asreview Election Issue
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ROBERTS from page 7 Why are you seeking this position? I’m really inspired by people who are in the clubs, and I want to use the experience I’ve gained the past year working in the AS to really empower these people and go beyond just facilitating club activities and making sure that people are given the hardest ingenuity and tried what has never been tried before and know that AS VP for activities is completely behind them and supporting them 100 percent.
What do you think is the role of VP for Activities? The job description says strategic advisor, which can seem a little ambiguous. The way I can see that is when you’re helping clubs to make decisions that can support the long-term predictions of their club that they are really supporting the longevity of the clubs in the best interest and making sure that these activists and these support groups get to continue. Also, in the event planning, making sure that the events are serving students and that the publicity is getting out to students.
What is one issue affecting students that you would like to focus on or work on next? Overall, the accessibility of the AS to students. Making sure that students and the general population knows what the AS does. I want to do that by implementing a mandatory training, possibly, for freshmen, like the domestic violence [training] people need to go through. Student money is supporting these activities and we owe it to the students to makes sure they are aware of what the AS gives them and how to access those resources. the
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Candidates for VP FOR BUSINESS & OPERATIONS definitely one thing I wish I could have changed: I wish I were more involved in school and the student life. Heading into my senior year of Western, I don’t want to make that mistake, so I’ve decided that I want to be a part of this school and make it a better place because I’m here. I really couldn’t think of a better way than to use my talents within the Associated Students and that really got me thinking about in what capacity I could benefit the AS the most.
Hung Le
Candidate statement: My name is Hung Le, I am a Junior studying Business Administration. Fellow Western students describe me as a leader who is intelligent, kind-hearted, humorous and passionate; passionate about others, our community and our school. My philosophy is guided by three principles: to be student focused, transparent and to produce high quality work. I will fight for and instill these values as Vice President for Business and Operations. My business education has given me the expertise and experience needed to facilitate the technical aspects of this role. My genuine passion and empathy for others drives me to be fully committed. My personability and communication skills allow me to easily work with others and resolve potential conflicts. Thank you for taking the time to read this! Why are you seeking this position? Looking back at high school, I had a lot of great experiences and I made a lot of good friends, but there is
What do you think is the role of VP for business & operations? The most important thing to understand about this job is it is about business, not politics. The position requires someone who understands how to run a business and lead an organization, and that’s where I excel. I’m a student of business and economics focusing on finance, accounting, management and marketing. Also, a successful vice president requires strong interpersonal and social insight as well as the ability to bring solutions through working with others, and this is where I shine. I strive to put myself in the shoes of my peers in order to achieve a better understanding of who they are and the reasons for which they hope to make a change in their school. What is one issue affecting students that you would like to focus on or work on next? My first goal is to broaden the reach of the Associated Students. I understand how college students think and how to capture their attention through social media. Through better and more effective marketing techniques, I’ll educate and bring a more diverse and passionate demographic of students into the AS. Secondly, I want to empower these students to make the changes they seek. I’ll enable them to do this by allocating more funds and resources to these new clubs and programs, as well as connecting them to AS groups. I really think college can be a transformative experience for most, if not all, students. But, the only way that will happen is if students can find something to be passionate about. the
John von Volkli
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Candidate statement: My name is John von Volkli and I am running for VP for Business and Operations because I want to continue making a difference on our campus and in our community. In the coming year, I hope to foster a more transparent and dynamic culture within the Associated Students, one that further values the benefits of student input and concerns. The realization of this goal will ensure that the AS maintains its role as a centerpiece of the Viking experience. My base of knowledge gained while serving as the AS Assessment Associate Director and as a volunteer has given me the tools to make this a reality. This election cycle, vote for experience; vote for commitment; vote for clear vision.
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April 23, 2012• 11
VON VOLKLI from previous page Why are you seeking this position? Because I feel that the AS needs to have strong leadership every year, but especially considering the sort of revenue environment we’re facing now it’s important to have experience and knowledgeable leadership on the AS Board of Directors. I think I can provide that in the position of vice president of business operations. What do you think is the role of VP for business and operations? The position serves a few different functions, chief among which is acting as a resource for departmental
directors within the AS. One of the responsibilities of the position is chairing the AS Management council, which is a forum for directors to improve hiring and training practices, program standards and other things of that nature. On top of that, I see a growing roll for creating leadership in this position not necessarily in the format of sharing a lot of committees, but in terms of expanding outreach to students and getting higher quality and higher quantity student input. What is one issue affecting students that you would
like to focus on or work on next year? I would like to rededicate the Associated Students to its mission of greater public outreach. The creation just this last year of the Communications and Marketing Office is a big step in that direction, but I feel the Board of Directors especially as public figures have a responsibility to follow through with that plan to implement a strategic plan that was put forward not long ago. I think if students are given the tools to engage the Associated Students as an open, vibrant organization then the entire campus will benefit from that, not just the organization that uses the AS. the
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Candidates for VP FOR DIVERSITY all identities. I believe I can do more than represent students. I can empower students to represent themselves. I know that Western can show the world that being different is a beautiful thing. It is not something to fear or oppress or neglect or undermine or undervalue as something that is unimportant — because our differences and identities, visible and invisible, are beautiful. We all contribute to diversity. I want this position because I believe that we could take our understanding of diversity deeper and further. What do you think is the role of VP for diversity? I think the role of the VP for diversity is meant to increase awareness, outreach and empowerment of all identities — especially underrepresented groups. The VP for diversity should be working with all identitybased groups, building solidarity and understanding, and making sure that all decisions made on the board are always inclusive to all identities.
