Student Council platforms
Student Council elections begin Friday for one-year positions as Co-President, Student Groups Advisor, Financial Policy Representative, Educational Policy Representative, and Campus Life Representative. Following are the candidates running for each position and the complete text of their platforms as submitted to the Gazette.
CO-PRESIDENT: Etan Cohen '07, Andrew Fieldhouse '08, Saeed Ola '07
ETAN COHEN '07 --------------------- Hey Hey! My name is Etan Cohen and my past experience on council has been as Campus Relations Representative. As Campus Relations Representative - snooping for student concerns - I came to one conclusion: Students' concerns are overlooked. I am disappointed with the progress of the 2005 Orientation Committee. Personally, I do not foresee Orientation ending as a positive experience, but we still have time to do something about that! Student Council must work to be more efficient and finish the projects it starts. The class recommendation book must finally get up and running; and wireless on campus should not be a question but a reality. A proactive Council is also essential. During my last term on council I worked to promote professional van drivers, more intriguing social events, and an easier process to form a group on campus. Thanks to my last term on council I can run meetings efficiently and I can improve relations with student groups, faculty, and administration. As your student council co-president, I would work hard to improve the lives of every student at Swarthmore College. I would be honored to be a voice that represents my peers. Vote Etan Cohen for Co-Pres.
ANDREW FIELDHOUSE '08 -------------------- If you vote for me, all of your wildest dreams will come true. Hello, I am Andrew Fieldhouse and I am running for Student Council Co-President. Many of you may know me from weekend (or weeknight) parties, the Parrish Beach croquet grounds, or the classroom. If elected, I will attempt to bring Mr. T and/or Will Ferrell to Swarthmore for our large-scale event. Remember, I personally guarantee to single handedly save social security, Medicare, and the American way of life. Fieldhouse offers you his protection.
But seriously, as Co-President I would work with Student Council to find more funding for club sports at Swarthmore. I believe strongly that students need and deserve to be more involved in the selection process for the large-scale event. I also wish to address the prospect of a late night dining option on campus, especially on weekends. Finally, as a representative of the student body as a whole, my door will always be open to answer questions, address concerns, or relax and socialize. I feel I would bring a lot of energy and enthusiasm to Student Council.
Vote Fieldhouse and remember the immortal words of P. Diddy "Vote or die!"
SAEED OLA '07 -------------------- The Student Council of Swarthmore College serves to represent and protect the interests of the student body, but for some reason there seems to be a gap between Student Council and the student body. In order for Student Council to effectively carry out the tasks of its mission statement found in its constitution, this gap needs to be bridged and the initiative to build this bridge must be found in the co-presidents. For this reason, I am running for the position of co-president. For those of you who do not know me, my name is Saeed Ola, class of 2007. Working with the Student Budget Committee, Student Council, and the Lang Center I have acquired many of the skills required of a co-president, such as facilitation, decision-making, and compromise. In addition, I have also established a working relationship with much of the college administration and the membership of many student groups which will enable successful communication between the student body and the college administration. I would greatly appreciate your vote as I run for co-president of Student Council. Thank you.
STUDENT GROUPS ADVISOR: Twan Claiborne '07, Mufal Dahodwala '08, Alex Leader-Smith '06
TWAN CLAIBORNE '07 -------------------- Hello Swarthmore College campus! My name is Twan Claiborne, class of 2007, and I am running for Student Groups advisor. Swarthmore College provides many outlets for students to express themselves- through art, photo, sports, music, and my personal favorite dance. Though it may not appear that way at first, student groups are a way of expressing yourself. They allow you to connect to students across campus that share the same interests as you and wish to explore them in the same fashion. These groups serve a variety of purposes, from playing chess from hours on end, to emotional and communal support. The Student Groups Advisor, to me, should help facilitate the creation of these groups, and maintain a positive relationship between that respective group and the general campus. The SGA should also maintain a close relationship with the Student Budget, ensuring that all groups on campus receive the funding they need in order to be successful. As the Student Groups advisor, I will work to establish and carry forth these goals so that student groups on campus will continue to be a powerful presence on campus. Thank you for your time, and remember to vote!
