Student Government Association (SGA)
Our Mission
The Student Government Association of Barnard College aims to facilitate the expression of opinions on matters affecting the Barnard community through active communication between students, administration and faculty.
With various forums for collaboration, such as committees and weekly Representative Council meetings, SGA strives to promote open dialogue and action that will enhance student life at Barnard College. All Barnard College students, by virtue of having paid student activities fees, are members of the SGA.
Thus, SGA calls on all Barnard College students to take initiative in continuing the SGA’s tradition of equitable self-government and to hold both administrators and students accountable to the College’s larger mission, to foster women leaders and intellectuals.
Please stop by our office in the Student Leadership Collective located on the first floor of the Diana Center right off of Liz's Place Cafe. Swing by with any questions, comments, concerns or suggestions you have for SGA. Think we should be talking about something that hasn't yet been mentioned? Let us know - email sga@barnard.edu.
Stay up to date with SGA by liking us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/BarnardSGA, on Instagram www.instagram.com/barnardsga/, and on Snapchat (BarnardSGA). If you have any questions, feel free to email us at sga@barnard.edu. We can't wait to hear from you!
Get Involved
SGA Fall 2019 Class Council and Committees Applications
The applications for all committees and class councils are now closed and will reopen for the spring semester.
If you have any questions, please email VP for Policy Idris O'Neill at ho2263@barnard.edu.
Committees
Committee on Policy
The Committee on Policy explores all policy-related issues on campus, as well as issues of gender-based discrimination and harassment, including sexual assault and all other forms of gender-based misconduct. The Committee documents all proposed amendments between years of constitutional review. Notes from meetings and details about amendments shall be documented in the VP Policy’s transition documents.
Contact: Idris O'Neill, Vice President for Policy | ho2263@barnard.edu |
Campus Life Committee
The Campus Life Committee plans Desserts After Dark, SGA Day, SGA Brunch, and a Student Leadership Dinner, per academic year. The Committee will also coordinate with the Columbia College Student Council, Engineering Student Council, and General Studies Student Council to organize university-wide events such as Basketball Mania, Homecoming Fair, and Glass House Rocks.
Contact: Flosha Liyana, Vice President for Campus Life | fl2487@barnard.edu | Committee Facebook Page | Office Hour: Tuesday, 8-9 p.m. in Diana 503
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee's two main functions are to represent Barnard student's financial interests and to allocate Student Government Association (SGA) funding, which is derived from Student Activities Fee.
Members of the Finance Committee shall attend meetings of JCCC, the Capital Investment Fund, the Presidents and Provost Fund, and any other funds initiated by the undergraduate councils. The committee also allocates externally to Columbia University Governing Boards and thus to undergraduate student groups at Funding at Columbia University (F@CU) with the three other undergraduate student councils.
The committee allocates internally to SGA, Class Councils, and specific Barnard organizations including McAC, Bulletin, and Skip Stop. The Finance Committee shall see that the selected SGA Endowment projects in the fall semester are completed in conjunction with the Chief Operating Officer of Barnard College. The committee monitors and manages the appropriate use of the allocated funds through monthly reconciliation forms and facilitates the transfer of funds. The Finance Committee shall meet regularly with the Chief Operating Officer of Barnard College to address the financial concerns of students.
Contact: Tina Gao, Vice President for Finance | tqg2001@barnard.edu | Office Hour: By appointment
Committee on Public Relations
The Committee on Public Relations manages all strategic communications. The committee handles the publicity of SGA events and builds up public relations through flyering, email, social media, and any modes of communication deemed fit. The committee also updates the SGA website and manages all SGA communication with the press. The committee organizes and maintains all archival materials and transition documents. It also plans and executes Town Halls, Fireside Chats and any other events centered around communication at Barnard.
Contact: Yeliz Sezgin, Vice President for Communications | yjs2116@barnard.edu | Office Hour: Thursday, 5-6 p.m.
University Relations Committee
The University Senator chairs the University Relations Committee. The University Relations Committee works to develop initiatives and discusses policy measures that have University-wide benefits.
Contact: Adara Rosenbaum, University Senator | arr2202@barnard.edu
Committee on Sustainability
The Committee on Sustainability is composed of appointed students actively researching and assessing campus sustainability in order to maintain and/or improve the social commitments of the College. It works with students and administrators in developing policies and building infrastructure to increase campus sustainability, from waste reduction, energy consumption, and water conservation. The Representative for Sustainable Initiatives will also work with the SGA Finance Committee and the SGA Green Fund.
