CANDIDATES FOR THE EXECUTIVE POSITIONS OF

Treasurer of the Student Body

Andrew Dubois

As Student Body Treasurer I, Andrew Dubois, would devote my time and energy to ensure that resources entrusted by students to the Undergraduate Student Senate and the Graduate Student Assembly are allocated properly.  I would work diligently to make certain that organizations receiving funding used their allocated resources appropriately and within the guidelines of the organizations' budgets as passed by the Joint Funding Committee.
    The task of Student Body Treasurer is a challenging one, yet I have the experience and track record necessary to qualify me for a position.  I am currently an Undergraduate Student Senator for the School of Computer Science.  In addition, I have served and continue to serve as an officer for several organizations on campus and am familiar with the hard work and dedication that these roles mandate.  I have served on the Joint Funding Committee and am familiar with the process that goes into the creation and verification of organizations' budgets and the entire funding process.

President of the Student Body

Michael Moieseyev and Francesca Reale

"The object of this union shall be to safeguard and promote the welfare of its members."  This is how Article II of our constitution defines the object of the student body.  This is what I promise to strive for as your student body president.  The position requires one to be a liaison between many parties and many interests.  However, on matters where the students agree, there must be no compromise of their needs.  On an issue such as the academic calendar, slow steps to fix a direct violation of the reading day policy over a period of years are simply not enough when the welfare of hundreds of students directly and thousands indirectly is at stake.  On things as +/- grading, course offerings, campus safety, dining options, feedback, social events, the general direction this university heads in, and the multitude of other issues facing us, keeping all sides well informed usually leads to agreement.  However, if and when it does not, I promise to represent the needs of the students above all else and to never back down or compromise away the best interests of my constituency.

My running mate and I offer enough experience to accomplish our goals.  In the time I have served on Student Senate, I learned what the problems, issues, and concerns of most students are.  It came from my own work, watching my fellow senators at work, and making an effort to find out the feelings of students both within and outside my college.  Francesca is a petitioned member of SDC, as well as a member of CMUTV, the Tartan, and a number of other campus organizations, all of them sources for feedback and student opinion that have provided her with a strong picture of the students' varied needs and will continue doing so in the future.  Both of us are officers of student organizations, and comfortable with the daily reality of handling executive tasks.  We are both active in our SACs, having experience in relaying the needs of students to faculty decision makers.  Through our various interests, we have built up a large and diverse circle of friends, both undergraduate and graduate, who help us understand the concerns and daily life of the student body.

Here are some of the specific projects we would take with us into office. A push for a general policy more focused on the value of current academics, namely a priority in the academic calender on helping students succeed in their classes, as well as a general policy more conducive to supporting education and research of substance over that of only trend.  More focus on student activities, helping new organizations get started and enforcing the fairest distribution of budgets based on student interest.  A stronger recycling policy, enforcing that bags from recyclable beverage containers and mounds of cluster paper are not simply tossed in with the trash.  A policy which would allow for students with chronic illnesses, such as Multiple Sclerosis, to maintain active academic involvement which is structured around their needs.  A comprehensive improvement in safety, including more officers on duty, better lighting on and off campus in CMU dominated areas, and a better shuttle program with drivers who don't speed and actually wait for people at their designated stops.  These are just some of the ideas I would push through, while doing a 24/7 job of preventing ideas and policies that would hurt students from reaching implementation.  What I have to offer as president is a combination of backing up student interests to the end, along with the tools to understand what those interests are and make the necessary changes.  My running mate and I are ready, willing, and able to safeguard and promote the welfare of the members of the student body.

Brian Namey and Dan Gilman

Throughout our long service in Student Government, Dan Gilman and I have effectively and consistently promoted the interests of the student body.  We have built strong, professional relationships with student leaders and administrators, and by understanding the workings of this campus, we were able to affect positive change where it seemed no change would come. If elected Student Body President and Vice President, our knowledge, our experience, and our connection with the people of this University would make us the strongest advocates for the student body.

Experience:

Ideas:
Dan Gilman and I will get things done as we have in the past.  We will listen to the entire student body – graduate and undergraduate – and we will effectively tackle issues most important to students. In the coming year, we will work hard to expand on our current successes and to serve the campus community through further innovative and substantial improvements.  

We would appreciate your vote, and we thank you for your consideration.

