Candidates for SA Executive Vice President
Avra Bossov
Background:
My name is Avra Bossov and I'm a junior in the School of Media and Public Affairs. I've been actively involved on campus throughout my time at GW and I believe I can strengthen our community as the Executive Vice President of the Student Association.
During my sophomore year, as the SA's Assistant Vice President for Public Affairs, I worked with Ashwin Narla to lobby for additional space for students to study and socialize. This year, as the SA's Deputy Chief of Staff, I worked with Julia and Kostas to facilitate the move of Student Health Service and the University Counseling Center to campus.
As a brother of Alpha Phi Omega and an Executive Board member of the Alternative Breaks Program, I have worked to give back to our community through service projects and extracurricular activities on and off campus. This year, as a member of House Staff in Thurston Hall, I've worked to implement programming and served as a resource for my sixty-five residents because I believe that our community matters.
Do you think the university should be more transparent in its budget, operations, and strategic planning processes?
The first tenant of my platform is student input. I plan to utilize the Senate as a public forum where we invite administrators and encourage students to attend so that when issues arise, we can address them with an open and face-to-face dialogue. Working the administration requires communication and building relationships; as EVP, I will work to use the SA as a bridge between the Administration and students.
Similarly, what can be done to ensure more transparency within the Student Association?
The SA website has made great strides this year in containing resources for students. I hope to continue utilizing the Student Association's website and social media outlets to be more transparent. I look forward to meeting with the Finance Committee to see how we can better service student orgs when it comes to allocations and the communication between student orgs and the Finance Committee. The Executive Cabinet also has a Director of Financial Communication to better communicate such issues as well.
How would you work to increase student awareness of existing university services that many are often not aware of?
This year, I worked with the SA's Director of Student Services to create a graphic listing all the resources offered and contact information. This graphic will be available later this semester. I will also work with President to have office hours in different locations on campus and do student organization tours.
Is the affordability of a GW education an important issue to you? Why?
As a student who benefits from financial aid, affordability is definitely an important issue to me. The GW experience that I have been able to have as a result of receiving financial aid is unmatched to any other college experience I could have imagined for myself. I look forward to working with President Knapp and the Administration to make sure GW does everything it can to retain its students and offers similar opportunities regarding financial aid.
How will you advocate for increased university attention to student needs (whether related to academics, housing, health, student organizations, campus life, etc) while keeping in mind that increased spending on such initiatives could lead to higher costs of attendance for future students?
As a member of House Staff this year, I have seen how the Center for Student Engagement works within residence halls and among student organizations to support the student body and campus involvement. Within the purview of the CSE, House Staff and the CSE work incredibly hard to make sure our students are able to find their place at GW in terms of academics, campus life, housing and mental and physical health. I will utilize my role next year in connecting students to resources and improving the GW experience as a whole.
What are ways you would advocate for lower costs of attendance at GW (such as tuition and fees, housing, dining, charges for services, printing, SA fees, etc)?
My goal related to cost is to make sure cost is not a deterrent to any student's well being or ability to fulfill his or her potential here. This year, I worked to help put together a cost-comparison proposal for GW Housing and the Board of Trustees to consider in moving forward with housing prices. Already, Housing has taken that report into consideration with offering more options for students to preference through the iHousing portal.
What are your thoughts on the new requirement that Juniors in the Class of 2018 and onward live on campus? How will you advocate for inexpensive housing alternatives to defray the impact of this policy?
Being a house staff member in Thurston this year, I understand the importance of residence life and how its builds our community at GW. That being said, the administration needs to be open with students as to their reasoning behind making decisions that affect students directly. As EVP, I hope to bring the administration and students together through having a Senate that serves as a public forum so that issues like the junior housing policy can be addressed better.
How will you advocate for increased university engagement with students related to budgets and strategic planning?
Using the Senate as a public forum will allow administrators and students to come together to, again, have that face-to-face dialogue when issues arise. Relationships between the administration and students is an excellent example of our need to uphold Deeds Not Words. It is not enough for the administration to say they will listen to students, just as it is not enough for students to only complain about policies on social media. We need to have mutual respect and actual dialogues.
