Student Association Passes Four Bills at Recent Meeting

By Myles Goldman

Last Monday night the Student Association Senate passed a flurry of four bills at its meeting as it looks to accomplish its many initiatives before the legislative session ends in mid-April.

The Senate passed unanimously a resolution supporting a trial-program that extends the hours Eckles Library on the Mount Vernon campus is open on Friday and Saturdays.  Eckles normally stays open until 8pm on Friday and Saturday but under the trial program will stay open until 10pm for the remainder of the semester.

The Senate also passed a resolution that suggests ways the University can reduce the amount of students print to protect the environment.  Specifically, the bill called for reducing the price students pay through University printing for double-sided copies from fourteen cents to twelve cents as well as encouraging faculty members to accept electronic submissions and changing page requirements to word count requirements on assignments.   

The Senate passed a Health Services and Insurance Act that attempts to ensure that students have a greater say in student health insurance plans the University offers.  The bill establishes an ad-hoc committee comprised of students that will work with Student Health University officials to negotiate student health insurance rates with the insurance company the University works with.  

The bill also asks the University ensure that there are staff dedicated to answering student questions about the student health care coverage and health care waivers.  

The bill addresses a major concern of international students who many times found that they were forced to pay for the University health insurance plan for an entire year. According to Shashwat Gautam (SOB-Graduate), the bill's sponsor, these were some of the students he was thinking about when proposing the bill.

"Many students would graduate in May but still be libel to pay [their insurance]," Gupta said. "The University has been thinking like a health insurance company instead of thinking about students."

Eckles Library Celebrates its 25th Birthday

by Chris Evans

The melodies of happy birthday will be filling GW's typically quiet Eckles Library tomorrow, as the Mount Vernon hot spot celebrates its 25th anniversary since opening in 1987.

Eckles has planned quite the celebration for tomorrow and is inviting all GW students to swing by. According to John Danneker, Director of Eckles Library, "Throughout the day students can meet library staff, learn more about resources and services offered, and enjoy treats and surprises."

Students are also encouraged to break the usual library hymn of silence to meet and socialize with others in attendance, commemorating the opening of GW's second largest campus library.

Tomorrow's official celebration kicks off at 2 PM, where there will be birthday cupcakes, images of  Eckles throughout the years, and fun surprises. For students who can't make the official celebration, the library is offering free coffee, cappuccinos, and hot chocolate throughout the entire day, perfect for students who just have a minute to join the party.

Foggy Bottom residents are being especially encouraged to take the quick ride to the Mt. Vernon campus to use the celebration as an opportunity to familiarize themselves with Eckles' great wealth or resources.

Eckles Library opened in 1987 with a specific focus on the research and study needs of freshman and sophomore students. To date, it holds a print collection of over 60,000 volumes, which continues to grow each month.

"Study Zones" for Finals

In an effort to generate more awareness about what spaces are open during exam periods and extended hours in desired study destinations, GW has once again implemented the "Study Zone" initiative for this semester's finals.

Look for signs designating "Study Zones" across campus, including Duques Hall (now open till 2 a.m.), the Marvin Center, the Fishbowl, Eckles Library (now open 24 hours) and Gelman Library.

Also, Sodexo is holding extended dining hours for study zone. A majority of J Street Food Vendors, as well as G-Dub Java in Duques Hall, will be open until 2 a.m. from December 6th to the 10th, and the 14th to the 16th. Meanwhile, Pelham Commons will be open until 1 a.m.

For more information, go to: living.gwu.edu/studyzone