Liberal arts student government strives to unchain student voice

York is at a crossroad.
Between the search for a new president, a pending presidential search committee, a new dean hired to run Liberal Arts and Professional Studies, and the new academic planning procedures being debated. There are many changes students are witnessing.
Accordingly, some students have taken an active role in tackling York governance and academic planning issues. The Student Council of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies, a non-levied organization, is advocating on behalf of students and trying to increase academic engagement.
SCOLAPS has proposed two practical objectives for this academic year.
[su_quote]“We are proposing a yearly student-led, university-wide survey initiative that allows us to provide data-driven recommendations that represents our collective voices,” says Laura Armenio, senator.[/su_quote]
“What we would love to ask, is ‘what is the value of a York University degree?’ From this point onward, we can see what we collectively want improved and what we like the most about York.”
SCOLAPS also wants to create an app that provides students with a map to detailed resources available on campus, such as showing the steps to become a part of the Writing Centre.
Sayjon Ariyarathnam, chair, has some concerns regarding course outlines.
“Students should know what courses require prior to enrolling,” he says. “They should have this available during the time of course selection.”
“I plan to be more involved and make sure that more students are involved with academic governance. There is not enough interest here and this needs to change through an increase in membership.”
“I’m encouraging students to get involved with student governance as it is an integral piece that dictates the education that students receive,” says Ariyarathnam. “I want to ensure that students have a valuable education, hence my involvement.”
“Right now we are at a very sensitive time within the university,” says Dalubuhle Ndlovu, SCOLAPS treasurer and senator.
“In terms of the academic planning procedures, which are happening at this time, this will have a big impact on how York is going to be for the next 20 to 30 years.”
Ndlovu says a lot of introspection regarding governance and academic planning occurred after the CUPE 3903 strike earlier this year.
“The most crucial aspect of our role, from our perspective, is bridging the communication gap between students and governance structures at York,” he says.
“What we have been finding is that students at York are either puzzled about how to become more active within university or unclear about how to voice their opinions constructively to bring about real change,” says Ndlovu.
“What is important is that we as senators provide this avenue, or a method, for each voice to be heard. We welcome these challenges and endeavor to see everyone engage in these roles.”
LAPS students are encouraged to attend SCOLAPS’ meetings in Senate Chambers.
Ryan Moore
News Editor