AS Review - April 22, 2013

Review

News // Events // Student Life

GET YOUR IN GEAR &

VOTE The AS Review Voter Guide

Vol. 28 #22 4.22.13

10 • Vote online at wwu.edu/vote

April 22, 2013 • 11

TAKING A CLOSER LOOK a breakdown of candidate demographics

ACADEMIC MAP major

with minor

MAJORS

In addition to the questions asked about their campaigns, the 18 candidates were also asked a number of demographic questions. Here are their answers.

double major

Political Science Poli-sci & Econ Marketing History Anthropology Theatre

AGE

GENDER

6

18

Fairhaven

Man

Urban Planning and Sustainable Developement Spanish

20

Communications

Freshman Senior

21

CLASS STANDING

22

5

1

3

Accounting and Economics Sophomore

English Literature Psycholgogy

MINORS

9

9 have been or are currently an

AS EMPLOYEE

8 4 have been involved with

CLUB ACTIVITY

Ancient Greek Language Communication

Junior

INVOLVEMENT

Human Services Politics, Philosophy, and Economonics

12

19

English

Woman

have had

NONE

Business Administration Journalism Technical Writing Energy Policy Law Diversity and Justice Diversity in Higher Ed French Psychology

12 • Vote online at wwu.edu/vote

With my experience in the AS, I have been actively involved with the AS club system, including the Ethnic Student Center. I have worked closely with the current VP for diversity and have had the opportunity to interact with different groups of students on campus.

If elected, I will: • Create a safe and inclusive environment for students of color and all identities • Bring diverse representation to the legislature including at Viking Lobby Day and the Students of Color Dinner • Represent students on a broader spectrum I am the best candidate for VP for diversity because of my ability to not only lead, but to serve and represent all diverse groups on campus and making it my responsibility to make decisions based on change students want.

MAYRA GUIZAR

Why are you seeking this position?

I am seeking this position because I am really passionate about diversity, and I know I have the leadership skills to represent underrepresented students on campus. Being both Latino and a woman, I have overcome many barriers and through those experiences I have grown as a person. I’ve represented both my school and my community through these experiences, and I’ve taken on different roles of leadership. It wasn’t until I moved to college that I felt like I was different. I found myself wanting to move back a couple times during my freshman year, but through the help of my roommate and the Associated Students I was able to find my voice again. If I were to get this position I would want nothing more but to kind of help students of color find their voice too.

What do you think is the role of VP for diversity?

I believe [the role of VP of diversity] would be to serve and support all diverse groups. I would serve as the AS board of directors liaison to the AS Ethnic Student Center, and make official recommendations to the board concerning all diversity affairs, while creating a safe space for everyone. I would promote inclusion and advocate for issues that impact the diverse community. Something that is also important to me is addressing people with their preferred pronouns.

It’s crucial for people to make that conscious effort to ask what a person chooses to go by, whether it is he, her or they, instead of assuming. It’s a matter of respect.

Diversity isn’t just limited to the color of a person’s skin, it includes race, identity, sexuality, ideology and everything else that makes a person unique.

What is one issue affecting students that you would like to focus or work on?

I want to focus on assuring that everyone has access to affordable education. For example, I would focus on the Dream Act issue and scholarship accessibility.

I would work with staff and faculty to bring in donors to create more scholarship revenue. Another thing I would do is to work hand-in-hand with the admissions office to recruit and retain students. I would also want to work with Compass 2 Campus and make higher education a possibility for the fifth-graders that are coming in, especially those from low-income homes.

I want to make it my duty to work with the VP for governmental affairs next year, so underrepresented groups have a stronger voice in legislative decisions.

CANDIDATES FOR VP STUDENT LIFE During my experience as the AS alternative transportation coordinator, and as one of last year’s AS environmental center interns, I have demonstrated that I have the motivation to address student needs, and will continue to do so. With my experience, leadership and passion for serving students, I will successfully implement innovations that will best fulfill student needs and build on Western’s progress to become a sustainable campus. As your AS vice president for student life, not only will I aid students as a resource, but I will work tirelessly to engage students in campus sustainability, improve and expand Western’s transportation services, and reach out to underrepresented students to guarantee everyone has a voice at Western.

ROBBY ECKROTH

Why are you seeking this position?

I am interested in the position for the Associated Students vice president for student life because through my past experience as the AS alternative transportation coordinator, and working in the AS environmental center, I have become passionate about working with students to address their needs. Additionally, my time working in these positions has made me very enthusiastic about campus sustainability and student transportation. With my experience and knowledge of the AS, I believe that I am the most qualified candidate for the position.

What do you think is the role of VP for student life?

The AS vice president for student life facilitates and revises the green energy fee and also addresses issues pertaining to student transportation. Additionally, the

AS VP for Student Life acts as a liaison between the AS and campus housing and dining and health and safety.

Lastly, just like all board members the position serves as a resource for students to address their needs.

What is one issue affecting students that you would like to focus or work on?

If the Real Food Challenge initiative passes, I definitely want to get working on that issue as soon as possible. I think it’s crucial that Western starts working towards sustainability and I think providing more local food options on campus is a great way to do that. Not only will this improve the quality of life on our campus, but it will also encourage other institutions to follow our lead through our own actions.

April 22, 2013 • 13

CANDIDATES FOR VP STUDENT LIFE Hi! My name is Margaret Westervelt and I am running for the AS VP of Student Life for the 2013-2014 school year. I’m super excited for this opportunity to work with such an amazing group of leaders! I’m a sophomore planning on a Marine biology major with a minor in Spanish, as of right now, but that could change. I love meeting new people and getting to know what they are interested in. I love summer rain and the Northwest more than almost anything, and I’m so blessed to be here. I am super passionate about students knowing the resources they have available to them and helping them use them so elect me! I hope y’all have a great year and we can chat sometime!

o

Margaret Westervelt was unable to be reached for an interview.

MARGARET WESTERVELT With over four years of leadership experience, including being the president of two A.S. clubs, I am the optimal choice for this position. I am very familiar with Residence Life by my being a member and the treasurer for National Residence Hall Honorary, and am also acquainted with the Office of Sustainability through my work as an EcoRep for the Fairhaven residence hall. To be a leader, it is essential to be an effective communicator. I will work with the different sustainability organizations, University Housing & Dining, the AS, and the student body to come up with short and long-term goals that reflect the needs of the school. You need a reliable vice president for Student Life, vote for Katrina Haffner 2013-2014.

KATRINA HAFFNER

Why are you seeking this position?

I am seeking to be on the board of directors because I have always wanted to represent the student body and the reason why I want to run for VP for Student Life is because I want to act as an effective communicator between the student government, the student body and the school. I am familiar with Residence Life and the Office of Sustainability and students being comfortable with the residence halls and sustainability on campus have always been a big concern for me. I want to make sure that I am acting in the best interest of the students who attend Western.

What do you think is the role of What do you think is the role of VP for Student Life?

The VP for Student Life acts as a liaison between

university housing and dining, the AS, the safety and transportation entities and the sustainability organizations on campus, so whoever is in this role would listen to the students and what their current needs are, and act accordingly. There are smaller projects, such as those in the green energy fee program, that can be implemented within a year. However, there are also larger projects like the divestment and real food initiatives that take a couple of years to implement. Whoever is in the position for VP for Student Life would have to balance the two and make sure that both are taken care of accordingly, make sure the smaller projects can be done and the larger projects can successfully be taken care of even after he or she leaves.

