A Message From Benj Cohen

Benj Cohen ’15

Student Council has exactly one job: to make students on this campus happier. As President, I will center my three main initiatives around this ultimate goal. Following are the StuCo projects I am planning to lead as President:

First, a library lounge: a place to eat and recharge with the help of caffeine, or where one could socialize during study breaks. The first part of this dream will become a reality this spring. I have met with Dining Services and Mrs. Scanlon, the head librarian, and there will be food on the first floor of the library by the end of this year. Next year, we plan on expanding this service to include coffee and more. There is talk of a library renovation, and if elected, I will ensure that adding more food options and a space to unwind and connect with friends in the periodicals room is a top priority.

Second, I want to revitalize activities on campus. I plan on combing through the term calendars with the help of student activities coordinators Ms. Lembo, Mrs. McGahie and Mrs. Trueman and ensuring that there are fun activities planned for every weekend night. On one weekend next spring, I envision a massive Spring Fling—a campus-wide weekend with a student concert, a gym night, a barbecue on the quad, a bouncy house and other activities. A first iteration of this event (something I promised last year) will be on Friday, May 9 of this year. 

Last but not least, I want to give each student more influence over the selection of food options served in D-hall. Improving D-hall options is easy; we need everyone to rate meals and decide what items we want on the menu and what items we don’t. I envision an efficient website or app that allows everyone to rate meals as simply “Like” or “Dislike.” With this mass feedback, we can truly improve our campus dining experience together.   

I’ve worked in StuCo for three years as a select member, a lower rep, and this year, as Secretary, so I understand how Student Council functions and have worked closely with our current president Alice Ju. I also have the track record of getting things done. If you look through all my campaign promises from the past three years, you will see that I have worked to deliver every single one, and I believe I am the only candidate that can make that claim. In the end, Student Council is all about the student body, so please take a few moments on Tuesday to cast a vote for the direction you want Student Council to go in next year.