Inside the Current Issue

Wellness Center Survives Fee Crisis

DSC funding of Student Health services assured; referendum passes 654 to 457

Photo: Spencer Sunshine The Wellness Center staff includes administrative coordinator Annabella Bernard and nurse practitioner Mary P. Clancy, RN.

The Graduate Center student body has voted to increase the Student Activity fee from $29.60 to $41.60 in order to maintain funding to the Student Health Services portion of the Wellness Center. The $12 increase will go into effect as part of the Spring 2006 tuition and fees. Without this increase, Student Health Services at the Wellness Center would have ceased operations on December 31.

From September 27 through October 3, the aroma of fresh popcorn wafted through the Graduate Center lobby and up the elevator shafts to entice students to learn about the referendum and participate in the vote. The concern about and interest in the issue was evidenced by the voter turnout. Sharon Lerner, Director of Student Affairs, says this is the largest turnout by far of any election or referendum that she has seen in the more than 15 years that she has been involved with the Office of Student Affairs. 26% of the student body voted; more than one thousand votes were tallied.

The DSC receives all of its funds through the Student Activity Fee, and pays 60% of the costs of Student Health Services; the fee had not been increased since 1998. The increase will be earmarked solely for funding of Student Health Services, freeing up additional DSC funds to be utilized for other student-related activities. This arrangement allows the DSC to maintain other services such as childcare, travel and research grants, and community events.

Members of the DSC Steering Committee and other concerned students pulled "popcorn duty," tabling and answering questions during the referendum. Many students did not know about the Wellness Center at all: two of the most common questions were "What is the Wellness Center?" and "Who is it for?"

The Wellness Center Student Health Services is open to all GC students, whether or not they have insurance. The Wellness Center is located on the sixth floor, in room 6422. It is staffed by a nurse practitioner who provides diagnosis, treatment, and prescription services. Students can get physical examinations including cholesterol screening, gynecological and male health exams, and testing for HIV and other STDs.

The Wellness Center is responsible for maintaining immunization records of all GC students and provides immunizations for those who cannot provide up-to-date records. Flu vaccinations are available and medical tests that are ordered are subsidized 70% by the DSC. Students can be seen by appointment or on a walk-in basis. If you are fortunate enough to have insurance, just bring your insurance card when you come.

The results of the students' vote and President Kelly's recommendation will be forwarded to the CUNY Board of Trustees. If approved, the fee increase will take effect next semester, ensuring the continuation of Student Health Services at the GC Wellness Center.

Special thanks go out to all the students who helped with this initiative; all the students who voted; the participants of the 2003-04; Student Health Survey; the members of the 2004-05 DSC Wellness Center Subcommittee; the 2005-06 DSC Health Committee, Ericka Calton and Celia Braxton, Co-Chairs; and the Director of Student Activities, Ms. Elise Perram.

Students in GC Governance

There are students on every committee of the Graduate Council, the body that functions as the Graduate Center's legislative branch. The DSC is responsible for recommending students to fill vacancies on these committees. At the September plenary meeting, the following students were recommended for committee appointments:

• David Golland (History), Committee on Structure.
• Christopher Poulios (Poli-Sci), Committee on Curriculum and Degree Requirements.
• Antonia Levy (Sociology), Committee on Student Services.

The DSC also recommends students to serve on College-wide governing boards. The following were recommended at the September plenary:

• Aleta Styers (Poli-Sci) and Celia Braxton (Theater), College Association.
• Charles Lieberman (Crim. Just.) and Carolyn Fisher (Anthropology), Auxiliary Enterprise Board.

At the October meeting, the DSC will recommend one more student each to the Committee on Curriculum and Degree Requirements (all students eligible) and the College Association (DSC members eligible).

Discounted Movie Tickets

Discounted movie tickets are available in the DSC office (GC 5495) for $6.00. They can be used at Loews Theatres, although there is a $1 surcharge at Manhattan locations.

Miguel Malo Update

The DSC has extended its endorsement of the position that CUNY recommend to the Bronx District Attorney that all charges against former Hostos student government leader Miguel Malo be dropped immediately. The trial is scheduled to begin on October 17th at 9:30 AM in Part 40, room 625 in the Bronx County Supreme Court at 851 Grand Concourse at 161st Street. The nearest subway station is 161st Street on the B-D-4 lines. Please note that Miguel's case is now in the Supreme Court building on the Grand Concourse, not the Criminal Court where many of his previous court appearances have been. For further information, contact CUNY Action to Defend Miguel Malo at: (212) 460-0983 or (917) 520-5368.

DSC Welcomes Administrators

On the heels of Bill Kelly's appointment as GC President, the Board of Trustees has confirmed Linda Edwards as Acting Provost and Senior Vice President. The DSC looks forward to working with the Kelly-Edwards administration (pun intended). The DSC also welcomes Acting Associate Provost Julia Wrigley.

DSC Fall Party (& other events)

The DSC fall party was an unmitigated success, especially if success were to be measured by the need to buy more and more food. Please visit the DSC website for updated information pertaining to upcoming events like the DSC coffee hour.