StudentNEWS

Opportunityin VeteransEducation

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Monday April 15t 5:00-6:00

Tuesday May 14t 3

NursingProgram InfoSeminars

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Inside Student News...

April 2013

Spring2013Job Fair

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Student News Editorial PolicyThe Student News is a college publication for the benefit of the student body. All articles accepted for publication arereviewed and edited as needed for style and length. TheDivision of Student Affairs and the Office of Marketing andCommunications produce the Student News collaboratively.

What You Need to Know AboutWithdrawing From Classes

Green Week 2013!It's springtime in New

York - which is the time offloral blooms, picnics, and

of course, LaGuardia's 6th Annual Earth DayCelebration, also known as Green Week! Green Week 2013 will take place from

Tuesday April 16 to Thursday, April 18, so pleasemark your calendars and spread the word. Thisyear, the Sustainability Council has put together

an exciting line-up of events including speakers,workshops, and lots of great raffles.

As always, the centerpiece of Green Week isthe tabling event, where LaGuardians can rubelbows with some of NYC's "green" elite. Thetabling event will take place all day on April 17 in the E building Atrium.

Check you LaGuardia Live email account forupdates and more information.

“I was very surprised.The classes at LaGuardiaexceeded my expecta-tions,” says MeaganVillacorta, a 23-year-oldLiberal Arts major ofFilipino descent. Sheentered LaGuardia thespring of 2012 after a yearoff from college and an

academic suspension from Stony Brook University.This time, however, Meagan would not acceptfailure. She missed going to school and was out to set an example for her younger sisters.

In high school, Meagan enjoyed acting andshowed the signs of a prodigious writer. Hermother and teachers expected her to develop hertalents and attend college. Meagan, on the otherhand, didn’t think seriously about a career or thesignificance of getting an education.

So, when she entered college for the first time,she didn’t give it her best. “I didn’t know how tohandle the freedom,” she explains. And shortlyafter leaving school, her life took an unexpectedturn. Her carefree lifestyle was replaced with adult

Meagan Villacorta

Daring To Do More

SEE PROFILE continued p. 3

If you are unable to complete a course or feelthat you may fail a course, especially if you havenot attended the class sessions, do not just walkaway from the course. Withdrawing may be aviable option for you. This decision should bemade carefully after speaking with the instructorof the course and a counselor or academicadvisor.

Dropping out of a class without officiallynotifying the college may result in a grade of WU(unofficial withdrawal for non attendance) or anF ( failure).The withdrawal period for Spring 2013

Session I is going on now through Tuesday,April 23. When you withdraw, the courseremains on your transcript with a W grade. Thisgrade will not affect your GPA. The course is stillcounted in the number of attempted credits onyour academic record but will not be included inthe number of credits earned. A withdrawal isfinal and cannot be reversed.

If you are receiving Financial Aid,with-drawing from one or more classes may affectyour eligibility and award status. Please speakwith a Financial Aid specialist in the EnrollmentServices Center, Room C-107, for moreinformation before withdrawing. Please note that there is no tuition refund

for withdrawals. You are responsible for alltuition and fees for the course, even if yourFinancial Aid award for the semester is reducedas a result of the withdrawal. (If your aid isreduced your bill will recalculate and you willhave a new balance due for Session I.) You may submit a withdrawal online

through CUNYfirst or in person at theEnrollment Services Center, Mondays andThursdays from 9am to 7pm, and Tuesdays andWednesdays from 9am to 5pm. You may alsoreach the Enrollment Services Center by phoneat (718) 482-5242 or email at onlinereg@lagcc.cuny.edu for more information.

Spring Has Arrived!

From the Division of Student Affairs

The Division of Student Affairs Newsletter for Students

Dear Students,April is a great time to be a student in LaGuardia Community College! As you’re getting

used to your classes, you may feel the need to join a student club, run for Student Government,or get involved in intramural sports/fitness at the college. I urge you to responsively contributeto your college life while never forgetting your ultimate goal as a student: to obtain yourdegree.

