Polls Open on Monday, March 30th

Fighting
Financial
Insecurity

More Timely Checks for Work Study and Scholarship Refunds
After many conversations about financial insecurity on campus this past year, two large problems with Columbia’s financial interactions with students have emerged: late work study checks -- or checks which never come at all -- and late account refunds from outside scholarships or loan checks. In a university as wealthy as our own, solving these issues is a matter of decreasing the time in which these clerical actions occur. This relatively small change would have a big impact for the students affected by these delays, and It Takes Two is committed to making this happen.

Graduation Expense Fund
Graduation is an expensive time for all families, but the burden for low-income families can be particularly taxing. Columbia already offers housing on campus for families, but the rates are hardly competitive ($840 + tax per Carman suite). Airfare to campus is also a significant expense. Our executive board would work with the Columbia College Alumni Association to explore ways of subsidizing these costs for low-income families, ensuring that all students are able to share Commencement with their families.

Producing More Discount Cards for Local Eateries
As residents of Morningside Heights, Columbians are some of the most frequent patrons of our many local restaurants. We’re also incredibly busy, and it is sometimes necessary to pick up food quickly in the neighborhood rather than cooking or waiting in the neverending Ferris pasta line. CCSC has been working this past year to contract with an outside source to get discount cards for Columbia students to use at local restaurants and bars, and we will work to expand these options to more popular restaurants in the area.

Supporting
Student
Groups

Expanding Summer Storage for Student Groups
Currently, there is only limited summer storage available for student groups through the Student Government Office, and the demand for the space exceeds supply. While ABC provides summer storage space for groups, clubs under SGB and other governing boards still struggle to house their equipment, props, and other items. It Takes Two will work to create an inclusive summer storage program for all student groups.

Improving Pre-Calendaring Advising and Communication
Pre-calendaring is a source of frequent frustration for student groups. When the process works well, it allocates the scarce space fairly and equitably, but when the process goes wrong, it can prevent a group from holding an annual event. Student Engagement advisors represent each group's interests during pre-calendaring, but when groups and advisors are not on the same page, their space prospects can be dim. It Takes Two will advocate to implement a standard system by which all groups communicate their priorities effectively to their advisors, so that all advisors have equal information when it is time to advocate for their groups.

Updating and Expanding the Approved Vendor List
The vendor list shows the approved vendors from which groups can purchase goods. While the vendor list currently lists over 100 merchants, some of them are no longer in business. Furthermore, student groups have experienced difficulties adding new vendors to the list. It Takes Two wants to update and expand the list of vendors so that groups have as many options as possible when planning events.

Helping Student Groups Apply to Funds
There are numerous funding sources for student groups through the student councils (JCCC, CIF), governing boards (ABC, SGB) and different Columbia offices (OMA, Chaplains, President/Provost, Gatsby). However, student groups are often denied funding due to poorly-worded applications or presentations. It Takes Two would offer to meet with student groups before they apply to different funds to help them craft applications to allow them to receive the maximum amount of funding possible.

Upgrading LionLink
LionLink is the website that student groups use to submit FTFs to their advisor. Originally, LionLink was intended to be a hub of student group activity, including an advertisement board, a finance-tracking system, and a database to store institutional memory. While students groups have been using it successfully to submit FTFs, the other features of LionLink have not been as successful. Particularly, the finance-tracking system is frequently out-of-date. It Takes Two hopes to work with Student Affairs to improve LionLink’s functionality and make it a more effective resource for student groups.

Helping Groups Pay to Advertise on Facebook
Students groups have increasingly preferred online advertising over print-based posters. While clubs often spend money to print posters at Village Copier, our executive board wants to allow groups to pay Facebook to advertise their events. It Takes Two will coordinate with Facebook and Columbia to allow student groups to use FTFs to purchase tax-free advertising.

New
Ways
To
Communicate

Live Updates on CCSC Projects
We realize that while CCSC representatives attend meetings and work on policy on a regular basis, these meetings and their outcomes aren’t always well-publicized. It Takes Two wants to have an accessible and live-updated calendar detailing these CCSC meetings and their outcomes. This calendar will keep students more updates on CCSC’s operations, and will keep council members accountable for their work.

Increase the Transparency of F@CU
At the end of each year, the student activity fee is split amongst the governing boards through a process known as “Funding at Columbia University”, or F@CU.. In previous years, F@CU allocations were revealed to the public through a website (facu.columbia.edu). This website has not been updated since the spring of 2011. It Takes Two wants to work to update the website and increase transparency by releasing decision letters that report and contextualize the funds allocated to governing boards.

