AS Review - April 25, 2014

Vol. 29 #25 4.25.2014

2 • as.wwu.edu/asreview

Cover design by Keghouhi Bedoyan // AS Review

IN THIS ISSUE 4 Event Spotlight

making your life better, one page at a time Viking Union 411 516 High St. Bellingham, WA 98225 Phone: 360.650.6126 Fax: 360.650.6507 Email: as.review@wwu.edu as.wwu.edu/asreview @TheASReview facebook.com/theasreview

Our preview of Local Consciousness week.

The AS Review is an alternative-weekly that provides coverage of student interests such as the AS government, activities and student life. The Review seeks to enhance the student experience by shedding light on under-represented issues, inclusive coverage, informing readers and promoting dialogue.

9 Chelsea Ghant

THE AS

REVIEW Cade Schmidt Kylie Wade Isaac Martin Trevor Grimm Kelly Mason Andrew Wise C Hayley Halstead Dominic D’Angelo Designer Keghouhi Bedoyan Adviser Jeff Bates

Editor in Chief Assistant Editor Lead Photographer Photographer Copy Editor Writers

21 Referendums Get the scoop on all of the referendums on this year’s ballot.

Check out our exclusive interviews with this year’s AS Board of Directors candidates from p. 6-20.

6 Morgan Burke

We welcome letters to the editor. Please limit your letter to 300 words, include your name, phone number and year in school, if you’re a student.

Send them to as.review@wwu.edu. Published letters may have minor edits made to their length or grammar.

Everything you need to know about what’s in the elections issue.

Meet the Candidates

© 2014. Published most Mondays during the school year by the Associated Students of Western Washington University.

We welcome reader submissions, including news articles, literary pieces, photography, artwork or anything else physically printable. Email submissions to as.review@wwu.edu.

5 Welcome

Candidate for AS President

Candidate for VP for Business & Operations

14 Zach Dugovich Candidate for VP for Student Life

17 Katrina Haffner Candidate for VP for Activities

7 Josie Ellison Candidate for AS President

10 Patrick Eckroth Candidate for VP for Academic Affairs

15 Samantha Goldblatt Candidate for VP for Student Life

18 Sarah Kohout Candidate for VP for Governmental Affairs

8 Annika Wolters Candidate for AS President

11 Jaleesa Smiley Candidate for VP for Academic Affairs

16 Giselle Alcantar Soto

Candidate for VP for Activities

19 Jeremy Richtmyre Candidate for VP for Governmental Affairs

20 Cristina Rodriguez Candidate for VP for Diversity

Editor’s note: In the issue of this voter’s guide that was on newsstands from April 21 to 24, two of the candidate’s names were spelled incorrectly. We apologize sincerely for these errors. We corrected the mistakes and have reprinted the issue.

April 25, 2014 • 3

EVENTS Dissolve Closing Ceremony

April 25 // All day // VU Gallery 507 // Free The last day to view the artwork of visiting artist Margot Casstevens is quickly approaching! During the closing ceremony, Casstevens will be there, a short statement will be read, the event will be filmed and all of the work will be dipped into a vat of water and pulped.

Autism Speaks U Viking 5K April 26 // 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. // Communications Lawn //$10 adult registration

Hosted by Western’s chapter of Autism Speaks U, this 5K walk/run will raise funds for Autism Speaks, a leading organization in autism research and advocacy. Registration starts at 11 a.m., with the race beginning at noon.

STRFKR with Kithkin

April 27 // doors at 7:30 p.m., show at 8 p.m. // VU MPR // Advance tickets: $18, At door: $20 (with Western ID) AS Pop Music presents STRFKR with Kithkin. Come listen to some music and enjoy the show!

Reel Rock 8 April 28 // 6-9 p.m. // AH 100 // $5 Reel Rock Film Tour features the best new climbing films from Sender Films, Big UP Products and more. Movies include Stonemasters, Spice Girl, The Sensei,

High Tension and more. There will also be free giveaways!

Game of Thrones Trivia Night April 28 // 6:30 p.m. // UGCH // $1 buy-in per team member Test your knowledge of one of the most popular shows! Teams can consist of anywhere between one and six members.

Gear Grab April 28-30 // 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. // VU 565 // Free The Outdoor Center Gear Grab gives students and community members a chance to buy and sell their used gear!

The Outdoor Center will also sell some gear at a discounted price.

Humans vs. Zombies Ends April 30 // all day // WWU The game continues as zombies take over campus for a few more days until the end of April.

Mean Girls: 10th Anniversary April 30 // 7-9 p.m. // FH 4 // Free The AS Sexual Awareness Center and Women’s Empowerment and Violence Education present a viewing of Mean Girls in celebration of the movie’s 10th anniversary. There will be a discussion before the film talking about the significance of the movie and the way that it portrays healthy and unhealthy relationships.

Wednesday Night Concert Series: Porter Ray w/ Cam The Mac April 30 // 8 p.m. // UGCH // Free Porter Ray with Cam The Mac will be performing this week. Come grab a cup of coffee, a comfy spot on a couch and experience the music!

AS Club Kick-Back May 1 // 5-8 p.m. // AW 204 // Free Old leaders of AS clubs will be passing the torch to the new leaders, helping them prepare for their new leadership roles. There will be free food, as well as a prize drawing!

HigFOM May 2 // 4-11 p.m. // VU MPR // $2 Come enjoy a variety of music at the annual music festival hosted by the Edens/Higginson community. This year all of the proceeds made at HigFOM will go towards scholarships for the Bellingham Arts Academy for the Youth. There will be drinks, snacks, a photo booth and of course, music!

VikingCon 2014

May 3 // 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. // VU // Student regular access price $7, VIP Access $12 Comics, television, literature and gaming lovers can all come together to celebrate their passion. This year’s conference will touch on the topics of monsters and morality in fantasy, the relationship between science and science fiction and queer representation in nerd culture.

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EVENT SPOTLIGHT: LOCAL CONSCIOUSNESS WEEK

By Kelly Mason Throughout April and May, the Associated Students Resource and Outreach Programs (ROP) are putting on an event series called Local Consciousness. Local Consciousness consists of five events which all focus on raising awareness about social issues on campus. The event series spans three weeks, with each event put on by departments of the ROP. “Six of our offices put together great events that all focus on aspects of the experiences of students on campus,” said ROP Director Matt Smith. “It’s about having that consciousness on the local level.”