This is an important month for you as a student; a time of self-discovery. During April, you may be challenged with new experiences in college life. If you have academic challengesthat may seem too tough to handle alone, don’t panic. LaGuardia offers many strong supportsystems available to help you. In adjusting to college academics, English and Math are usuallythe toughest subjects for students to get used to. The Writing Center is available for you,Monday – Friday, 9:15 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., in room B-200. The Math Tutoring Lab is in room E-215and is available to you Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Please feel free to post your comments by emailing me at TellVPBaston@lagcc.cuny.edu.It is your input that helps us to create and strengthen our college and create a vibrant campuscommunity.

Continue to learn, study, and grow. Enjoy the semester.

Sincerely,Michael BastonVice President of Student Affairs

2

Michael Baston,Vice President

Watch for the next issue of Student News in May 2013!

““Be the change you want to see in the world”“Joy lies in the fight, in the attempt, in the suffering involved, not the victory itself.”

-Mahatma Gandhi, 1869 – 1948

Have an idea or concern regardingyour LaGuardia experience?

Tell VP Baston!Michael Baston, Vice President of StudentAffairs, is interested in knowing your ideasand concerns for improving your student

experience.

Email: TellVPBaston@lagcc.cuny.edu

LaGuardia’s got game, and needs a name! Beginning this fall session2013, we will field men’s and women’s basketball teams. Both teamswill play 24 games, half of which will take place in our own SportsGymnasium located in the M-Building basement. We’ll be competingagainst:City University New York (CUNY) - Queensborough, Kings-

borough, Bronx, Hostos and Borough of Manhattan CommunityColleges; and

National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA), Division IIIConference: Ulster Community College, Nassau Community College,Suffolk Community College, Rockland Community College, DutchessCommunity College and Sullivan Community College.

But first we need to choose our team name. Please pay specialattention to your LaGuardia email account that will give youdirections for our online vote. After receiving over 650 suggestions, and multiple focus groups, you are ready to select our nick-name. Game on!

LaGuardia’s Got Game!

The Division of Student Affairs Newsletter for Students 3

Profile from p. 1

responsibilities. She had to support her twoyounger sisters, now 16 and 21, whilewaitressing. Reality set in, and Meagan realizedshe needed to return to school.

“Professors take their classes seriously;students take their education seriously. It’sinspiring,” Meagan says about the atmosphereat LaGuardia that got her on track to earningher Associate’s degree.

She expects to graduate in the winter of2013. Until then, Meagan is exploring her careeroptions; she’s still undecided about what shewants to be but is intent on making a positiveimpact on society. Her 3.9 GPA granted her aninvitation into the Phi Theta Kappa HonorSociety, and she is currently enrolled inLaGuardia’s Honors Program. She looksforward to continuing her Liberal Artseducation at Brown University or VassarCollege.

“What I like most is that I’m asked to thinkreflectively and critically—to be open-mindedabout things I never thought would interestme,” she adds, “At LaGuardia, I’ve seen what Ican be and not what I have to be.”

Fill In The Gaps: Stuff To Do On Campus During Your Free Time

Sometimes you find yourself waiting for thenext class, which can be in three or four hours.Besides homework and a meal, you might still endup with some free time left over. A good way to fillin the gaps between the classes is to participate inone of the many on-campus programs andactivities that are offered daily. These activitiesusually provide an opportunity to either improveyour physique or partake in a social gathering.Places like the gym, fitness center, and the WomenCenter are some places that offer such activities tostudents looking for something to do.

For those with athletics abilities or wishing togain some skills, there is the Sports Gymnasium,located in the basement of the M building. Whilesome gyms solely focus on basketball, (LaGuardia’shalf courts are impressive,) the LaGuardiaintramural gym also has volleyball, soccer,racquetball and a few others. There is also tabletennis available in front of the entrance. All sportsequipment is provided by the gym and is free forstudents with valid LaGuardia ID. You can alsocheck with the gym to learn about special eventslike upcoming tournaments. The SportsGymnasium is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. onweekdays and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays.