Institute Weekly Office Hours
We know that not everyone can come to our weekly CCSC meetings, but we also know that student participation doesn’t have to end there. It Takes Two will hold office hours weekly -- at minimum -- during which anyone can swing by and talk to us about the issues that most interest them. We will hold these hours in the Lerner Student Government Office, which we will transform from its current designation as a storage space to a legitimate group meeting space.

Get More Non-Council Members on Council Committees
CCSC currently operates under a four-committee structure: Policy, Finance, Campus Life and Communications. The committees are open to any undergraduate student who wants to be a part of CCSC. However, while more and more outsiders to council are starting to join these committees, the preponderance of their members are still CCSCers. Through stronger advertising for these committees, we hope to increase both the membership of these committees and the productivity of CCSC.

Improve Council and Governing Board Minutes Exchange
In recent years, the representative liaison system between student council boards and governing boards (such as ABC and SGB) has fallen out of practice, which means that these groups may not be exchanging valuable information that could benefit their collective policy work. However, all of these boards take minutes at their weekly meetings. We would work to establish and maintain a regular exchange of these minutes so as to increase communication and collaboration between CCSC and the other councils and boards.

Student Opinion Polls 
As a student council, it’s CCSC’s obligation to best serve the needs of the student body. To do so, we need to know the student body’s opinion. It Takes Two wants to run informal, frequent, lightning-quick polls to gauge student receptiveness to ideas we want to pursue. Doing so, we hope to give students an even greater hand in what we do on council, and to make sure that we’re acting in accordance with students’ wishes.

 Revamping
Traditional
Events

Homecoming Committee
To ramp up school spirit, It Takes Two would create a Spirit Committee to work on athletics-associated events like Homecoming and Basketball Mania, thus getting more input from the student body on what they’d like to see in these events. We’d also like to increase student involvement in Homecoming by holding a banner competition to get people excited about supporting Columbia football and to create visual examples of this support to hang throughout the campus in the week leading up to the Homecoming Game.

Refreshing the Tree Lighting Ceremony
Tree Lighting is a Columbia standard, and It Takes Two wants to make it more interactive and enjoyable for all. Rather than giveaways alone, It Takes Two wants to work with student groups to set up photo booths and festive games, and increase the number of performances during the event so students can enjoy Tree Lighting beyond the main event alone.

More Frequent Event Collaborations
Every year, CCSC, along with the other undergraduate student councils, plans large student life events such as Homecoming and the Tree Lighting Ceremony. Our executive board pledges to increase collaborations with other student groups to make these events as interesting and relevant as possible. For example, we would love to partner with the Columbia University Yard Show during our Homecoming festivities, facilitating the opportunity for  as many students as possible to see the show.

Mental
Health
Reforms

Improving On-Campus Academic Accommodations
While leaves of absence are necessary for some students, it can sometimes be more beneficial for students to remain on campus with provisions in place to reduce stress levels. Providing academic accommodations for students who choose to remain on campus would allow these students to take a reduced-credit semester, while still retaining full-time status and their existing support networks on campus. We are committed to making this alternative option for students a possibility.

Humanizing Leaves of Absence
While many improvements to Columbia’s medical leave of absence policy were made over the past year, information obtained from individual students, Spectator articles, and our own analysis of University policy has made it clear that large issues with our current protocols still exist. These include ensuring that credits taken while on leave are approved by academic departments, strengthening communication with advisors and CPS, and increasing support for the treatment students receive while away from campus.

Reintegration After a Leave of Absence
After taking a medical leave of absence, many students find it difficult to reintegrate themselves into the community. This can be caused by a number of factors, including returning after a majority of their friends have graduated, not being guaranteed housing due to communication issues with their advisor, or lacking administrative support. We plan to work diligently to establish a support group for students returning from medical leave, something we have already discussed with Dr. Richard Eichler of CPS and medical professionals at peer institutions with similar support groups. We also plan not only to make the options available to students who are returning from leave clear and accessible, but also to expand them to include more financially accessible options for their readmission assessment, rather than making students travel to Columbia with no guarantee of readmission. Overall, we will focus on improving the process by increasing personal communication between students and staff at Columbia.

Supporting
Individuals

Pushing for Changes to the Dean's Discipline Process
Many issues with the Dean’s Discipline process -- the internal hearing system used by OJA -- have been highlighted over the past year, including a student’s inability to present evidence on his behalf, the lack of students on the judicial panel, and its lack of transparency. In concert with other individuals currently working on this issue, we will advocate for opt-in student involvement on the judicial panel in cases lacking precedent or involving separation from the community, the option for students to have minutes published, and a system where students can have access to a pro bono lawyer or law student to handle their case.

