Principal Stanley Teitel implemented a new policy this year that requires the Student Union (SU) to make appointments to meet him through the Coordinator of Student Affairs (COSA) Lisa Weinwurm.

According to Teitel, the new policy was implemented to improve communication between the SU and Teitel by ensuring that the COSA will be present at all of the meetings.

Previously, the SU could arrange meetings with Teitel without having to consult the COSA. If the COSA wanted to attend a meeting, she would have to rearrange her schedule to accommodate the date chosen by the SU.

The COSA’s role in the meetings is to moderate the discussion between the SU and Teitel.

“In some ways, it’s nice to have an adult there to back you up,” said senior and SU President Jamila Ma. “They can validate certain things.”

Teitel said the new policy also increases the efficiency of the meetings by allowing him to prepare the appropriate material in advance.

To schedule a meeting, SU members must now fill out a form that asks them to explain the purpose of their meeting. Weinwurm must sign the form.

“I just want to know what the meeting will be about,” said Teitel.

The SU is concerned about the new policy. “I don’t feel that it’s necessary,” said Ma. “It’s an extra barrier that continues to distance the administration from the students.”

Junior and SU Vice President James Kim agreed. “As of now, it is a minor inconvenience, but in the long run it might be a problem if [the administration] continues to assume our responsibilities.”

“It makes sense for Teitel to know about the meeting beforehand, but I’m unhappy about it,” said sophomore and SU member Casey Griffen. “We should be allowed to talk to the principal of our school if we feel the need [to] even if Weinwurm isn’t there.”

Weinwurm declined to comment.