Student Assembly Candidate Profiles - Spring 2018 Election

Andrew Kong

Major: Biology and Society

College/School: College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Net ID: amk426

Candidate for the position of: College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Representative

Candidate Statement:

Hello Cornell! My name is Andrew Kong. I'm from central New Jersey (It exists!) and am a sophomore majoring in Biology & Society with a minor in Applied Economics. I am running to be your CALS Representative for the Student Assembly.  I am excited to represent our diverse student body.

I will focus on the following:

- Lead Effective Communication - I want to be YOUR voice in the Student Assembly, making sure that all points of view of our student body are taken into account. Your voice is a priority for me and I will be there for you.

- Promote Unity and Diversity - one of the things that really makes Cornell special is how diverse our student body is. I want to embrace our diversity and promote unity by having real conversations with students from every corner of the campus and bringing groups together.

- Access to Resources - Cornell has some of the best student services of any institution, but these resources are underutilized. Who knew that there is free printing and funding for travel abroad? I want to make sure everyone knows and has access to these resources.

As your student representative, I will be there for you! Contact me anytime, anywhere (and if you want to grab a bite, even better!)

 

Adham Gabr

Major: Biological Sciences

College/School: College of Agriculture & Life Sciences

Net ID: ag2357

Candidate for the position of: College of Agriculture & Life Sciences Representative

Candidate Statement:

Hi! My name is Adham Gabr and I am running as a CALS representative in order to bring transparency to the Student Assembly and improve public safety through discourse around existing threats on campus that are shaped by social divides within the student body. As a Biological Sciences major, I’ve always been curious about the way that people and processes work. I believe that access to that knowledge should be available to all those that wish to have it, which is why I am advocating for giving increased transparency to the decisions made by the Student Assembly. Posting weekly forums about ongoing referendums surrounding budgeting, policy changes and the like gives a seat at the table to every Cornell student, from the comfort and convenience of their laptop. Also, campus safety has been an increasingly important issue to me, especially in the midst of persistent, racially-charged attacks on campus. I will work towards establishing more systemized approaches to safety, like establishing an on-call shuttle system where students can avoid walking long distances in the late hours of the night. Not only this, but increasing campus discourse by holding teach-ins on the subtleties of discrimination and address the social divide on campus.

 

Nicholas Scott Matolka

Major: Biological Sciences

College/School: College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Net ID: nsm55

Candidate for the position of: College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Representative

Candidate Statement:

A representative of the CALS community should be an individual that recognizes the vast fields of studies, academic interests, and ethnic backgrounds that encompass our school. As a candidate, I possess a large set of interests and passions that make me an accurate representation of our unique community. As a CALS representative, I'm going to ensure that all decisions made in SA are ones that are in the best interest for CALS students. Within our school, I will push for CALS to take an initiative in providing free printing to the students, similar to what is found in the College of Human Ecology. When at school, students are expected to supply their own textbooks, but it should not be a requirement that a student has to spend excessive money by printing essays and readings. Also, I will ensure that CALS is at the forefront in readjusting pre-enroll. Students are too often shut out of classes necessary for their distribution and graduation requirements, a problem that can be fixed with a better organizational process. Finally, as CALS representative, I will ensure that CALS becomes transparent with their annual budget. As investors in an education, we, as students of Cornell University, deserve to know where our money is going.

 

Sushruta Krishna Iruvanti

Major: Biological Engineering

College/School: College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Net ID: ski8

Candidate for the position of: College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Representative

Candidate Statement:

Hi! My name is Sushruta Iruvanti, and it is with great enthusiasm that I am running to be re-elected as your CALS Representative to the Student Assembly. In my time on the SA, I have voted in favor of increasing access to gender-neutral bathrooms, allowing non-representative students to sponsor SA resolutions, and recommending that Cornell divests from Puerto Rican debt. Currently, I am working alongside fellow representatives and students to reduce printing prices and rework Net-Print. Going forward, I would like to work with faculty to create a research portal where undergraduate research positions can be posted. Finding research can be tough and I want to improve the process. Additionally, I am a strong supporter of Cornell’s Climate Action Plan and hope to work with CALS faculty, administrators, and students to increase awareness about the plan. Another project I will soon begin is having Cornell open housing for the homeless during winter break. Finally, I hope to find ways to increase transparency within the Student Assembly, as well as its outreach efforts around campus.  I eagerly await the opportunity to bring about the change YOU want on campus, and I will bring passion and dedication to my role as CALS Representative.