Right above the gymnasium is the FitnessCenter. This hub is self-explanatory, it’s for thoselooking to exercise and get in shape. The facilityoffers free weights and machines that target mostmuscle areas of the body. There are also treadmillsand pedestals to burn off the calories. You can findthe Fitness Center open from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on the weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. onSaturdays. You can also sign up for the groupfitness classes to work out with peers. Losingweight and gaining friends has never been as easyas this. The group meets at the Movement Studiofrom noon to 1 p.m., Monday through Thursdaywith evening classes to follow. Lastly, the school isspecial for its 25-yard-lane swimming pool in theAquatic Center. This center is ideal for practicingstrokes, as the pool’s time is mostly reserved for lap swims. Anybody else who prefers to just make a splash can visit the pool during its open swimon the weekdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The Women's Center in MB10 also has lots ofactivities. This place offers lessons in knitting with the “Stitch & B!t¢h” sessions. Anybody can join thememoir writing, which allows the person to writepoetry or document their lives through pen andpaper. Besides self-expression, the Women’s Center

also offers physical activities. To learn aboutdiscipline and empowerment you can participatein the center’s self-defense lessons. For morerelaxing activities, there is free yoga as well, whichis a steal considering how expensive yoga is in New York City.

These services are fitting for those with freetime between or after their classes. The schedulesrange from day to evening, so finding something to do that fits your schedule is easy. The oppor-tunities to get fit or make friends are abundantwith all these options. Remember, we all pay thestudent activity fee every semester, so let’s put ourmoney to good use by taking advantage of all thatthe campus has to offer.

by Anthony Burgos, Student CorrespondentLiberal Arts: Social Science and Humanities

You can read more of Anthony Burgos' work by going to: lagccfreshman.blogspot.com

The Division of Student Affairs Newsletter for Students4

File your FAFSA and TAP Applications in theStudent Financial Services Resource Center,C109.

LAB HOURS:Monday and Thursday 9:00 AM - 6:30 PMTuesday and Wednesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Students under 24 years of age must bring the followingdocuments in order to apply. (Only students eligible to claim financial independence are exempt; see below):

Dependent Student(s) Living with Parents/Under 24 years of age

• Parent’s 2012 Income Tax returns and all W-2 forms.

• Parent’s Marital status, if married, date isrequired.

• Parent’s Social Security number and date of birth.

• Savings or Checking account balance.• If Parent’s Own/Rental Property, must have

property value (Schedule E, Net Value).

Student(s)• Social Security number.• Income tax returns for 2012, if any.• Citizenship proof (If student has green card

or asylum number).• If income from Foreign Country, provide proof.

Independent Student(s) Over 24 years of age or legallyclaiming a dependent must bring the following documents

Independent Student(s) Over 24 Years of age,married or claiming a dependent:

• Student/spouse social security number.• 2012 Income tax returns and W-2 forms.• If eligible non-citizen (green card or asylum

number).• If Own/Rental Property, must have property

value (Schedule E, Net Value).• Savings or Checking Account balance.

Avoid a Pell Overpayment: Effects ofWithdrawing on your Title IV AidLast day to officially Withdraw from a Course isApril 23rd, 2013

If you withdraw from one or more of yourclasses after the first day of classes but before April23 and remain with at least 1.0 tuition unit through5.5 tuition units, the amount of Pell funds youreceive for the session will be reduced. If thisamount is less than the amount you due towardstuition/fees and a book voucher, you will have topay the difference to the Bursar's Officeimmediately.

Federal Financial Aid Refund ChecksStudents eligible for a refund check will receive

payments starting April 17th, 2013 through the endof the semester.

For the full list of Spring 2013 Pell disbursementdates please visit LaGuardia’s financial aid page at:http://www.laguardia.edu/Financial-Aid/Check-Disbursement-Dates/

Avoid lost checks and delays by signing up for the CUNY Scholar Support Prepaid Cardor direct deposit.

CUNY Scholar Support Prepaid CardThis is not a credit card. It’s a prepaid Master

Card accepted at any store or ATM whereMasterCard debit is accepted. Student paymentswill be automatically deposited to the card and can be used immediately.

Sign up for the CUNY Scholar Support PrepaidCard at www.cuny.edu/scholarssupport or in theStudent Financial Services Resource Center.

Direct Deposit through Any BankArrange your Financial Aid to go directly to

your bank account. Simply complete and submitthe Direct Deposit Request/Authorization Form to the Bursar Window in room C-110. Forms areavailable at the Bursar window and online athttp://www.lagcc.cuny.edu/Financial-Aid/forms-to-download.

