At the last Council of Organizations meeting, held on Monday, Nov. 29 at 7:30 p.m. in Student Union (SU) 62/63, feedback was received on the drug policy.
Vice President of Academic Affairs and Governance Caitlin Ryan began by inquiring whether or not the council would be interested in looking at legislation under analysis by the Student Association (SA) to create a system of checks and balances. She then addressed the legislation recently passed by senate discussing the drug policy, opening the floor to representatives for any opinions, questions or concerns.
“As the policy stands right now,” she said, “…we have the most strict standard in the SUNY system.”
According to Ryan, SUNY New Paltz updated its one-strike policy for marijuana in the 80s, but still remains more strict due to the school’s reputation.
“[Rather than your personal or moral stance,] think about how you want the school to view doing drugs,” Sen. Marc Pottak said. “[Tell us] what you want to see the policy become and we’ll try to come to a middle ground on it.”
The general consensus found the New Paltz exclusive two strike rule to be fairly harsh, and many believe it should either be the same as other schools, or possibly have a strike substituted for community service.
Once the discussion ended, Council Chair Shayna Bentley said that Winterfest will be taking place on Sunday, Dec. 5 at 5 p.m. in the Student Union’s (SU) Multi-Purpose Room (MPR). The festival will feature a number of local town and campus musicians and slam poets.
“It will be a nice intro to a lot of genres of music,” New Paltz Comics Unleashed representative Kevin Kleeman said. “We’re really making it all for you, so please come check it out.”
SA President Jennifer Sanchez was next to address the council, informing all that her Pakistan relief effort, the Mr. New Paltz fundraiser, will be taking place on Wednesday, Dec. 8 at 9 p.m. in SU MPR. Anyone can attend, and she is still looking for any willing participants. This will entail a talent, swimsuit, formal dress and orange and blue segments.
After Coakley’s reminder, Bentley addressed the council again, informing that she’ll be meeting with the two club sports advisors to make stronger connections, and that a roster will be required for any SA funded trips. This will entail a full list of names, phone numbers and banner IDs.
Mary O’Leary then took the floor, discussing the upcoming car sharing program on campus. This addition will provide students with the opportunity to rent a Toyota Prius or RAV-4 by signing either out online.
To conclude the semester’s final meeting, Vice President of Finance Youssouf Kouyo reminded all representatives of the mandatory paperwork training sessions he’ll be holding. These will take place on Thursday, Feb. 4 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. or 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., and Friday, Feb. 5 from 4 to 5 p.m.