Christian Correa
Candidate statement: I alone cannot represent such a broad statement like diversity; we do. I hope to progress diversity, through Awareness, Outreach, and Empowerment, making the campus a place that welcomes you. I want Western to show the world that being different is a beautiful thing, because being different is not something to fear or undervalue, or think of as unimportant. The differences in our identities, known and unknown, are beautiful. Instead of giving me the opportunity to represent you, I hope to open opportunities for us to represent ourselves. If I can get your vote, I will dedicate my whole self in unifying our Western family through the celebration of differences, and the promotion of Diversity. Why are you seeking this position? I am seeking this position because I honestly believe that I could help make Western a place that welcomes
What is one issue affecting students that you would like to work on next year? I would first like to redefine diversity. The university recognizes that diversity is important. I want to get the university to implement diversity as a priority. It is not enough to say we believe in equality and that we are against discrimination. There are deeper issues of identities that we neglect by trying to homogenize diversity by saying we are all the same. I mean, yes, we are all human, but unless we embrace our differences our efforts in diversity fall short. I want to deepen our understanding of diversity and from there accomplish goals of awareness, outreach and empowerment. the
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John Deng Duot
Candidate statement: I’m John Deng Duot and I hope I’ll be lucky enough to be re-elected as your ASVP for Diversity. Diversity makes us stronger as a community and no one should be neglected because of their identities or backgrounds. I experienced the realities of voiceless peoples seven years ago in Sudan; I saw death, violence and families shattered by discrimination and neglect. This past year I’m grateful to have helped lobby legislators in Olympia for higher education, lead diversity initiatives on campus, and create minority scholarships. On behalf of the Associated Students, I voted for marriage equality and against the coal train and an ethnic studies ban. Through my position I’ve learned a lot, so please join me in creating a more inclusive and welcoming Western.
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DUOT from page 11 Why are you seeking this position? I am seeking this position because I have been successful this year as vice president for diversity. I helped lead the effort that created minority scholarships, put “diversity” in all 250 AS employee job descriptions, lobbied in Olympia for marriage equality, higher education, [helped with] innovation of the Ethic Student Center, disAbility Outreach Center with technologies, and sponsored diversity initiative for the AS. I also created a representative student employment committee and diversity task force to empower the student bodies. That’s why I’m seeking this position a
second time. What do you think is the role of the VP for Diversity? The role for VP for diversity is responsible for representing all students, regardless of their identity. No one should be neglected or discriminated against because of their gender, ability, age, religion, appearance, ethnicity, language, life experience, nationality, race or sexuality. What is one issue affecting students that you would like to focus or work on next year? My goals next year are increasing participation in the
Viking Lobby Day, which will be Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 2013, when the AS will be traveling to Olympia to work with legislation from across the state; helping Western to learn and potentially adapt their diversity practices, policies and procedures from other universities so that we can help all students, regardless of their identity and helping Western to increase diversity and empowerment of more students deserved on the university, AS decision making, and be part of the committees. I’m committed to collaborating with any department and putting student opinions and voices first. the
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Candidate for VP FOR GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS
Why are you seeking this position? I am seeking this position because through my legislative work in the past year, my work on the Transportation Advisement Committee during the same period, and my organizing work through Western Votes; I have gained the experience necessary to supervise a stellar voter-registration program campaign, Viking Lobby Day and helped create a legislative agenda that effectively speaks the needs of students to Olympia.
Patrick Stickney Candidate statement: This year students have made tremendous gains working with the legislature to protect higher education. Olympia is starting to listen to us and prioritizing the needs of students. I am proud to be a part of this work, and commit to continuing this battle into next year and the next legislative session. Through my work as Vice-Chair of the Legislative Affairs Council, Club Liaison of Western Votes, and in the AS Representation and Engagement Programs I have fought for higher education and voter registration, and will continue this effort with passion, courage, and commitment. My priorities are: •Expanding work study •Long-term positive budget solutions We’ll continue this fight, continue to push. However, I’ll need your support and your involvement to make next year even better.
What do you think is the role of VP for governmental affairs? The role is everything that I just stated, as well as working with the local community, such as the mayor and the city council, the Campus Community Coalition and also other interest groups in the area. What is one issue affecting students that you would like to focus on or work on next? I would actually like to focus on expanding Work Study. We’ve had Work Study cut by a lot in the past few
years, so I think that Work Study jobs are a net plus to students and to the employers — whether that is here on W campus or out in the community – because the employers don’t have to pay for these positions like they would v p a traditional job. So it also gives students the applied experience they need to succeed when they get out of e college. And the only reason I feel it was cut was because S there was nothing else for the legislature to cut, so they t had to do so unfortunately. And getting us back to the t A situation that we’ve had before this round of extreme s cuts will be my biggest priority for the next year. the
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April 23, 2012• 13
Candidates for VP FOR STUDENT LIFE Student Life position requires, [and] how the Board of Directors represents Western students. It’s also shown me the importance of fighting for our rights for higher education and the coinciding opportunities that come with that. Together, with my knowledge of the AS, and my leadership experience and my unwavering passion, I think I really can bring to the table the strong leadership that Western students need and deserve to see continuing in their Board of Directors