Kicking off Local Consciousness on Thursday, April 24 was Western’s annual Take Back the Night. Co-sponsored by the Women’s Center and Social Issues Resource Center, the event focused on addressing the issue of violence against people of marginalized gender identities.

Take Back the Night featured a performance by poet and activist Staceyann Chin. The event allowed people of marginalized gender identities a safe space to reflect and discuss their experiences. Take Back the Night concluded with a march through campus and downtown to empower and demonstrate the commitment to make the community safer for those of marginalized gender identities.

On Tuesday, April 29 Exploring the Reporting System at Western will occur, an event focused on analyzing the Equal Opportunity Office’s system for reporting sexual assault and harassment. It is co-sponsored by the Queer Resource Center and Sexual Awareness Center.

At the event, which will take place from 6 - 8 p.m. in Miller Hall 131, participants will take a survey about their experiences with the reporting systems. Results of the survey will then be dissected in a safe, open discussion. The discussion will allow students to highlight areas in the system that need work in order to work towards ensuring a more comfortable environment for survivors of sexual assault and harassment.

The first event of May will take place on Thursday, May 1 from 7 - 9 p.m. in VU 552. The Role of White Privilege at Western is sponsored by the Social Issues Resource Center.

It will analyze the role that white privilege plays at Western.

On Wednesday, May 7 in Academic West 304 from 6 - 8 p.m., the Legal Information Center and Disability Outreach Center will host the Campus Accessibility Forum.

The forum will allow students to safely share their experiences with accessibility issues on campus. It will feature a panel of representatives from different offices on campus to discuss accessibility efforts.

Closing the Local Consciousness event series is the Queer Resource Center’s 5th Annual Queer Experience, an event focusing on the experiences of individuals of marginalized genders and sexualities.

The Queer Experience will take place on Friday, May 9 in the VU MPR from 7 - 10 p.m. and on Saturday, May 10 in Old Main Theatre from 7 - 10 p.m. The show will feature student cast members allowing for students to voice their own experiences as queer-identified individuals.

Local Consciousness events address issues that may be difficult to discuss, but the importance of awareness about the issues outweighs the difficulty. The event series allows for open discussion about these issues in a safe and welcoming environment.

“Sometimes we don’t always think about topics that can be difficult to talk about, but it’s stuff that we need to be aware of,” Smith said. “It’s really hard for innovation to happen unless we as a campus are actively involved or aware.”

HAVE AN EVENT YOU WANT CAMPUS TO HEAR ABOUT? LET US KNOW AT AS.REVIEW@WWU.EDU

April 25, 2014 • 5

welcome to the 2014 election issue You are now holding the 2014 Election Issue of the AS Review. Each year the AS Review publishes this special installment to serve as a voter’s guide during the Associated Students Spring Elections.

Within these pages you’ll find interviews and campaign platforms of those campaigning for positions on the AS Board of Directors as well as information on referendums and initiatives on this year’s ballot.

There are seven positions that serve on the board: the AS President, Vice President for Business and Operations, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Vice President for Student Life, Vice President for Diversity, Vice President for Activities and the Vice President for Governmental Affairs. Each position serves as a delegate for specified student interests and is responsible for representing these interests to the university administration. Some positions also represent the students to local and state governments.

The Board of Directors is tasked with decisions on changes within the structure of the AS, organizational budgets, policy, campaigns and other items necessary to the function of student government.

This year’s ballot will include two referendums and two initiatives.

The Legislative Action Fund Referendum proposes revising the optional $2 per-quarter fee. After a year

on hiatus, the future of the AS Student Senate lies in the hands of student voters with the Student Senate Referendum. The On-Campus Smoking Policy Initiative will canvas student opinion regarding cigarette smoking on campus. A campaign in opposition to this initiative has been launched.

The AS Review team has been scrupulous in ensuring that each candidate and referendum or initiative sponsor received the same opportunity in this paper. We reached out to all sponsors and candidates at a required meeting.

Candidates and sponsors were expected to contact a designated member of our team within 48 hours after the meeting to schedule an interview. Each candidate or sponsor was asked the same three questions and given a limit of 150 words for each. Verbal fillers have been omitted from these responses for clarity and some responses have been shortened to fit the assigned word count. The context of these statements haven’t been altered in any way. The full statements can be viewed at as.wwu.edu/asreview.

Voting begins on Monday, April 28 and closes at 2 p.m. on Friday, May 2. Students can vote by heading to wwu.edu/vote or at one of the polling stations on campus.

The AS Review would like to thank all of the candidates and initiative and ref-

erendum sponsors for their time, as well as AS Elections Coordinator Nic Doherty and Representation and Engagement Programs Associate Director Graham Marmion. We hope you enjoy this issue!

-- Candidate and sponsor interviews were conducted by AS Review Staff Writers Andrew Wise, C Hayley Halstead, Dominic D’Angelo, Kelly Mason, Assistant Editor Kylie Wade and Editorin-Chief Cade Schmidt.

-- All official candidate photos in this issue and on the ballot were taken

by AS Photographer Isaac Martin and Assistant Photographer Trevor Grimm.

Polling stations will be open every day during the voting period from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. [except on May 2, as voting closes at 2 p.m.] and will be located in Red Square and on south campus.

The AS Representation and Engagement Programs is seeking volunteers to run the stations. Poll workers can’t be affiliated with a candidate, referendum or initiative in any way.

Those interested can send inquiries to AS Elections Coordinator Nic Doherty at as.elections@wwu.edu.

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Morgan Burke Candidate for AS President Why are you seeking this position?

CAMPAIGN STATEMENT I am a senior at Western Washington University pursuing a study of International Business, and triple minoring in German, Economics and Energy Policy. I have multiple years of experience serving students with leadership roles, business operations and financial budgeting, as well as facilitating day-to-day business practices. During my time at Western, I was a Resident Advisor for two years, worked as AS Business Director and served as your VP for Business and Operations.