Do you support GW Not For Profit’s proposal for non-voting student representatives on the financial committees of the Board of Trustees?
Student input is vital. The Senate as a public forum will help increase student input for decisions that impact us directly. An excellent application of this idea would be if Chairman Carbonell or another Board member would visit the Senate whenever the BOT is in town to increase transparency and utilize the SA as a hub of student representation. We have already began implementing similar ideas this year through the Board of Trustees dinner with students and the Student Affairs Committee meeting. I'm looking forward to working with the administration, the Board, and students to gather input on how to best represent students in the decisions the University makes that affect us.
How will you, in the position you are seeking on the SA, personally listen to the needs of students and their organizations?
As Executive Vice President, I will hold office hours in various locations on campus and will always be accessible to meet with students. Through my campus involvement and my roles within the SA (Assistant VP for Public Affairs last year and Deputy Chief of Staff this year), I understand there are various ways to engage with the student body, and I plan to utilize as many of these as possible, from social media feedback to face-to-face conversations.
My name is Avra Bossov and I'm a junior in the School of Media and Public Affairs. I've been actively involved on campus throughout my time at GW and I believe I can strengthen our community as the Executive Vice President of the Student Association.
During my sophomore year, as the SA's Assistant Vice President for Public Affairs, I worked with Ashwin Narla to lobby for additional space for students to study and socialize. This year, as the SA's Deputy Chief of Staff, I worked with Julia and Kostas to facilitate the move of Student Health Service and the University Counseling Center to campus.
As a brother of Alpha Phi Omega and an Executive Board member of the Alternative Breaks Program, I have worked to give back to our community through service projects and extracurricular activities on and off campus. This year, as a member of House Staff in Thurston Hall, I've worked to implement programming and served as a resource for my sixty-five residents because I believe that our community matters.
Do you think the university should be more transparent in its budget, operations, and strategic planning processes?
The first tenant of my platform is student input. I plan to utilize the Senate as a public forum where we invite administrators and encourage students to attend so that when issues arise, we can address them with an open and face-to-face dialogue. Working the administration requires communication and building relationships; as EVP, I will work to use the SA as a bridge between the Administration and students.
Similarly, what can be done to ensure more transparency within the Student Association?
The SA website has made great strides this year in containing resources for students. I hope to continue utilizing the Student Association's website and social media outlets to be more transparent. I look forward to meeting with the Finance Committee to see how we can better service student orgs when it comes to allocations and the communication between student orgs and the Finance Committee. The Executive Cabinet also has a Director of Financial Communication to better communicate such issues as well.
How would you work to increase student awareness of existing university services that many are often not aware of?
This year, I worked with the SA's Director of Student Services to create a graphic listing all the resources offered and contact information. This graphic will be available later this semester. I will also work with President to have office hours in different locations on campus and do student organization tours.
Is the affordability of a GW education an important issue to you? Why?
As a student who benefits from financial aid, affordability is definitely an important issue to me. The GW experience that I have been able to have as a result of receiving financial aid is unmatched to any other college experience I could have imagined for myself. I look forward to working with President Knapp and the Administration to make sure GW does everything it can to retain its students and offers similar opportunities regarding financial aid.
How will you advocate for increased university attention to student needs (whether related to academics, housing, health, student organizations, campus life, etc) while keeping in mind that increased spending on such initiatives could lead to higher costs of attendance for future students?
As a member of House Staff this year, I have seen how the Center for Student Engagement works within residence halls and among student organizations to support the student body and campus involvement. Within the purview of the CSE, House Staff and the CSE work incredibly hard to make sure our students are able to find their place at GW in terms of academics, campus life, housing and mental and physical health. I will utilize my role next year in connecting students to resources and improving the GW experience as a whole.
What are ways you would advocate for lower costs of attendance at GW (such as tuition and fees, housing, dining, charges for services, printing, SA fees, etc)?