 

Grace Hannah Park

Major: Urban & Regional Studies

College/School: College of Architecture, Art, and Planning

Net ID: ghp42

Candidate for the position of: College of Architecture, Art and Planning Representative (uncontested)

Candidate Statement:

I proudly serve as the current AAP Rep for the SA:

Taking transparency between admin, reps & student relations seriously, I've created an AAP-wide FB group (msg me to join if you've not already) & worked to revive the Dean's Council for more fluid conversations with admin for equal representation of each department. An important issue I'd like to tackle is reducing material costs for studios. Having joined the Net-Print Task Force, I aim to lower plotting & printing fees at AAP. I've started the conversation with IT@Cornell, the Lending Library, & FinAid to relieve such costs, especially for low-income students.

I attend weekly meetings as members of the consensual relationship policy & the SA appropriations committee to strive for more academic & financial equity for the greater Cornell community. Please email ghp42 if you have any questions about progress in these committees. As we move forward, I hope to bring AAP better eating habits by providing fresher food options to the Dragon reflecting the healthier choices found on campus.

Continuing as your representative next year, we'll be able to achieve more long-term goals in AAP.

Coming together, I hope to bring more positive changes to THE best college at Cornell.

Vote Grace!

 

Olivia Corn

Major: History

College/School: College of Arts and Sciences

Net ID: osc23

Candidate for the position of: College of Arts and Sciences Representative

Candidate Statement:

Hello!  My name is Olivia Corn and I am a current junior in the College of Arts and Sciences studying history.  I am running for Arts and Sciences Representative on the Student Assembly for the 2018-2019 Student Assembly.  I have served as the Arts and Sciences Representative for the 2017-2018 Student Assembly, and would love to continue some of the work I have done thus far. 

 If elected, I promise to:

 1) Improve transparency within the College of Arts and Sciences administration

 2) Make it easier for students to meet with the deans in charge of the college

 3) Investigate if students want to continue having median grades show up on their transcripts

 4) Hold office hours to hear directly from my constituents and address the problems they identify on Cornell's campus and help in whatever way possible

 5) Bring students to the Student Assembly (helping students get more involved in working with Student Assembly members at crafting resolutions and working on the initiatives they are passionate about).

 I am here to be an advocate for the changes that you want to see made to Cornell's campus.  Vote Corn for Cornell March 26-28!  If anyone has any questions for me, I am reachable at osc23@cornell.edu.

 

Khaddy Kebbeh

Major: Biology & Society

College/School: College of Arts & Sciences

Net ID: kk789

Candidate for the position of: College of Arts & Sciences Representative

Candidate Statement:

The Cornell community is an incredibly diverse community, filled with all sorts of unique perspectives. However, I feel that the Student Assembly is not very indicative of that at the moment. As a first-generation, black, Muslim woman, I understand intersectionality, as I’m sure most people on this campus do. I feel that we’re always having to choose between our identities and what we want to advocate for today. That being said, I strive to foster a more inclusive and safe campus climate, for everyone. We so often hear people say, “any person, any study‚” but that is something that I want to make truly feasible. In addition to that, some other issues that I would like to try to tackle on behalf of the Cornell community are food insecurity,  getting free printing, and free laundry. On behalf of A&S students I would like to work on getting access to books at a much lower cost or no cost at all, since we have to read so many of them. I also hope to make all of our buildings more accessible. If elected as A&S Rep, I hope that I can be a friendly and familiar face that you feel comfortable bringing your wants, needs, or concerns to. I want all of your voices to be heard and I want you all to feel like you matter, because you do.

 

Marie Ceske

Major: Government/English

College/School: College of Arts and Sciences

Net ID: mkc93

Candidate for the position of: College of Arts and Sciences Representative

Candidate Statement:

Did you know that Arts and Sciences has proposed a new curriculum that restructures its current system of distribution requirements? Though the proposal’s website emphasizes its incorporation of feedback from faculty, staff, and students alike, the student forum lasted for only one hour, while faculty reviews have been ongoing for over a year. Why haven’t students been given more input? In addition to advocating for the greater inclusion of our voices, I will also strive to provide further student-oriented services. I plan to bolster academic advising, push for access to course evaluation responses and syllabuses prior to pre-enrollment, encourage professors to greater honor the add period, and establish information sessions to aid students in selecting their major(s). Additionally, as one the Cornell’s most diverse colleges, I hope to build a greater community among its students, establishing welcome receptions for freshmen, intra-college networking events, and forums for students both within and among majors to interact. As a huge proponent of the liberal arts and a proud student of Arts and Sciences, I invite you to help me strengthen the school that has been referred to as “the nexus of Cornell.”