Contact: Aastha Jain, Representative for Sustainable Initiatives | aj2783@barnard.edu
Academic Affairs Committee
The Academic Advisory Committee addresses student's needs and concerns as they relate to academic policy on campus. The Academic Advisory Committee will work closely with related concerns that tie directly to the faculty, the Deans, The Provost, and the Registrar.
Contact: Jasmin Torres Piñon, Representative for Academic Affairs | jct2174@barnard.edu | Office Hour: Wednesday, 7-8 p.m.
Committee on Instruction
The Committee on Instruction (COI) is, “The College’s principal formulator of educational policy.” The committee is chaired by Saskia Hamilton, the Vice Provost for Academic Programs and Curriculum. In addition to the chair, the committee consists of two faculty members from each of the four faculty voting groups, The Dean of the College, the Dean of Students, and the Registrar. The Dean of Library and Information Services and a representative from Development also attend. Three students sit on the COI at any one time -- the Academic Affairs Representative, who is elected by the members of SGA for a one year term, and two appointed students, who serve two-year terms.
Contact: Jasmin Torres Piñon, Representative for Academic Affairs | jct2174@barnard.edu | Office Hour: Wednesday, 7-8 p.m.
Committee for Inclusive Initiatives
The Committee for Inclusive Initiatives works to promote open discussion, foster community dialogues, support and develop programs and practices that engage the community in building an inclusive campus climate. Students on this committee survey several areas of Barnard College, in particular, the student body, faculty, and administration, and present thoughtful and practical approaches to improving the dynamics of inclusion and equity in all facets of the College. The committee addresses issues of identity, surrounding, but not limited to, sexual orientation, ethnicity, culture, religion, gender, socioeconomic class, education, citizenship, and ability. The committee creates forums in which students can participate in meaningful and evocative discussions surrounding the above issues.
Contact: Grace El-Fishawy, Representative for Inclusive Initiatives | gme2120@barnard.edu
Campus Affairs Committee
The Campus Affairs Committee addresses issues related to Residential Life, Public Safety, Facilities Services, Events Management, and the student body. The committee meets regularly in order to discuss concerns of the following offices and how to approach them. The Campus Affairs Committee is spearheaded by the SGA Representative for Campus Affairs, who meets with these offices regularly to voice concerns and create dialogue around campus issues.
Contact: Emily Ndiokho, Representative for Campus Affairs | en2113@barnard.edu | Committee Facebook Page | Office Hour: Friday, 1-2 p.m.
Food Advisory Board
The Food Advisory Board holds food and dining-related events on campus and serves as a liaison between the student body and the Office of Dining Services by addressing food-related matters that involve on-campus dining options. The Food Advisory Board is chaired by the Representative for Food and Dining, who serves as the primary point person for all food-related issues and services for students on campus.
Contact: Leeal Kahen, Representative for Food and Dining Service | lk2746@barnard.edu
Student Health Advisory Committee
The Student Health Advisory Committee addresses issues with Primary Health Care, Furman Counseling, the Office of Disability Services and Well Woman. The Health Advisory Committee is spearheaded by the Representative for Health Services.
Contact: Christina Juste, Representative for Health Services | cfj2109@barnard.edu | Committee Facebook Page
Committee on Arts and Culture
The Committee on Arts ensures that student artists and cultural groups are recognized and valued on campus. The Committee also seeks to incorporate art and culture into the lives of Barnard students. They work with art-focused student groups and the Administration. They will display student artwork in residence halls and buildings on campus through mural projects and exhibitions throughout the academic year. Additionally, the Committee publicizes art events and programs taking place around campus and in the New York City area.
Contact: Isabella Rafky, Representative for Arts and Culture | ivr2102@barnard.edu | Committee Facebook Page
Seven Sisters Committee
The Seven Sisters Committee is spearheaded by the Representative for Seven Sisters. This committee is responsible for organizing Barnard's participation in the annual Seven Sisters conference, hosted by a different Seven Sister College every fall semester. The committee is also responsible for coming up with creative ways to work with the other institutions and alumnae to increase the ties between the Seven Sister colleges.
Contact: Mo Russell Lead, Representative for Seven Sisters Relations | mhr2148@barnard.edu
Committee on Student Development
The Committee on Student Development is responsible for guaranteeing the interests of Transfer, International, and Commuter students. The committee is head by the Representative for Student Development and works to actively solicit input and concerns from Transfer, International, and Commuter students and work with relevant offices to solve those issues as well as to advocate for student voices on campus.