My goal related to cost is to make sure cost is not a deterrent to any student's well being or ability to fulfill his or her potential here. This year, I worked to help put together a cost-comparison proposal for GW Housing and the Board of Trustees to consider in moving forward with housing prices. Already, Housing has taken that report into consideration with offering more options for students to preference through the iHousing portal.
What are your thoughts on the new requirement that Juniors in the Class of 2018 and onward live on campus? How will you advocate for inexpensive housing alternatives to defray the impact of this policy?
Being a house staff member in Thurston this year, I understand the importance of residence life and how its builds our community at GW. That being said, the administration needs to be open with students as to their reasoning behind making decisions that affect students directly. As EVP, I hope to bring the administration and students together through having a Senate that serves as a public forum so that issues like the junior housing policy can be addressed better.
How will you advocate for increased university engagement with students related to budgets and strategic planning?
Using the Senate as a public forum will allow administrators and students to come together to, again, have that face-to-face dialogue when issues arise. Relationships between the administration and students is an excellent example of our need to uphold Deeds Not Words. It is not enough for the administration to say they will listen to students, just as it is not enough for students to only complain about policies on social media. We need to have mutual respect and actual dialogues.
Do you support GW Not For Profit’s proposal for non-voting student representatives on the financial committees of the Board of Trustees?
Student input is vital. The Senate as a public forum will help increase student input for decisions that impact us directly. An excellent application of this idea would be if Chairman Carbonell or another Board member would visit the Senate whenever the BOT is in town to increase transparency and utilize the SA as a hub of student representation. We have already began implementing similar ideas this year through the Board of Trustees dinner with students and the Student Affairs Committee meeting. I'm looking forward to working with the administration, the Board, and students to gather input on how to best represent students in the decisions the University makes that affect us.
How will you, in the position you are seeking on the SA, personally listen to the needs of students and their organizations?
As Executive Vice President, I will hold office hours in various locations on campus and will always be accessible to meet with students. Through my campus involvement and my roles within the SA (Assistant VP for Public Affairs last year and Deputy Chief of Staff this year), I understand there are various ways to engage with the student body, and I plan to utilize as many of these as possible, from social media feedback to face-to-face conversations.
Ian Crueldad
Background:
I recently transferred to GW from California during the past fall semester. I was born and raised in California. My mom is the only parent who is involved in my life. For the past two years since I started my college career, I have been involved with politics. I have worked on about 5-6 campaigns ranging from local positions to the federal level. I have been president of three political organizations which include a college political science club and a young democrats club. I also have spend much of my time fighting for more funding for education. I did this by lobbying and working with local organizations and politicians.
Do you think the university should be more transparent in its budget, operations, and strategic planning processes?
I strongly believe that everything from the budget to strategic planning should be transparent. It is our rights as students to know what is going on with our school and what plans may be implemented in the future. Some ways that Student Association could advocate for more transparency is by holding open meetings with members of the administration and elected members of the Student Association. Any student should have the chance to ask questions regarding these types of concern.
Similarly, what can be done to ensure more transparency within the Student Association?
I fully support that the Student Association should post everything it has done and what changes have been made. Since students and their families pay tuition towards school, we have the right to now where funds are being allocated and what plans the Student Association is planning to implement. The Student Association should post everything online where people can have easy access.
How would you work to increase student awareness of existing university services that many are often not aware of?
I would hold open meetings more frequently than that was held in the past. I would post all the types of services the university has to offer online and ensure that students have easy access to it. I would try to mention as much as I can during freshman and transfer orientations.
Is the affordability of a GW education an important issue to you? Why?
As a student who was raised by a single mother and grew up pretty poor my whole life, I am very concerned about the affordability of a GW education. The only reason why I am attend this school is because I was fortunate enough to have a scholarship. I think everyone from various background just like mine should have a world class education.
How will you advocate for increased university attention to student needs (whether related to academics, housing, health, student organizations, campus life, etc) while keeping in mind that increased spending on such initiatives could lead to higher costs of attendance for future students?
I would try to work with the administration as much as possible and with students. I will try to find solutions such as having more fundraisers and pushing for more alumni donations.