Chad Paliotta and Morgan Linton

My name is Chad Paliotta and my friend Morgan Linton and I are running for the offices of Student Body President and Vice President because we feel that the single most significant problem we have here on campus is a lack of real communication with the student body.  We don't blame this problem on the students.  We see the remedy for this problem with the offices of Student Body President and Vice President.  When Morgan and I went out to collect the 100 signatures needed to run in this election we were shocked by the number of students out there who didn't even know we had an election going on.  The vast majority could not name a single student government officer or accomplishment they knew of.  I think that this has to change. My running mate Morgan and I are committed to finally getting the student body involved in student government on a personal level.  People wonder why this campus is appears so apathetic and we think that part of it is because the Student Body President and Vice president need to start going out and personally getting the students' opinions.  We *know* that there is no shortage of strong opinions out there on every issue ranging from food quality to plus/minus grading, all we have to do is ask the students themselves.  We need to take the office hours of the President and Vice President out of the office.  The key to it all is information.  We are the only candidates in this election who fully believe that change needs to happen on a personal level.  One student at a time if needs be.  It's not something that you can accomplish with a webpage of some Internet forum for voicing issues.  Institutions like misc.market alone cannot change the way things are done around here.  Office hours need to leave the office.  Walk the campus, knock on the doors, talk to the students face to face and see what they really think in person.  We are committed to change and committed to being as visible campus figures as we can be.  Without seeing your elected representatives and hearing them speak about the issues at hand how can students be a part of government?  We need to see the people we elect to office, we need to hear them as often as possible to be reassured that they are always working for our benefit.  Without that, change for Carnegie Mellon will still be a long way away.  More personal contact for all students, better communication between administrators and students, and active efforts to share information and enthusiasm between graduates and undergraduates is the key to achieving the ideal of the Carnegie Mellon campus community that we are all seeking here.  It can start right now, one student at a time.  Vote for the students.  Vote for Chad and Morgan.

Salma Zahr and Vanessa Braganza

With our campus involvement and experience, we bring years of results, follow through and resolve to the offices of Student Body President and Vice President.  Our combined experience includes: Student Senate (over 3 years total), an Executive Board Member of the Society of Women Engineers, a Greek Council Executive Member, a PR Director in the Carnegie Mellon Business Association, Resident Assistants, an Officer of the Softball Team, an Officer in the International Student Union and much, much more!  Our dedication and responsibility exudes in events we have put on such as the SWE Ball and Kristin's Story, a sexual assault/depression awareness program.

Our platform is three-tiered consisting of: Campus Innovation and Improvement, Campus Unity and Student Concerns.  We will represent the ENTIRE Carnegie Mellon Campus, Undergraduate and Graduate students alike.  In our platform, we highlight security, campus beautification through adding benches, flowers etc., better food quality and choice, a homecoming initiative involving athletics and student organizations, a central recreation area in the UC Basement, more affordable health insurance and lobbying for tax-free stipends.

Bottom line.  We know the students and we know the administration- WE WILL GET IT DONE!!!  The thing that separates us the most from the other candidates is we have an ACTION PLAN that will be implemented when elected.  We ask your support in giving us the opportunity to FOLLOW THROUGH with all our initiatives that will benefit YOU, the student body!  Thank you for your consideration.  Vote Salma Z and Vanessa B!!!

www.andrew.cmu.edu/~sgz

CANDIDATES FOR THE POSITIONS OF SENATOR FOR THE SCHOOL OF

Carnegie Institute of Technology

Monisha Jayakumar

The senate is a vibrant body that allows students to have their ideas and opinions voiced and suggestions implemented. Being a senator will allow me to put forth my thoughts on some issues that I think are most relevant to us. To begin with, the meal plan is a constant source of complains for all freshmen.   Someone needs to do more than just complain to get this issue tackled. We need to come up with pragmatic solutions that will solve the problem. I hope to be rather active on that front.
We have a new freshman dorm being built on campus. However, this building is not going to be ready awhile. A dorm experience is important in getting freshman integrated into the CMU community, and I think it is important that all freshmen are guaranteed housing on campus, even if it means giving freshmen priority over upperclassmen. I hope to ensure this happens.
This is the first time I am running for Senator of CIT at CMU but I have had some prior experience in being a part of Student Bodies. I was the speaker of the Student Council at my high school and also a member of the Prefectorial Body. On campus, I am actively involved with the business section of Thistle, our yearbook and CMU's chapter of Students in Free Enterprise.