Katie Savinsky Candidate statement: When I first stepped foot on campus, finding my home in the Associated Students, my passion to create the premier experience for EVERY Western student ignited. As an AS Board assistant for the past two years, I have demonstrated sincere drive to empower student voice: •Bolstering student involvement and AS accessibility by aiding in establishment of the AS Communications Office •Engaging in foundational enhancements to the Green Energy Fee •Protecting your right to higher education by organizing successful legislative advocacy My dedicated leadership experience and compassionate nature makes me the best qualified candidate to address your needs. Elect Katie Savinski, so I may expand the relationship between the AS and campus athletics, guide improvements to campus dining services, and increase outreach to underrepresented students. Why are you seeking this position? I am seeking the position for Associated Students vice president for student life because I’ve always been passionate about engaging and empowering students everywhere. I’ve worked with the Vice President for Student Life for two years now, this current year as the assistant to the Vice President for Student Life and the assistant to the Vice President for Governmental Affairs. That experience has provided me with a substantial grasp on not only what the Vice President for
What do you think is the role of the VP for student life? The role of the Vice president for student life is to be the liaison between campus housing and dining, athletics, campus recreation and the AS, of course. That position also tackles the Alternative Transportation Fee, the Green Energy Fee, Campus Safety and Health. To go even broader, as a member of the Board of Directors, the VP for Student Life is also representative of all Western students, and is essentially the go-to vice president for the university when it comes to making Western unique outside of academics. What is one issue affecting students that you would like to focus or work on next year? I definitely want to continue working on educating students about the Green Energy Fee process, and the grant program emphasis of ours. As Western strives for 100 percent offset through the projects that have been implemented so far, I’d really like to see administrator and student collaboration for the next few years, we can see sustainability on a larger scale. I hope that working on that sort of shared government level will set an example for strong partnership in the future with other AS programs, administration, and then follow with enthusiasm from the campus population. the
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Amanda Squires Candidate statement: If you want “Fresh Eyes and a New Perspective” paired with a plethora of experience, personability, an intelligent and open mind and a dedication toward advocacy for this INCREDIBLE community that we are a part of, I Amanda Squires am the absolute best candidate for this position!! I am blown away everyday by this community of diverse, compassionate and intelligent free thinkers that I get to be a part of. I am a junior within the Human Services Department at WWU and I have an incredible passion for human rights and advocacy. I have no doubt that I can represent our community with the honor and dignity that are ours and listen intently to be sure that each student’s issues are addressed. Why are you seeking this position? As corny as it sounds, I want to be the change that I wish to see in the world. I want to help make sure all students at WWU are afforded the same quality of life basically, regardless of their interests, regardless if they’re really involved in clubs, like the club president, or if they’ve never set foot in a AS club before. I want them to know I’m a human being, and that I’ll be a nonjudgmental individual who will listen to them and advocate for their needs regardless of who they are. What do you think is the role of the VP for student life? Well the VP for Student Life is the liaison between the Board of Directors and the Rec Center, the sports
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SQUIRES from previous page teams, [and] the Whatcom Transportation Authority. We work with the Green Energy Fee committee. We’re also overseeing the RHA [the residences halls] the dining halls and campus safety. What is one issue affecting students that you would like to focus on or work on next year? My main thing, just being a student attending board
meetings at first, was just that they’re doing some really incredible things, but in my opinion, there’s a huge divide between the general student population and the board of directors and other AS clubs. I feel like there are a lot of people who don’t really know what’s going on or don’t know that they have an option to be involved. A lot of people have told me that they can’t name a single board member, that they don’t
know what the board does, [or] that they feel intimidated talking to people. One issue I would like to change is visiting a different club, a different sports team and being out in Red Square at least once a week, and have face-to-face interactions with people so that they know me by name, and I know them, and they feel comfortable talking to me about anything. the
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Now that you’ve read this far and learned about the candidates, go out and vote! Login to your myWestern account and click the AS Elections tab or visit wwu.edu/vote.
Voting ends April 27 at 2 p.m.
ESC HIRES NEW COORDINATOR
After months without a program coordinator, the Ethnic Student Center hires a Western alum Lauren Simmons • AS Review
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ormer Western alumnus Nate Panelo was appointed as the new program coordinator for the Associated Students Ethnic Student Center. The ESC has been without a program coordinator since November 2011, when Michael Vendiola stepped down from the position. Panelo, who was the vice president for activities on the Board of Directors, and a member of the ESC, was an influential presence while attending Western, said Robel Marco Paguio, AS ESC public relations coordi-
nator. Before receiving the ESC position at Western, Panelo worked at Seattle University in a student administration position, Paguio said. The process of finding a new ESC Program coordinator started with 60 candidates, which became ten candidates and then narrowed down to the top three. Panelo showed a passion for Western’s students and the position, Paguio said. He loves student administration and recognizes that this job will be a learning experience. “The staff is more like a family here, so I think having
that addition to the family but also him being an alumni, I feel like I’ll be able to get a lot of insight from him,” Paguio said. “He’s been in the ESC before me, he knows how the ESC was before so if maybe he can take some of that, not really implement it, but be able to give us some insight on the traditions from back then.” The ESC programs coordinator is like the rock of the ESC, Paguio said. Having someone back in the ESC programs coordinator office is anticipated by the ESC staff. Panelo will be starting his position at the ESC on May 14. the
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April 23, 2012• 15
TUNE INTO SPRING Higginson Festival of Music returns to campus
Nick Markman • AS Review
