City College’s Student Senate hopes students will share their ideas as members prepare to reach out for suggestions on how to better serve the needs of those on campus.

Senators will begin to hold tabling sessions this month on both Main and West Campus, in order to reach out to students who may have questions about the college, have ideas to improve programs or may even be interested in becoming a senate member.

Leaders are also gauging interest in holding a larger question-and-answer session, possibly as a platform for senate elections.

“It’s a way to show that we are here,” said senator Milochka Tshibingu. “As well as giving an opportunity to raise our visibility and get out there.”

The senate will put a formal vote to the topic at an upcoming meeting, but the tentative plan calls for up to three of the more than 20 members of the organization to sit at tables on both campuses to discuss student issues and engage those passing through between 11 a.m and 2 p.m.

Senate President Emily Harrington expressed her desire to raise awareness.

“Setting up a table one day a week to be out on campus would really help,” she said.

Senators were more interested, however, in hosting a larger forum to address current issues pertaining to students, and field other suggestions. Discussion centered on hosting an event, possibly in the BC Forum, with many senate members.

“People would show up,” officer Dano Pagenkopf said. “Some may even have a bone to pick with the senate.”

He said an event such as this might generate more attention than the lunchtime table sessions.

“Students don’t often get super involved,” Pagenkopf said. “People are busy and doing their own thing.”

But officer Rabia Piacentini said any event would be more accessible to students if it were held outside.

Vice President of Senate Affairs Atty Garfinkel suggested inviting representatives from City College’s Continuing Education programs, after allegations that students in that part of the college have not been fairly represented in recent actions before the Board of Trustees.

Dr. Ben Partee, senate adviser and dean of educational programs, agreed, and added there are meetings soon to be held over the possibility of a continuing ed student board.

“Their senate will be a force to be reckoned with,” he said.

The entire senate however, was interested in hosting a large forum in April, or just before elections for fall officers is due to begin. Both Partee and the officers were interested in boosting the low turnout and show those interested in being on the student senate how to get involved.

“We need to gather momentum,” Harrington said.

Vice President of External Affairs Kevin Fock added that there was a need to spark more interest in elections, and supported plans to get the word out through alternative methods such as social media.

“Most people don’t know that the general student assembly can run,” he said.