 

Mackenzie Smith

Major: History and Government

College/School: College of Arts and Sciences

Net ID: mds375

Candidate for the position of: College of Arts and Sciences Representative

Candidate Statement:

I'm running for this position to help the Student Assembly access and address the desires and concerns of Arts and Sciences students. To do this I have three main platforms. First, I'd like to work with the Infrastructure Fund Committee to install solar-powered lighting along the walkways on the Arts Quad, to make every student feel more secure walking home on those late nights from the library.

Second, I'd like to work with the Academic Policy Committee to decrease the language requirements for STEM-certified majors within the college, to free up space to pursue courses that are desirous to each individual student.

Third, more abstractly, I'd like to open new pathways of communication between A&S students and the SA. While I'm completely open to advice and ideas on how to achieve this, I do have some of my own. I'd like to implement monthly open-mic-style meetings, here I'd listen and respond to questions, concerns, and ideas from you all.

I have an extensive background in service and that's precisely what I intend to do in this position: serve. If given the chance, I hope to draft and vote on legislation that reflects your values and your interest, and make to this college a place we all feel comfortable studying in.

 

Jaewon Sim

Major: Computer Science

College/School: College of Arts and Sciences

Net ID: js2689

Candidate for the position of: College of Arts and Sciences Representative

Candidate Statement:

Cornell is expensive. In fact, it's ranked as one of the 25 most expensive US colleges due to its tuition.

But this doesn't tell the entire story: tuition doesn't cover costs of essential activities like eating, doing laundry, or printing. And students from low-income backgrounds are affected more severely by these hidden costs than those from high-income backgrounds.

But Net-Print costs have a particularly greater impact because it is an inevitable part of academics at Cornell. On a recent survey, 98% of students said that - just like you and me - they had been required to print assignments before submission.

After research that began last fall, I established a special committee to investigate Net-Print costs and policies in a major legislative breakthrough. And as its Chair, I'm working to fix the printing system while ensuring that it's economically and environmentally sustainable.

This fight for an economically-inclusive campus is far from being over, and we can't turn back now. Help re-elect Jaewon Sim to the SA.

Read my full letter: http://jaewonsim.com.

Jaewon is a CS major in A&S and the VP of External Affairs. He chairs the SA Task Force on Net-Print System Reform and the Communications Committee.

 

Marco Antonio Peralta-Ochoa

Major: American Studies

College/School: College of Arts and Sciences

Net ID: map394

Candidate for the position of: College of Arts and Sciences Representative

Candidate Statement:

Hello Cornellians,

My name is Marco Antonio Peralta-Ochoa. I'm a freshman in A&S double majoring in American Studies and Science and Technology Studies and I am running for reelection to the Student Assembly as an Arts and Sciences Representative. I originally ran for the student assembly because I noticed a need for more of the conscientious voices that make accurate student representation possible. Currently, I see the same, if not greater, need for students who share the same passion for equitable, diverse, and inclusive spaces on campus. As a freshmen representative, I strived to voice the needs of marginalized communities on campus; not just those that I belong to, but any community that is not being heard in spaces of power such as the Student Assembly. During my time as a representative, I have been open to dialogue with students who have had particular needs and plan on continuing to engage with the student body to grow as a representative. If reelected, I plan to continue representing students whose voices are  often not heard. I plan on representing the needs of students who strive to create a more diverse and inclusive college of Arts and Sciences. I plan on representing you.

 

Mahfuza Shovik

Major: Information Science, Systems, and Technology

College/School: College of Engineering

Net ID: mms398

Candidate for the position of: College of Engineering Representative (uncontested)

Candidate Statement:

Hello! My name is Mahfuza and I am running to be your Engineering Rep. As a dedicated member of the Engineering community, it often feels as though the unique issues we face don’t get the time they deserve at the SA. I’m hoping to improve this by running on three platforms: first, I want to emphasize the role of mental health. Often we endure stress and pressure from classes, clubs, and careers as part of being an engineer. I hope to contribute to a more mentally healthy student body by increasing awareness for current mental health resources and supporting initiatives for new ones. Second, I want to increase transparency by creating more stable communication between representatives and their constituents. Whether that be updates though a Facebook page or emails sent out to a listserv, I want to establish regular conversation between the SA and the students it represents. Third, I want to improve accountability by holding weekly office hours with my co-rep so that your voices may be heard. I believe the role of a representative should be a delegate. You all possess valuable ideas and viewpoints. It should be my job to bring these up as accurately and frequently as possible if given the opportunity to serve as your rep.