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he Higginson Festival of Music is an annual event that brings a huge assortment of bands to campus each year to put on an all-day concert. Despite its name, HIGFOM is open to the entire student body as well as the greater community, not just Higginson residents. This year’s HIGFOM will take place on Saturday, April 28, in the Viking Union Multipurpose Room. The show begins at 12:30 p.m. and ends around 10 p.m. HIGFOM is free for everyone but attendees can chose to donate to My Fight, an organization aimed at fighting poverty in Africa through micro-finance. This year’s band roster consists of Brad Loomis and the Resonance, Great Pacific, the Pacific Madrone, Lybecker, Bellamaine, Bear Cove, Jesse Morrow and Lamppost Revival. HIGFOM Coordinator, Sarah Johnson, said that she built the lineup based off bands that Higginson and Edens residents suggested. “The whole roster is organically grown,” Johnson said. Johnson said that this year’s HIGFOM boasts a diverse lineup and includes music from many genres, but the majority of the bands could be considered acoustic rock
and roll. Jesse Morrow, acoustic guitarist and lead singer for his band of the same name, is a HIGFOM veteran along with the Pacific Madrone, who also played last year’s show. “I’m excited to be back on Western’s campus and play the show for everyone, it should be a lot of fun,” Morrow said. “I’m looking forward to showing up a little early and listening to some good music.” New to this year’s HIGFOM is the inclusion of the not-for-profit organization, My Fight. By selling t-shirt designs at festivals and events across the nation, My Fight provides loans to local entrepreneurs in Africa in hopes of fighting poverty. My Fight will be present between each performance, allowing attendees to purchase bracelets and t-shirts which will provide funding for more loans. “My Fight really stems and grew from this passionate desire to fight injustice,” said Jesse Murphy, My Fight Founder. “I met My Fight at Creation Festival over the summer
and they were just awesome guys and it’s a great cause,” Johnson said. “They are so into it and they are not in it for the money.” Wired and Cascade Beverages will be available at the show for purchase. This year’s HIGFOM will also include a raffle with prizes such as band merchandise bundles, My Fight shirts and bracelets and two HIGFOM posters signed by all the bands. “I’m definitely looking forward to it,” said Brad Loomis, guitarist and vocalist for Brad Loomis and the Resonance. “I love being able to get involved with anything that’s trying to make a difference in the world, especially something on the scale of fighting poverty in Africa.” Johnson, in her second year as HIGFOM coordinator, said that she has been planning and coordinating for this event since last summer. “It’s been a long process but it is totally worth it,” Johnson said. “I love every second of it. I love the fact that students and the community get to hear all this new music.” the
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It’s been a long process but it is totally worth it. I love every second of it. I love the fact that students and the community get to hear all this new music. -Sarah Johnson, HIGFOM coordinator, on organizing the festival
Poster by Brett Flora//AS Publicity Center
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SIMPLY DELICIOUS This week: cookie monster
Megan Thompson • AS Review On Monday night I decided to make cookies for the AS Review staff. My roommate gave me a recipe for brown sugar cookies, and this inspired me to take a whack at cookie making. Here’s my story. Cookies were my “kryptonite.” I cannot make them. I start off the baking experience so happy and giddy (like always) but then end up depressed when I see the result. My cookies always look like flat disks; they are so thin, they crumble at a touch. They still taste delicious, but look horrible. I call them my “sad” cookies. I don’t know how it happens or how they become sad, but without fail my
cookies always do. My roommate, being awesome as always, told me I could make cookies. Thanks for the encouragement! The Monday night’s cookies turned out as always: they looked awful and my self-esteem took a hit. I wanted to cry when I pulled the cookies out of the oven because for some reason, I truly let myself believe they would work. My roommate waked in and said, “How did that happen?” while pointing at the cookies. On Thursday night, I decided to give them anoth-
Brown Sugar Cookies
1½ sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature 1¼ cups dark brown sugar 1 large egg 2 cups all-purpose flour ½ salt ½ ground cinnamon Bake time: 7 minutes Prep time: 15 minutes Makes: about 3 to 4 dozen, depending on cookie size Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place the butter and sugar in the bowl and beat until smooth and creamy. Add the egg and beat well; scrape down the sides of the bowl. Place the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a separate bowl and mix well. Add to the butter mixture and beat until everything is well incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and beat again. Drop large teaspoonfuls of dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet about two inches apart and bake until the edges are just brown. Remove from sheet once they set. Repeat until dough is gone. Enjoy your cookies! the
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er shot. I made the cookies and had an eerie feeling all day; a feeling that meant something would go right. I made the cookies with little to no changes, pulled them out of the oven, and they turned out perfectly. I HAD MASTERED THE COOKIES. It was the first time in my entire life that my cookies looked delicious, full and not breakable. I felt amazing. I wanted to scream from the rooftop. Instead, I jumped up and down for a good five minutes. After being winded from jumping, I felt even better. I, Megan Thompson, can make cookies, which means you can too.
Are you a cooking making expert? Email your favorite cookie recipe to as.review@ wwu.edu for a chance to have your recipe featured in Simply Delicious! Photo by Cade Schmidt//AS Review
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WELCOME TO THE 2012 ELECTION ISSUE.
Poster by Kyle Marmesh & Alan Hussey/AS Publicity Center
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Viking Union 411 516 High St. Bellingham, WA 98225 Phone: 360.650.6126 Fax: 360.650.6507 Email: as.review@wwu.edu Online: as.wwu.edu/asreview @theasreview facebook.com/theasreview
©2012. Published most Mondays during the school year by the Associated Students of Western Washington University. 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. Submissions: We welcome reader submissions, including news articles, literary pieces, photography, artwork or anything else physically printable. Email submissions, or send them to the mailing address above. They will be returned as long as you include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Letters: We also welcome letters to the editor. Please limit your letter to 300 words and include your name and phone number. Published letters may have minor edits made to their length or grammar, if necessary. Calendar/Ads: We don’t sell ad space. Sorry. Email as.review@ wwu.edu to have an event listed in the calendar.