What are ways you would advocate for lower costs of attendance at GW (such as tuition and fees, housing, dining, charges for services, printing, SA fees, etc)?
I would work with the members of the Student Association and the administration on what cuts we could make on the budget with out affecting greatly the education of GW.
What are your thoughts on the new requirement that Juniors in the Class of 2018 and onward live on campus? How will you advocate for inexpensive housing alternatives to defray the impact of this policy?
I don't think students at least who are upper class men should be forced to live on campus. They should be able to have the chance to experience living on their own. I would go far as protesting for inexpensive housing alternatives.
How will you advocate for increased university engagement with students related to budgets and strategic planning?
I would remind the students how important it is too see what the school is doing with the money they payed towards the tuition so they can understand more on whats going on with the school.
Do you support GW Not For Profit’s proposal for non-voting student representatives on the financial committees of the Board of Trustees?
I completely support GW Not For Profit proposal on what 6 non voting members on the financial committees of the Board of Trustees. Although I assume that everyone would agree on trying to get voting members.
How will you, in the position you are seeking on the SA, personally listen to the needs of students and their organizations?
Like I said many times before, I will as EVP try to hold as much open meetings as possible where students and their families could ask questions regarding their education at GW. I will personally talk to every student here about their concerns as much as I can.
I recently transferred to GW from California during the past fall semester. I was born and raised in California. My mom is the only parent who is involved in my life. For the past two years since I started my college career, I have been involved with politics. I have worked on about 5-6 campaigns ranging from local positions to the federal level. I have been president of three political organizations which include a college political science club and a young democrats club. I also have spend much of my time fighting for more funding for education. I did this by lobbying and working with local organizations and politicians.
Do you think the university should be more transparent in its budget, operations, and strategic planning processes?
I strongly believe that everything from the budget to strategic planning should be transparent. It is our rights as students to know what is going on with our school and what plans may be implemented in the future. Some ways that Student Association could advocate for more transparency is by holding open meetings with members of the administration and elected members of the Student Association. Any student should have the chance to ask questions regarding these types of concern.
Similarly, what can be done to ensure more transparency within the Student Association?
I fully support that the Student Association should post everything it has done and what changes have been made. Since students and their families pay tuition towards school, we have the right to now where funds are being allocated and what plans the Student Association is planning to implement. The Student Association should post everything online where people can have easy access.
How would you work to increase student awareness of existing university services that many are often not aware of?
I would hold open meetings more frequently than that was held in the past. I would post all the types of services the university has to offer online and ensure that students have easy access to it. I would try to mention as much as I can during freshman and transfer orientations.
Is the affordability of a GW education an important issue to you? Why?
As a student who was raised by a single mother and grew up pretty poor my whole life, I am very concerned about the affordability of a GW education. The only reason why I am attend this school is because I was fortunate enough to have a scholarship. I think everyone from various background just like mine should have a world class education.
How will you advocate for increased university attention to student needs (whether related to academics, housing, health, student organizations, campus life, etc) while keeping in mind that increased spending on such initiatives could lead to higher costs of attendance for future students?
I would try to work with the administration as much as possible and with students. I will try to find solutions such as having more fundraisers and pushing for more alumni donations.
What are ways you would advocate for lower costs of attendance at GW (such as tuition and fees, housing, dining, charges for services, printing, SA fees, etc)?
I would work with the members of the Student Association and the administration on what cuts we could make on the budget with out affecting greatly the education of GW.
What are your thoughts on the new requirement that Juniors in the Class of 2018 and onward live on campus? How will you advocate for inexpensive housing alternatives to defray the impact of this policy?
I don't think students at least who are upper class men should be forced to live on campus. They should be able to have the chance to experience living on their own. I would go far as protesting for inexpensive housing alternatives.
How will you advocate for increased university engagement with students related to budgets and strategic planning?
I would remind the students how important it is too see what the school is doing with the money they payed towards the tuition so they can understand more on whats going on with the school.