My goal as AS President? To maximize efficiency of the organization by meeting your needs as a student through programs and services that you want. If your needs are not being met, then I want to make changes to ensure you get the highest quality in your Western experience. Vote me, Morgan Burke for AS President, and I promise to use my skills and experience to represent your voice and strengthen the Western community.

I was encouraged by friends and colleagues to consider running for AS President.

Not only did others want me to run, but I wanted to seek this position for my own reasons. This position needs a strong leader that knows what to do under pressure and make tough decisions. I know that I am that leader.

When I was elected in the middle of the year, I had to adjust and hit the ground running. By looking at my contributions and the change in the organization, its safe to say that I’m someone that takes the initiative to be a part of the solution and be the change that I want to see.

I’ve worked with our students and I’ve seen the disconnect between their needs and the AS. I know what support employees need from the board to be empowered. But mostly, I see the room for improvement and I know what steps to take in order to turn these opportunities into success.

What do you think is the role of the AS President?

I know the role of the AS President. I’ve had experience working with this position through my time as an AS Board member. I understand how this position creates change and supports the organization.

To put it simply, the AS President’s role is to wear many hats at one time. Not only are you a student, but also a leader, an advocate, a super-fan, a feedback provider, a safespace giver, a role model, a support system and a voice.

As a leader and an advocate, self-care is of the utmost responsibility of this position. If

a leader is unable to take care of themselves, they’re unable to take care of others they’re leading. I will support student needs and positively represent the university as a whole.

In order for an organization to grow, it’s important to provide feedback for further growth and development. The AS needs to be dynamic and changing to evolve around student’s preferences.

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

Choosing one would limit my ability to represent the intersectionality and wide variety of needs students face.

My one issue is money. Money in the sense that we all face negative fiscal implications. The cost of tuition is limiting the ability for some people to attend college and I would like to continue lobbying for a tuition freeze.

Student loans have reached one trillion dollars and I want to advocate for sustainable financial assistance.

Carver Gym is beyond its ability to provide a safe space for student athletes and I’ll continue to advocate for funds to renovate that facility. Your student dollars are allocated to the AS and not everyone utilizes the services, programs and professional development the AS provides.

Your needs as a student need to be met, and I know how to make that happen. Your questions should be answered before they are asked. You not only should have a seat at the table, but a voice. Let me be that voice.

April 25, 2014 • 7

Josie Ellison Candidate for AS President Why are you seeking this position?

I’m running for President because I love the students of Western and I think the Associated Students can do even more to serve them. During my time on the board, I have learned a lot about the organization that I can use to help make changes next year to better support our students.

The Associated Students is an amazing organization, but I want to expand the number of students that become involved, and by doing that, create a better Western experience.

What do you think is the role of the AS President?

The President’s main job is to support the Vice Presidents in the way that they want to be supported. The President also represents the AS to university administration and to outside organizations. Next year the President will be the main liaison for the foundation of our Alumni Association.

This is key in moving toward divestment from fossil fuels, something students supported in last year’s elections. I’m willing to go beyond the role of the job in order to make sure all students feel represented in the Associated Students.

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

The Washington State Legislature has consistently decreased funding for higher education and it’s time that students talk to legislators and asked for a tuition decrease.

Higher education should be accessible to everyone and by not trying to make it more accessible we’re doing a disservice not only to Western students but to students that couldn’t attend Western because of high costs.

I’ve worked with the Washington Student Association this year to advocate for Washington students and I’m excited to bring a stronger student voice to Olympia next year.

While advocating to keep tuition low, I want to ensure that our university gets enough money to provide students the best possible experience, making sure that students can not only afford higher education, but afford a higher education that will allow them to excel.

CAMPAIGN STATEMENT My name is Josie, and I’m running for AS President. During my term there are a few things I want to accomplish: A tuition decrease: If we keep asking for a tuition freeze that’s all we’ll receive.

I can advocate for this by utilizing the strong student network I’ve worked on with other schools over the last year to create a unified voice in Olympia and bring student issues to the forefront.

Expanding the AS: The Associated Students is an amazing organization, but many students don’t know the benefits that come from being involved. I want to increase awareness of what the AS can do for you.

I’m a sophomore with a year of experience on the Board of Directors; I am passionate about representing my identity as a queer student and making sure that first and second year students have equal representation. I hope you’ll vote Josie for President.

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Annika Wolters Candidate for AS President Why are you seeking this position?

CAMPAIGN STATEMENT If you know nothing about me, I’m a team member. Making Western’s campus more inclusive relies on people like us.

Most students here have never been involved in the Associated Students. I’m out to represent these people.

There are things we all want: for tuition costs not to skyrocket, a safe Carver gymnasium and overall campus and visible representation of all identities.

I’ve spent two years as a student reporter for The Western Front and AS Review, asking administrators and students about their opinions on the issues above. I’ve had the pleasure of hearing your opinions, let’s act on them.

I’m driven by this objective. I’ve taken nearly every leadership class, and have held multiple positions in the Ethnic Students Center. By learning from each other, we can build a more inclusive home away from home. With your help, we can do it.

We can empower students to empower students.

I’m seeking this position because I want to get more students associated in the Associated Students. It’s my opinion and gut feeling that most of the students here at Western have not been involved in the AS and so I’m out to represent the majority of the students, from more than 15,000 walks of life, every one of those students is a resource that we can welcome into the AS. I also want to give the message to students that it’s not absolutely necessary for you to have all four years of experience in the Associated Students. I was never hired on into the AS until last year when I was writing for the AS Review.

I have been indirectly associated as a member of the Ethnic Student Center, but even if I lose, I would love to give the message to students that these positions are open to anyone. We’re not superheroes. We’re regular people.

What do you think is the role of the AS President?

I’ve been told that the President’s position is not actually the place to be if you’re trying to make change and that’s okay with me because I’m trying to empower other students to make change. I don’t have to be the face of action or activism here at Western.

I want to see other students who have not been so involved or who have even been intimidated. I want to see students like us become eager and comfortable and at home here in the Associated Students. Even if it’s not the Associated Students, I just want them to be aware and to know exactly how many

venues we have here on campus because we have 300 clubs alone and however many departments and majors that all have their own clubs, so it’s not always about being involved with the AS. Sometimes, it’s just about being involved.