Editor in Chief
Assistant Editor
Lead Photographer
Staff Writers
Kirsten O’Brien
Cade Schmidt
Adviser
Jeff Bates
Adrienne Woods
Anna Atkinson Eriver Eugenio Nick Markman Lauren Simmons Megan Thompson
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We’re glad you’re reading.
ou are holding the 2012 Election Issue of the AS Review. Within these pages, you’ll find interviews with all candidates running for Associated Students Board of Directors, information on the initiatives and referendum, as well as how, when and where to vote. We took great care to ensure that this process was fair to all candidates. Each person was asked the same three questions, and responses were limited to 350 words. General demographic information regarding age, gender identity, major, class year and previous AS involvement was also collected to create the infographic you see on pages 8 and 9. This year, you will be asked to select a first and second choice. Voting begins Monday, April 23, and closes at 2 p.m. on Friday, April 27. To
vote, login to myWestern and click on the “AS Elections” tab. The transcripts you see here are verbatim. Verbal fillers were omitted for clarity’s sake, and some responses had to be shortened to fit the alotted word count. However, the substance of each candidate’s statment has not been altered in any way. In addition, the candidate’s statements have not been altered in any way. For candidates who exceeded the word count, the full transcript of their interview is available online at as.wwu.edu/asreview/. The AS Review would like to thank all the candidates for taking time during their campaigns to be interviewed. We hope you enjoy the issue, and encourage you to make an informed decision. the
All candidate portraits by Cade Schmidt//AS Review
3 - 5 INITIATIVES & REFERENDUMS 11 - 12 VP for DIVERSITY 5 - 6 AS PRESIDENT 12 VP for GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS 6 - 7 VP for ACADEMIC AFFAIRS 13 - 14 VP for STUDENT LIFE 8 - 9 CANDIDATE DEMOGRAPHICS 15 EVENT: HIGGFOM 16 SIMPLY DELICIOUS 7, 10 VP for ACTIVITIES 10 - 11 VP for BUSINESS & OPERATIONS
NOW GET OUT THERE AND VOTE.
April 23, 2012• 3
ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION FEE Should all Western students taking six or more credits be assessed an Alternative Transportation Fee of up to $25 per quarter?
The Alternative Transportation Fee referendum is sponsored by Sara Richards and David Burgesser. We emailed Richards to ask some questions about the referendum. What led you to put this referendum on the ballot? The Western student body initially voted to enact the Alternative Transportation Fee in 2007 to provide universal student bus passes, a late-night shuttle system, and transportation resources through the Student Transportation Office. This program has been extremely successful, with 90% percent of fee-paying students participating. As the fee language states, it must be renewed every five years by a vote of the student body. [This year], 2012, is the fifth year of the program, and students must vote to pass the Alternative Transportation Fee in order to keep their student bus passes and the Western Student Shuttle service. Why should students support this? The Alternative Transportation Fee provides numerous benefits to students and the campus as a whole. Western students receive a direct benefit from the fee through the transit services provided by Whatcom Transportation Authority and the Western Student Shuttle. These services increase students’ mobility during day and evening hours, as well as reduce the need for students to own cars at Western and drive to campus. Parking demand on campus is already maxed out, and
the Western community must do all it can to reduce this demand to avoid inducing the need to fund costly infrastructure. Furthermore, reducing Western students’ vehicle trips saves a significant amount of carbon emissions and supports the campus’ sustainability goals. Use of the services provided by the Alternative Transportation Fee has steadily risen since students voted to enact the program in 2007. It is clear that the fee provides significant benefits to both the students and the campus on a daily basis and should be renewed by the student body. If the referendum passes, will it need funding to implement? If so, how much and where will it come from? The Alternative Transportation Fee is the funding mechanism for the Student Transportation Program, which provides the student bus passes, Western Student Shuttle and transportation resources for students. The fee is assessed to all Western students taking six or more credits with the option for those taking fewer than six credits to opt-in to the program. It is currently set at $25 per quarter during the academic year and will not initially increase with a renewal vote. Official ATF Referendum language: “Shall all Western Washington University students taking six or more credits on the Bellingham campus be assessed an Alternative Transportation Fee of up to $25
per quarter with the following conditions: A Whatcom Transportation Authority bus pass for every fee paying student and a late-night student shuttle service that would run after WTA service ends. At a minimum, this service would run in both directions connecting the main campus, downtown and the Lincoln Creek Park and Ride. If late night service is not offered during summer quarter, students taking summer quarter classes will be charged a reduced fee. Fee increases will be limited to a maximum of 5 percent per year unless approved by the students through a vote. The fee will be for a maximum five-year term subject to a student vote for renewal.” ATF background information: The Alternative Transportation Fee was first passed for a five-year term by more than 80 percent of the Western student body in the 2007 AS elections and is up for renewal this year. This fee provides the funding for a universal WTA student bus pass for all fee-paying students, a late-night shuttle service, and trip-planning assistance and transportation resources through the Student Transportation Office. The program has been a major success since it was enacted five years ago with about 90 percent of students using the services provided. If the Alternative Transportation Fee were to be rejected by student voters, students would have to individually purchase bus passes from WTA, which would cost roughly $40 per quarter (almost twice what students pay for the fee, which includes other services as well). the
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PRINT QUOTA INITIATIVE
Should the AS strongly urge the university administration to work in conjunction with the AS Board of Directors to establish a print quota system by the end of the 2012-2013 academic year? The Print Quota initiative is sponsored by Bill Campbell, Mark Adrian Winters and Cynthia Jurado. Campbell responded to our questions. What led you to put this initiative on the ballot? First off, we took about six to seven students back in January and pulled a variety of students here on campus and took a simple random sample to determine what the main issues students really were concerned about. From my perspective, the print quota was actually one of
my main issues and then it turned out that it happened to be one of the main issues on campus as well. So we decided to bring it to the ballot because we were deeply concerned with the repercussions for environmental sustainability, high academic standard, convenience and financial solvency if we do not have any print quota at all. And so considering all the repercussions that can occur when we don’t have a print quota, not being environmentally sustainable, not pursuing high academic standards, primarily not being financially solvent and then also the convenience issue. We decided to go out and pursue this initiative. We collected more than
2,000 signatures, so this is something students really care about and are concerned with. Why should students support this? Students should vote for this initiative first, because it’s more sustainable to have a print-quota system than not. So while we do reduce overall printing, we don’t actually. There’s other implications for that. Students go print at home. When you print at home, they buy printers, they buy ink and ink cartridges for those printers. They also typically buy paper that is
