SGA Discusses “Pink Zone,” Financial Aid

The Barnard Student Government Association talked money and basketball Monday night as council members sounded off on financial aid, club funding, and the upcoming “Pink Zone.”

SGA president Sarah Besnoff, BC ’09, and Junior Representative to the Board of Trustees Daphne Larose, BC ’10, reviewed the presentation concerning student opinions on BC financial aid that they had given to the Barnard Board of Trustees on Wednesday. Students polled by the SGA said that the Barnard Office of Admissions should remain need-blind and financial aid need-based, though it was acknowledged that tuition increases would be necessary if Barnard were to make more financial aid available. Besnoff and Larose said that the Trustees were receptive to their presentation.

Some council members wondered whether the need-blind admissions policy is hurting efforts to diversify the student body socioeconomically, as the Admissions Office cannot use applicants’ financial data to increase chances of admitting students from different backgrounds. SGA suggested an instant survey to gauge student opinion on current financial aid policies.

Council members also discussed how to best help students grapple with their debt after graduation.

Women’s basketball coach Paul Nixon announced that the Barnard Night “Pink Zone,” scheduled this year for Feb. 20, will be held in honor of North Carolina State University women’s basketball coach Kay Yow, who died earlier this year from breast cancer. Half of the ticket proceeds from Barnard Night go to the Breast Center at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital.

Council members discussed the upcoming fireside chat with Barnard Dean Dorothy Denburg, which will be held on March 30. Council members suggested that attendees ask the dean about the current state of dining services and housing as well as the College Activities Office, which members were concerned placed too heavy a burden on the SGA budget.

SGA also announced plans for a new CULPA-like program that would allow students to review the Barnard housing process.