 

Osai Egharevba

Major: Computer Science

College/School: College of Engineering

Net ID: oe34

Candidate for the position of: College of Engineering Representative (uncontested)

Candidate Statement:

Hello Everyone! My name is Osai Egharevba and I’m from New York City. I like to play video games, develop computer programs and watch Law and Order on my spare time. My platform consists of two parts: increasing academic transparency and fixing Student Center. As a current member of the SA Academic Policy Committee,  I have sponsored or worked on resolutions regarding median grades, curriculum changes and exam policies. Recently, the committee published a survey to gauge student opinions regarding Student Center and Pre-Enroll. If elected, I wish to use the data to form a subcommittee on Student Center and Pre-Enroll so students have an open outlet to suggest potential changes. In addition,  I want to advocate for the publication of median grades so students have an idea of how other students performed historically in a specific class before enrolling. Thank you and vote.

 

Omar Din

Major: PAM

College/School: College of Human Ecology

Net ID: ofd4

Candidate for the position of: College of Human Ecology Representative (uncontested)

Candidate Statement:

As HumEc rep this past year it has been a privilege to be on the Assembly. I was able to allocate $10,000 in financial aid for visiting students, advocate for muslim students on campus, and increase access to the student assembly. If re-elected I want to continue my track record of fighting for students. My main goals are: 1) Support minority and inclusion issues through adequate funding. Through the appropriations committee, the Assembly funds almost all student organizations on campus. It is vital that we keep diversity in mind when making decisions 2) Improve access. I want to remove barriers to entry for the Assembly. All Cornellians should have as much access as possible to their Assembly. 3) Restructure the SA to make executive positions directly elected. Currently, most of the Vice Presidents are elected internally from the Assembly. Not only is this undemocratic, but it also promotes nepotism. Win With Din for HumEc Rep.

 

Joseph Anderson

Major: Industrial and Labor Relations

College/School: School of Industrial and Labor Relations

Net ID: jsa94

Candidate for the position of: Executive Vice President (uncontested)

Candidate Statement:

Hi! My name is Joe Anderson, and I am a sophomore in ILR. I am running for Executive Vice President of the Student Assembly. My platform consists of five pillars. TO MAKE THE STUDENT ASSEMBLY WORK FOR US, I will increase representative accountability, require representative accomplishments and goals to be public, and establish assembly members as points of contact. PROMOTING FINANCIAL ACCESSIBILITY involves centralizing institutional support for student leaders, supporting low-income students through off-campus housing deposit grants, and expanding the criteria for Student Assembly’s Students Helping Students Fund. ADVOCATING FOR STUDENT HEALTH consists of addressing deficiencies of mental health resources, reforming the leave of absence policy, improving community health, and creating a satellite site for Cornell Health on North Campus. STUDENT RESOURCE EQUITY will ensure more campus accessibility, greater transparency of university budgets, infrastructural improvements, and increased financial support for Ethnic and Minority Studies Programs. ONE CORNELL will create coalitions across campus communities to create a more safe, equitable, and inclusive Cornell. For a reformed and resilient Cornell, GO WITH JOE!

 

Deborah Kerubo Nyakaru

Major: Global and Public Health Sciences

College/School: College of Human Ecology

Net ID: dkn22

Candidate for the position of: First Generation Student Liaison At-Large Representative (uncontested)

Candidate Statement:

Hello Cornellians! My name is Debbie Nyakaru, and I am running for the First Generation College Student Position. I grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota (yes, you read that right), daughter of two awesome Kenyan immigrants. Being a first-gen college student at an ivy-league has completely changed the way I look at the college experience and the success of myself and peers. Whether it be not knowing where to turn for help or trying to experience everything that Cornell has to offer, I find myself lost with a bunch of unanswered questions that I know I share with other first-gens at Cornell. As first-gen rep, I hope to 1) implement an early move-in, first-generation student orientation program, 2) advocate for increased funding opportunities for professional and non-academic experiences so first-gens can participate all that Cornell has to offer, and 3) sponsor and be active in all efforts to address and change the current troubling campus climate. While I am running for this position, the ideas and changes that first-gens need are only effective when students voice their ideas, so I promise to listen to the needs of my fellow peers, first and foremost. Join me in creating a Cornell for ALL students and #VoteNyakaru for First-Gen Rep!