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

A lot of students want to see the AS be more transparent. I think our AS board is doing an awesome job representing us, but a lot of students are still like, ‘What are they doing?’

We’ve done a good job of having our events publicized in publications on campus. I think my presence here in the AS will facilitate a more transparent and not objective - because objectivity is not possible in my opinion - we all have our biases and things. As a journalism student, I’m trying to create more positive relationships between student government and student media.

Oftentimes, publications make mistakes.

Board members make mistakes. I’m just trying to create a relationship where we can be forgiving. Nobody likes being bashed and nobody loves bashing. That will be a side effect of me being in the AS, is that we can have more transparency and better relationships and even friendships - maybe not friendships because that would create a bias - but just having that transparency between student media and student government. *Editor’s Note: Wolters was an AS Review Staff Writer from September 2013 until her resignation in February 2014.

April 25, 2014 • 9

Chelsea Ghant Candidate for VP for Business & Operations Why are you seeking this position?

I have a heart for service. I seek to utilize my innate leadership abilities to serve the students of Western.

I have experience. I currently work with the AS as an office assistant, so I know the workings of the Associated Students thus far.

Also, what I don’t know or what I’m not proficient in, I can learn because I am teachable.

Also, I enjoy challenging myself. I love stepping out of my comfort level and doing what I thought I couldn’t do.

Lastly, this position means that I can wear the white hat, I can do good work, I can serve the students to the best of my ability and really seek out the needs of the students and make Western a better place for them.

What do you think is the role of the VP for Business and Operations?

It requires professionalism, accuracy and it also requires a team player attitude because you’re on the Board of Directors. It’s not just you solely, so definitely a team player attitude.

I think this role means that I represent Western in the best light possible, not just from a business standpoint, but from a student standpoint as well.

To go more in depth about what VP for Business and Operations means, it means that I am the direct supervisor over the AS Business Office, a liaison for the Viking Union operations, Publicity Center and the AS Bookstore. Also, I am the AS Board advisor for the AS Budget Committee and it’s my job to ensure that student dollars are managed responsibly, accurately and that it’s always in the best interest of the students.

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

Transparency, awareness and involvement.

Those are three, but it’s comprised into one issue. I think it’s imperative that we’re aware of what’s going on on campus and that we get involved because that enhances our experience as students academically and socially.

Many students don’t know of the different resources and programs that the AS offers and hopefully, if elected, I can work with the Board collectively to think of new ways to publicize and get students aware.

Many students don’t know what the Board of Directors does, they just see us during election season and I’d like to change that. I’d like to get students involved and track our progress over the academic year.

Transparency, awareness and involvement, I hope to rectify those issues and give the students a better experience as a whole.

I hope to grow with the students as well and with those three: transparency, awareness and involvement, we can grow together.

CAMPAIGN STATEMENT I am Chelsea Ghant! I aim to be a fresh perspective. As a student I have observed the need for greater student involvement and awareness of AS programs and resources. I am a junior working towards a B.A. in International Business with a minor in Chinese. As the Budget Authority for Western’s Black Student Union, I have become experienced with budgeting forms & policies.

I served as Faculty Senate Program Support Staff, & I am currently Office Assistant for the AS Ethnic Student Center.

These are a few positions that I’ve held at Western that have equipped me to be an effective and efficient VP for Business and Operations. If elected I will keep students needs at the forefront when making financial decisions. From a fiscal standpoint I plan to continue what works well and eliminate what does not. I will budget responsibly, and ensure YOU that YOU are valued!

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Patrick Eckroth Candidate for VP for Academic Affairs Why are you seeking this position?

CAMPAIGN STATEMENT My name is Patrick Eckroth and I am running to serve you as next year’s AS VP for Academic Affairs. This position requires someone who is experienced with the issues and the processes and structure of the AS and the university.

In my time at Western, I have served on several of the committees that make up the Academic Affairs job description; including the Committee on Undergraduate Education and the Student Technology Fee Committee. With this direct experience, I hope to provide a smooth transition for this position so I can immediately begin working to make beneficial changes for the students of Western.

I plan to utilize this experience and my experience with the Washington Student Association, Western Votes, the Legislative Affairs Council, and the Representation and Engagement Programs to work on increasing academic advising, reforming Western’s General Education, and ensuring that student input is heard and actually considered.

I’ve always had a passion for public service and because of that I’ve developed the experience that I believe will help make the changes that students want to see at Western and on campus.

By serving on various university and Associated Students committees, I’ve built relationships with faculty and have gotten an in-depth understanding of how both the AS and the university make their decisions. I think this will be helpful in acting as liaison in making the changes that require AS and faculty approval.

What do you think is the role of the VP for Academic Affairs?

The main role for the Vice President of Academic Affairs is to be a liaison between the Associated Students and the administration and faculty of the university, but I see it as more than just that because this position recruits for more committees than any other positions on the board.

I see it more as not just a liaison, but a position that has to reach out to every student individually so that their opinions can be heard and considered at the AS and university levels because there’s a lot of committees that require students to actually be involved, but they aren’t full of students who are going to the committee meetings.

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

The main issue I want to work on is increasing academic advising at Western. Currently the ratio of general advisers to students is 700 to one, which is twice the national average and is not effective at all.

I’ve heard lots of stories of students who set an appointment to get advising before they plan their schedule out and they have to wait three weeks before they can actually get a spot or they’re a senior and they still haven’t declared a major, which is not only ineffective, but it means that students can’t graduate on-time and at the lowest expense, which affects everyone because people should be able to go on to their professional careers as soon as possible.

I believe to fix this we need to go not just to the administration, but to the state so that the administration can increase academic advising while not taking away from other vital student services.

April 25, 2014 • 11

Jaleesa Smiley Candidate for VP for Academic Affairs Why are you seeking this position?

I’m seeking this position because I’ve always been passionate about helping people wherever I am. Since I’m at college now, my surroundings are students, so it’s natural for me to want to help students in any way I can.

The ways I see I can is through participating in student government, clubs or any student leadership positions. Academic Affairs is the biggest one here, because we’re all here to succeed academically.