What is one issue affecting students that you would like to focus or work on?

One issue that has been addressed, but I don’t believe properly so, is that of gender-inclusive housing.

Within the past few years, BT has really been the only residence hall to do anything about it. Their third floor includes gender inclusive housing and, personally, I was surprised when I found out that Birnam Wood does not do the same. I have found out that residents in Birnam Wood are interested in gender-inclusive housing and they’re not really getting the attention they need, so I want to make sure that Birnam Wood successfully has gender-inclusive housing in the near future and that also in the future, the other residence halls on campus can eventually get it too.

14 • Vote online at wwu.edu/vote

CANDIDATES FOR VP GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS Dear Voters, This year you have the opportunity to elect an individual who will work tirelessly to improve Western in any way possible. I come from a background in leadership and have a passion for politics. If you do make the wise choice of electing me as your vice president for gvernmental affairs, I will work vigilantly with local and state politicians to make sure that the students at Western are represented properly and fairly, while also actively pushing to improve the student experience.

Why are you seeking this position?

I’m really interested in politics and this seemed like a good way to not only get my foot in the door there, but also help the students at Western.

What do you think is the role of VP for governmental affairs?

[It is] to represent the students in a legislative setting and push legislators to improve their lives here at Western.

What is one issue affecting students that you would like to focus or work on?

I would like to make student loans more affordable and get more grants for students who can’t afford school, just making school more affordable in general.

HARRISON GLASSEY Higher education should be a right, yet our government is failing us. Tuition continues to rise and more students are graduating with daunting amounts of debt.

Student issues must be brought to the table and our voices must be heard. Together, we must continue to fight for our rights.

If elected, I will: Represent all students by remaining inclusive of diverse ideas, interests and ideologies; Fight for higher education; lower tuition, increased funding, and more financial aid; Hold lawmakers accountable by strengthening lobbying and advocacy efforts; Collaborate with more students on developing Western’s legislative agenda.

My extensive involvement with the Associated Students and Washington Student Association has prepared me to best empower, represent and advocate for you. With me, you give your vote a voice.

KAYLEE GALLOWAY

Why are you seeking this position?

I am extremely passionate about legislative issues and the issues that affect students. I believe it is imperative to assure that students voices are heard and that our perspectives are considered in the legislative process. This past year, I served as the board assistant, so I have seen the day-to-day work of the board office.

I have also helped plan Viking Lobby Day and been a part of the process of drafting our state and federal legislative agendas. I’m an active member on the Washington Student Association, and I’ve served as the

vice president for communications, and that means I’ve worked really closely with students from all 11 Associated Students from the public colleges and universities.

What do you think is the role of VP for governmental affairs?

The premiere role is representing and advocating for all students and all issues, but predominantly higher education. Part of this position is ensuring that the students are being represented at a local, state and federal level, and serving as a liaison between. It’s really important that the VP of governmental affairs facilitates the development of the state and federal legislative agendas, reach out to students and making sure that all student issues are included, and provide students with the necessary resources to empower their voices and maximize student influence in legislative decisions.

What is one issue affecting students that you would like to focus or work on?

Affordability and accessibility of higher education.

What that means to me is demanding more funding for higher education, and what we get more funding is we get a reduction in tuition, we get students graduating with less debt and we get more access to financial aid.

Students are struggling with the rising costs and the decreasing accessibility to financial aid, and so the focus is going to ensure that the students and the issues pertaining to higher education are being discussed at the state and federal level, and assuring that legislation that is being proposed includes our stories.

April 22, 2013 • 15

CANDIDATES FOR VP GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS Running as a Democrat, I want to be as transparent and open about my identity. Having served on Legislative Affairs Council, I have worked in a non-partisan capacity for Western before and know what it means to represent all students.

But as a Democrat, I’ll advocate for the same values of supporting higher education, environment protections and equal rights for all people.

If elected, one of my biggest goals is to increase participation in local government by making the local liaison position full time. At both the city and county council level, Western can give input to relevant issues for students, like rental safety standards, coal terminals and other community issues.

ANDREW TAYLOR (D)

Why are you seeking this position?

I’m seeking this position because I want to increase student involvement in student government. One of the big things of my campaign is to do a giant “get out the vote” effort. I want as many people voting in this election as possible. Even if I don’t win, if the most people vote I will be happy with the end result of this election. That’s one of the biggest reasons why I’m running in this election. Also, local community involvement, increasing our local government involvement, creating a full-time local liaison position so that we can lobby on behalf of the City Council and Whatcom County Council because we do live in the community and we should have representation in those matters and somebody to go to who can keep track of issues that will affect My name is Olin Johansen and I am running for VP of governmental affairs. I have had an exciting and enriching three years at Western, and I want to be a part of the team that makes this school a great place for our students.

I spent last quarter interning for the Washington State House of Representatives. While there, I learned how to effectively listen and communicate with different groups of people. I also bring a great understanding of the legislative system and the ability to approach issues in a non-partisan manner. I understand how to be a leader. I promise to bring that knowledge to this position. I believe Western students deserve to be heard and fairly represented. I ask for your support.

OLIN JOHANSEN

Why are you seeking this position?

I think the main reason I decided to run for this is I spent the last quarter interning at the state capitol for the House of Representatives. I learned a lot about the state legislature and I know this position has to do a lot with communicating with them. I’ve always wanted to run for a position and I just found that this one fit me well and it fit my skill set, the knowledge I have and the ability to continue to work with them there. I’ve been here for almost three years and I’ve loved every minute of it. I’ve always wanted to be in a position where I can create some positive change.

What do you think is the role of VP for governmental affairs?

Besides just the duties of the AS office, I’d be in charge of communicating with the local, state and

students like student rental licensing or coal train installations or things like that.

What do you think is the role of VP for governmental affairs?

My specific position is to be sort of a liaison between the Associated Students and all external governmental affairs. That includes registering people to vote, that includes local government, county council, state government especially, and federal government when we have our federal issues and federal affairs, like the student loan forgiveness act that’s coming up that Western Votes is hosting a day of action for. Those types of things are where I see the Office of Governmental Affairs being most relevant to.

What is one issue affecting students that you would like to focus or work on?

Local government. I really think that we need more of a student voice in local government. I feel like Western is considered a bubble in local government and they don’t really consider us very often, so I’d like to increase our presence in local government. I would like to have that local liaison position, I’d like to have more representation, more student input on county council and city government and everything that happens that affects Western students, especially, because we live in this community and we should have representation there. federal government. I already have a lot of knowledge in state government, which is where we receive most of our funding from, and I think it would be really beneficial to the entire AS if we could have good communication with them. It’s my job to organize all of our lobbying efforts and represent our students to these different governmental groups, and say this is what we think about this, this is how we feel and this is what we want done.

What is one issue affecting students that you would like to focus or work on?

I think the biggest issue for everyone has got to be tuition and funding for the school. It affects every single student here. I’ve seen my tuition increase by just a ridiculous amount since I’ve been at school. It’s time that something is done about this and I don’t think there’s anything else that we can spend more time on than just making Western as affordable and as high quality of an education as possible. This is why I think my experience in the legislature and understanding the lobbying process will really help me create an effective lobbying agenda that we can get pushed through and work in a nonpartisan way, because that’s the only way that anything is going to get passed. You’re going to have to get along with Democrats and Republicans to get anything through the legislature, and I think that’s something that I can effectively do – get that tuition low.

