1. What are your qualifications for the position of Student Council president? What have you done for Council and the University?
My leadership experiences at the University are not limited to just one specific organization, but rather a diverse array of activities. From the arts to sexual assault education and from the Coalition to Resident Staff, my experiences at the University have given me a unique cross-section of aspects of University life. As a concerned student, I initiated the effort to make diversity a core value at the University. In realizing the shortage of courses dealing with diversity, I also worked to add another section of the current Multicultural Education class opened for this semester.
2. What is the single most important issue facing Council, and how would you specifically address it?
Unfortunately, there is an obvious disconnection between the general student body and Council. More times than not, most students are oblivious to the activities of Council. The questionable actions of student leaders have only broadened that gap by dismantling many students' faith in the ideal of student self-governance. I believe the biggest problem facing Council is the perception that it does not represent "Joe Hoo." The perception perpetuates itself and has caused this gap to continue to grow.
The only way this system can be changed is for a student leader with a desire to make meaningful change to enter the system, objectively view all aspects of Council's activities and fight to make the necessary improvements. With these changes I want to make the activities of Council more visible and open for all students. Council should be a resource for each and every student at the University. It should be the student's Council, not just a council of students. With new ideas and a fresh perspective on the issues Council can represent and advocate Joe Hoo and you.
3. What is the most effective way to gather and assess student opinion?
It is pretentious to believe that Council can speak on the issues of all students without extensively seeking and analyzing student opinion. By making Council more accessible and proactively gathering student opinion, everyone benefits and takes ownership in the decisions of Council.
Making Council more visible and integrated into everyday University life will give Council the opportunity to really meet the needs of their constituents. By developing a Web portal, many new facets of feedback will be opened, including an interactive online Web board where students could anonymously list concerns, ideas and their opinions about issues at the University. This feedback will prove vital to the functioning of Council by allowing students who may not think they have a voice (out of intimidation or out of unwillingness to attend an open meeting) to express them in a confidential and objective light.
To be more accessible, I will personally hold open office hours every day. I will seek student opinion by attending the general meetings of various student groups, especially those who represent a large population of students or those who are underrepresented in Council.
4. How would you address the early signing deadlines for off-Grounds housing that students face?
The early signing deadline for housing on and off-Grounds is cumbersome for many students, particularly Greeks and first years. With deadlines so early, many first years have not had the opportunity to meet people they really want to live with. They do not allow the opportunity for spring pledges in the IFC and ISC to choose to live in their organization's house.
This is an issue that I as a concerned student have already begun to address. If elected, I will act as a liaison between the Charlottesville landlords and U.Va. Housing to cultivate a working relationship of trust with both parties. As a result, the University and the City of Charlottesville's relations will also improve. By sustaining dialogue between the two, not only will students benefit by having earlier deadlines, but it will encourage Charlottesville realtors to cater more to the student's needs in housing.
After moving deadlines back, I will also institute more housing fairs and opportunities for students to learn about their housing options. It will also be helpful to have information sessions where first time lease signers can learn the process. This problem is something that can be easily remedied with negotiation.
5. Why do you think you would be the most effective advocate for students?
My passion for improving the student experience at the University is what drove me to run for Council president. The response from students has been overwhelming, and I am thankful for their support. While there are a tremendous number of wonderful aspects of this University, there are many things that could improve as well. These changes won't take place overnight. The initiative I have taken as a concerned student to make improvements illustrate the potential of the changes that will be made I am elected. At the end of the day, I stand before the students, as but one of you, ready to work hard and make a difference to improve our experience at our University.
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