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PRINT QUOTA from previous page not as high quality or 100 percent recycled, which the university will do so at a cheaper cost. When we print off campus, we use energy that is not often generated through winds or better renewable sources. The university buys environmentally friendly power. We also have our steam plants. When you add everything up, it is much more environmentally sustainable to have a print-quota. Second issue is cost. When we institute a print-quota system, it is much more cost effective than without. So right now without the print quota system, it costs about 5 cents per page. When you add a print-quota system, it drops to about one-third of a cent per page. So we’re talking astronomical difference in costs. Economically, it makes sense to have the print-quota system. We also want to instigate a cap-and-trade system. So if you don’t use your prints, you can sell them back to the university and sell them to the individuals who need to print more than the print quota allows. Right now, the initiative does not call for an exact level of prints. Realistically, it will be somewhere around 180
to 200 pages because those are the sustainable limits and those are the cost-effective limits, and what we also think would be primarily convenient for students. If the initiative passes, will it need funding to implement? If so, how much and where will it come from? Right now as it reads, it doesn’t call for specifics. It encourages the AS and university administration to work together to implement a print-quota system. Realistically, what that means is its probably somewhere around $2.70 to $3 per student, which would most likely be wrapped into the technology fee next year. It’s being re-evaluated this year; that’s one of the other reasons we’re bringing this print-quota initiative to arms. That is most likely where it will be implemented. It is written the way that it is so we can re-evaluate on a university scale. For example, [in] computer science [classes], they have print costs that are automatically added to their classes to allow them to be able to print. With a print-quota initiative, the Computer Science department would not necessarily have to do that, and we can
lower their fees. And this way we don’t just add fees to students. Official campaign statement: This initiative calls for a collaborative effort between the AS Board of Directors and the university administration so as to develop and implement a new sustainable print-quota system, to be executed within and no later than the 2012-2013 academic calendars. This new print quota system shall establish a new print quota for all students, recommended but not limited to include a new, realistic cap level of 200 pages. A realistic cap level is both economically feasible and environmentally sustainable. While acknowledging that the previous cap guidelines were simply unsustainable, it is obvious that the current quota is far too low. This initiative also calls for the implementation of a roll-over system allowing the unused pages in one quarter to roll over into the next. This roll-over system will only operate during a standard academic calendar, in the spirit of environmental sustainability and economic feasibility. the
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TRANSPARENCY INITIATIVE
Should the AS highly encourage the continued evaluation of Western’s contract with Higher One in addition to the continued move to improve university transparency, university administration to student communication, and university administration and student involvement in the process of making decisions that impact students on campus? The Transparency initiative is sponsored by Bill Campbell, Mark Adrian Winters and Cynthia Jurado. Campbell and Winters responded to our questions. What led you to put this on the ballot? Campbell: To start off with that, the initiative is about two things: Higher One and then how the university makes decisions overall. For me personally, I was involved in the campaign against Higher One. I was a part of the Facebook event, I was part of the task force public forum. I couldn’t make the task force myself because of the meeting times, but it was something I was really concerned about. We need to be able to defend the students who don’t understand everything that’s going on. We want to continue to re-evaluate the Higher One contract. Realistically, we are placing the university’s priorities over student priorities, and that is not something we should be doing. It goes against the values of Western, it goes against the values of our community and the values of our students. The second thing that the initiative does is call for the university to be transparent in everything that they do when it comes to large decisions. It also calls for univer-
sity administration to involve students and to communicate with students. Three things are absolutely imperative when it comes to things like eliminating football, installing Higher One, making decisions on the logo, whether these decision were correct or not is really not the big issue. What the issue is is how these decisions were made. Winters: We hope to set a precedent by moving this initiative through. We won’t see these new actions without consulting the student body and seeing student’s interest in check. So again setting a precedent for future actions to be more accountable. Why should students support this? Campbell: Probably something I don’t have to answer too much on. When we did our polls and also received our signatures, I don’t think we received a single “no” for this. It is something that is pretty highly recognized as an important issue here on campus. Students should vote for this because we want to come together and make a stand as a university and as a community. To be able to say to the administration it is not acceptable to maintain the status quo without involving students not communicating with students the way we have these past few years. And that’s really
why not only should students vote for it, but why I think students will vote for it. Winters: I garnered a good 100 signatures and it was generally easier to get than for the print-quota initiative. Students generally were appalled at what had become with their relationship with Higher One. People are complaining about not being able to get their money and not sure about where the money is going in the first place. In fact, most people if they had any issue with it is, “Oh I don’t use it, because it didn’t seem like it fit me at all.” Unfortunately we feel, especially incoming freshmen and transfer students, need to be kept apprize of what this relationship truly entails. Those more often than not are the ones becoming upset and frustrated with the system. If the initiative passes, will it need funding to implement? If so, how much and where will it come from? Campbell: On the tail end, funding for this initiative isn’t required. The main aspect is really about in the future: how do we make decisions? How do we go about involving students? By making sure we involve students and communicating to students the major decisions
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TRANSPARENCY from previous page that are going to impact on their educational careers at Western Washington University. When it comes to evaluating the contract with Higher One, is there potential for there to be funding impacts? That is the case there could be funding impacts. However, what we ask is what we prioritize first and foremost are student values and student priorities. Essentially we have passed the buck on costs for finan-
cial aid refunds on to students, and we did it in a way to astronomically raise the costs for a number of students. A lot of students will be paying fees, fines – all kinds of things because of this one process. And that is not acceptable in the minds of myself, as candidate of AS president, as well as frankly the majority of students. Winters: There’s not really much more to say about it. This is predominantly a political action.