16 • Vote online at wwu.edu/vote

REFERENDUM STUDENT TECHNOLOGY FEE Shall the students of Western Washington University recommend the renewal of the Student Technology Fee at a rate of $35.00 per quarter for students with six credits or more and $17.50 per quarter for students with one to five credits?

The Student Techonolgy Fee referendum is sponsered by Victor Celis, AS VP of academics and chair of the student technology fee renewal committee. The AS Review interviewed Celis to respond to three questions, and we included the official statment initiative statment and the offcial ballot language.

“Vote to approve the Student Technology Fee . The STF was created by students to serve the technological needs of students at WWU. This proposed fee will provide you, the students, with more services than ever before.

After gathering feedback from students on campus, the STF Renewal Committee recommended this new fee. Included in the fee is: the print quota that students advocated for last year, Microsoft Office and Windows operating systems for all students, virtual labs and U: Drive upgrades that will allow students to access files and software from personal computers and off campus, improves the wireless network on campus and is overall shifted to better serve the students. This proposed fee was created by students for students.

By voting to approve the fee, you will ensure that vital services provided to students are continued and preserved. These various services and resources benefit every student at Western, and we must ensure that these continue to exist. If the fee is not approved services provided by the Student Technology Center will end,

student jobs in the Student Technology Center will be eliminated, new computers for our computer labs around campus won’t be purchased, there would be no upgrades to the Wireless network, and innovative technology would no longer be provided by the STF proposal fund each year.

Vote to preserve and increase the technological services, resources, and equipment provided to students at Western. Vote to approve the Student Technology Fee.” What led you to put his on the ballot?

The STF was established many years back and the most recent form of it was created in the spring of 2009.

It was voted on by student vote in the AS elections. With that, it was set to expire at the end of this academic year 2013, so if we wanted to maintain the fee and the services that it provided, we needed to come up with another fee or renew the fee basically this year in the AS elections. The student technology fee renewal committee was created to gather feedback from students to write a fee that best served the students’ needs and values.

Why should students support this?

Students should support this fee because it is going to provide them with many different services that students have currently and it is going to be adding new services. For example, one of the pieces included in this new STF is the Microsoft student advantage that provides students with a license for Microsoft Office and for Microsoft Word. Also included in it is a print quota so students can get their 50 free prints each quarter, which was something that was really strongly advocated for last

year with the print quota initiative. And with that, there are a lot of new things that are included in there that are new and enhanced services from the previous student technology fee.

If the referendum passes, will it need funding to implement? If so, how much and where will it come from?

Since this is the STF, it is a fee for students; it’s one of the elected fees that students vote and create themselves, and the fee that is being proposed is $35 per student with 6 credits or more and $17.50 for students with 1-5 credits. That $35 or $17.50 is going to provide them with the many different services that are included in the STF that they will have access to throughout the year.

Official ballot language: Shall the students of Western Washington University recommend the renewal of the Student Technology Fee at a rate of $35.00 per quarter for students with six credits or more and $17.50 per quarter for students with one to five credits? This fee will include: • $14.00 for computer lab renewal and replacement • $6.00 for the Microsoft Student Advantage • $4.00 for the Student Technology Center • $4.00 for wireless network renewal and replacement • $2.00 for virtual labs and U: drive upgrades • $2.00 for a print quota with 50 prints • $3.00 for the STF proposal fund The fee will be effective for five years, and then will be subject to renewal.

INITIATIVE REAL FOOD CAMPUS COMMITMENT Should the Associated Student body urge Western Washington University to sign the Real Food Campus Commitment?

The Real Food Campus Commitment initiative is sponsered by David Trapp. The AS Review interviewed Trapp to respond to three questions, and we included the official statment initiative statment.

“Since 2010, Western Washington University has been using the “Real Food Calculator” to assess the product sourcing of campus dining services, but Western has not yet signed a commitment to progress. The Real Food Campus Commitment provides a simple, expert-approved, student-tested model for achieving food policy changes and evaluating progress, and was developed and tested by campus sustainability experts.

The Real Food Campus Commitment would require and assist to: • Annually increase procurement of “real food”–

•

•

• •

defined as local or community-based, fair, ecologically sound and/or humane by the real food calculator—so as to meet or exceed 30 percent of food purchases by 2020.

Establish a transparent reporting system, including the Real Food Calculator, to assess food procurement, and compile these assessment results in an annual progress report.

Form a food systems working group, comprised of students, staff, faculty, food service managers, food service workers and relevant local stakeholders, responsible for developing and coordinating the implementation of an official Real Food Policy and multi-year action plan for campus Make the resulting Real Food Policy and annual progress reports publicly available.

Ensure that all contracts with distributors, food

service providers and on-campus vendors will be amended in future requests for proposals or renewal processes to align with the university’s new real food policy.”

What led you to put this on the ballot?

As of right now, Western lacks a solid long-term plan for how to increase its socially and environmentally responsible food purchases. The Real Food Commitment will change this.

Why should students support this?

It would mean healthier, both from a physical and an environmental sense, food on campus.

If the initiative passes, will it need funding to implement? If so, how much and where will it come from?

No, this is about shifting the budget, not increasing it. This means that the price of food on campus will not go up.

April 22, 2013 • 17

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MEN STRAP ON HIGH-HEELED SHOES TO COMBAT VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

By C Hayley Halstead concept inviting a group of men to strap high heels on their feet and walk a mile in them may have observers both perplexed and amused. “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” takes the literal meaning of the old saying “you cannot know a man until you walk a mile in his shoes.”

For the second year, men will strut the streets in women’s footwear to increase awareness of violence and sexual assault against women.

While the concept of men wearing high heels may initially appear humorous, it is intended for a cause that, according to Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services (DVSAS), affects one in every six women: sexual assault. One in three women in the U.S. is either abused or forced into sex during her lifetime, according to DVSAS. Western Men Against Violence first brought the walk to Bellingham in 2007 and invited DVSAS to be involved with the planning of it. The campaign was started in 2001 by Frank Baird through the Valley Trauma Counseling Center in California.

This year, the International Association of Firefighters, Local 106 is co-sponsoring the march. The firefighters already have three teams signed up. Approximately 75 people attended the event last year, and it is projected

A

that there will be about 150 this year, said Jennifer Mason, development and education director at DVSAS. “Violence against women is a public health issue, not a ‘women’s issue,’” Mason said. “Ending domestic violence and sexual assault takes all the voices in our community speaking out—men included.”

Planning to participate is Conner Jolly, a secondyear Western student. When describing the significance “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” has to him, he said several of his closest female friends have had tragic experiences involving rape and assault.

“It did not occur to me how common of an occurrence this is until recently,” said Jolly. “I would like to share my support for all of these strong and independent women, even if it is a simple act of walking around in high heels.”

“Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” is designed for people identifying as men of any age, but women are welcome to cheer on the participants. Although it is a free event, donations are encouraged and will go to DVSAS, which provides support, education and healing to people affected by domestic violence and sexual assault, Mason said.

Danny Canham, AS Women’s center assistant coordinator, is also planning to participate.

“I think it’s important for anyone to be involved in this kind of work, but specifically issues of violence because it’s a reality that happens,” he said. “You see statistics all of the time of women, especially our age, and that’s not something I’m okay with.”