Steps to Check Your Financial Aid onCUNYFirst

1. Log in to your CUNYFirst account atwww.laguardia.edu/CUNYFirst.

2. Click to expand the Self Service options andselect Student Center.

3. Under the Finances section, click Make aPayment.

By clicking on the Account Inquiry tab you willlook for your Pending Financial Aid. You can alsosee your account activity, current balance afterFinancial Aid, a detailed list of charges, paymentsand refund amount.

The IRS Data Retrieval Tool on the FAFSAThe IRS Data Retrieval Tool makes it easier to

complete your FAFSA application by authorizingthe IRS to release the necessary incomeinformation to populate the application. You willhave the option to use the IRS Data Retrieval Toolwhen you fill out the application. To use the tool, all parties must have filed their 2012 tax return atleast two weeks prior to filling out the FAFSA. Students who don’t use the IRS Data Retrieval

Tool and are selected for verification will be requiredto provide an IRS Tax Transcript.

IRS Tax transcript Quick Facts• Provided by the IRS free of charge• Available for processing by IRS:

→ 2-3 weeks after filing for E-filed returns→ 6-8 weeks after filing for paper filed returns

• Transcript should arrive within 5-10 businessdays after it is available for processing.

Ways to obtain IRS Tax Return TranscriptsOnline: Direct URL:https://sa2.www4.irs.gov/irfof-tra/start.doPhone: Self-service line at 1-800-906-9946Mail: Fill out a Request for Individual Tax

Return Transcript, (Form 4506T-EZ)IRS Office Walk-In: Visit www.irs.gov to look up your local office.

Academic Requirements for Financial AidEligibility

Federal regulations require students to remaineligible by maintaining at least a “C” average, or itsequivalent according to the College’s retentionpolicy; and accumulating credits towards yourdegree according to the following standards:

• A student’s earned credits are equal to or greater than two-thirds of the credits the student has attempted at the institution

• The credits a student has attempted are not more than 150% of the credits normally required for completion.

• There is a maximum of 90 attempted credits allowed in order to be eligible for financial aid while attending a two-year college.

If the above stated standard is not met, eligibilitymay be retained by meeting the followingconditional standard:

• The credits the student has earned are equal to or greater than .875 of the total amount of creditsattempted minus 21.

The CUNY Board of Trustee Policy forSatisfactory Academic Standing requires studentsto maintain a certain grade point average based onthe number of credits attempted as follows:

Credits attempted Required minimum GPA0.1 – 12.0 1.5012.5 – 24.9 1.7525 or more 2.00

Federal Work StudyEarn a financial grant while gaining valuable

work experience. Students have the option of beingplaced in positions on-campus or off-campus. Payrates start at $8.00 an hour.

Visit the Federal Work-Study website for moreinformation: http://www.laguardia.edu/financial-aid/find-a-job/

Perkins LoanAll students who have been awarded a Federal

Perkins Loan for 2013-14 must submit anelectronically signed Promissory Note and take theonline Pre-Loan Entrance Interview before a checkcan be issued. Follow these three steps:

• Log on to www.lagcc.cuny.edu/financialaid/links

• Click on Entrance Interview and MasterPromissory for Perkins Loan to start

• Print the confirmation page upon completionand submit it to Mr. Stanley Rumph in roomC-107 for final approval. Sign and submit thePromissory Note electronically (online) only.

Dollars & Sense

The Division of Student Affairs Newsletter for Students 5

Direct LoanAll students applying for a Federal Direct Loan

must submit an electronically signed MasterPromissory Note and complete the Department ofEducation's online Entrance Counseling. Followthese five steps:

• Sign in to www.studentloans.gov. If you do nothave a PIN, you can request one atwww.pin.ed.gov.

• Click Complete Master Promissory Note tosubmit your electronic signature for theapplicable document.

• Then click Complete Entrance Counseling tostart a short quiz.

• Print out the Rights and Responsibilities pageand sign it.

• Bring the signed Rights and Responsibilitiespage within 30 days to Student FinancialServices in room C-107.

