SUMMARY OF GENERAL BODY MEETING 01/21

For those not present at the meeting:

The first point of focus this coming semester will be on a lobbying effort to introduce a "hold harmless" clause and "payer of last resort" clause into the new 9/11 G.I. Bill legislation. Basically, we wish to leave the bill intact as it currently exists, but have Columbia's student veterans grandfathered under the old Post 9/11 G.I. Bill.

Be advised that the new legislation in its current form caps tuition payments at a maximum of $17,500 per year starting in August 2011. While the Yellow Ribbon Program will still be in place, there is no guarantee that Columbia's various schools will be able to continue contributing enough to zero out your tuition costs. Additionally, the BAH under the new bill will no longer cover periods between semesters. There have been rumors about the BAH being capped at $1000 per month. Looks like the BAH rate will only change for those who aren't enrolled full-time, for whom it will be pro-rated according to their academic course load. Click here to read the actual bill.

This will hit Milvets hard. Thus, we will be forming a joint committee of Milvets and Columbia administrators and together mounting an aggressive campaign to redress these problems. Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Kristen Gillibrand (D-NY) have already expressed interest in taking up this cause. This new legislation will affect all Milvets starting next year, and we need your help.
Secondly, and on a brighter note, Azar Boehm briefed all present on American Corporate Partners (ACP), which is a fantastic mentoring program that pairs business professionals with student veterans. Many current Milvets are participating and have been matched with heavyweights at News Corps (Rupert Murdoch himself), Goldman Sachs, Barclay's, etc.

Thirdly, Milvets President-Emeritus John McLelland is working with university staff to create a series of professional workshops that will be free to all Milvets. These workshops will focus on résumé-writing and interviewing. This will be especially useful for those interested in applying for a job with Deutsche Bank, which John reports is interested in hiring 50 New York student-veterans. Their eyes are on Columbia, so do take this seriously if you're interested in working for Deutsche Bank.

Rich Baldassari spoke up on a number of points during the meeting. Among the things he suggested: making the Milvets Constitution more widely available to members, having bi-weekly meetings, more community service, and generally doing more to involve the Milvets general body.

Posted by: Matthew Bishop (jmb2275)