DVSAS will have about 60 pairs of shoes for event use and recommends those in need to show up between noon and 1 p.m, as they want to ensure participants can have access to shoes that fit them. Large-sized heels can be found inexpensively at stores like Goodwill and Value Village, or online. “Official Walk Shoes,” a 4-inch, red pump made for men’s sizes 9 to 14, are for sale on the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes website.

“One of the reasons for this event is to say ‘Hey, it doesn’t have to be this way,’ and we as men are going to join the fight and help stop that,” Canham said.

The march will begin at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 27 at Maritime Heritage Park. The after party will be hosted at the Boundary Bay Brewery Beer Garden, which will have food and beverages, awards, raffle prizes and live music. Admission is free, and all ages are welcome.

To learn more about the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes campaign, visit the website at: www.walkamileinhershoes.org.

18 • Vote online at wwu.edu/vote

LOCAL NATIVES: “HUMMINGBIRD: IN REVIEW

From left to right: Kelcey Ayer, Taylor Rice, Andy Hamm, Ryan Hahn, Matt Frazier of Local Natives is photographed on May 28, 2009 in Los Angeles, CA. Photo by Wendy Redfern

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Western-bound quintet dazzle with new album

by Nick Markman ith the release of their second studio album “Hummingbird,” the Los Angeles indie rock band Local Natives proves that the only redundant aspect about their music is their name.

Local Natives, along with fellow LA band Superhumanoids, will perform at the Performing Arts Center main stage on Sunday, April 28 at 7:30 p.m. The show is $15 for students and $22 general admission.

After two years of touring to promote their first album “Gorilla Manor,” Local Natives returned to LA to record “Hummingbird,” which was released on Jan. 29, 2013, under Frenchkiss records. Fans of “Gorilla Manor” will be happy to know that despite minor differences in composition, “Hummingbird” retains the buoyant and rich sound that defines the band.

The Associated Students Productions Pop Music made a good move in booking Local Natives as the first big concert of spring. Much of the band’s sound is analogous to defining characteristics of the spring season.

From bright echoing keys that fill the air like the smell of

newly cut grass to three-piece harmonies that warm up the songs like the sun after its winter nap – Local Natives creates music that clears away the clouds and places you in a warm, happy place.

Although the whole album is deserving of a thorough listen, songs off “Hummingbird” such as “Ceilings” and “Breakers” best demonstrate the spring-like tone of the band. The songs are rich, well developed, and most of all, catchy. I can honestly say that there is not one track I dislike amongst all of the songs in Local Native’s repertoire, a statement that I cannot make for very many bands.

While Local Natives’ recorded tracks alone are a testament to the band’s talent as musicians, their true brilliance shines through their live performances. I was fortunate enough to see them live numerous times, so I can say this in full confidence: Local Natives sound even better live than they do on their records. It is not often that you see four men in a band that are not only talented multi-instrumentalists, but pitch-perfect, mesmerizing vocalists as well. Their ability to tackle and nail

complex vocal harmonies while simultaneously rocking your face off is unparalleled.

Another compelling feature of Local Natives’ live performances is the group’s collective, communal approach to the deliverance of their music. While each of the three vocalists – Taylor Rice, Kelcey Ayer and Ryan Hahn – perform with their respective instruments during songs, they all contribute to percussion at various times. This produces an engaging live dynamic that keeps the members moving on stage, banging around and creating awesome music. Their show is almost as much visually enticing as it is musically. The opportunity to get a distant glimpse of lead guitarist Rice’s epic, Mario-esque mustache is almost worth the ticket cost alone.

If you already like Local Natives and have not seen them, there is no excuse to miss this show. The group’s raw musical talent, with help from the excellent sound design of the PAC main stage, is going to make this performance sound heavenly.

SPRING EVENT PREVIEW

April 22, 2013 • 19 all posters by the AS Publicity Center

2 • Vote online at wwu.edu/vote

Illustration by Bradley O’Neal AS Publicity Center

review

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We are a student-produced, alternative campus weekly covering news and events that are of interest to the Western community. We support all programs, offices and clubs affiliated with the AS. We have a direct connection to the AS board of directors, and although we report on board actions objectively, our relationship should be made clear.

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AS ELECTIONS 2013

Your voter’s guide to the Associated Students candidates, iniatives and referendums

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nformed voting leads to educated decisions. Here at The AS Review, we strive to provide information to Western students about the AS elections, including candidates, referendums and initiatives. The issue will serve as a voter’s pamphlet for the 2013 elections.

To ensure fairness to all the candidates, we asked each candidate three questions and limited their answers to 200 words. We also included their candidate statement, and an official photo taken by our photographer, Cade Schmidt. Candidates were interviewed, recorded and then their answers were transcribed verbatim. The transcripts were then reviewed by another staff member.

What you read in the candidate section is exactly how the candidate responded. We edit for grammar and filler words, but the meaning or wording of the candidate has not been

All candidate portraits by Cade Schmidt // AS Review

Staff

Editor in Chief Assistant Editor Lead Photographer Copy Editor Contributing Designer Writers

Megan Thompson Spencer Pederson Cade Schmidt Serena Imani Korn Bradley O’Neal C Hayley Halstead Isabelle Hoonan Nick Markman Lauren Prater Lauren Simmons Kylie Wade

Adviser Jeff Bates

altered.

In addition, candidates were asked a variety of demographic questions to create an infographic on pages 10 and 11.

Voting begins on April 29, and ends on May 3. To vote, login to myWestern and click on the “AS Elections” tab, or go online to wwu.edu/ vote. We printed this pamphlet a week early to give you time to analyze and make an informed decision.

The AS Review would like to thank all the candidates for taking the time during this process to be interviewed, and the AS Representation and Engagement Programs Elections Coordinator Graham Marmion for taking an active role in the publication of this guide.

We hope you enjoy reading this guide assists you in making informed decisions.

Remember, if you don’t vote, your voice can’t be heard.

4- 5

IN THIS ISSUE AS President

12-13

VP for Student Life

6-7

VP for Academic Affairs VP for Activities

14-15

VP for Governmental Affairs

8-9

VP for Business & Operations VP for Diversity

16-17

Real Food Initiative Student Tech Fee Referendum

Candidate demographics

Local Natives: 18-19 “Hummingbird” in Review

10-11

20 • Vote online at wwu.edu/vote

SPRING EVENT PREVIEW

FEATURING

SHAWN KEMP

LOCAL

NATIVES

FOUNDER OF S AVE O UR S ONICS

STEVEN PYEATT FOLLOWED BY A PERFORMANCE BY

BLUE SCHOLARS SAT.

\ CARVER GYM \ PRE-RALLY TAILGATE PM \ MAIN EVENT STUDENTS & ALUMNI $ \ GENERAL $ \

3 3

5

4 PM

Tickets available at the PAC Box Office

sponsored by

For disability accommodations please call (360) 650 – 3738 Western is an equal opportunity institution

ASPRODUCTIONS UNDERGROUND COFFEEHOUSE PRESENTS

SHELBY EARL KEVIN LONG

WESTERN'S COMIC AND POP CULTURE CONVENTION!

AKE

OTE

SPE

AN” GM O K IN IL E S “SM HE X-F E H T MT FRO

THE LAST SHOW OF THE YEAR

R IN

W IZ A G PA N E LI S T S FR C O A S R D S O F T H OM T, E C A R B OD C C O M IC S, N A N D MG A M E S , ORE!