What do you think is the role of the VP for Academic Affairs?

I think the role of VP for Academic Affairs is to facilitate the academic success of students here on campus and to do that by communicating the issues of the students to the staff, and communicating the concerns of the staff to the students, creating that bridge between students and staff.

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

I know a big issue for me right now at least is the lack of academic advisers available, especially coming as a student of color. There’s not really any academic advisers catered to my specific needs. And that goes along with first generation students, transfer students and students in general. There needs to be more catering of academic support to these students.

CAMPAIGN STATEMENT During my three years at Western I have had the chance to participate in campus events such as Viking Lobby Day, Back to Bellingham, and Western Preview; while also taking on multiple leadership positions within AS clubs. These experiences afforded me the opportunity to gain knowledge about the student body and student issues here at Western.

Also during this time, it has been made increasingly clear to me that only a small percentage of the student body are knowledgeable about student issues, on and off campus. Therefore, my main objective, if elected, will be to raise student awareness of the problems directly and indirectly facing them today. In doing so, students will have a heightened concern for the issues pertaining to the campus and themselves while simultaneously giving voice to the issues at hand. Awareness begets change. And students do have the power to facilitate it.

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CANDIDATE

S TAT I S T I C S

GRAPHICS BY KEGHOUHI BEDOYAN // AS REVIEW

April 25, 2014 • 13

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Zach Dugovich Candidate for VP for Student Life Why are you seeking this position?

CAMPAIGN STATEMENT I am running for AS Vice President for Student Life because I want to give back to the University that has given me so much.

When I first stepped on to campus three years ago, I knew I had found a place to call home not only because of Western’s beauty but also because of the amazing students who attend such an amazing school. I want to be your AS Vice President for Student life because I want to serve you, your needs, and ensure the best University experience possible.

As a member of the Student Trustee Committee, my extensive knowledge of how the AS operates, and the connections I share with various clubs and individuals at Western, I have the qualifications needed for this position.

I ask that you allow me the privilege to serve you and your interests by voting Zach Dugovich for AS VP for Student Life.

I am seeking this position because I’ve gone here for three years now, going on four, and I feel like other students deserve to have the same fulfilling experience that I’ve had.

Being at Western has been amazing for me.

From the first time I came here I felt like I was at home. And being Vice President for Student Life would give me the opportunity to actually help students.

A big thing is transparency. I feel like a lot of students don’t know the things that the AS has to offer and that’s why I want to help a lot of these students. Overall, I like working with people and I’m passionate about students, I’m passionate about people that I’ve encountered these past few years and I really, really want to help people. That’s why I’m running.

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

The Vice President for Student Life basically acts as a liaison between students, housing and dining services and transportation, that’s a big part of it.

But the big thing is connecting with students. I’m the one that’s going out there and seeing what the students want and seeing what they need done. And like I said before, I’ve talked to many students just on the first day of campaigning and the biggest thing is I ask them, ‘Can you name one person that’s in the AS or that’s on the Board of Directors?’ And they can’t do it. Nine out of ten students have no idea, they don’t even know what the AS does. That’s going to be my job as Vice President for Student Life, making sure they know what’s available to them and

what we can actually get done. That’s what I want to do.

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

A big thing is transportation. We have a C lot that’s horrible that students have blatantly been clear about. I want to find an environmentally-friendly way to pave that. Also, extending the late night shuttle.

I don’t think students that live on the south end should be deprived of a bus. Especially for kids that are walking home at night by themselves, that’s not safe and that’s not fair. Increased lighting around campus, I think that’s a big thing. There’s a lot of areas that are kind of secluded and students don’t feel safe. I don’t think that’s very fair either.

A big thing that I want to get done next year is working with the city council and getting legislation passed where students can no longer get taken advantage of and working with the Western legal center to make sure students know of their rights as renters. I’m tired of seeing students get taken advantage of.

April 25, 2014 • 15

Samantha Goldblatt Candidate for VP for Student Life Why are you seeking this position?

I’m seeking Vice President for Student Life because I’ve seen a lot of problems in my last couple years at the university that affect a huge amount of students. I see those as being rental safety, I think lighting is another big one, I think lack of involvement with the community is definitely another big one.

I’d really like to support all students by starting to remedy these situations and trying to seek ways that we can really fix them.

Obviously, they’re all pretty long-term things.

I think also that a lot of students don’t feel very included in the AS and so I’d like to make sure that they feel heard.

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

I think the role of the VP for Student Life is definitely to represent the students in ways that show Western students’ commitment to sustainability, economic and environmental, but also their commitment to having a good life while they’re here. I think that’s the pinnacle of Vice President for Student Life, making sure that students have healthy, safe, nice lives while they’re here so that they can focus on school and being students.

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

I think the big issue that I’m really interested in is renter’s rights. For the past couple of years I’ve been in the Legal Information Center and a huge majority of the students that I see are having issues with their rental. Often they’re dealing with landlords that are acting in illegal ways and taking advantage of them.

So something that’s really important to me is to make sure that the worst of those situations, at least the situations where students’ health or safety is at risk, which I’ve definitely seen a lot of those cases, and that’s a big priority for me, to support those students and make sure that they don’t have to deal with that because they have a right not to.

CAMPAIGN STATEMENT My name is Samantha Goldblatt, and I am thrilled to be running for the position of AS VP for Student Life! I am currently a sophomore in the Geology major and am very interested in sustainability, but also have developed a passion for renter’s rights and community involvement while at WWU. If elected to be your VP for Student Life, I will work hard towards building a safer off-campus environment for students through increased lighting and attention to rental safety, and I will focus on emphasizing long-term environmental and economic sustainability while also fostering better connections between WWU students and those in the Bellingham community. More than anything, I want to work with YOU to create healthier and safer environments for students in the coming year, so make sure to cast your vote!

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Giselle Alcantar Soto Candidate for VP for Activities Why are you seeking this position?

CAMPAIGN STATEMENT My name is Giselle Alcantar and I’m running for VP for Activities. When I moved to the US in 2007, I didn’t have a sense of belonging. It wasn’t until I joined clubs at Western when I began feeling like I belonged somewhere again.