 

Akanksha Jain

Major: Human Biology, Health and Society

College/School: College of Human Ecology

Net ID: aj448

Candidate for the position of: International Students Liaison At-Large Representative (uncontested)

Candidate Statement:

International students at Cornell face unique challenges and unequal treatment by the administration. I intend to change that, as I believe all students deserve to be treated as equals. My campaign platform focuses on three main aspects: 1) Improving the mental health resources on campus for international students by acknowledging the cultural stigma we face. I want to achieve this by having more international counsellors available to students and more sessions centered on culture shock, 2) Ensuring a level playing field for international students of all socioeconomic backgrounds, whether that be through financial aid or through need-blind applications. This will be achieved by ensuring that a long term endowment is created to support sudden financial difficulties, 3) Ensuring that international students have a voice at an administrative level by working with the Vice Provost of International Affairs. For the past year, I have already been working towards these goals; thus, I feel qualified to take on this role and represent the larger community. Through these three initiatives, I wish to drastically improve the lives of international students at Cornell and encourage the growth of the international community as a whole.

 

Ian Wallace

Major: Near Eastern Studies and History

College/School: College of Arts and Sciences

Net ID: iaw26

Candidate for the position of: LGBTQ+ Liaison At-Large Representative (uncontested)

Candidate Statement:

My name is Ian Wallace and I am studying Near Eastern Studies, History, and Arabic. I’m running for re-election to the Student Assembly as LGBTQ+ Liaison because I care about the well-being of all students and of Cornell’s queer community. This year on the SA, I passed a resolution calling on the university to establish an LGBTQ+ living-learning unit. This proposal was recently approved by President Pollack. Additionally, I chair the Infrastructure Fund Commision, which provides funding for infrastructure projects submitted by students. In the coming year, my goals include: 1. Meeting with administrators to ensure operations of the LGBT living-learning unit begin Fall 2019. 2. Working with the Campus Planning Office to implement policies which are conducive to student welfare, such as a crosswalk between Risley and Balch and increasing the number of gender-neutral bathrooms across campus. 3. Securing more funding to support student lead infrastructure projects, such as project teams, Free the Tampon, among others. It would be an honor to serve you as LGBTQ+ Liaison. Thank you for your consideration.

 

Abigail Eskinder Hailu

Major: English and Government

College/School: College of Arts and Sciences

Net ID: aeh242 

Candidate for the position of: Minority Students Liaison At-Large Representative (uncontested)

Candidate Statement:

There are many opportunities, systemic, institutional and social, to make positive and impactful changes, so my fellow POCs can walk around campus fully assured that their voices are heard and their well-being is valued. My platform includes: 1. INTENTIONAL INCLUSION. Often, minority-led protests and awareness campaigns fall on deaf ears. I intend to make spaces for minorities voices to have genuine reach not only to the wider student body but to the governmental bodies at Cornell. This issue is complex, but closely assessing the Campus Code of Conduct and other such initiatives in matching Cornell‚Äôs spirit of equality with equity, is crucial. 2. ANY STUDY! Faculty diversity is limited, the classes they teach considered too “niche.” For example, the English department is broad and engaging, with extensive cross-listings, promoting multidisciplinary thought. But the onus falls solely on professors like professor Dagmawi Woubshet who left last year. Furthermore, non-humanities students don’t have enough freedom or incentive to take these classes. I want to work closely with the administration for more diverse and accessible departments through refining distribution requirements across colleges. 3. INTEGRITY.

 

Natalia Hernandez

Major: Government and Sociology

College/School: College of Arts and Sciences

Net ID: ndh22

Candidate for the position of: Minority Students Liaison At-Large Representative (uncontested)

Candidate Statement:

I am a freshman seeking to serve the underrepresented communities on this campus in order to make a positive, lasting impact at Cornell. As a first-generation, Latinx student, I have experienced first-hand the issues we face as minorities at Cornell, and I want to tackle these problems with the guidance and support of these communities. I hope that, with your help, the position of Minority Students-Liaison At-Large, will not be mine, but ours.

 

Dale Barbaria

Major: Mechanical Engineering

College/School: College of Engineering

Net ID: dkb78

Candidate for the position of: President

Candidate Statement:

WHO IS DALE??: Hello! My name is Dale. I’m a Mechanical Engineering student, and I have devoted my time at Cornell to creating a better Student Assembly. I have helped students understand the complexities of the SA, and I will continue to look pragmatically at issues that affect student life, including the following:

SA CLIMATE: SA meetings must foster an environment where students feel safe presenting their ideas. Sometimes that does not exist. Many on this campus worry about their academics, well-being, and physical safety. No student should have to fear the disrespect and disregard that often accompanies appearing before the SA.

