We are Brad Cantor and Andrew Kabatznick and we hope to represent the senior class in the '07-'08 school year. We are running for this position because the two of us feel that the position of senior class representative is an important one. It is an important position not only for the fact that the senior class needs a voice in student government, but also because there are many hallmark events during senior year that help define the entire Colby experience. At this point, Colby is a school with little traditions remaining. Without real fraternities or other social clubs, the social scene competes between sports team apartments, off-campus houses and the standard "Beirut night in Dana." Each of these are constantly in jeopardy of being broken up by the Waterville Police or Security. The traditions that we do have include Doghead, Champagne on the Steps, Cotillion and Senior Week. These events do connect each Colby class to the next, but are now not only in jeopardy of being busted by the authorities, but being eliminated entirely. It would be a damn shame if these integral parts of the Colby experience were forever squandered. In talking to a few recent alumni along with personal observation, the two of us have come to one general conclusion: Colby College needs to decide whether to be an academically elite school with a lively social scene (like Dartmouth) or an academically prestigious school not interested in partying (an MIT). Quite frankly, we would prefer the former, but if people choose the later, so be it. This dialogue needs to start now and many issues need to be resolved.
First, Colby College needs a sound, succinct, and coherent drug policy. Currently, if you are caught in possession of drugs at Colby, you are pulled behind closed doors into the dean's office and asked to sign an ambiguous form. If signed, this form commits you to not engage in "illegal activities while enrolled at the college." The language of this form is vague and leaves students uncertain about their future at Colby. A simple, transparent conversation would help resolve this issue and bridge the gap between students and the administration. The conversations regarding drinking last year seemed to be fruitful, as we now have a solid alcohol-point policy. Why can't this policy be expanded to set concrete penalties for those caught with drugs?
Next, there seems to be an undefined relationship between Colby Security and students living on campus. Parties seem to be randomly targeted and broken up unsystematically. Their job is to keep us safe; often we are being safe, when in fact dorm damage and other more pressing mischief occurs regularly on campus. We recognize the fact that SGA has recently noticed this as well and believe the conversation between students and Security needs to continue.
2008 Woodie Awards
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