College of Fine Arts

Deniz Secilmis

Hi, my name is Deniz Secilmis and I am running for one of the four seats open for the College of  Fine Arts.  I am a first year student in the five year architecture program.  I have long been interested in the Student Senate however I was worried first semester if I would have the time.  Now being more experienced, I know I can set aside the time to take on a seat in the Student Senate, if I am elected.  I am happy to do what is necessary, and be on top of things in order to do a good job.   Thanks, Deniz :)

Humanities and Social Sciences

William Malenzi

My name is William Malenzi; I’m a sophomore in H&SS with majors in Economics and Policy & Management.  I have in been in Student Senate for two semesters.  My time has been spent on the Internal Affairs and this semester I’m on the Joint Funding Committee.  I am also a member of Sigma Nu fraternity.  I am running for Student Senate again because I want to try to make sure that all organizations in CMU receive fair amounts of funding no matter there size or function.  I think that a lot of organizations have trouble doing all the events they want to do because they run out of money, I want to see this stop.  The more events that are put on for students the more enjoyable our campus is for everyone.  The other reason I want to continue my role in Senate is because I do the best job I can to represent the students of H&SS.  This includes preventing +/- grading on final grades, which most students in H&SS are against.  I am always interested in what people have to say whether I agree or disagree with them.

Industrial Administration

Jeffrey Hsiang

My name is Jeffrey Hsiang, and I was senator for the School of Industrial Administration these past 2 semesters. I am the Vice-Chair for the Public Relations Committee in Senate, and I am going for re-election. Some things I did these past 2 semesters as a senator was mainly to get business students’ opinion on what they would like to see changed. Many students have expressed their concerns on the plus/minus system and whether or not it would be incorporated into final grades. I talked to the Academic Affairs Committee about his issue and made sure they try to convince the University to incorporate the plus minus system only in mid-semester grades for the upcoming years. My goals for my next term as senator will be to work with Executive Director Dr. Cofield and Academic Development on establishing a tutorial program for business students who need help in their school-work. Right now, there are peer tutors for CIT, MCS, and H&SS, but there are none for SIA. I believe it is essential for business students to be able to get help when they have trouble solving problem sets, making presentations, and understanding intricate business concepts.  I also would like to see a change in the food on campus. Many business students have shared this same concern, so I plan on working with the University to try and bring in some different varieties to campus.

Mellon College of Science

Vito Fiore

Hello there.  My name is Vito Fiore and I am currently a Junior majoring in Physics.  I was elected to the Student Senate in Spring of 2001.  Much of my efforts over the last year have been devoted to the Academic Affairs committee, and this will continue should I be elected to MCS Student Senate for the 2002-2003 term.  Some projects I have personally worked on, and continue to work on, include information sharing between departments, review of the academic integrity code, +/- grading policy review (I oppose +/- final grades), academic calendar issues, development of a new comprehensive university-wide exam policy putting students' time and interests first, departmental advising issues, and broader course offerings.  I have participated in the physics department student advisory council (SAC) to keep in touch with pertinent MCS issues, and I try to let my classmates know about pressing issues facing the Senate to receive their input.  Other leadership qualifications I have at CMU include: participation in the Emerging Leaders program, work as a teaching assistant, and serving on the First Year Council.  My dedication to Senate has been tireless, as I have a 100% attendance record in both General Body and Academic Affairs Committee meetings, as well as serving as Sergeant-at-Arms for the Senate.  

I know it is easy to be disinterested in campus politics.  The process can be slow and frustrating, and the obstacles can be large, but it is my true belief that this campus is better off when students' concerns are communicated to the administration and put into action.  If you are skeptical, have issues with Student Senate, or a negative perception of the body as a whole LET ME KNOW.  I'll do my best to address your concerns and fill you in on how the system works and/or how you can get involved or be heard!  Once more, it is always worthwhile to complain, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise!  I always welcome any grievances, comments, or suggestions, as I can only address the issues you care about if you let me know.  Please e-mail me at vvf@andrew.cmu.edu if you have any questions on my platform, or anything at all, really.  

Lastly, because I want to be completely honest, I will close with a concession.  Over the coming months my personal academic focus will shift away from MCS and towards the humanities.    I will likely take some physics courses in the future and will keep in touch with departmental issues through the SAC and Colloquium, if at all possible.  What's more, over the last 3 years in MCS I have met so many great people that these binds cross the classrooms; always remember you will never find a deaf ear with me.  If this last issue is a concern to you, by all means please contact me, but I believe that my foundation and experience in MCS qualifies me for the job (as well as existing election rules, in a technical sense).  I want to be a candidate of full disclosure, regardless of what it means to my candidacy; I believe that if my record and dedication, communication skills and friendliness don't win me this seat, so be it.  At least I'll know that the better candidate won.  Personally, I am confident that my experience and character speak for itself, and that this issue does not detract from my ability to make Carnegie Mellon a
better place for all of us.