Do you support GW Not For Profit’s proposal for non-voting student representatives on the financial committees of the Board of Trustees?
I completely support GW Not For Profit proposal on what 6 non voting members on the financial committees of the Board of Trustees. Although I assume that everyone would agree on trying to get voting members.
How will you, in the position you are seeking on the SA, personally listen to the needs of students and their organizations?
Like I said many times before, I will as EVP try to hold as much open meetings as possible where students and their families could ask questions regarding their education at GW. I will personally talk to every student here about their concerns as much as I can.
Paul Lisbon
Background:
In high school I was involved in Student Government, Youth and Government, Model U.N., Madrigal Singers and various volunteer groups. As the Speaker of the House for Missouri Youth and Government, I had the opportunity to preside over a legislative body of over 100 people. That position along with various other roles in which I have thrived makes me confident that I could adeptly preside over the SA Senate.
Since being accepted to GW Early Decision I, I have truly loved this school. I am an active member of the GW International Affairs Society, the GW Voice Gospel Choir, GW Class Council, and the GW Residence Hall Association as a hall council advisor. My involvement in these groups has helped me understand the struggles that student orgs undergo daily and has conveyed to me the importance of an active student government in addressing those struggles.
My student experience at GW has been rich and educational with both triumphs and shortcomings. I am double majoring in Political Science and Economics with a minor in Africana Studies. My course of study is an extension of my personality, and has helped the way I think and act. Having read this, I hope you now you know a little more about me.
Do you think the university should be more transparent in its budget, operations, and strategic planning processes?
I believe the Student Organization can be more transparent by controlling some of the fashions in which they are presented in the media. While the Hatchet is a great source for news, something as simple as printing up a newsletter could really benefit the Student Association. Additionally, the S.A. should make sure to try to justify the actions it takes with its constitution. (I.E. saying we're doing this because XYZ and XYZ portion of the SA constitutions allows us to enact said change).
Similarly, what can be done to ensure more transparency within the Student Association?
In addition to disclosing the how they are in compliance with the SA constitution; the Student Senate could increase transparency by allowing an independent group of qualified students to occasionally audit their work.
How would you work to increase student awareness of existing university services that many are often not aware of?
I would have to approach each service in a unique fashion. While students may love to more about food options on campus, understanding how we interact with the ANC may not be of high importance to the student groups. Depending on how these activities affect the day to day activities of students we would launch word of mouth campaigns along with petitions or even workshops for E-Boards to help them better understand what exactly the SA is doing.
Is the affordability of a GW education an important issue to you? Why?
Yes, I believe that access to a quality education is paramount in ensuring the future of the University, our community, and our country. As a student who had the opportunity to go to a private school before attending GW I realize that the difference in affordability can be a difference in the quality of life in the long run. One goal the University should strive to achieve is meeting the needs of students who demonstrate it to the best of its ability.
How will you advocate for increased university attention to student needs (whether related to academics, housing, health, student organizations, campus life, etc) while keeping in mind that increased spending on such initiatives could lead to higher costs of attendance for future students?
I think a lot of the things that students need can be financed by the university given much of the current funding we already have. If we have the ability to build a textile museum in order to further our prestige, I refuse to believe that we can't invest the same sort of funds into the student population.
What are ways you would advocate for lower costs of attendance at GW (such as tuition and fees, housing, dining, charges for services, printing, SA fees, etc)?
Placing a higher emphasis on fundraising within the GW community and in DC could be an excellent way in which we lower costs for attendance. I also think that helping link student organizations with potential grant opportunities is something that would be a good initiative to undertake in the SA.
What are your thoughts on the new requirement that Juniors in the Class of 2018 and onward live on campus? How will you advocate for inexpensive housing alternatives to defray the impact of this policy?
As an upcoming Junior I understand how controversial this policy has been with students who it won't even effect. I think one solution to keeping costs down is to prioritize housing that doesn't have many flashy amenities. While it is nice to have a kitchen and other things that upperclassmen are used to, having housing without these amenities could save money. Additionally, building a community on the Mount Vernon campus could make it more desirable to live there.