MUFAL DAHODWALA '08 -------------------- Homework is stressful. Swatties have ingeniously found two ways to ease this stress: pasta bar and/or participation in their favorite clubs. It is essential for these groups to be both efficient and beneficial to students. As Student Groups Advisor, I will push to accomplish three goals. First, I will both support existing groups so that they can maximize the value of their charters, and help jumpstart new groups that reflect the diverse interests of Swarthmore students. Second, I will make sure that the student activities fund is allocated fairly among groups so that all can benefit. Finally, I will work in tandem with the SBC and Student Council to serve as an advocate for different groups, voicing concerns.
My name is Mufal Dahodwala, class of 2008. Having served on the RA Selection Committee this past year, I have experience working with others to make tough decisions. While I am in tune with the majority of students at Swat, I am not over-involved with different clubs, and thus don’t have any personal agendas. I will be supportive to student needs, and will work my hardest to achieve constructive goals.
I would greatly appreciate your vote for Student Groups Advisor. Thank you.
ALEX LEADER-SMITH '06 -------------------- How many Swarthmore students have written sketch comedy, worked a political rally, accompanied an a cappella group, and been inducted into SWIL? There aren't many. I've learned a lot in the two years I've spent visiting campus groups and I'm eager to put that knowledge to use as Student Groups Advisor. I'll work hard to help campus organizations publicize their events, so students can discover all the great activities Swarthmore has to offer. I'll make special efforts to support the growth of new and innovative clubs, while maintaining strong relationships with the leaders of Swarthmore’s more established organizations.
I will also be a dedicated, vocal member of Student Council. I'm willing to listen and learn from others, but I'm also prepared to speak my mind. More importantly, though, I'm prepared to act. I want to leave Swarthmore a brighter, happier, more enjoyable place than when I found it. I want every Swarthmore student to find a group where they can thrive, and every Swarthmore group to find a niche where they can flourish. I want to make a difference. That’s why I want to be Alex Leader-Smith: Student Groups Advisor.
FINANCIAL POLICY REPRESENTATIVE: Nim Cohen '06, Omer Corluhan '08
NIM COHEN '06 --------------------- My name is Nim Cohen and I would like to be your next Financial Policy Representative.
I believe this election is really about the economy and it doesn't get any more economical than me, baby--I'm all about the bottom-line. I have complete confidence in my vision to see Swarthmore on the straight path to success in our globalized capitalistic society.
If elected my first measure will be to garrote my enemies into submission with my Hermes tie and diamond ring encrusted fingers. Unopposed, I will then convert Upper Tarble into the Swarthmore Casino and Bar, where we'll gamble on such stakes as: Which varsity sport will the administration cancel next? From which exotic location will plain grey stone for the next campus building be quarried? And how many friends will Wee add to his Facebook today? My final action will be to embezzle millions from the endowment to open an on-campus 24-hour deli, serving freshly sliced pastrami with a smile.
In keeping with Swarthmore's progressive social agenda, partial profits from these ventures will be charitably contributed to the Fund for Keeping Rugby Players Clothed.
In conclusion, with me the future is limitle$$.
Your friend, Nim
OMER CORLUHAN '08 --------------------- I am a candidate for the position of Financial Policy representative. I am well equipped and eager to be your voice at the College Budget Committee (CBC) meetings. I will communicate effectively between the College Budget Committee and the Student Council. This semester, I have worked for the Committee on Socially Responsible Investing (CSRI). Swarthmore's Investment Committee adopted three resolutions on political donations and contributions that I wrote. I am well versed in the College's finances, stocks, investments and endowment. My challenging CSRI experience built on my previous roles as the financial manager of my high school newspaper and Interact (youth Rotary) Club that have given me valuable experience for this position.
I am enthusiastic about being a candidate for the position of Financial Policy representative. Vote for Omer Corluhan, your able financial worker!
