Meet your Student Senate presidential candidates
Sullivan Jones, 21, junior of Papillion
Why did you decide to run for president?
“Last September, I was impeached from my position as a CSC liberal arts senator. Fortunately, I was able to overturn the impeachment in court because it was unfounded; in other words, I was impeached because my fellow senators disagreed with my opinion, and these days, people are not allowed to disagree. With that said, I found the impeachment attempt very troubling because of the message it sent to students—that if they are part of the minority, they have no right to be heard and no right to speak. This sort of thinking is pervasive and dangerous, and I feel obligated, on behalf of the students, to change it.”
Is there anything you would like to see changed about Student Senate?
“Where do I begin… Let’s start by following our own rules and use true parliamentarian procedure as our constitution requires. After that, we can start having better discussions about issues impacting the students. Issues like the innumerable food service complaints, access to better internet on campus, renovated dorms, and better events that every student wants to go to.”
What are some of the things you would like to see Student Senate do in the future?
“I want to see senate hold meetings with more vigor and openness to diverse perspectives. For example, rather than cancel out minorities, senate should lend an ear—no matter the diverse background or belief that a person has. Moreover, I want to see less yes-men and more debate about the problems students have.”
What would you bring to Student Senate if you were elected president?
“When I am elected president, I won’t be bringing anything to senate. Rather, I’ll be bringing senate to the students. This means that students are going to be involved in every senate decision and hopefully begin to feel more impacted by those decisions.”
Why should students vote for you?
“The decision this election is a simple one: On the one hand you have a candidate running on promoting diversity yet ironically cast a vote to impeach another senator simply for disagreeing with their views; on the other hand, you have a current senator who will truly represent the student interest with unwavering dedication and vigor. A current senator who understands what students want and how to improve campus. While some students may not believe student government can impact them for the better, I can prove them wrong.”
Why is it important for students to vote in the Student Senate election?
“Look, students are not going to lose anything by not voting. But they stand to gain a lot by voting, specifically for yours truly.”
Is there anything you would like to add about the election?
“I’m disappointed students don’t get the chance to attend a presidential debate. I tried hard to make one happen but cooperation among both parties is key. With that said, should any students wish to explore my policies further, my website can be found at the following address: https://www.change.org/voteJONES-forabetterCSC”
Olivia Bryant, 20, junior of Anselmo
Why did you decide to run for president?
“I decided to run for Student Senate president because I have been with Student Senate for two years and felt ready to step into a larger role. I also decided to run because I had the support from my fellow students to do so. When taking on any significant leadership role, it takes a collective effort. Finally, I decided to run for president because I want to maximize transparency between Student Senate and the student body. Through the presidency, I want to educate the campus community about student government. Students should know how Student Senate functions and works to serve them.”
Is there anything you would like to see changed about Student Senate?
“If I were to improve anything about Student Senate, I would like to see us begin the new term with renewed energy, inspiration, and vision. Thinking long term, I believe that senate needs some refocused direction and reignited drive that places people first and not politics. Of course, there will always be challenges with politics, policy, and procedure within any organization. But the upcoming election and changes in leadership offer an excellent opportunity to overcome these challenges, become inspired again, and gain a fresh perspective. In addition, I would like to see the Student Senate mindset of perfectionism shift into an environment of learning opportunities, not being afraid to make mistakes and ask good questions. Simply put, all students, including Student Senate, need to allow themselves some grace during these busy times.”
What are some of the things you would like to see Student Senate do in the future?
“Looking forward to the future, I would like to see Student Senate create a monthly campus-wide email newsletter that highlights recent and upcoming projects. I would also like to see Student Senate host more events on campus such as a Meet Your Senator/Executive Board lunch social, recruitment events at the beginning of the year, informational events before large votes, and destress events during midterms and finals week. In the future, I would like to see more student feedback and suggestions by adding a comment box outside of the Student Senate office. Finally, I would like to see the Student Senate website updated to make it more accessible for students. The updated website would be a place for recorded meetings, committee meeting schedules, and a link for student suggestions/questions.”
What would you bring to Student Senate if you were elected president?
“If elected as Student Senate president, I would bring experience to the position. As previously stated, I have been a part of Student Senate for two years and have served as a Liberal Arts Senator, At-Large Senator, NPAC Committee Chair, and Platinum Eagle Award Chair. I would also bring active leadership to the position, which is evident through my involvement in Events Committee, Academic Review Committee as a Student Senate representative, and as admin for Student Senate’s social media page. I would also bring approachability to the position. The importance of approachability in leadership is often forgotten but crucial in building relationships and creating trust. Finally, if elected Student Senate President, students can be confident that I will bring a culture of collaboration to CSC. Teamwork is essential to the success of any student government and something that Student Senate can improve upon while working for the students.”
Why should students vote for you?
“Students should vote for me because I view the presidency as not a position of power but a position of service. The presidency should also be considered a supportive role for the executive board and student senators. Students can be sure that I will provide reliability and consistency to the role. Also, I will lead with empathy and always have the student body’s best interests in mind. My Student Senate experience will also help me act as a diligent liaison between the student body and administration. Finally, I hope that students vote for me because I will continue to advocate for them and work towards continual improvement for CSC.”
Why is it important for students to vote in the Student Senate election?
“Students should vote in the Student Senate election because voting is the best way to have their voices heard. Students should feel empowered to vote because it is also an opportunity for change. Voting is one way that students can directly impact their campus community, and it will determine their student representation for the following year. Also, students have a responsibility to vote as active members of the campus community. Finally, students should vote in the Student Senate election because it is easy to do. The ballot will be sent directly to students via EagleMail, and it only takes a minute of students’ time.”
Is there anything you would like to add about the election?
“Elections should be an exciting time for the campus community because it ushers in new student leadership. I hope that everyone will participate in this year’s election. Voting will take place February 23-25 via EagleMail. Please feel free to stop into the Student Senate office located in the Student Center with any election questions. Accessibility is my priority; I encourage students to contact me at [email protected] for any reason.”