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JOIN US FOR COSTUME CONTEST, EXCLUSIVE EXHIBITION HALL,

AND MUCH MORE!

CHECK -IN AT 9:30AM

EVEN T 10AM - 5PM IN THE VIKING UNION

.STANDARD PACKAGE: STUDENTS $5 + GENERAL $12 .VIP PACKAGE (W/ KEYNOTE): STUDENTS $10 + GENERAL $17 .FOR COMPLETE SCHEDULE, DETAILS, AND REGISTRATION GO TO VIKINGCON.WORDPRESS.COM

WEDNESDAY, MAY 29

underground coffeehouse { FREE }

{ 3RD FLOOR VIKING UNION }

{ 8PM }

all posters by the AS Publicity Center

INITIATIVE DIVESTMENT

April 22, 2013 • 3

Should the student body support partnership efforts between students and administrators to examine Western Washington University’s current investments in companies involved in the production or distribution of fossil fuel related products, with the intention of regulating future investments and working to divest from current investments?

The Divestment initiative is sponsered by Edward Ury. The AS Review emailed Ury to respond to three questions, and we included the official statment initiative statment.

“Given that Western Washington University is committed to carbon neutrality by 2050 via the Climate Action Plan, we call on our university to continue its leadership role in sustainability. The WWU Foundation Endowment, via its investments in certain comingled investment funds, maintains an indirect ownership interest in certain energy companies that are involved in the production or distribution of fossil fuel related products.

The WWU Foundation Investment Policy includes a Social Responsibility Clause that allows an “independent weight” to be provided to the investment decisions made where “corporate policies or practices are deemed to cause substantial social injury.” We believe that climate change poses such a substantial threat to our world and local community that the social injuries inflicted by its effects justify the inclusion of fossil fuel investments under this social injury clause. We believe that investing in funds which promote and/or engage in the burning of fossil fuels is unethical and contradictory to the mission of our university. The University intends to form a study group with students to examine its current investments and explore ways to best make a difference.”

What led you to put this on the ballot?

Fossil Free is a rapidly growing national campaign to divest the stock holdings of all university endowment funds from fossil fuels industries. Western has a

chance to become the first public university to commit to divestment.

We recognize the systemic injustice and institutionalized oppression inherent in the globalized economic structure that relies on, supports and perpetuates the mass consumption and dependence on oil and coal.

Climate change is accelerating because of carbon emissions, and the human beings on this planet who contribute least to the problem (and are most disadvantaged by the system that feeds it) are also those who are suffering first and foremost from the gastronomic devastation that climate change is causing, and who lack access to means of protecting themselves.

We recognize that those of us living in this region’s society of abundant resources are benefactors of this system. Being conscious of our relative privilege, we must also face the fact that we will be heavily affected by global crises.

Why should students support this?

We need to make the transition to a sustainable economy, and that means a system which will realistically sustain the current population. At our current rate, in 15 years we will have burned through 20 percent of the earth’s known remaining fossil fuel reserves, and in that time have burned 565 gigatons of carbon gas, which will ensure the rise of two degrees celsius which is recognized by scientists and governments worldwide as catastrophically dangerous for human civilization.

We need to make the necessary transition now, in this decade. The generation of people in college right now is going to bare the brunt of this.

Divestment is about taking a stand, and recognizing that it is wrong to profit on fossil fuels. Moreover, we need to take steps forward towards creating a sustainable system of living. In 2013, we have all the technology, knowledge, resources and skills to transition to decreasing our fossil fuel consumption 80 percent by 2020, right here in Washington. Now is the time to invest in renewable energy and build the statewide infrastructure that will jumpstart our economy and sustain us through this century.

If the initiative passes, will it need funding to implement? If so, how much and where will it come from?

The Western Foundation currently owns about $1.5 million in energy companies, out of $48 million total.

The endowment fund is separate from the school’s operating budget, so there will be no direct cost to the university from divesting. The question is whether the long-term gains from this investment will generate the greatest net-capital gain to fund future development.

Now is the perfect time to sell off these risky investment liabilities and buy green energy stocks that we know will pay off in the long-run. Peak oil hitting amongst changes in government subsidies and tax exemptions, which currently prop up fossil fuels with a market advantage, will result in shifting stock values. Moreover, becoming the first public university to divest will likely attract more donations to the Western Foundation.

Not only will divestment benefit Western Washington University as an institution, reputably and financially, it is the right thing to do ethically, by any measure.

EVENTS OF THE WEEK

Monday April 22

Wednesday April 24

6:30 p.m., location to be determined

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Red Square

Women’s Self-Defense Class

The first event of Women’s Empowerment and Violence Education’s Western’ Women’s Festival will teach women-identified people self-defense skills.

Tuesday April 23

AS Vice Presidents Debate

6-9 p.m. in Academic West 204

The six different AS vice presidents manage a budget of $2 million, lobby congress on students behalf, and wnearly ensure that AS programming is of interest to students.

Candidates will debate on issues affecting their position and refreshments will be provided.

Celebrate Your Body

Members of WEAVE will be tabling in Red Square as a part of Western Women’s Festival.

Thursday April 25 AS President Debate

7 p.m. in Viking Union Multipurpose Room

The AS president oversees all aspects of the AS and provides links between campus and students. With four candidates running for the position, the AS Representations and Engagement Programs will have candidates debate to help voters decide. Refreshments will be provided.

Saturday April 27

#SonicsAllDay 4-7 p.m. in Carver Gym $3 for Students, $5 for general

AS Productions Special Events and Pop Music present a day of Sonics pride featuring Shawn Kemp, Steven Pyeatt and Emerald City favorites Blue Scholars.

African Caribbean Club Heritage Dinner 6-9 p.m. in VU MPR, doors open at 5:30 $10 for students, $14 for general

The African Caribbean Club presents a night of spoken word, dance and musical performances, a fashion show and food. The event is semi-formal.

4 • Vote online at wwu.edu/vote

CANDIDATES FOR AS PRESIDENT I’m a student who was born and raised overseas. As your AS president, a global perspective will support the holistic experience and diversity of our Western community on campus and in Olympia. With your vice presidents, I will advocate for your Western experience and have the discussion on the board be insightful, relevant and in line with student wishes. I’m a student senator who represents you on university committees, the editor-in-chief of an academic publication and an active community member through several clubs and associations on campus. I will be a president with the initiative to support your passions and the enthusiasm to learn what they are. I look forward to serving the students of Western.

GLEN TOKOLA

Why are you seeking this position?

I’ve enjoyed being a student at Western and have had much to be grateful for. I’ve been very much involved in the community since I first landed here in the states, and now, I wish to give back. Coming from outside the AS employee system, I have the broad range of leadership positions around this campus to provide the representation and opportunities this student body can use to succeed and make the most of their Western experience. I’ve been a student senator, an Editor-in-chief [of Occam’s Razor] and I’ve served on university and AS committees. An AS president is most effective when they have the appreciation of student involvement at all levels of student life.

What do you think is the role of president?

The role of president is, first and foremost, a stuHi there, my name is Patrick Stickney, and I’m running for the opportunity to serve as your AS president.

I’ve been a club leader, a committee member, a regular student, and for the last year have been honored to serve you as your VP for governmental affairs.

More important though, is what I want to work with you all to do next year. Everyday students should have their voices be heard, an idea which shouldn’t be just a campaign phrase, but accomplished with real changes.