That is why this office matters so much to me, and is the driving force behind what has attracted me to activities, sports and community. I want other students to find that sense of belonging at Western and make those connections as well. It is for those same reasons that I began working at the AS Activities Office and joined the Activities Council, both vital functions to this position. I can offer you experience, passion and a will to work hard.

Please visit my Facebook page at www. facebook.com/giselleforvpofactivities to read my platform and ask any questions.

Giselle for VP for Activities, bringing on the experience.

I’m seeking VP for Activities because activities have always provided a home to me.

Whether it has been sports, clubs, ResLife, ESC clubs or general clubs, since year one I joined my first club and I’m still a part of it now. I think what most students seek here is a home, and I think special interests like those are the best way to start this. So this year I became involved in the AS, working as one of the two club specialists in the Activities Office. I was able to help the 230-plus clubs on campus. They would come in sometimes and ask me about fundraising, which you can only really answer if you are a part of the Activities Council, so I joined the Activities Council to be able to better help them because it all really supports that idea of creating a really good experience. Given that background, I feel like I have a lot to offer to students.

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

The role of this position is unique since it’s growing each year and adding more responsibilities. It represents student’s uniqueness, because each student gets to choose what extracurricular activity they want to be a part of.

Another big role is spending student dollars in an ethical manner, because this position chairs the Activities Council. I want to make sure that students get the most out of that money by ensuring the council invests in diverse groups that will appeal to a larger crowd, as well as maintaining transparency and being consistent in policy.

Another role is to give guidance to a couple offices around the AS, AS Productions,

the Activities Office and creating a relationship with the Athletic Director – who this year is new. Overall though, I think that when meeting with the Board of Directors, looking at decisions through an activities lens is the main role of this position.

That’s more of the general sense of how I view what this position is: to know what people want and try to give it to them as best as I can.

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

There are many issues I would like to address, like how [the relationship with] the Athletic Director needs to be rebuilt, but I think there’s one that really needs attention: that’s aiding clubs in student outreach. Most students don’t know that we have so many clubs.

The fact that the ESC, the AS Productions office and the Club Hub are kind of hard to find doesn’t speak well for the availability we have.

I want to direct more attention to finding ways in which clubs can recruit and be part of a community with the same interest and inspiration that they have to be able to get back what they deserve since they are paying club fees.

That is the issue that I want to focus most on, but I’d rather hear what students have to say. So I would like to invite students to go on my Facebook page and tell me what they want me to work on.

April 25, 2014 • 17

Katrina Haffner Candidate for VP for Activities Why are you seeking this position?

I am seeking this position because in my involvement with AS clubs and other activities, I have found that there are many shortcomings concerning getting the word out about organizations and their events.

There has been a problem with transparency within the AS, and that problem resonates with a lot of the student body in what I’ve discussed with them.

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

As the Vice President for Activities, I would be the liaison between the AS and the departmentally-related activities committee.

I would also be on a lot of other activitiesrelated committees and I would oversee AS clubs, AS Productions, Western athletics and so on. I would also act as one of the student representatives for the school.

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

Advertising on campus, I along with a lot of other organization leaders have found it is very limited, inefficient and generally ineffective. Not only do organizations not see the results that they want from people attending, but in general, the student body is not aware of all that goes on on campus, which affects their college experience.

CAMPAIGN STATEMENT When I first came to Western, I was quick to join several AS clubs. Spring quarter of that year, I became president of my first club. Since then, I have become president of three more and a trained budget authority. Because of wanting to help other clubs, I began to serve on the AS Activities Council.

I have also coordinated events through the residence halls by volunteering as an Eco Rep for two years. Last year, I helped to put on Hall of the Year when serving as treasurer for National Residence Hall Honorary. If elected, transparency within the AS would be one of my top priorities, along with adequate avenues of advertisement. Clubs, athletics, and other oncampus organizations deserve for people to come to their events, meetings, and games without having to resort to timeconsuming and cost-inefficient measures.

For innovative ideas to benefit students and school activities, vote Katrina Haffner.

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Sarah Kohout Candidate for VP for Governmental Affairs Why are you seeking this position?

CAMPAIGN STATEMENT I am running for this position because of my knowledge, experience, and passion for advocacy work. As the Western Votes President I have organized and mobilized students to participate in the political process, collaborated with the AS Representation and Engagement Programs Office to hold one of the largest voter registrations drives in the state, and lobbied at the state and federal level.

As the AS Committee Coordinator I have worked to ensure that student’s voices are being heard in the AS and the University decision making process.

Next year I want to: Secure funding for Carver Academic Facility, make college affordable to students while preventing cuts to higher education and increase student representation at a local, state, and federal level.

I want all students to know that they have the voice and the power to create real change.

I am seeking the position of AS Vice President for Governmental Affairs because of my knowledge, experience and passion for advocacy work, organizing and lobbying. Western is seeing an increase in the number of students getting civically engaged on campus and I want to continue this trend. I want to build up the progress that the past VP for Governmental Affairs has done.

Next year, I want to organize even more students to attend Viking Lobby Day and I want Western to once again hold the largest voter registration drive done in the state by any public university.

I want to have more issue-specific lobbies for students and I also want to increase the amount of students we send to Washington D.C. to lobby on behalf of students at the federal level. I want all students to know that they have the voice and the power to create real change.

What do you think is the role of the VP for Governmental Affairs?

I think the role for the VP of Governmental Affairs is to represent Western students at the local, state and federal level. But the role of the VP for Governmental Affairs is not just limited to being a representative of Western, it also includes making sure students realize that they have a voice and that they can create real change.

The VP for Governmental Affairs could go down to Olympia and lobby on behalf of Western students but it doesn’t add a lot to the student movement if it’s just them in the room, it would add so much more if they had hun-

dreds of students to join them.

The role of VP for Governmental Affairs is to build the student movement and to make sure students have the tools they need to be successful and have their voices heard in the decisions that most greatly affect them.

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

It’s really hard to just pick one issue, there are so many things that affect students’ lives: tuition prices, skyrocketing student debt, rental safety, voter access, the list can go on and on, but something I really want to focus on next year is securing the funding for Carver Academic Facility.