CAMPUS CLIMATE: Since last semester, ongoing investigations have looked at possibly amending the Campus Code of Conduct to better protect against hate speech and harassment. I would ensure that undergraduate students continue to have a role in these discussions.

CLIMATE CLIMATE: The University needs to have a better awareness campaign for the Climate Action Plan. If students and faculty are not knowledgeable about the plan’s specifics, no one will be around to keep the University to their word.

If you’d like to discuss any campus issues, friend me on Facebook or send an email to dkb78@cornell.edu.

 

Varun Devatha

Major: Hotel Administration

College/School: School of Hotel Administration

Net ID: vad33

Candidate for the position of: President

Candidate Statement:

Hello! My name is Varun Devatha and I’m running for SA President! I’ve been on SA for almost 3 years and currently serve as Executive Vice President. I‚Äôve made it my mission to create a university environment where all students feel welcome, safe, and happy.

More specifically, I extended Dining Hours on North Campus to 9:00pm, procured free access to the Wall Street Journal, and started the initiative to help international students secure financial aid for extenuating circumstances. As President, I’d have 3 primary goals:

1) Improving the Student Experience - I will work tirelessly to ensure Cornellians have a wholesome college experience. I will encourage increased Slope Day funding, collaborate with CU EMS & Tri-Council to CPR-certify Chapter Presidents, work with Dining to create more affordable meal plans, and communicate options for students affected by addiction

2) Revitalizing the SA - I will focus on developing a New Member Education process so reps can better serve you. I’ll also encourage annual Rep Reports for historical info

 3) Transparency & Communication - I will focus on this, internally, through biweekly fireside chats and, externally, by providing access to pertinent administrators via an online request form

 

Keval Rama

Major: Hotel Administration

College/School: School of Hotel Administration

Net ID: kdr59

Candidate for the position of: School of Hotel Administration Representative

Candidate Statement:

Hello Fellow Hotelies! My name is Keval Rama and I am running to be your next Hotel School Representative. I took my first official tour of the Statler in 8th grade and fell in love with it ever since. After fulfilling my dream of coming to the Hotel School, I knew I had countless opportunities to find what I am passionate about and how I can mature into the entrepreneur I hope to be someday. With the numerous opportunities I have been presented with in two short semesters, I already feel obligated to start giving back to the hotelie community. I am running because I love this school and the people within so much that I cannot let my opportunity to improve our institution get away. Day by day, I witness my fellow peers face the few negative aspects of our school rather than enjoying their time here. With my involvement in Hotel Society, Real Estate Club, and HEC, I interact with a diverse group of hotelies on a daily basis and gain a wide variety of perspectives. With problems such as charged printing and high prices on our coveted Mac's and Terrace, I promise to work extensively with Student Assembly to cater to our most prevalent concerns.

 

Bryan Weintraub

Major: Hotel Administration

College/School: School of Hotel Administration

Net ID: baw245

Candidate for the position of: School of Hotel Administration Representative

Candidate Statement:

Hi! My name is Bryan Weintraub, and I'm from Westchester, New York. I'm majoring in Hotel Administration, with a minor in public policy. After holding multiple leadership positions throughout high school, including in student government, I decided to run for the School of Hotel Administration Representative on the Student Assembly. If you're interested in learning more about me or my candidacy, feel free to reach out to me over Facebook - I'm always happy to chat!

 

John Maximillian Dominguez

Major: Industrial and Labor Relations

College/School: School of Industrial and Labor Relations

Net ID: jmd532

Candidate for the position of: School of Industrial and Labor Relations Representative (uncontested)

Candidate Statement:

Dear ILR,

My name is John Dominguez, I'm a sophomore in ILR, and I'm running to represent you in the Student Assembly. It's not a secret ILR's grip on campus leadership is one of the most profound. Therefore, I believe ILR deserves the best representation in the Assembly, and I hope to give it to you.

Here at ILR, we were born for success. It's time we elect someone to take active leadership in the Assembly and provide proper direction for the student body. Under my leadership, the Assembly is going to start working for you and the ILR community.