Let’s have a big general assembly in Carver Gym. Let’s make sure graduate students are represented on campus.

Let’s have a strong voice with experience fighting for students on campus and in the community. Let’s continue to make a difference.

PATRICK STICKNEY

Why are you seeking this position?

I’m seeking to serve as AS president because I have been a club leader, a committee member, a work-study student, the VP for governmental affairs and yes, just an everyday student. My involvement with the AS didn’t come until last year, and like many other students, I know what it feels like to think that you don’t have the ability to make any change. My cross-campus experience and wanting to engage the student body directly, as well as my experience with administrators, is why I believe I’d be best in this position. Sometimes, administrators don’t have the best interest of students at heart, because they have other responsibilities. Part of the AS president also creates a framework, and we need to make sure that framework is efficient, includes

dent. As AS president, it is our job to represent the Western student body, the administration, Bellingham, Olympia and the outside world. It is most important for the president to recognize their own position as a student when considering important issues being introduced to the board of directors. I seek to become a president that is involved with the community, not just within the job description, but also with clubs, residence halls and affiliated associations. To ensure the success of the AS, I would like to bring in my experiences and your voices to the consideration of the board of directors as well as increase the transparency of the board to students of all walks of life.

What is one issue affecting students that you would like to focus or work on?

I would like to see more opportunities for students to become involved in student government. The board of directors historically have been an invisible element within student experience and I seek to change that. I would like to have students become more involved in board affairs and provide more input. I want to become an involved member of the community with your fellow board members and work with your vice presidents in ensuring that the discussion on the board of directors is pertinent and relevant to student wishes. I would be honored to serve in this capacity, to continue being an active member of the community, and to make this a student body that has the empowerment to discuss the major issues of our times as students.

everybody and make sure that that framework makes sure that we’re not just talking about issues and getting nowhere, but that we’re making positive change for the students.

What do you think is the role of president?

I think the role of the president is to represent the student body, both internally and externally. It requires a general eye and a strong voice representing the student interest.

What is one issue affecting students that you would like to focus or work on?

I think that I want to increase the ways that graduate students, student-parents or student veterans are included in the AS. We need to make sure we represent all students, not just those that are easiest to reach, and we can do that directly. We can do that through having a giant general assembly in Carver Gym so that students can come and actually voice directly on the issues that we’re talking about. We can change a committee system, we can create spaces so that these students can actually talk and be formally represented. Because one thing is that while undergrads may have had some level of tuition caps, with graduate students normally their tuition is allowed to be raised as much as the board of trustees wants. So there are issues that affect them, things like federal research and so because of those reasons we need to make sure that everybody is represented and we need to be mindful of every of these groups of students when we’re making decisions.

April 22, 2013 • 5

CANDIDATES FOR AS PRESIDENT My name is Cody Brower and I come from the beautiful city of Gig Harbor, Washington. Having been a student leader for the past two years I am confident in my abilities of listening to and representing WWU students. I currently serve as the Residence Hall Association president, which entails communicating with and representing the residents of each hall on campus. Additionally, been on various university committees has given me the skills to successfully work with not only students, but also faculty.

As your AS president, I will represent the diverse student body of Western to the best of my abilities. I will also work with students and faculty to ensure that the AS serves the diverse interests and needs of Western students.

e

s s

CODY BROWER

Why are you seeking this position?

Student leadership is something I became involved with as soon as I began attending Western. I was a hall council member for Buchannan Towers. I discovered how much I was able to learn from helping others.

I’ve continued to grow as a student and leader and I currently serve as Western’s Residents Hall Association president. For those who aren’t familiar with RHA, it is the governing student body of residents halls on Western’s campus. As president of RHA, I have the privilege of serving roughly 4,000 hall residents through funding and executing on-campus programs and activities.

These experiences have given me the tools necessary to be confident in my ability to be an effective president of the Associated Students. Noticing my ability to truly make a positive impact on the daily lives of others Hello, my name is Carly and I would be honored to serve as your AS president for 2013-2014. Over the past three years, I have served students by working in the Associated Students as a production assistant, Underground Coffeehouse programming coordinator, and VP for activities. At each step along the way, I have gained valuable skills and knowledge that I use to enrich the Western experience for my peers. This year, I have led collaborative coalitions to improve services provided by the AS and represented student concerns to legislators and various administrative bodies. Next year, I want to be a cooperative communicator, representing an inclusive student voice to our government and university administration in a manner that is conducive to making positive change.

CARLY ROBERTS

Why are you seeking this position?

I am seeking this position because I believe that it is the best way for me to use my skills and knowledge to make a positive difference for my peers. I personally hold dear the ideals of representation and being actively involved in one’s community. These ideals drive me to not only be involved myself, but to encourage and empower others to do the same, which is something I think is very important for an AS president to do.

What do you think is the role of president?

The explicit duties of the AS president are defined in the job description and include chairing the AS board of directors, representing students on the University President’s Cabinet and being the chief financial officer of the AS. But beyond these factual obligations,

was the real driving force behind my candidacy for AS president.

What do you think is the role of president?

I think that the AS president should always represent the best interest and needs of the diverse students at Western. This is done by reflecting the voice of the student body on all issues that come before the AS board of directors. Similar to my current position, the AS president is responsible for governing the AS organization. Also, I think it is important to note that a key part of any leadership position is acting as a role model and assistant to fellow students. Personally upholding the policies of the AS and Western will not only allow me to become a more effective president, but will also convey the importance of maintaining professional and ethical conduct to those around me.

What is one issue affecting students that you would like to focus or work on?

Something I personally have strong feelings about is keeping Western a green campus. The ways in which we treat our environment will directly affect all of us for years to come. This year, especially, there have been some major marks of progress in Western’s aim to become a more sustainable campus. If you take a deeper look into the efforts to ban single use water bottles on campus, and the efforts to combat the problem of anthropogenic climate change via the divestment initiative, it becomes clear that many students are already working hard to increase Western’s sustainability.

I believe that the AS president needs to be a good listener and communicator, someone who students feel comfortable approaching. I really think these qualities are vital to being able to fulfill the factual obligations of the position.

What is one issue affecting students that you would like to focus or work on?

One issue affecting students that I want to focus on next year is efficacy. Many students feel like we are not able to make a difference on big issues, like tuition hikes or rental safety, but that’s not true. A rope of many strands is not easily broken. We need to work together. No matter what the AS does next year, I want students to know they have a say in it. I want to reach out and include more students from the greater community beyond those already involved in the AS. This means continuing to reform programming and marketing provided by AS officers, making lobby days more accessible to students at large and supporting the committee and club systems.

6 • Vote online at wwu.edu/vote

CANDIDATES FOR VP ACADEMIC AFFAIRS I have two priorities as your vice president for academic affairs: to make sure you have the freedom to discover what you love doing, and ensure your education here will prepare you for a great career doing what you’re passionate about.

We need to keep tuition universal regardless of what classes you take, hire more faculty and maintain our high standard of academic excellence. My experience working with the Associated Students and the university give me the unique ability to address these issues.

As a student senator, an officer of the senate, and a leader on Legislative Affairs Council, I’ve been your advocate. Your person in the room. Now, I hope be your advocate on the board. I’d love to have your support.

NEIL CHRISTENSON

Why are you seeking this position?

I’m running to be the students’ advocate in the room. A lot of what this job is about is going to committee meetings and serving on the board, and I think I’m really one of the best people to do that because I’m an excellent communicator. I know how the system works.