Funding for Carver Academic Facility is something that the students lobbied for this past year and it’s something I’m hoping to continue. In the 2015 legislative session I really want to increase the amount of students that are from the Physical Education Health and Recreation Department, the department that is housed in Carver. I want more students to be able to go down to Olympia and share the experiences they’ve had in those classrooms in Carver.

Carver isn’t just a gym, it is also a classroom and it desperately needs renovations. All students should have access to a safe learning environment.

April 25, 2014 • 19

Jeremy Richtmyre Candidate for VP for Governmental Affairs Why are you seeking this position?

The first reason is that I have personal experience with this position because I worked at the senate this last year. I really like what I did there and I think I can bring a lot to the table because working with the senator oneon-one taught me how to approach a senator one-on-one and get an issue across to them. I think I could be a good asset to a school. This job is an entry for me to get more engaged. I want to push people to get more engaged. I feel like that’s something that everyone at this position wants to do, but this is a way for me to get more involved and I think I’d do a great job at it.

Also I want to diversify the AS a bit more.

I feel like the AS is a bit one-set, one-mind. I’m not that far out there, but I want to bring a different viewpoint to the table. I have a unique set of experiences that will change the perspectives that board members have, or at least influence them in a positive way.

What do you think is the role of the VP for Governmental Affairs?

Basically, I see the role as an intermediary between the school and local and state politics.

That, to me, is the primary purpose of this job: to go out there and represent the school as best you can in a positive way, to portray what the students want to say, since that’s all you are, an ambassador for students. As the VP it’s very important that you know what the message is and get it to who needs to know. It’s going to be especially important at the local level, but also at the state level with the legislature.

Other than that, just the basics: student engagement and involvement, politics on campus

and abroad, as it’s important to get students involved in the political field and civically engaged at our state legislature. I want to make the students have a voice and show them they have a voice.

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

One of the big things that they came and lobbied for at Viking Lobby Day that really stuck out to me was the Carver Gym renovation. So that’s the one I want to focus on. I believe that civic engagement is all and good, but if there is one particular issue that I want to work on, it’d be Carver Gym. I want to work on legislation that would get funding to at least get started on it, because it is in terrible condition. That’s the one issue that I want to work on.

CAMPAIGN STATEMENT “A FRESH Take on OLD Politics” I am currently pursuing a Joint-Major in Political Science/Social Studies. As a current member of the U.S. Army and former legislative intern for the Washington State Senate, I will bring high levels of experience, leadership, and professionalism to the table; along with a unique understanding of how our government functions at the state level.

My priorities include: Actively promoting student AWARENESS and INVOLVEMENT on legislative

issues regarding education.

Striving to enhance student COHESION and UNITY on otherwise divisive issues.

Utilizing the experience which I gained from the Senate to formulate plans specifically targeted to EFFECTIVELY and ACCURATELY communicate the priorities of students to law-makers in Olympia.

Coordinate and Collaborate with other universities to find the BEST SOLUTIONS to common problems.

It has been “politics as usual” for too long in Olympia, let’s work together to change it. Thank you for your support! (www.facebook.com/richtmyreforvp)

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Cristina Rodriguez Candidate for VP for Diversity Why are you seeking this position?

CAMPAIGN STATEMENT As Vice President for Diversity, inclusion will be my top priority. I am a junior majoring in Political Science and Law, Diversity and Justice. I have been actively involved in the Ethnic Student Center’s MEChA organization, holding leadership roles that extend to the national level.

I have experience with the Associated Students working as the Disability Outreach Center Coordinator, addressing accessibility issues and promoting disability awareness through events fostering inclusivity.

My goal is to engage our community through awareness and action related to diversity and inclusion with forums, workshops, and dialogue. It is important to acknowledge all facets of diversity – such as under-represented demographics related to ethnicity, gender, sexuality, ability, religion, class, and more – while also addressing intersectionality.

With awareness, action and team lobbying, important changes that value and include all students will happen. Ultimately, my knowledge, experience, and passion for diversity make me the strongest candidate for this position.

I grew up in a predominantly white neighborhood so I realized the issue of diversity.

I learned how complex my identities were and how I viewed my diversity to be. Being a woman of Guatemalan heritage, I realized there were a lot of issues about diversity that intrigued me. So I got involved with community involvement.

Then I decided to work for the AS and I worked in the Disability Outreach Center.

I’ve always had a passion for disability issues due to my own personal experiences. I find it important to acknowledge all the other facets of diversity.

I also have extensive background with the Ethnic Student Center. I’ve had leadership positions with MEChA. I’ve had it from the campus leadership levels to a national level, so as a result of that I’ve had experience working with different people and different communities.

That’s why I think that I could be a wonderful VP for Diversity for Western’s campus.

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

Well I do know that the position helps ensure that the AS processes and offices stay committed to diversity. I know that the VP for Diversity provides insight into the ESC, Resource and Outreach Programs and the AS, of course.

But I think it goes beyond that and I think that rather than assume that diversity is just about ethnicity, it’s about all these different intersectionalities, like ethnicity, of course, gender, sexuality, ability, religion, class and many more. I think that everyone

represents diversity in one way or another.

That’s why I think that diversity is relevant to everyone and I think that as the VP for Diversity, I would use my MEChA experience to use that philosophy I learned throughout the years to bring it to the students here and encourage the philosophy that the key to overcoming oppression is through self empowerment, higher education and civic engagement.

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

Campus accessibility and inclusion is the big issue I would focus on. It’s important to provide a safe space in campus workshops.

This is how I would learn about the different diversity issues that students care about. I would act together and lobby the administration and create the changes that students wish to see.

I plan on working closely with the Equal Opportunity Office, disAbility Resources for Students, the Ethnic Student Center and the Resource and Outreach Programs.

When the Carver Gym begins its renovations, I really want to keep students updated on the implementation of the gender neutral locker rooms.

Also to stress the importance of inclusive language and continuing to emphasize the importance of preferred gender pronouns.

Diversity affects all of us here at Western. We need to get the community to embrace it, feel empowered and feel included.