I hope you'll vote on March 25 and 26, for whomever you choose best qualified, and show everyone that we aren't as apathetic about our campus lives and community's future as many think.  Thanks for your consideration: Vito Fiore for MCS Student Senate.

Edward Ryan

I believe that, beyond any particular issue, the Student Senate itself needs to be revitalized. We need to become a more vocal force in the student body, letting our constituency know what we are, what we're doing, and how they can help.
Specific issues, such as campus security, final exam reading days, and the like need to be addressed with the confidence given by the knowledge that Student Government has the full support of the students it represents. In addition to addressing these and future issues, I plan on joining the Public Relations committee, to help increase awareness of Student Senate actions.

Dionisios Vasilatos

My name is Dionisios Vasilatos, sophomore, and I am running to represent the Mellon College of Science.  I am a Senate Member-at-Large and member of Senate Public Relations Committee.  Policy that promotes a stronger MCS community and support for improved communication between the students and Student Government will be my primary objectives during what would be my first term as Student Senator.  I wish to see Student Government become an integral part of campus life, the single unquestionably inclusive organization on campus, and a relevant political voice for its constituents.  I will continue to devote my time to our Public Relations committee with plans to get our Student Government further in touch with the rest of the student body through keeping current strategies such as the radio-show, flyers, email, and posters, etc., effective and efficient and pushing for new methods of reaching out such as senator forums and open-house senate meetings.  Student Government’s strength can only stem from every student’s support, knowledge, and involvement...this vital fact cannot be stressed enough.  I will bring a direct element to the Senate floor that is always a valuable ingredient to any body that makes decisions.  I understand that above all, our number one priority is to act wisely and expeditiously in order to fulfill our obligations in serving the interests of the student body.  Thank you for your time and support.

Computer Science

Michael Livanos

My name is Michael Livanos and I am a sophomore Computer Science major pursuing a second major in Business Administration.  I look to gain your support in representing the School of Computer Science as a Senator.  I currently serve on Student Senate as a member-at-large in the Public Relations committee.  Like many other students, I had been looking for ways to improve the campus community for some time before I joined Senate.  Working with Senate is an important way that students convey opinions to each other and to administration.  Becoming a member-at-large is a painless process that allows students to voice opinions, sit on committees, and encourage voting at Senate meetings.  Part of my mission as a Senator will be to get more representation from the campus in general and especially SCS as members-at-large.  One important offshoot of this is more SCS student opinions being heard in academic recommendations to the administration, club funding, Senate event planning, etc.  Making students more aware through campus events, email campaigns, and posters is just the start.  Asking advisors to encourage students to join Senate is another promising option.  The goal is important: let SCS student opinions be heard.  Thank you for all your support.

Sivanipriya Nattama

My name is SivaniPriya Nattama, or as many of you know me, Priya.  I'm a junior in CS and am interested in the Senate seat because I believe that the many unique problems facing the CS student body are of the kind that I can address.  As such I've had experience through my classes and many CS and campus organizations.  I've been an active member of Orientation every year that I've been here as well as served as a member-at-large this last semester.  As a member of the Internal Affairs committee I have gained experience with the workings of Senate.  I would like to combine the efforts of Internal Affairs with the Public Relations committee to help give students a better idea of how Senate works.  Furthermore, my activities have given me contact with students in my department that goes beyond the boards and classrooms.  I am an approachable person and would like very much to address your concerns regarding classes, schoolwork, policies or anything else that affects you as a student here.  You are part of a great school and even more a part of a great academic and social community and I would like to help make your experience enjoyable.

Mark Tomczak

As a senator, I feel I have done a good job of representing the desires of the School of Computer Science undergraduates so far. If elected, I plan to continue to monitor the undergraduate bboards, to talk to my fellow class members, and to do my best to vote their desires--and my conscience-- on key issues. I also plan to remain active in the Public Relations committee to keep communications between constituents and senators smooth. Finally, I plan to begin the wheels turning to bring the self-serve frozen yogurt machine back into full service at Schatz diner, thus bringing our cafeteria-style dining facilities closer to on-par with other major universities.