I know how to make the changes that need to be made in the system. I know what some of the problems facing students are. I’m running to be a public servant.

What do you think is the role of the VP for academic affairs?

The vice president for academic affairs – our main job is to serve as the liaison between the students and the university. We do things, like, serve on the faculty senate on some of academic commissions, and boards

that create curriculum. The other thing is outreach to both faculty and students. Again, I’ve served as the chair of the outreach committee, and the first thing I did as a senator was went around to every chair in the department and talked to them and introduced myself.

It’s serving as that link.

What is one issue affecting students that you would like to focus or work on?

The biggest thing is self-sustaining programs. While there is some benefit to creating new programs that are self-sustaining, we need to make sure that programs don’t go from normal tuition to self-sustaining tuition.

We need to make sure that students have the opportunity to do what they want and find what they want to do.

If I haven’t been able to talk to you in Red Square, then this statement is all you’ll have to decide whether you want me as your VP of academic affairs. My name is Josie Ellison, and this is my passion. A key goal for me over the next year is to increase access to academic advising. It can be complicated navigating through GURs and majors, and I believe students need more opportunities for assistance. As your representative, I will strive to make sure that I always have the student voice at the forefront of my decisions, because I represent you. I hope that I am your choice for VP of academic affairs and I would love to represent you this coming year.

JOSIE ELLISON

Why are you seeking this position?

I’m really passionate about being involved in the AS, and I want to be someone that will work hard for the students, and I want to be really approachable, which is kind of my biggest goal with this. I really just want to help get involved. It’s something I want to do in my future, so it’s something that just seemed really natural to be involved in.

What do you think is the role of the VP for academic affairs?

As academic affairs vice president, you kind of work as a liaison between the university and the students themselves so I want to be able to make changes for the student body, and I want to be somebody that they can come to. Basically, our biggest job is to just make sure that what’s going on at the university level is what the students want because that’s something that doesn’t

always necessarily relate well.

What is one issue affecting students that you would like to focus or work on?

My biggest focus is definitely easy accessibility for GUR advising and advising for major classes, because that’s something that’s pretty difficult to navigate, and I actually have a lot of friends who are struggling with it right now. It’s just kind of like swimming upstream when you’re trying to figure out how everything is going. Another big thing that I want to focus on is student involvement – making sure that everybody has a voice, everybody has an easy way to access what’s going on and making sure that it’s really what we want that is being done at the university.

April 22, 2013 • 7

CANDIDATES FOR VP ACTIVITIES Experience you can trust: With two years of experience in the AS providing services for students, I’ve realized students need someone who will listen, support and represent them.

In the AS Communications Office, I worked closely with the board of directors to help connect students with resources and programs. Most importantly, I learned how the AS brings us together and sets you apart.

I will take a grassroots approach to activities that enhance students’ personal growth, while highlighting our diverse campus.

As VP for activities I intend to: Empower clubs and student leaders to provide extra- and co-curricular programming, provide access to resources available by allocating appropriate funding based on needs and ensure AS services and programs serve the best interest of our diverse student body.

POLLY WOODBURY

Why are you seeking this position?

For two main reasons, the first reason being I’m the most qualified candidate for this position. The job description has changed greatly for next year, and with my experience in the AS for two years, I can honor and build off of the revisions with a running start, while also recognizing that there’s a need for improvement within some of the areas of activities. Secondly, I greatly appreciate the incredible ability of our student leaders to be able to enrich the campus experience with activities and programming. But, it is important to cater to the best interest of the diverse student body

continued on page 8

and reveal the inner voice for the Western campus.

Inclusion is a core value of the Associated Students and I will ensure to uphold that value throughout activities.

What do you think is the role of VP for activities?

The role for the AS VP for activities is to guide, assist and inspire the board in any means in terms of clubs and activities. In order for that to happen accurately, it is the VP for activities’ specific role to listen, support, and advocate for students. It is important to remember that every person, every club, every program and every activity has a voice on Western’s campus, and we must listen to that voice. The over-arching goal is to ensure that programs have support.

What is one issue affecting students that you would like to focus or work on?

I would focus on inclusivity within activities provided by the Associated Students. I consider the AS to be a community, in which all students can belong. As a community, we place a high value on inclusion and we strive to constantly reach out to student populations across campus. To honor the contribution of all members of our diverse community, we must listen to varying perspectives while providing a safe(r) space, to dialogue. I will begin to do that by implementing a mandatory sensitivity training for club leaders, students, money, to support the AS activities. We would be doing the campus a disservice if we were to ignore this issue.

My name is Sarah King and I am proud to announce my candidacy for the AS vice president for activities position. I identify strongly as a supporter which shines through my experience as a resident advisor and fan of athletics.

I actively support clubs as diverse as To Write Love on Her Arms, HvZ, and the WWU Hip Hop Dance Team. I channel my passion of helping others into my choice of study; human services. This position is about so much more than just me; it is about you and your Western experience. I have seen the benefits brought about by student activities first hand and if elected I would be honored to represent you. Go Vikings!

SARAH KING

Why are you seeking this position?

I identify strongly as a supporter, which shines through my experiences as a resident advisor and a fan of athletics. As a third-year student, I’ve had three years of experience involved in many activities and organizations on campus, and have seen the impact that enthusiastic support and effective communication has on the spirit of our students. I’m running for the board because I’m ready to support our students in a different way.

What do you think is the role of VP for activities?

There has been a change on the board of directors in the areas of responsibilities and some of the responsibilities of Student Life have been moved over to Activities. Those are athletics and the recreation center.

Those two things are very important to me and so though I really love to support clubs, this position is re-

ally appealing to me because I have the responsibilities to represent the athletic and rec center students as well.

What is one issue affecting students that you would like to focus or work on?

Connections with people are what make a community so strong, and communication and team building are some of my greatest strengths. The communication between the Athletics Department and the AS, specifically, seems pretty broken and I’d like to help connect the communication between those two groups, and hopefully each will benefit from getting more support from a larger group of students. I want to have communication with students at Western. We’re all a team and with your support and vote, I can help bridge the gap between the communication campus-wide.

8 • Vote online at wwu.edu/vote

Over the past year, I have had the pleasure of working in the AS Club Activities Office as the AS club coordinator. With this position I have found joy in working with Western’s clubs. I have helped students start new clubs as well as been a part of helping existing clubs plan activities on campus through a year of sitting on the AS Activities Council. This experience would transfer directly over to the qualifications for VP for activities. I want to continue in assisting students with club endeavors as well as have on-campus activities that appeal to the student body as a whole.

JARRED TYSON

Why are you seeking this position?

I’m very exuberant when it comes to other peoples’ interests and passions. Through my year as the AS club coordinator, I’ve aligned with the phrase that the AS Club and Activities Office plays around with being “from A to Z, from Acapella to Zombies, there is a club for all and if not, then the AS can help you make one.”

To me, this means there is a community for all, whether looking at clubs, different interests or the greater campus community as a whole. I support and want to help foster the diverse student interests and passions we have here at Western because we are a unique campus. As we are all spending this time together, going through the college experience together, I want to help everyone foster pride and support of one another and our campus community.

What do you think is the role of VP for activities?

To me, this position is responsible for a lot of things.

Representing student interest and needs should be above all. This position is to strategically advise, support and represent student activities on campus. This is in regard to the AS club system as well as the programs and events hosted by AS Productions, to name a few.