Contact: Rachel Gelnick, Representative for Student Development | rag2186@barnard.edu
Barnard Library Academic Information Services Committee
The Barnard Library and Academic Information Services committee is involved in discussing and planning events related to the Library, academic computing, and information technology at Barnard College. The committee provides support with navigating Courseworks, the class registration process, and course-related issues. The committee meets three times each semester (in October, November, and December during the Fall Semester, and in February, March, and April during the Spring Semester).
The committee is comprised of the Chair, the Dean of Library and Academic Information Services, and one faculty member from each of the four faculty voting groups, in addition to two faculty members “at-large.” Four students sit on BLAIS -- the Representative to the Engineering Student Council, who is elected by the members of SGA, and three appointed students, who serve one-year terms.
Contact: Dena Rosman, Representative for Information and Technology | dr2925@barnard.edu
Senior Class Council
The Senior Class Council is led by the Senior Class President, which meets on a weekly basis. The responsibilities of the Council entail organizing senior class events, planning the Senior Class Dinner with Alumnae Affairs, planning the Senior Toast, fundraising for the class, organizing events with our peer institutions of Columbia, organizing Lerner Pub, assisting with the organization of the Winter Gala and Senior Week, collaborating with Career Development and the Dean of Studies, assisting with the distribution of class apparel, and organizing the Blood Drive.
Contact: Gabi Garcia, Senior Class President | gmg2159@barnard.edu
Junior Class Council
The council organizes Junior Class events to raise class spirit and participation, including Junior Class Dinner, fundraising activities to raise money and class spirit, along with events in collaboration with Columbia College, The School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and the School of General Studies. The council reaches out to Juniors studying abroad, organizes one blood drive with the Office of Disability Services, and plans a Student Career/Networking Dinner. The council e-mails updates to the Junior Class.
Contact: Norah Hassan, Junior Class President | nah2157@barnard.edu | Council Facebook Page | Office Hour: Sunday, 5-7 p.m.
Sophomore Class Council
The Sophomore Class Council acts as the representatives to the Barnard sophomore class. It updates the class through email and organizes class events. The Class President leads the Sophomore Council in study breaks and other activities to raise class spirit and participation, including the Sophomore Class Dinner, the Sophomore Class Major Toast, a welcoming event in the fall and the Study Abroad High Tea Send-Off in the spring. It also throws fundraising activities to raise money and class spirit. It holds events collaboration with other Columbia undergraduate schools, and a blood drive with the Office of Disabilities.
Contact: Audrey Petit, Sophomore Class President | agp2147@barnard.edu
First-Year Class Council
The First-Year Class Council acts as the representatives to the Barnard first-year class. The responsibilities of the council include planning events and sending out regular emails in order to update students about upcoming events and available resources for first years. The Council meets weekly in order to plan for events such as the First Year Class Dinner, study breaks and other activities, fundraising events, and the Winter semi-formal with all four undergraduate colleges. The First-Year Class Council is led by the First Year Class President and Vice President. This committee is led by the First-Year President, elected in early Fall.
Contact: Myesha Choudhury, First-Year Class President | mac2486@barnard.edu
Elections
The Barnard College Student Government Association: Election Guidelines
SGA Elections Mission Statement on Fairness
All Barnard College students, by virtue of having paid student activities fees, are members of the SGA. In accordance with the mission statement of SGA, elections are held in the Fall and the Spring to allow for active student participation within their government. To ensure that a diverse range of student interests are represented, all students are welcome and encouraged to run and apply for open positions. The SGA Elections are a free and fair process in which candidates are encouraged to fully express their opinions, while respecting their fellow candidates and classmates. The Elections Guidelines exist not only as a rule book but as a community code of conduct that should motivate each candidate to act in accordance with these values. It is of utmost importance that all interested candidates and all their affiliates familiarize themselves with our elections guidelines. If there are any concerns or questions regarding the fairness of these elections, please contact the Elections Commission, which oversees this process.
The Elections Commission consists of four SGA representatives and a representative from the Barnard Honor Board.
The Elections Commission: sgaelections@barnard.edu
Chair & Senior Rep. to the Board of Trustees: Jessica Cruz
Junior Rep. to the Board of Trustees: Chelsea Sinclair
President of SGA: Kim Samala
University Senator: Adara Rosenbaum
Senior Class President: Gabi Garcia
If you have any questions regarding the SGA Election Guidelines, please contact sgaelections@barnard.edu
View the Election Guidelines as a PDF.