Evaluating the Sexual Respect Workshops
This semester, the University rolled out its new Sexual Respect requirement. While this is an important step for our community, the rollout was very problematic, featuring problems including a lack of communication between the administration and students, a lack of available workshops, and the ineffectiveness of some of the options presented. We are committed to supporting the efforts of students currently working on this initiative, and evaluating the effectiveness of the individual workshops.

Enhancing CCE Advising Sessions Outreach
The Center for Career Education already offers comprehensive career advising sessions. However, too many students do not start thinking about career opportunities until their junior year, by which point they will have missed several school semesters and summers in which they could be acquiring skills. It Takes Two will work with underclassmen class councils, resident advisers, and CSA advisers to better advertise advising sessions to underclassmen. It is our hope that first-years and sophomores will not only be able to plan their summer internships and career development in advance, but also begin to explore fellowships, research opportunities, and other experiences even earlier.

Creating a Student Artist Coalition 
Columbia has a large community of talented photographers and graphic designers, and student groups are often in need of both. However, while some groups are able to count these photographers or designers as their friends, not all groups have the connections necessary to produce high-quality content. It Takes Two wants to work with students artists and the governing boards to create a list of photographers and graphic designers who would like to produce posters and flyers for groups.

Reviewing the Global Core Requirement
With the recent loss of the petition process for Global Core, we believe that the time has come to get feedback on what students would like to see in this component of the Core. We want to solicit broad feedback from students about the format of the classes, and discuss whether there should be a standardized Global Core class, a more expanded list of options, or other possible formats.

Protecting
and
Enhancing
Student
Spaces

Finding a New Group Study Space
The lack of group study space on campus is a constant challenge for students. In order to find more space – without sacrificing existing meeting places – we will focus on spaces in Lerner that would be available after renovation, rooms in Butler that could be transformed into group study space, as well as any other options we later identify.

Protecting Student Access to Public Spaces
CCSC has heard several reports of Public Safety denying students access to open spaces on campus, including places designated as community spaces such as the Malcolm X lounge, and requiring near-weekly resubmission of “repeated guest lists.” It Takes Two will review Public Safety’s access policies and ensure that student access agreements are respected. We will also work to make these policies more navigable for students.

Prioritizing Accessibility Upgrades
Columbia already has a lengthy list of projects to improve campus accessibility, which is prioritized by administrators according to several factors including cost and immediacy of need. It Takes Two will work to ensure that students who are either disabled or have spent time on crutches or wheelchairs are able to give feedback on which of these projects should be prioritized. Additionally, we’ll push to place perennial annoyances, like the stones in front of Butler, near the top of the list of areas to fix.

Starting
New
Events

Celebrating Spring Sports
It Takes Two wants to see support for athletics continue all year long! We will engage the student body with new events geared towards supporting Baseball, Tennis, Fencing, and other spring sports teams. One event we’d like to hold is a Baseball Bonanza Tailgate and Bake-Off, with themed giveaways, like baseball caps and baseballs, at the game itself. The Bake-Off would be a competition among student groups in which they are tasked with baking the  most creative dessert imaginable, which they then will give out at the Baseball game itself. Students will vote on their favorite baked goods and the winning groups will get prizes!

Spring Food Festival
You won’t have to travel all the way to Williamsburg to enjoy a food-filled afternoon, because for one afternoon in the spring, It Takes Two wants to bring a Smorgasburg-style food festival to Morningside Heights! Think Grilled Cheese and Waffles galore, without having to step foot on the 2 train or use your Metro Card at all!

Sustainability

Columbia-Specific Recycling Signage
Sustainability starts small. One of the first focus areas would be implementing a system of clearer recycling signs throughout campus that show how to properly recycle Columbia-specific materials, like Ferris coffee cups and utensils. It Takes Two will also work on creating focus groups with Environmental Stewardship in which students can give direct feedback and input on environmental issues on campus.

Meet our Campus Compost Capacity
Right now, composting bins are available for Ruggles and Broadway residents, but we’re still not meeting the capacity of our on-campus composter!  It Takes Two would expand the number of composting pick-up locations to include more residence halls. Additionally, It Takes Two would work with Dining to raise awareness about current composting efforts and continue moving towards composting food scraps in all Dining locations on campus.

