GSAC Update

This page was last modified on Sunday, April 28, 1996.

GSAC News - January Meeting

Several interesting and important issues were discussed at the last two GSAC meetings with Dean Feigelson and Dean Abbott. First, it was reported and discussed that the muggers responsible for the recent student muggings had been caught and had confessed to the crimes. The efforts by the NYPD and Columbia Security were commended. Furthermore, the Deans supported GSO's initiative to organize a self-defense course. Watch for details as they develop.

The Deans discussed the recent changes in Student Health Services. The medical insurance prescription plan now offered through Blue Cross/Blue Shield has an increased copayment for all prescriptions. Previously a copayment of $2 was all that was required by the patient but the prescriptions could only be obtained from Ray Drugs. The new plan has a $5 or 20% copayment, which ever is higher, but patients can go to a large number of pharmacies to fill t heir prescriptions. Students who have not yet picked up their packets should go to Student Health. Student Health Services is also considering installing a mandatory Dental Plan. The cost of the dental insurance would not be as high as it is now. The benefits of the plan would provide students with semi-annual cleanings and a 10% discount on other services. Additionally, students would become familiar with area dentists because the services would be provided through Columbia Dental School. A concern was expressed that dental students would be performing the cleanings but it was reported that only dental residents would be used in this plan.

The members of the GSO questioned the deans about the use of the 11th floor lounge for parties. Since the renovations were completed GSO has been told that the 11th floor lounge was not available for party reservations. GSO has had to eliminate BBQs from their agenda because of this new restriction. The Super Bowl party was hosted by the RAs of Bard and it is not known if they officially reserved the 11th floor lounge or just had a party there. Regardles s the Deans are looking into this matter to insure that if the lounge is available that it is available to all groups on campus.

It was also reported that Dean Macagno is looking into the recent increase in the ISSO fee. He has asked for a justification for the increase to $50 a semester from the one time $95 fee.

There had been a rumor about the budget of the inter-campus shuttle service. Questions were raised about what "budget problems" means. Upon looking into it, Dean Abbott was able to report that the supplemental "mini-shuttle" service was suspended and th at no other suspension of decrease in service is expected. Additionally, he also restated to those in charge of the shuttle service that we would like to see more frequent runs, at least one later run from the health sciences campus to the Morningside ca mpus (after midnight), and weekend service.

The GSO members also asked if they could plan welcoming events for the new students. The purpose of the events would be to assimilate new students to New York and to the GSO. It would be best if final plans could be made by the end of the spring so that letters can be sent to the new students this summer. Anyone who is interested in helping plan an event should get in touch with the GSO. The more events we can plan for the welcoming of new students, and in cluding old students the better. And remember is you plan and organize an event, you get to go for free.

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