Updated: November 4, 2019
Executive Board
SGA President
Kim Samala | ks3404@barnard.edu
Vice President for Policy
Idris O'Neill | ho2263@barnard.edu
Vice President for Campus Life
Flosha Liyana | fl2487@barnard.edu
Vice President for Finance
Tina Gao | tqg2001@barnard.edu
Vice President for Communications
Yeliz Sezgin | yjs2116@barnard.edu
Vice President for Equity
Tirzah Anderson | tba2114@barnard.edu
To contact the entire Student Government Association Executive Board, please email sga@barnard.edu. Thank you.
Representative Council
SGA Representative Council consists of a variety of representatives for specific interests plus the President and Vice President of each Barnard class. Rep. Council meets every week on Monday at 8:00 PM in the 2nd Floor Dining Room of the Diana Student Center. All are invited, most welcome, and encouraged to attend. Additionally, please feel free to contact a Representative directly with any concerns or questions - email addresses are listed below.
Please don't hesitate to meet with your Representative Council during their office hours, which are held in the SLC Room (inside Liz's Place) unless noted.
SGA President
Kim Samala | ks3404@barnard.edu
Office Hour: TBA
Vice President for Policy
Idris O'Neill | ho2263@barnard.edu
Office Hour: TBA
Vice President for Campus Life
Flosha Liyana | fl2487@barnard.edu
Office Hour: Tuesday, 8-9 p.m. in Diana 503
Vice President for Finance
Tina Gao | tqg2001@barnard.edu
Office Hour: By Appointment
Vice President for Communications
Yeliz Sezgin | yjs2116@barnard.edu
Office Hour: Thursday, 5-6 p.m.
Vice President for Equity
Tirzah Anderson | tba2114@barnard.edu
Office Hour: TBA
University Senator
Adara Rosenbaum| arr2202@barnard.edu
Office Hour: TBA
Senior Representative to the Board of Trustees
Jessica Cruz | jc4593@barnard.edu
Office Hour: TBA
Junior Representative to the Board of Trustees
Chelsea Sinclair | cs3556@barnard.edu
Office Hour: TBA
Representative for Sustainable Initiatives
Aastha Jain | aj2783@barnard.edu
Office Hour: TBA
Representative for Inclusive Initiatives
Grace El-Fishawy | gme2120@barnard.edu
Office Hour: TBA
Representative for Food and Dining Services
Leeal Kahen | lk2746@barnard.edu
Office Hour: TBA
Representative for Student Development
Rachel Gelnick | rag2186@barnard.edu
Office Hour: TBA
Representative for Arts and Culture
Isabella Rafky | ivr2102@barnard.edu
Office Hour: TBA
Representative for Academic Affairs
Jasmin Torres Piñon | jct2174@barnard.edu
Office Hour: Wednesday, 7-8 p.m.
Representative for Campus Affairs
Emily Ndiokho | en2113@barnard.edu
Office Hour: Friday, 1-2 p.m.
Representative for Information and Technology
Dena Rosman | dr2925@barnard.edu
Office Hour: TBA
Representative for Seven Sisters Relations
Mo Russell Lead | mhr2148@barnard.edu
Office Hour: TBA
Representative for Student Health Services
Christina Juste | cfj2109@barnard.edu
Office Hour: TBA
Senior Class President
Gabi Garcia | gmg2159@barnard.edu
Office Hour: TBA
Senior Class Vice President
Molly Shapiro | mks2215@barnard.edu
Office Hour: TBA
Junior Class President
Norah Hassan | nah2157@barnard.edu
Office Hour: Sunday, 5-7 p.m.
Junior Class Vice President
Phoenix Chen | hc2952@barnard.edu
Office Hour: TBA
Sophomore Class President
Audrey Petit | agp2147@barnard.edu
Office Hour: TBA
Sophomore Class Vice President
Grace D'Haiti | gvd2105@barnard.edu
Office Hour: TBA
First-Year Class President
Myesha Choudhury | mac2486@barnard.ed
Office Hour: TBA
First-Year Class Vice President
Tehila Cherry | tc3002@barnard.edu
Office Hour: TBA
Finance
Please contact SGA Vice President for Finance, Tina Gao at tqg2001@barnard.edu with any finance-related questions.
Important Forms
All Class Councils, SGA Committees, and Groups who currently receive funding from SGA must fill out a reconciliation form by 11:59 PM on the first day of every month. Forms must be filled out and submitted regardless of whether or not funds were used. Email the completed version to SGA Vice President for Finance, Tina Gao at tqg2001@barnard.edu.