Once the Master Promissory Note is completed,you will receive a Disclosure Notice from theDepartment of Education approximately 10 daysbefore the scheduled disbursement date. TheDisclosure Notice will indicate the approved grossloan amount(s), fees, net loan amounts, andanticipated disbursement dates. All loans aredisbursed in at least 2 disbursements.

Don’t DefaultIf you default on your student loan you will face

the following serious consequences:• Your loan will be reported to national credit

bureaus and it will damage your credit rating

• A defaulted loan has a negative affect whenyou try to purchase a home or a car

• Legal action can be taken against you• Your wages can be garnished• Your income tax refund can be withheld• You may not be eligible for additional student

aid.

Student Loan Repayment OptionsFor more information on repayment options on

student loans, visit www.nslds.ed.gov for FederalDirect Student Loans; or www.ecsi.net for PerkinsLoans.

Exit Counseling RequiredAs a federal regulation, you must complete an

Exit Counseling/Interview if you are graduating,drop below 6 credits, or are leaving LaGuardiaCommunity College, and you have an outstandingPerkins or Direct Loan. If you do not complete theinterview, your school records, including youracademic transcript and diploma will not bereleased until you complete this requirement.

The Exit Counseling/Interview serves to remindyou of your rights and responsibilities, and givesyou an opportunity to speak with a financial aidcounselor about any questions that you may haveregarding your loan. Perkins Loan Borrowersmay complete the Exit

Interview online at www.lagcc.cuny.edu/financial-aid/links/.Direct Loan Borrowers may complete the Exit

Counseling online at www.nslds.ed.gov.

Dollars & Sense from p. 4

Important Financial Aid Websites andNumbers

For your FAFSA application status, to order aduplicate SAR, or general information aboutFederal Aid, (800) 433-3243 or www.fafsa.ed.gov/

Information about the TAP application, (888) 697-4372 or www.hesc.ny.gov/, to applywww.tapweb.org

Information about Federal Direct Loans:https://studentloans.gov/

Selective Service, (847) 688-6888 or www.sss.gov

VA Education Benefits, (888) 442-4551 orwww.gibill.va.gov/

Report the grant fraud to Ed. Dept's Office of Inspector General, (800) 647-8733 oroig.hotline@ed.gov

Report the fraud to the Federal TradeCommission (FTC), (877) 382-4357 orwww.ftc.gov/scholarshipscams FTC teletype for the hearing impaired, (866) 653-4261

You can now duplicate a key on campus by using the key duplicationkiosk located by the elevators on the 4th floor of the C building.

Brass keys duplicates sell for $3 and decorative key duplicates costup to $5. Replacement keys, in case the original key is lost/stolen, canbe bought for $20 by registering with KeyMe, the kiosk servicer. (Visitthe Kiosk for more details.)

The key duplication kiosk does not duplicate high security keys suchas Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, or Best.

The Project for Return and Opportunity in VeteransEducation (PROVE) strives to create an environment inwhich veterans can more easily access the resources theyneed to successfully transition from military life to studentlife here at LaGuardia Community College.

Veterans possess multiple strengths and skills resultingfrom their military experience, and they have unique needs.PROVE assists student veterans in overcoming obstaclesand providing a supportive environment and opportunitiesfor academic and career advancement.

PROVE can provide student veterans with information about academicprograms, education benefits, and campus life as well as veteran benefits and services related to physical and mental health, employment services and family resources. PROVE provides supportive counseling and can referstudent veterans if more extensive counseling services are required.

PROVE is located in room MB-10 and is open 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. onMondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Please stop by! No appointmentnecessary.

Thank you for your service, LaGuardia Veterans!

NEW@LaGuardia:

Keys Made Here!

Opportunity in Veterans Education

The Division of Student Affairs Newsletter for Students6

Transfer Information Desk Sessions

Every Week at the Women’s Center

Coffee House Fundraiser

Self Defense: Martial Arts Join the Women’s Center for some awareness and empowerment, on Mondays at 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. in room MB-10.

Self De-Stress: Mindful SmartsJoin the Women’s Center for some relaxation and fun on Mondays at 1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. in room MB-10.

Memoir WritingDo you enjoy writing? Looking for a way to express yourself and meet new people? Join the Memoir Writing Group. Mondays at 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. in room MB-10.

