Christy Bagwell, Media Coordinator and student in Human Development, and several other senators led the event in the Milbank Chapel. She outlined the recent accomplishments of the Senate including: ID card access at Columbia facilities; extended hours in the cafeteria and the student lounge; the student services survey; book scholarships; dinners with the President, Dean, administration and faculty; and representation on college-wide committees.

"It's the little things like these that make a difference," said Bagwell. "We went to the administration with these problems and when we turned around, they were taken care of."

But there are still other student concerns that need to be addressed, she noted in her presentation. Some of the issues on the list included student funding opportunities, course evaluations, lounge and work facilities and class size.

Then the students had the chance to ask questions. Their concerns ran the gamut from the Columbia University-Teachers College relationship to ATM services and reliability. All of the issues were compiled and some will be brought to the administration's attention.

The Student Senate at Teachers College provides and protects the rights of the students with a proper and sound Student Government to advocate and secure a powerful and focused voice for the students, guarding their welfare, and insuring the tranquility of their community, according to the preamble of its Constitution. The primary responsibility of the Senate is to serve as the representative, advocate, and liaison of the student body to the Teachers College community, including its administration, faculty, and alumni, as well as to the public.

The student senators are Bagwell; Ryan Colthorp, Chair and student in the Organization and Leadership Department; Katherine Cuevas from Arts and Humanities; Cheryl Dudley, Vice-Chair and student in Human Development; Letty Gonzalez of International and Transcultural Studies; Sherrish Holloman, Parliamentarian and Curriculum and Teaching student; Rokne Jazayeri, Organization and Leadership student; Phil Johnson, a Health and Behavior Studies student; Riccardo Louis from Organization and Leadership; Mark Noizumi, Treasurer and student in Organization and Leadership; and Indira Mota from Mathematics, Science and Technology.

The Student Senate encourages TC students to voice their concerns, share what they know, and contribute in any way on their Web site: www.tc.edu/students/senate/ContactForm.htm. Upcoming events include a March Service Event and monthly socials. The next Speak Out will be March 11th at 6:30pm in the Milbank Chapel.

Published Monday, Mar. 3, 2003