How will you advocate for increased university engagement with students related to budgets and strategic planning?
As an advisor in the RHA I have had the unique experience of working with finance chairs in various halls. One tactic we use in RHA that has been very effective is having training sessions at the beginning of every semester for the students in all positions. This training retreat is an excellent time to ask questions and raise issues directly with the finance director of the RHA. Having a similar sort of conference with the VP of Financial Affairs and with the Chairman of the Finance committee could be valuable to treasurers in GW Student Organizations.
Do you support GW Not For Profit’s proposal for non-voting student representatives on the financial committees of the Board of Trustees?
I believe that the idea behind GW not For Profit's proposal is well intentioned. I am not sure whether or not running for the positions during the SA JEC elections is the best solution. But, I am in agreement with the idea that there should be some form of student representation on the Board of Trustees.
How will you, in the position you are seeking on the SA, personally listen to the needs of students and their organizations?I hope to serve as an emissary between the Student Senate The Executive Branch and the Organizations they represent. While I will be busy overseeing the Senate I intended to find time to listen to the needs of Student Organizations by holding office hours multiple times a week, and hopefully initiating some interactions with Organizations with similar goals.
In high school I was involved in Student Government, Youth and Government, Model U.N., Madrigal Singers and various volunteer groups. As the Speaker of the House for Missouri Youth and Government, I had the opportunity to preside over a legislative body of over 100 people. That position along with various other roles in which I have thrived makes me confident that I could adeptly preside over the SA Senate.
Since being accepted to GW Early Decision I, I have truly loved this school. I am an active member of the GW International Affairs Society, the GW Voice Gospel Choir, GW Class Council, and the GW Residence Hall Association as a hall council advisor. My involvement in these groups has helped me understand the struggles that student orgs undergo daily and has conveyed to me the importance of an active student government in addressing those struggles.
My student experience at GW has been rich and educational with both triumphs and shortcomings. I am double majoring in Political Science and Economics with a minor in Africana Studies. My course of study is an extension of my personality, and has helped the way I think and act. Having read this, I hope you now you know a little more about me.
Do you think the university should be more transparent in its budget, operations, and strategic planning processes?
I believe the Student Organization can be more transparent by controlling some of the fashions in which they are presented in the media. While the Hatchet is a great source for news, something as simple as printing up a newsletter could really benefit the Student Association. Additionally, the S.A. should make sure to try to justify the actions it takes with its constitution. (I.E. saying we're doing this because XYZ and XYZ portion of the SA constitutions allows us to enact said change).
Similarly, what can be done to ensure more transparency within the Student Association?
In addition to disclosing the how they are in compliance with the SA constitution; the Student Senate could increase transparency by allowing an independent group of qualified students to occasionally audit their work.
How would you work to increase student awareness of existing university services that many are often not aware of?
I would have to approach each service in a unique fashion. While students may love to more about food options on campus, understanding how we interact with the ANC may not be of high importance to the student groups. Depending on how these activities affect the day to day activities of students we would launch word of mouth campaigns along with petitions or even workshops for E-Boards to help them better understand what exactly the SA is doing.
Is the affordability of a GW education an important issue to you? Why?
Yes, I believe that access to a quality education is paramount in ensuring the future of the University, our community, and our country. As a student who had the opportunity to go to a private school before attending GW I realize that the difference in affordability can be a difference in the quality of life in the long run. One goal the University should strive to achieve is meeting the needs of students who demonstrate it to the best of its ability.
How will you advocate for increased university attention to student needs (whether related to academics, housing, health, student organizations, campus life, etc) while keeping in mind that increased spending on such initiatives could lead to higher costs of attendance for future students?
I think a lot of the things that students need can be financed by the university given much of the current funding we already have. If we have the ability to build a textile museum in order to further our prestige, I refuse to believe that we can't invest the same sort of funds into the student population.
What are ways you would advocate for lower costs of attendance at GW (such as tuition and fees, housing, dining, charges for services, printing, SA fees, etc)?