Stitch & B!t¢hCome to knit, crochet or bring your own craft. All levels are welcome. Fridays at 1:00pm – 2:00pm in room MB-10.

April 3 Classes resume

April 4Last Day to Apply for the following Candidacies: Dietetic Technician, Licensed Practical Nurse, Nursing, Occupational Therapist Assistant, Physical Therapist Assistant and Radiologic Technology

April 5Last Day to Apply for Spring 2013 Graduation

April 23Last Day to Officially Withdraw from a Course – A Grade of “W” will be issued

April 24Irregular Day – Classes Follow a Monday Schedule

A Brief Look

at April 2013

Excelsior CollegeTuesday, April 9, 10:00-12:00 E-Lobby

LIU- Long Island UniversitySchool of EducationWednesday, April 10, 10:00-1:00 E-LobbyMonday, April 15, 4:00-7:00 E-Lobby

SUNY Maritime CollegeMonday, April 15, 10:00-2:00 E-Lobby

St. John’s University Tuesday, April 16, 10:00-1:00 E-LobbyTuesday, April 30, 10:00-1:00 E-Lobby

CUNY-Lehman CollegeFriday, April 19, 11:00-2:00 M-LobbyWednesday, April 24, 11:00-2:00 M-Lobby

Berkeley CollegeWednesday, April 17, 10:00-2:00 E-Lobby

Berkeley College Information SessionFashion, Health Services and Interior Design Tuesday, April 23, 3:00-5:15 B-201

The College of New RochelleMonday, April 22, 10:00-2:00 E-Lobby

The Honors Student Advisory Committee (HSAC) will host its FirstAnnual Coffee House as a fundraiser for the residents of the Rockaways that were affected by Hurricane Sandy.

The event will take place on Wednesday, April 17 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Poolside Café and is open to the entire LaGuardia community.Attendees will be able to enjoy live performances and win raffle prizes, while also raising funds and awareness of the ongoing struggle to recoverwhat was lost during this past fall’s devastating storm.

The Division of Student Affairs Newsletter for Students 7

Student Interest Survey 2013

We want to hear from you!By completing this year's Student Interest Survey, your input will help us offer programs, services and opportunities that will enhance your experience at LaGuardia Community College.

Two ways to take the survey now:1. Visit http://www.laguardia.edu/studentinterest/

2. Scan the QR Code for quick access from your smartphone

O

The Division of Student Affairs Newsletter for Students

Tragedy Sparks Advocacy for Change

The tragedy that took place on ThomsonAvenue on the morning of Monday, March 11 hasfueled the LaGuardia Community to make a callto action for increased pedestrian safety aroundthe campus.

In the days following the car collision, whichleft four LaGuardia students injured and claimedthe life of a teen who attended the High School ofApplied Communication, the campus communitycollectively expressed their concern for thevictims, and a cry for help to prevent futuretragedies emerged.

“This latest tragedy compels us to re-commitour efforts to working diligently with city andcommunity leaders to improve the traffic situationin front of our college” said President Mellow.

As a result, the NYC Department ofTransportation (DOT) is conducting a pedestriantraffic survey on Thomson Avenue. In addition,LaGuardia has assembled a team of Collegeadministrators, including Vice President ShahirErfan and Government Relations ManagerClaudia Chan, to develop its own proposal forpossible solutions to the pedestrian and trafficsafety concerns.

The team is in the process of conducting acomprehensive traffic safety study of the entirecampus vicinity; devices have been installed onthe streets around the C and B buildings to collectvehicular traffic data.

The College is working closely with both theDOT and the local Community Board to improvetraffic safety in the area and expects measurablechanges to be made in light of this regrettableevent.

Immediately following the crash, theLaGuardia students were taken to ElmhurstHospital for treatment and a counselor from thecollege was made available to them and theirfamilies to provide support. Since then, counselorsat the Center for Student Success, Room C-249,have also been available for any students, facultyand staff impacted by the accident.

SGA President Shah Amanat at the March 14th Press Conference.

Council Member Jimmy Van Brame at the March 14th Press Conference held at the site of the accident.

Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer looks over messages left at the spot of the accident.