The VP for activities should always keep in mind the notion of furthering the diverse student interests we have on campus. On another note, we as students are all paying for the service and activities fee. This fee funds essentially the programs and activities hosted on campus, among other things. To me, the VP for activities needs to maximize what students get from this particular fee.

What is one issue affecting students that you would like to focus or work on?

To me, the Associated Students as a whole should focus its efforts on the ever-changing student needs. I would want to focus on having more on campus events and activities from clubs. Clubs are an aspect and reflection of student interest on campus. I feel as if not every club is aware of the resources they can access as a club to help them plan events and activities. I want to make our clubs more aware of these resources. In a related matter, I feel that the events and activities on campus are not always the easiest for students to hear about. Club meeting times as well as club hosted events and activities are not always visible to the campus community. I feel like this should be different.

CANDIDATE FOR VP BUSSINESS & OPERATIONS Hi there! My name is Hung Le, your current vice president for business and operations. This year, through my collaborative leadership style, the operations of the Associated Students have been consistently and positively improving through various projects and proposals. Most notably, my educational background as an accounting and economics major has helped create a new budgeting process that is transparent, accountable and emphasizes the stewardship of student dollars. I am currently restructuring the AS reserve policy so that those dollars are used as effectively and efficiently as possible. If re-elected, I will continue to use my education, interpersonal and leadership skills to innovate positive changes to the AS. Thank you for taking the time to read this. Here’s to another amazing year!

HUNG LE

Why are you seeking this position?

I’m seeking re-election for several reasons. First, I love working in the Associated Students. I find my job to be very fulfilling and meaningful. I work with amazing colleagues, advisors and other individuals. As an accounting and economics major, this job has given me relevant experience for my future career. This past year, I’ve dedicated myself to this organization and the students of Western Washington. I’m proud of the work I’ve done and I believe my body of work reflects that commitment. More importantly, the reason I am seeking re-election because I want to continue to serve the Western community. This community is my home and I want to make it the best home possible.

What do you think is the role of VP for business and operations?

I believe the role of the VP for business and operations to is manage the internal functions of the Associated Students. Unlike the president and other vice presidents, my work solely rests within the Viking Union, the home of the Associated Students. This position is responsible for overseeing the Associated Student’s human resources, business and assessment functions. I like to think of the Associated Students as a well-oiled machine. The VP for business and operations is the one supplying and changing the oil to make sure operations run smoothly and efficiently.

What is one issue affecting students that you would like to focus or work on?

This past year, I’ve really put my education into practice. I’ve work to increase the transparency and accountability of student dollars. Working with the AS business director, we’ve rebuilt the budgeting process focusing on a zero-based budgeting method.

I am currently working on restructuring the AS reserve policy so that student dollars are used more effectively and efficiently. We’ve gone a long way and made a lot of good things happen this year. But there is still more work to be done. I wish to continue to use my education, interpersonal and leadership skills to innovate positive changes. I’d like to assess the AS Management Council and will work to improve the quality of experience and service the AS provides.

April 22, 2013 • 9

CANDIDATES FOR VP DIVERSITY Western made me realize the lack of cultural knowledge on campus. I am grateful for growing up in the city of Federal Way, Washington, where I was immersed in a vast variety of cultures, sexual orientations, disabilities, religions, gender, etc. As VP for diversity I will inform the campus of the different resource centers, which include the following: the Equal Opportunity Center, the Ethnic Student Center and the DisAbility Resources for Students, slightly hidden from the WWU campus. I currently work directly with the Ethnic Student Center to improve the ESC from within. I want to continue to improve the ESC and raise awareness for the other resource centers offered, so together, we can create an inclusive campus.

s

SHAWN LY

Why are you seeking this position?

I’m seeking this position because I’m passionate towards the idea of creating an inclusive campus. You’ve got to understand that everyday there are students that walk around campus that are blinded by our exclusivity.

I want to simply spark the idea of an inclusive campus, and through my experience working with the AS Ethnic Student Center, and working with other diverse students, I feel capable of reaching out to students of diverse backgrounds. I want to be the candidate that sets realistic goals to progress toward improving Western and representing the voices of the students.

What do you think is the role of VP for diversity?

I think the role as VP for diversity has traditionally been to raise awareness for resource centers, help retain underrepresented students and work toward full incluJust like all of you, I am built from the experiences I’ve had in my life. I have gone through a great deal of struggle in coming out in my community and as an immigrant, I have been the target of discrimination because of my Iranian and Muslim identity, which have taught me great valuable lessons that have helped me become the person I am today. By sharing my story and utilizing my experiences and skills, I hope to strengthen and expand the diverse community we have at Western. It is the embracement of this diversity that gives our community and society the strength it needs to improve and I will strive to accomplish this as your VP for Diversity.

Much love, Danyal Lotfi

DANYAL LOFTI

Why are you seeking this position?

As an Iranian immigrant who moved here about six years ago I was faced with a certain level of discrimination because there has been little diplomatic and cultural relations between the two countries. Also, I am a Muslim and being in the United States in the post-9/11 era has been difficult. With both of those situations, I have used education as my strongest tool. I focused on educating those around me and giving them a new perspective on the issue so they can see where I am coming from. Also, I am gay and coming out in a rather patriarchal community amongst Iranians was difficult, but I used education as my strongest tool. That’s why I want to run for this position, because diversity is very important to me and I want to educate those around

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sion of all populations on campus. In addition to all these responsibilities, I see this role as an opportunity to build relationships with individual students and clubs to become the bridge between two entities. I believe that this will assist Western to achieve a more inclusive campus. I also see the VP for diversity as an opportunity to facilitate Ethnic Student Center meetings, work directly with the diversity board and the resource and outreach programs. I simply do not plan on just facilitating and providing support to these programs, but I also plan to constantly strive to improve each club and resource center on campus.

What is one issue affecting students that you would like to focus or work on?

Well, I don’t see one specific issue affecting students, but several issues such as the lack of cultural awareness, discrimination and exclusion, and I feel like all these problems can be addressed through raising awareness of the resources already established. The effects of students not being aware of these resources offered during a time of need may end catastrophically.

An immediate step toward complete awareness starts with incoming students; what we can do to introduce the students to these resources is add it into the STARs program, which gives all incoming students a basic tour of our campus. So, with a simple first step of adding these resources into the tours given at Western, this will allow progress toward creating an inclusive campus for the community of Western.

me about my life experiences and, at the same time, be educated on the life experiences of those around me.

What do you think is the role of VP for diversity?

I think the single most important responsibility of VP for diversity is to create an environment on campus and in the community for people to share their experiences, share their identities and find out about the identities of people around them. It is this exchange of ideas that helps people like me gain new perspective. It was that exchange of ideas and facts with people around me that helped them see where I was coming from. So, again, educating people about all the different social issues, different ethnicities, and different gender issues that our society is affected by is, I think, the single most important responsibility of the VP for diversity.

What is one issue affecting students that you would like to focus or work on?

Since I decided to run for this position, and since I had been researching about clubs on campus, I realized that there are clubs that are not recognized by the AS and receive low funding, and one of the main issues I would like to focus on is expanding the range of clubs that we have on campus, recognizing more clubs to help people have more resources, have access to more places where they can go and explore different identities. So one of the main issues I would like to focus on is expanding the diversity and the diverse community we have at Western, and through that, obviously strengthening the community that we have.