, Utomi spoke about the Student Organization document, in a continued push for information on campus organizations to be made more accessible to students. Seriously guys, with over 600,000 clubs to choose from, where else will you get the information you need?

In other news, the ongoing question of CCSC’s relationship with student groups was discussed, with the potential for meetings on the first Thursday of each month, allowing communication between groups and CCSC to exist beyond the areas of finance and endorsement. There was also a great deal of debate over the Council bi-laws, as well as the necessity of the Programming Board.

There were other developments, of course, but I haven’t had dinner yet, and Chipotle closes very soon. Looking forward to more riveting updates from the conference room next week, as well as to the burrito bowl I am about to inhale.