Spending Money
There are three ways for clubs to spend allocation money:
1. Petty Cash
In case of an emergency only, Petty Cash of up to $50 can be obtained; see Yasmin Neil in the Student Life Office.
2. Student Life Credit Card
Clubs can obtain the Student Life Credit Card to make purchases. Note that the credit card can only be used in the Student Life Office, so all purchases must be online or over the phone. Clubs should take into account shipping cost and time if they wish to use the card. The card can be obtained from Yasmin Neil in the Student Life Office.
3. Reimbursement
Students can spend money out of pocket and submit receipts to Yasmin Neil for reimbursement. You will be reimbursed through the receipt of a check a few weeks after the request. Note that you must give all your receipts to Yasmin Neil. If you do not have your receipts you will not be reimbursed. Also, note that sales tax outside of New York State cannot be reimbursed.
SGA Funds
View the simplified guide for campus co-sponsorships and funds here.
1. Joint Council Co-sponsorship Committee (JCCC) of CCSC, ESC, GSSC, and SGA Funds
The mission of the JCCC is to provide funding for a student group under extenuating financial circumstances, including travel costs, or for a student group that wishes to start new programming but doesn’t have extra funds to do so. The JCCC exists to provide emergency funding for student groups on campus. More information is provided in the JCCC Constitution & Guidelines (2019-2020).
For the JCCC application form, click here. This form is the first step for students to apply for this funding. Following your submission of this form, you will be scheduled for a brief 2-3 minute presentation, and 10 min Q&A session, which will be the final step in the process of the application.
Applications are due 3 days before the Sunday at which the group would like to present, and the JCCC application is open all year.
2. SGA Co-Sponsorship Fund
The SGA Co-Sponsorship Fund is a vehicle for direct impact on Barnard students and student groups. Though the fund is limited ($6,000 for the year, with roughly $3,000 to be distributed per semester) it is intended to provide necessary funding for initiatives that student groups, committees, and individuals design to impact the Barnard community.
To apply for this fund, groups must be GBB recognized, an SGA council/committee or unrecognized student groups must have a GBB recognized group or SGA council/committee as a cosponsor. Columbia clubs who have Barnard members may also apply. For more details on the SGA Co-Sponsorship guidelines, click here.
Click here for the application.
3. Endowment Proposal
The SGA Endowment Fund provides funding for projects that reach the largest and broadest amount of students in a financially responsible way. All accepted projects should enhance student life at Barnard and/or contribute to the overall academic community. SGA invites all Barnard students to propose a project that reaches an expansive number of students.
In the past, approved Endowment Fund proposals have included: new printers installed in residential halls, new seating for the Diana Center, opening the Diana Center roof to student access during lunches, and the purchase of reusable thermoses for the entire student body.
Click here for the 2019-2020 Endowment Proposal application.
Constitution and Bylaws
Student Government Association Constitution
If you have any questions regarding the Constitution, please contact the SGA Executive Board at sga@barnard.edu
View the current Constitution as a PDF here.
Updated November 4, 2019.
Student Government Association By-laws
If you have any questions regarding the SGA Bylaws, please contact SGA Vice President of Policy, Idris O'Neill at ho2263@barnard.edu.
View the By-Laws as a PDF here.
Updated November 4, 2019.
Meeting Minutes
Barnard College Student Government Association Representative Council convenes public meetings every Monday at 8:00 PM during the academic year in the 2nd Floor McIntosh Dining Room of the Diana Center. The minutes and presentations from these meetings are posted here. Please note that no direct quotes may be taken for publication from SGA Meeting Minutes.
Any questions or inquiries for statements should be directed to Yeliz Sezgin, SGA Vice President for Communications, at yjs2116@barnard.edu.
For the 2019-2020 Representative Council Meeting Minutes, please email Yeliz Sezgin, SGA Vice President for Communications, at yjs2116@barnard.edu to be sent a copy.
2017-2018 Representative Council Meeting Minutes
2016-2017 Representative Council Meeting Minutes
2015-2016 Representative Council Meeting Minutes
2014-2015 Representative Council Meeting Minutes:
2/23 Rep Council meeting was all internal - no public minutes
Presentations, Resolutions, and Statement of Support
10/8/2018 Statement of Support for Carbon Neutrality Initiative
3/22 Desserts After Dark Survey Results
10/3/2016 Divest Task Force Presentation
10/26/2016 Divest Task Force Event Notes
10/31/2016 Desserts After Dark Results Fall 2016