As of now, there shouldn’t be financial or economical requirements. Really we just people to view it, to pay attention, to see it and come forward with their own problems with it and their own issues so that we can rally through them and get in front of the university and say we don’t want this to happen again and make sure that from now on, they can set the precedent for any future actions we take. the
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Candidates for AS PRESIDENT place of individuals. There is so much diversity when it comes to individuality on this campus, and I wanted to find ways in which we can bring those individuals togethe. I decided to run because I thought it was the best way to make a difference.
Bill Campbell Candidate statement: Greetings! My name is Bill Campbell. My dog’s name is Ute. I began attending Western in the summer of 2010 and have developed a great fondness for this campus, we live in an amazing community and we are all fortunate. I truly believe that each and every one of us can, and does impact this campus, our environment, and the world in general. In our own way each of us has the innate ability to MAKE A DIFFERENCE! I have realistic ideas, I have passion, and the enthusiasm and desire to see those ideas through. My challenges have been great and my successes have been many. I see nothing but great things ahead for this wonderful University and I look forward to serving. Why are you seeking this position? When I first sat to look at running for AS president, I thought to myself, “What can I do to essentially make a difference in the campus community?” And even more than that, I was originally set to graduate this spring and, I though, “What’s the best way for me to give back to not only this community that we have in Bellingham, but to the world in general?” And from there, I really decided that I can make a difference by being an officer on the AS Board of Director. Western is a fantastic
What do you believe is the role of president? The AS president is primarily an advocate. They’re an advocate for the ideas, desires and passions that the student body has. This is in Olympia, this is on school grounds, this is with the administration and this is with the Bellingham community. After that, the AS president is primarily a leader. We often forget that when we say the Associated Students, we should not mean the bureaucratic process that goes on in the Viking Union. The Associated Students are the 14,000 students that make up Western’s campus and community, [and the president’s] main responsibility is providing leadership to the 14,000 students we have on this campus and in this community. What is one issue affecting students that you would like to work on next year? The AS/student divide is quite problematic. Students need to be able to approach the AS. We can do that by making the Board of Directors more approachable. I want to be able to create more voices in the AS. For me, that means adding a vice president for sustainable development. After next year, I want to see the Student Senate chair elected and mostly likely given a vote on the Board of Directors. This way we can give the student senate an actual capacity to see their ideas through, more than just recommending things to the AS Board. the
Ethan Glemaker
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Candidate statement: As President, I look forward to being a visible resource who remains attentive to student concerns for the duration of my service. I intend to build upon the foundations that [current president] Anna [Ellermeier] and other past Presidents have laid in order to continue improving the Associated Students as a body which supports and actively represents the students of Western. The AS Board is an advocacy board elected to help students find the support and resources necessary to actualize their goals. In cooperation with my VPs and peers, I will empower students as selfadvocates to take initiative with their voices and their actions. My steadfast curiosity and natural leadership will assist me in continually learning and successfully implementing ways to best serve the students of Western. Why are you seeking this position? I know that I am the most qualified candidate for the position, and secondly I think it’s so important to recognize the work that the current AS board has done, as well as past AS Boards, specifically Anna [Ellermeier] and all the work they have put in. I can build off those
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GLEMAKER from previous page foundations, while jointly recognizing that there needs to be change in a lot of areas within the AS but not discounting their work. I would like to build up the foundations they have laid while also implementing my own ideas. What do you believe is the role of president? The role of AS president is to be a spokesperson for the entire board as well as the entire student body. I will be representing students at the state level as well as at the federal level. My role will be to represent the student body and represent them well, using their ideas and their voices to get those ideas across to legislators while also
inviting them to do the same. One of my biggest beliefs is that I want to empower people through the AS, and use that as a stepping stone and give them the tools to use their own voices. I believe that a really important role of the AS president is to be a strong listener, and I am hoping to increase involvement with the Board of Directors next year and the AS in general so the students can bring their voices. I can, as president, listen and be an advocate for them; to empower [them] to use their voices and their experiences.
What is one issue affecting students that you would like to work on next year? A big concern of mine is sustainability on campus. I know the VP for student life works very much with sustainability. That is a huge portion of that position, and I would love to work with that person to implement composting campus-wide, which I’m already working on through the community comPoster by Simprovement ean Dutton// ASfund Publicity Center mittee in residence life. Right now, we’re starting a new pilot project in Fairhaven, which we hope to expand to the rest of the residence halls and eventually on the whole campus. the
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Candidates for VP FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS sent the students to the AS and the university. This position has the ability to reach every student at the core reason of why they are here at Western. The students deserve someone with the responsibility to make the changes for them.
What do you think is the role of VP for academic affairs? I view the role of the AS vice president for academic affairs as the link between the students of Western, the Associated Students as an organization and the university. With my experience on various committees, like the Academic Coordinating Commission and the University Planning and Resource Council, I have been able to build relationships with key faculty members and administration that are critical to making the academic changes that students want and need.