To me, one of the most important qualities of leadership is an open mind and the willingness to examine alternative perspectives. One of my goals is to enhance Student Assembly engagement with the student body by providing more opportunities for students to give feedback -- after all Prof. Rissing and Davis said feedback is important in the Jobs Characteristics Model. I'm looking to build on prior progress on student discounts like free WSJ by organizing student discounts at Ithaca movie theaters (pertinent after the Cinema Club ordeal). I also want to end the pay-for-play at the pool tables at RPC. This is a needless cash grab and discourages non-alcohol activities.

Thanks

 

Tireniolu Onabajo

Major: Government and Sociology

College/School: College of Arts and Sciences

Net ID: tmo53

Candidate for the position of: Undergraduate Representative to the University Assembly (uncontested)

Candidate Statement:

Hi! I study Government and Sociology, with minors in Africana Studies and Biology. I am running for the S.A. Representative to the University Assembly to fiercely represent the interests of the dynamic Cornell community.

As the President of the Coalition of Pan African Scholars, I have repeatedly represented nuanced perspectives on behalf of large groups. And through my work in Art Beyond Cornell, I have demonstrated my passion for service by working with incarcerated youth every week.

My primary platform for S.A. is bifurcated. In the light of the recent, recurring racial incidents that have taken place in Collegetown, I will use my position to advocate, in whatever capacity, for a more inclusive campus environment. Preliminary ideas for this include: increasing initiatives that counter racial/cultural bias, and more explicitly outlining the campus legislative procedure surrounding intolerance. Secondly, as the demand for mental health services on campus continues to expand, I will advocate for improving mental health resources on campus. I will lobby for investigating the causes of the rising demand, and push to increase mental health funding.

 

 

Ashwin Viswanathan

Major: Biology concentrating in Neurobiology and Behavior, Government

College/School: College of Arts and Sciences

Net ID: av389

Candidate for the position of: Undergraduate Representative to the University Assembly (uncontested)

Candidate Statement:

My name is Ashwin Viswanathan, and I am looking to serve as your voice to the University Assembly. Given numerous recent events, the student voice is at its strongest, with demands for change and calls for answers. I believe that I, as a representative to the University Assembly can play a unique and important role in this dialogue, ensuring that this voice is heard in a community-wide context. I hold the firm belief that now is the time where we as students and as citizens cannot let up in our demand to the administration to make change, and that this must be done in the context of forming a campus culture around all of Cornell, not just its undergraduates.

 Through my experience in shared governance, I can funnel the student voice effectively to bring about discussions for change for all Cornellians. I would primarily demand a stronger, more prevention-oriented response from the administration on policies regarding diversity and inclusion, as we can't and shouldn't settle for reactionary policies affecting the comfort and safety of our peers in our own home. Additionally, I want to improve the communication of the Assemblies to further serve the student body, rather than preside over it.

Real change begins with a strong voice.

 

Catherine Li

Major: Undeclared (considering Bio & Society, Sociology, or Government)

College/School: College of Arts and Sciences

Net ID: cl785

Candidate for the position of: Undesignated Representative At-Large

Candidate Statement:

My name is Catherine Li, and I would like to be your undesignated representative at-large! I’m from Ridgefield, Connecticut and my passions include cooking omelets, eating omelets, and painting. I want to prioritize the voices of the student body, and am advocating for transparency. I am striving for genuine and more powerful responses to recent actions that have threatened diversity on campus. I also want to be more connected to you all and hear and communicate your feedback. I know that, given the opportunity, I will strongly and effectively convey your ideas and concerns to create real, substantial change.

 

Franco Uribe-Rheinbolt

Major: Government

College/School: College of Arts and Sciences

Net ID: fru3

Candidate for the position of: Undesignated Representative At-Large

Candidate Statement:

Buenas! My name is Franco Uribe-Rheinbolt, I am from Bogota, Colombia and I would love to be your representative. As a worker in the Cornell Cinema, it was difficult to see the political battle that took place last semester over an organization that is so close to many students' heart, and it made me realize how crucial it is to improve the relationship between SA, the administration and students. As a representative, my three main goals are to 1) bridge the gap between student assembly and students 2) to make the Cornell campus a more inclusive and equitable space (including making venues on campus more financially accesible)  3) to increase resources for mental health. Ultimately, I want to help make your voice be heard. El pueblo, unido, jamas sera vencido!