April 25, 2014 • 21

Legislative Action Fund Referendum “Shall the students of Western Washington University, using the power granted to them by state law, change the Legislative Action Fund to a $1 per quarter opt-out fee structure in order to increase student representation and advocacy efforts at the campus, local, state and federal level?”

referendum statement Currently, the Legislative Action Fund is a $2 opt-in donation prompted every quarter before class registration. The current structure presents many challenges and limitations to our effectiveness of advocating for students in the legislature and congress. Updating the fee to an opt-out system will help overcome these challenges, ensure our voices are being heard and our lives bettered.

What is opt-out? Every quarter, students will contribute $1 to enhancing student representation. There is the option, if desired, to have that amount refunded. Student fees benefit students in many ways, but the Legislative Action Fund is the only fee specifically dedicated to increasing on and off campus student representation at all levels of government. If students don’t want their $1 contributed towards this fee because they don’t believe in using their dollar to increase representation, they can opt-out using an easy process on Web4U.

What are the benefits of opt-out? Changing the Legislative Action Fund will increase and stabilize the total funds dedicated to enhancing student representation. Without our current fee, we would not have been able to stop tuition increases or restore some state funding for higher education.

Unfortunately, the current structure limits the effectiveness of our work. By changing the Legislative Action Fund, we can build on these efforts to make college affordable and improve our federal influence to reduce student debt. This update will make the Legislative Action Fund an even more affordable investment that could ultimately save students thousands of dollars and enhance their overall academic experience.

Referendum sponsors Kaylee Galloway and Patrick Stickney an- the advocacy levels necessary to continue to win legislative victories. swered the following questions: During the last two years, students have seen a tuition freeze, greater access to financial aid and funding to universities. This fund can help further expand student advocacy efforts, which could lead to reductions What led you to put the referendum on the ballot? in tuition and student debt. The current fee structure was first implemented in 2009, but must be updated in order to continue our successWe, the 2012-13 and 2013-14 Vice Presidents for Governmental ful efforts.

Affairs, decided to work together on this referendum. We both recognize that the current Legislative Action Fund structure cannot sustain continued on next page

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continued from page 21

tration and students across the state and nation to make sure our voices are being heard.

The process as it stands is confusing and inconvenient for many The Legislative Action Fund, as it stands, is unreliable because it destudents. Currently, a response to donate $2 is prompted right before pends upon the number of students donating each quarter. The updated students register for classes. The updated structure would allow for all structure would ensure long-term planning and sustainability, making students to contribute only $1 to build student power, while still having sure we win victories for students not just now, but for many years to the option to refund. students to contribute only $1 to build student come. power, while still having the option to refund.

If the referendum passes, will it need funding to impleWhy should students support this? ment? If so, how much and where will it come from?

Students should support this referendum because the fund will be used to better represent students at the local, state and federal level in areas that affect all students. It allows the Associated Students to fund buses, educational material and infrastructure investments to increase the student voice in Bellingham, Whatcom County, the state legislature and Congress.

When students have the resources to collectively organize and speak out on issues that affect us, our elected officials listen and can better represent our needs. Western students work strongly with our adminis-

The referendum itself is to modify the current structure of the Legislative Action Fund. Instead of students being prompted before class registration to donate $2 a quarter, the updated structure will allow for every student to contribute $1 per quarter with the option to get a refund. Changing the Legislative Action Fund will increase and stabilize the total funds dedicated to enhancing student representation. This means that we can build student power, increase the student voice and create a higher education system that works better for all students, all for less than the cost of a cup of coffee per quarter.

on-campus smoking policy referendum “Shall the Associated Students of Western Washington University support the implementation of policies that would establish Western Washington University as a smoke-free campus?”

referendum statement The purpose of this referendum is to gather student input the whole campus community to have their voices heard in the that will guide the Associated Students when taking positions re- forming of positions on the topic. garding on-campus smoking. Smoking has been a hot topic on campus over the last few years, yet it’s not clear what students *Sponsors of the On-Campus Smoking Policy Referendum want, making it difficult for the Associated Students to repre- couldn’t provide requested information by time of print. sent the student body on the issue. This is an opportunity for

April 25, 2014 • 23

Opposition: on-campus smoking policy referendum I ask you to join me in urging the AS Board of Directors to get the school to find viable alternatives to a smoke-free campus.

The negative effects of secondhand smoke and e-cigarette vapor as shown in the mainstream media have been overblown, and are highly-reliant on defunct studies.

In the 1998 “Multicenter Case-Control Study of Exposure to Environmental Tobacco Smoke and Lung Cancer in Europe,” environmental tobacco smoke “exposure...was not associated with an increased risk of lung cancer” and that the risk of lung cancer for adults from secondhand smoke was not “statistically significant.” While we do not deny the irritating impacts second-

hand smoke can have on passerby, especially for those who are allergic or have asthma, banning smoking on campus is not the right way of treating the problem.

Even smokers on campus have expressed discontent concerning the unclear and misleading markers of where or where not to smoke. If you agree that the school needs to consider other options to deal with smoking on campus, and object to this seemingly all-or-nothing decision, please vote “No” on the referendum.

- Sponsor Katrina Haffner

Opposition sponsor Katrina Haffner answered the following freedom to smoke and there should be more of a dialogue about it before questions: jumping blindly into policy that could negatively affect a lot of people.

What led you to put this opposition on the ballot?

If this referendum passes, will it need funding to implement?

If so, how much and where would it come from?

I believe that students should have more context about the situation before voting on it. Smokers also have a right to get a say about what is If people vote no for the referendum, what would probably end done with smoking policy on campus. up happening is that the AS Board of Directors would tell the school.

So both the AS Board of Directors and the school would have to talk Why should students support this? about it and see what they should do regarding smoking on campus.

Whatever decision they decide, that would probably be the thing that Students should support my statement because people do have the would require funding.

Student Senate Referendum "Shall the Student Senate be removed from the AS Bylaws (Article V Section 2d)?"

Sponsors of the Student Senate Referendum couldn’t provide requested information by time of print.

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Associated Students presidential candidates Josie Ellison, Annika Wolters and Morgan Burke (left to right) field questions at the AS Candidate Debates on April 23. Photos by Isaac Martin // AS Review

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