Greener Council Events
It Takes Two wants to make campus events greener by having EcoReps stationed at all CCSC-sponsored events to share easy recycling tips, and providing this option for student group’s major events as well. Additionally, we will encourage students to use reusable coffee mugs at events like Bagelpalooza and distribute CCSC Goes Green stickers to students who use reusable containers at CCSC events.

Bios

Peter Bailinson, President
Abby Porter, VP Policy

I’m Peter Bailinson, an East Asian Languages and Cultures major from Maine. I came to New York because I enjoy restaurants being open past 8pm. On campus, I have spent my time serving on both the class council and executive board of CCSC, working with residents as an RA in John Jay and Carman, and planning events for Spectator Publishing Company. Outside of Columbia, I spend my time hiking in the mountains of Maine and researching Taylor Swift. In my three years on CCSC, my proudest accomplishments include making more campus spaces available for booking, expanding undergraduate financial aid by developing more uses for outside scholarships and meeting the full need of transfer students, opening more gender-inclusive bathrooms in residence halls, and getting Nutella in our dining halls. My goals for next year include expanding financial security on campus, improving our housing experience, finding more group study space, and continuing to meet with student groups to put their concerns directly in front of administrators.

I’m Abby Porter, CC’17, from Houston, TX where our main exports are guns and Ted Cruz. Since I’ve been at Columbia, I’ve worked as a member of CCSC, the Coalition Against Sexual Violence, and the Mental Health Taskforce. Through my role in these groups, I’ve pressured the administration to reform Consent 101, created a diagram of the Columbia administration, and conducted many surveys polling students on policy issues like extending the Drop Deadline and the Alumni Air Miles Fund. I have also planned many events centering around sexual respect for Kappa Alpha Theta. Over my time at Columbia, I have discovered that, without a doubt, our largest resource is our student body, and the diversity of opinions that Columbia students have to offer. I know that this is the vision which It Takes Two brings to council, and which we will continue to implement.

Sameer Mishra, VP Finance

Hey everyone! My name is Sameer and I am one of the few juniors studying Economics (but also Statistics!). I am originally from the cornfields of Indiana. Growing up, I enjoyed playing basketball, competing in spelling bees, and participating in academic debate. A large portion of my Columbia experience has been shaped by the organizations that I’ve been involved in which include the Hindu Students Organization, the Student Governing Board, CCSC, and Beta Theta Pi.  These activities have given me a window to see the challenges individuals and student groups are facing while also giving me opportunity to see students find innovative solutions to those problems. This past year on CCSC as a class representative, I co-managed the Capital Investment Fund which grants money to student groups for large purchases. Next year, I want to work on improving student group applications to funds, increasing summer storage options for all groups, and making the fund distribution process more transparent.

Kelly Echavarria, VP Campus Life

Hi guys! My name is Kelly and I’m a junior majoring in Econ with a concentration in Computer Science.  I was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, which means I rode a horse to school every day as a child. Here at Columbia, I’ve devoted my time to coordinating green events as President of Columbia EcoReps, organizing pre-professional events of all sizes as the Conference Chair for the Columbia Women’s Business Society, and helping out with philanthropy and social events for Alpha Chi Omega. I also had the pleasure of planning Glass House Rocks this year and getting to know some amazing student groups and performers in the process! Last but not least, one of my favorite extra-curricular activities has been remaining forever young as an RA in John Jay for the past two years. As VP Campus Life, I plan to work with student groups to make CCSC events bigger, better, and more fun for everyone, connect students to all the resources they need to go green, and bring new events to the Columbia community to give you more opportunities to chillax with your homies.

Grayson Warrick, VP Communications

Hi, I’m Grayson. I’m a junior hailing from a little island named Manhattan, and I’m majoring in MESAAS and Economics. I’ve had a few years of experience with CCSC: I’ve served as both a Class Representative and Vice President of the Class of 2016 my freshman and sophomore years, and I’m currently the Academic Affairs Representative. My favorite initiatives I’ve been working on this past semester are extending the Last Day to Drop Class for Columbia College and restoring swipe access to residential dorms for off-campus students. Outside of important fancy schmancy council work, I’m a biking orientation leader in the Columbia Outdoor Orientation Program and the chair of Columbia Bike Share. (I’m finally making up for never having had a bike when I was a kid.) As VP Communications, I want to foster greater connections between CCSC and the other councils, governing boards and the student body -- all while making sure things run smoothly within the council. (And to make sure that we use our inside voices.)

Endorsements

Coming soon!

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Vote

Check back here on Monday, March 30th to find the official voting link!

Polls will remain open until Wednesday, April 1st, and voting is open to all members of Columbia College.