Placing a higher emphasis on fundraising within the GW community and in DC could be an excellent way in which we lower costs for attendance. I also think that helping link student organizations with potential grant opportunities is something that would be a good initiative to undertake in the SA.
What are your thoughts on the new requirement that Juniors in the Class of 2018 and onward live on campus? How will you advocate for inexpensive housing alternatives to defray the impact of this policy?
As an upcoming Junior I understand how controversial this policy has been with students who it won't even effect. I think one solution to keeping costs down is to prioritize housing that doesn't have many flashy amenities. While it is nice to have a kitchen and other things that upperclassmen are used to, having housing without these amenities could save money. Additionally, building a community on the Mount Vernon campus could make it more desirable to live there.
How will you advocate for increased university engagement with students related to budgets and strategic planning?
As an advisor in the RHA I have had the unique experience of working with finance chairs in various halls. One tactic we use in RHA that has been very effective is having training sessions at the beginning of every semester for the students in all positions. This training retreat is an excellent time to ask questions and raise issues directly with the finance director of the RHA. Having a similar sort of conference with the VP of Financial Affairs and with the Chairman of the Finance committee could be valuable to treasurers in GW Student Organizations.
Do you support GW Not For Profit’s proposal for non-voting student representatives on the financial committees of the Board of Trustees?
I believe that the idea behind GW not For Profit's proposal is well intentioned. I am not sure whether or not running for the positions during the SA JEC elections is the best solution. But, I am in agreement with the idea that there should be some form of student representation on the Board of Trustees.
How will you, in the position you are seeking on the SA, personally listen to the needs of students and their organizations?I hope to serve as an emissary between the Student Senate The Executive Branch and the Organizations they represent. While I will be busy overseeing the Senate I intended to find time to listen to the needs of Student Organizations by holding office hours multiple times a week, and hopefully initiating some interactions with Organizations with similar goals.
Chris Stillwell
Background:
I’m Chris Stillwell and I’m running for Executive Vice President of the George Washington University Student Association. I'm a junior in the Elliott School, majoring in International Affairs with a concentration in Asia. Throughout my life I have always felt a need to serve my community. When coming to GW I was thrilled with the idea of getting involved and improving student life. Because of this I joined Army ROTC, Greek life, various student organizations, and the Student Association.
Do you think the university should be more transparent in its budget, operations, and strategic planning processes?
At George Washington University there is limited student representation to the Board of Trustees through few interactions with the Student Association. Currently the unofficial system in which the Student Association President and two appointees get face time with the Board can be further enhanced through having official roles clearly defined through the Board’s bylaws. Having student input on the Board of Trustees can provide the Board with a direct look into student life when establishing policy decisions.
Similarly, what can be done to ensure more transparency within the Student Association?
The SA can be more open by publishing committee minutes and agendas. As well as constantly updating the website with news from the executive and senate in order to provide students with a better look into what the SA is doing for them.
How would you work to increase student awareness of existing university services that many are often not aware of?
Yes, I think the SA so far has done a very good job at adding more resources to the SA website that provides students with centralized room reservation links, housing information, and SA resources. I would be open to working with more organizations and administrators to allow more university services to be increasingly open to students
Is the affordability of a GW education an important issue to you? Why?
Yes, one of my platform points is to make sure students can afford housing at GW. With the mandate that forces Juniors to live on campus staring with the class of 2018 it is even more important for housing rates to be competitive with off campus housing costs.
How will you advocate for increased university attention to student needs (whether related to academics, housing, health, student organizations, campus life, etc) while keeping in mind that increased spending on such initiatives could lead to higher costs of attendance for future students?
I have served as chair of the student representation committee in the SA senate in order to facilitate more student input on the GW Board of Trustees. If students have a concrete relationship with the Board it will allow for student interests to be heard when making important university policy decisions.
What are ways you would advocate for lower costs of attendance at GW (such as tuition and fees, housing, dining, charges for services, printing, SA fees, etc)?
As mentioned before I want to make sure all students can afford to live on campus. Perhaps GW can allow students to opt out of cable to lower housing costs.