 

Evan Shapiro

Major: Computer Science and Economics

College/School: College of Arts and Sciences

Net ID: ers253

Candidate for the position of: Undesignated Representative At-Large

Candidate Statement:

Hello, my name is Evan Shapiro and I am running to be your Representative on the Student Assembly. I am a Junior studying Computer Science and Economics and have been serving on the assembly as a representative for the College of Arts and Sciences this past year. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I frequently met with treasurers and presidents of byline organizations to prepare them for their budget hearings. I am also a member of the Academic Policy committee, which has been working on pre-enroll reform and getting American Sign Language approved to fulfil the Arts and Sciences language requirement among many other things.

If I am reelected, I want to continue and improve upon the work I have been doing in these committees. Firstly, with the appropriations committee, I plan on developing a rubric that will be used by all byline organizations to help them prepare for their hearings so these organizations can get the money they deserve with as little hassle as possible. I also want to work with Academic Policy to allow students to reschedule finals if they have 3 finals in 48-hour period rather than just 24, because having 3 finals 2 days gives undue stress to many students on campus.

Thanks for reading!

 

Jojo Cheng

Major: Environmental and Sustainability Sciences

College/School: College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Net ID: jc2465

Candidate for the position of: Undesignated Representative At-Large

Candidate Statement:

YOYO my name is Jojo and I am running for Undesignated Representative At-Large! I'm an ESS (Environmental and Sustainability Sciences) major and a Business and InfoSci minor in the Class of 2021.

My platform rests on practicality, inclusiveness and healthcare improvement. I will ensure practical changes, tangibly improving the university and creating a better student experience at Cornell.  I will work with members of the many, diverse yet marginalized communities across campus and pledge to make sure their needs are met. Lastly, I will work to improve healthcare at Cornell, including mental health protocols. One of my main goals is to make Cornell gym memberships free, since exercise and happiness has a direct correlation.

I am easily reachable, a great listener and will work adamantly in strengthening the individual voices of each and every person. If you have any questions or just want to chat, please feel free to reach me by email (jc2465@cornell.edu), Facebook (Jojo Cheng), Snapchat (@jojocheer13) or Instagram (@jojoocheng).

Go Go vote for Jojo and let’s make the 2018-2019 school year legen… wait for it… DAIRY(bar)!

 

Shraddha Harshvardhan

Major: Policy Analysis and Management

College/School: College of Human Ecology

Net ID: sh849

Candidate for the position of: Undesignated Representative At-Large

Candidate Statement:

As Undesignated Representative At-Large, I would be transparent and provide students with updates on progress, along with the contact information they need to ask me questions or give me feedback.

My main priority would be to respond to recent criminal alerts. First, I want to immediately help students feel safe on their own campus again; I will add street lights in isolated areas including but not limited to North Campus, West Campus, and on the way to Collegetown, as well as increase the frequency at which the Big Red Shuttle comes to pick students up at night and raise its awareness. Second, I want to work towards ensuring minorities feel welcome on campus long-term. I plan to achieve this by mandating that one Freshman Year Writing Seminar be on an issue of diversity, allowing facilitated conversations similar to those held in Intergroup Dialogue Project (IDP) classes, yet still with a writing component. This will provide students with an engaging forum so they can better understand and respect diversity at Cornell. 

Another goal of mine is to increase access to free printing on campus, giving all students, regardless of socioeconomic status, the opportunity to print readings, assignments, etc.

STAY RAD and vote for me!

 

Savanna R Lim

Major: Urban and Regional Studies

College/School: College of Architecture, Art, and Planning

Net ID: sl2646

Candidate for the position of: Women's Issues Liaison At-Large Representative (uncontested)

Candidate Statement:

I want to be your Womens Rep because I’m passionate about advocating for womens’ issues and empowering women across campus. I understand that womens’ experiences are formed by the intersection of other identities - gender identity, race, sexuality, socioeconomic status, ability, among others. I will listen to your experiences and advocate for every intersectional identity.

I currently serve as the only female freshman rep on SA, during which I have spearheaded creating a crosswalk between Risley and Balch and an Asian American Living Learning Unit. I have also advocated for increased gender-neutral bathrooms and other student proposed infrastructure projects. Being on the SA has taught me that there is always something I can do to better the student experience.

 In addition to advocating for marginalized groups on campus, my platform includes:

 1. Working w/ Greek Tri-Council on policies regarding transgender and non gender-conforming students, D&I initiatives, and sexual assault awareness.

 2. Expanding the blue light system with the SA Infrastructure Committee & Campus Planning Office.

 3. Increasing womens’ empowerment events and preventing the use of these events as punishment/education by the JA.