Victor Celis
Candidate statement: My name is Victor Celis and I am running to serve as your AS Vice President for Academic Affairs. I am the most qualified and experienced candidate to fill this position because of my involvement with various campus committees and groups such as the Academic Coordinating Commission and the AS Student Senate. While at Western I have actively engaged in issues that matter most to the students and have influenced policies and regulations that impact students daily such as the HigherOne Refunding Program and various resolutions within the Student Senate. This position requires someone trustworthy and experienced to represent and involve students in university decisions, and I am that person. Vote for me, Victor Celis, to build a university that best represents who we are. Why are you seeking this position? I have a passion for serving the students of Western. I believe I have the experience and dedication to repre-
What is one issue affecting students that you would like to focus or work on next year? One issue I want to focus on next year is student involvement in key university decisions. On many occasions there have been major decisions that often went unheard of until after the fact. I want to work on increasing opportunities for students to be active in those decisions. For example, many students felt that they had no say in the switch to Higher One for refunding this past fall. While there were a few students involved in the transition process, there were no opportunities for a broader student audience to have a say. In the future of academic decisions and university decisions, I want students to be in the loop, and aware of what is happening in these committees. To do so, I want to increase the connection between the AS and university colleges and departments to reach groups of students who may not be involved with the AS, but are active in their academic programs. I also want to increase the variety of students on university committees so that many student voices are heard by the administration rather than just a few. Student input is always desired by the university, and as ASVP for academic affairs, I will strive to increase that input and involvement. the
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Brian Toews
Candidate statement: I want to bring a fresh perspective to the Associated Students by creating more academic outreach on campus that will put Western and Bellingham on the map. Our education needs to be #1 at WWU. We’ve got to apply the skills that we learn in the classroom to our routine lives. However, I don’t have all the answers. But as unified student body: we’re much closer to those answers. As your VP for Academic Affairs I will strive to improve outreach from the AS to all academic departments, provide students more of a voice in their academic pursuits, support sustainable and affordable options (academic fees etc.) Call on me, Brian Toews as your VP for Academic Affairs. I will put YOU on the map.
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TOEWS from previous page Why are you seeking this position? I want to give Western students more of a voice in their academic pursuits. I’m inspired by the enthusiasm, the passion and drive of my peers when it comes to education. As students, we have the challenging responsibility to not only attend our classes and get a grade, but take the skills and knowledge we learn in the classroom, and bring them to our communities and fields of practice. It’s that sense of academic communities that should unite us, not divide us. We’re all here for the same unifying reason: to become better and more empowered human beings. I want to challenge students to rethink how we view our academics by creating a collaborative learning envi-
ronment instead of a competitive one. What do you think is the role of VP for Academic Affairs? My interpretation of this position is to act as a liaison between the students and the governing board of Western. This position would require me to sit as the chair on various committees that have an influence on important academic decisions that affect the student body. Examples of that include the Student Technology Fee and the Green Energy Fee. It’s important to not only be behind the scenes on these academic issues, but also bring those issues out into the forefront, targeting indifferent and underrepresented students in the decision-making process.
What is one issue affecting students that you would like to focus or work on next year? I have two words: outreach and transparency. Something that I think is very crucial in the political process is making sure that your voters are being heard. That means listening and supporting the students who are equally excited and also equally indifferent about their education at Western. My goal is to make what I do in the Associated Students really matter. One year is not enough time to change anything, but it is enough to lay the foundations for something better and new. The only way of accomplishing that is by focusing my attention on what students want out of their academics. the
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Candidates for VP FOR ACTIVITIES Why are you seeking this position? I am running for this position because I’ve been involved in club activities since my freshman year on Western’s campus. I have personally seen a lot of the values that they can provide to students on campus as well as creating a nice, positive sense of community on campus. I would like to use my skills and my expertise in the area of AS clubs to better the club system in general.
What do you think is the role of VP for activities? The role of my specific position is to be the liaison between the Board of Directors and clubs on campus. That means to not only represent students to the Board of Directors, but to also powerfully advocate for clubs to the Board of Directors as well as trying to create and augment resources for clubs.
Daniel Hagen
Candidate statement: You should vote “Hagen for Activities” for two reasons: experience and passion As club president of both Out of State Students Association and Lady Gaga club, as a club representative on Activities Council, and as a Club Hub Intern I have been working to create a clear infrastructure for clubs to utilize in order to gain access to resources that augment the impact of club activities on Western’s campus. My passion for clubs is proven by my dedication and involvement and now I seek to follow that passion as it guides me to the Board of Directors. With that in mind, I hope you will help me help clubs by voting Hagen for Activities.
What is one issue affecting students that you would like to focus or work on next year? This doesn’t directly affect students but it affects clubs specifically. There is essentially a complete and total lack of infrastructure for clubs on campus, with only four employees for more than 200 clubs. I would like to address that discrepancy and create more infrastructure for clubs by using the Club Hub interns which were newly formed this quarter, as well as looking into creative reimplementation ideas for Inter-Club Council. Other than that, I think the most beneficial thing for clubs would be just to empower the club activities office in general to allow them to represent clubs on campus.
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Carly Roberts
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Candidate statement: For the past two years, I have had the privilege of working in the AS Productions office as a productions assistant and event coordinator. I have gained valuable experience planning events that serve and entertain students while navigating the sometimes confusing AS. I want to use the knowledge I have gained to empower clubs to reach out to our WWU community in fresh and innovative ways and connect other student leaders to the many resources the AS has to offer. If elected, I will be an advocate for these indispensable places where students find entertainment, community, and support. I would be honored to serve as your AS VP for Activities in 2012-2013.
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A closer look at the Candidates In addition to the questions about their campaigns, candidates were also asked a number of demographic questions. What you see is a breakdown of information from all
13 candidates.
A GE DEMO GRA P H IC AVERAGE AGE (20.8)
7 6 5 NUMBER OF CANDIDATES
4 3 2 1 0
Graphics by Austin Jansen//AS Publicity Center.
19
20
21
22
23
24
AGE
M AJ O R / I N T EN DED A REA O F S T UDY
4
3
6
2
International law Theater Psychology Business admin.
AMOUNT
Philosophy Math
SUBJECT
Political science
English literature
Human services
Various studies
Note: some candidates had double or combined majors
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Get to know your future student leaders C L A S S S TA N D I N G
10 juniors
2 sophomores
1 senior
G E ND E R
10 males
3 females
P RE V I OUS A S I N V O L V EM EN T
46% 38%
Candidates who have worked or interned in the AS 5 out of 13
Candidates not previously involved in AS clubs or activities 2 out of 13
Candidates involved in clubs 6 out of 13
15%
46%