What are your thoughts on the new requirement that Juniors in the Class of 2018 and onward live on campus? How will you advocate for inexpensive housing alternatives to defray the impact of this policy?
See above.
How will you advocate for increased university engagement with students related to budgets and strategic planning?
With a concrete relationship with the Board of Trustees students can advocate for student interests regarding the future of GW. I am supportive of making the channels of current student input to the Board official.
Do you support GW Not For Profit’s proposal for non-voting student representatives on the financial committees of the Board of Trustees?
I support student input to the Board. I believe there needs to be a long term discussion with Board and other key stakeholders before changing the dynamic of the Board of Trustees.
How will you, in the position you are seeking on the SA, personally listen to the needs of students and their organizations?
In the Senate I've always had an open door policy. I encourage orgs and students to send me an email or come meet with me in person. The SA cannot successfully advocate for students without hearing their issues and I think that it is extremely important to be available for this input.
I’m Chris Stillwell and I’m running for Executive Vice President of the George Washington University Student Association. I'm a junior in the Elliott School, majoring in International Affairs with a concentration in Asia. Throughout my life I have always felt a need to serve my community. When coming to GW I was thrilled with the idea of getting involved and improving student life. Because of this I joined Army ROTC, Greek life, various student organizations, and the Student Association.
Do you think the university should be more transparent in its budget, operations, and strategic planning processes?
At George Washington University there is limited student representation to the Board of Trustees through few interactions with the Student Association. Currently the unofficial system in which the Student Association President and two appointees get face time with the Board can be further enhanced through having official roles clearly defined through the Board’s bylaws. Having student input on the Board of Trustees can provide the Board with a direct look into student life when establishing policy decisions.
Similarly, what can be done to ensure more transparency within the Student Association?
The SA can be more open by publishing committee minutes and agendas. As well as constantly updating the website with news from the executive and senate in order to provide students with a better look into what the SA is doing for them.
How would you work to increase student awareness of existing university services that many are often not aware of?
Yes, I think the SA so far has done a very good job at adding more resources to the SA website that provides students with centralized room reservation links, housing information, and SA resources. I would be open to working with more organizations and administrators to allow more university services to be increasingly open to students
Is the affordability of a GW education an important issue to you? Why?
Yes, one of my platform points is to make sure students can afford housing at GW. With the mandate that forces Juniors to live on campus staring with the class of 2018 it is even more important for housing rates to be competitive with off campus housing costs.
How will you advocate for increased university attention to student needs (whether related to academics, housing, health, student organizations, campus life, etc) while keeping in mind that increased spending on such initiatives could lead to higher costs of attendance for future students?
I have served as chair of the student representation committee in the SA senate in order to facilitate more student input on the GW Board of Trustees. If students have a concrete relationship with the Board it will allow for student interests to be heard when making important university policy decisions.
What are ways you would advocate for lower costs of attendance at GW (such as tuition and fees, housing, dining, charges for services, printing, SA fees, etc)?
As mentioned before I want to make sure all students can afford to live on campus. Perhaps GW can allow students to opt out of cable to lower housing costs.
What are your thoughts on the new requirement that Juniors in the Class of 2018 and onward live on campus? How will you advocate for inexpensive housing alternatives to defray the impact of this policy?
See above.
How will you advocate for increased university engagement with students related to budgets and strategic planning?
With a concrete relationship with the Board of Trustees students can advocate for student interests regarding the future of GW. I am supportive of making the channels of current student input to the Board official.
Do you support GW Not For Profit’s proposal for non-voting student representatives on the financial committees of the Board of Trustees?
I support student input to the Board. I believe there needs to be a long term discussion with Board and other key stakeholders before changing the dynamic of the Board of Trustees.
How will you, in the position you are seeking on the SA, personally listen to the needs of students and their organizations?
In the Senate I've always had an open door policy. I encourage orgs and students to send me an email or come meet with me in person. The SA cannot successfully advocate for students without hearing their issues and I think that it is extremely important to be available for this input.