EDUCATIONAL POLICY REPRESENTATIVE: Elizabeth Buckner '06, Julian Harper '08, Eleanor Joseph '07, Adam Roddy '06
ELIZABETH BUCKNER '06 -------------------- As a rising senior Education Major, concentrating in Educational Policy, I have both the experience at Swarthmore and the academic background to serve as Educational Policy Representative. I have a working relationship with administrators, a vested interest in higher education policies and no trouble voicing my opinions!
As Ed. Rep, I will: --Increase classes with service-based or community-oriented components, encouraging departments to create academic partnerships that utilize the larger community. Learning doesn't just take place in the classroom so why should it only take place on campus?
--Encourage departments to conduct course evaluations mid-semester so that current students can benefit from suggestions. We’ve all struggled through that class with too much unnecessary work and wished we could have said something during the semester!
--Encourage departments with high levels of demand to expand and diversify their Honors Seminar offerings.
--Promote student-taught classes in areas of student interest and expertise by offering information and training sessions for potential student-teachers.
--Encourage departments to expand Freshman Seminar offerings so that all freshman have opportunities to take them.
It's time we be proactive about what we learn and how we learn! Vote for Elizabeth Buckner as Ed. Rep. I will speak for your academic interests!
JULIAN HARPER '08 -------------------- I am running for the position of Educational Policy Representative because I believe Swarthmore students should have a greater role in determining the nature of the curriculum. An easy, practical means of communication between the student body and the administration must be established so that students may voice their concerns and opinions. Courses should reflect student interests, as well as the changing world we live in. In particular, the department of political science should offer more courses pertinent to politics in the Middle East.
Additionally, I will endeavor to advocate on behalf of the student body that the graduation requirements not include a lab-class. Getting a varied education has some advantages, but most of us just aren't that crazy about the natural sciences, in particular lab courses.
I am open to any suggestions you might have, feel free to email me at jharper2 or call me, my extension is x5007. Thank you for your support.
ELEANOR JOSEPH '07 -------------------- After a year serving as both a Student Academic Mentor and a student member of the Dean’s Advisory Committee, I feel that I am prepared and able to represent Swarthmore’s student body as the Educational Policy Representative to Student Council.
As Educational Policy Representative, I will work together with both Council and the administration to examine more closely the disturbing trend of students taking natural science classes at neighboring colleges. This pattern is all the more upsetting, as the students are predominantly female students of color. This is an important issue, and needs to be addressed immediately.
The recent opening of Tri-Co has changed the dynamic of this fall’s program and all future Tri-Co events. I will work ensure that although the majority portion of the program is open to all students, at various points students can divide by racial background so that issues can be discussed and experiences shared without pressure to be politically correct (Dividing the program into two parts, one divided by race and the other integrated was an idea courtesy of Garth Sheldon-Coulson).
The previous Educational Policy Representative, Hunter Bandy, has worked hard to ensure that the Arabic language program remains at Swarthmore. I will continue what he began and ensure not only that the Arabic program is maintained and expanded, but that permanent professors are hired to teach classes pertaining to the Middle East in different departments. I believe strongly that Swarthmore should offer a minor (as it does for Latin American studies, black Studies, Asian Studies, etc.) for the region that is arguably the most influential in our world today.
As Educational Policy Representative, I will create, with Council Co-President Tom Evnen, a complete and easily accessible course evaluation system. This system would be useful for all students- from freshmen to seniors--when making course selections.
The deadline for pass/fail election should be moved later in the semester so that it is consistent with students' ability to "undeclare" pass/fail. That way, students would be better able to remediate an unexpected academic difficulty rather than starting a class with low expectations.
With the help of the deans, and as a representative on both the Council on Educational Policy and Curriculum Committee, I will partake in a close examination of the workload at Swarthmore, as at times it appears to many students to be overly daunting, unnecessary, and counter-productive to Swarthmore's proclaimed motto of learning for the sake of learning.
I will encourage as much transparency as possible with regard to the discussions and decisions that are made by both the Council on Educational Policy and the Curriculum Committee. I believe that the student body is strengthened by knowing what these groups do and the changes they make.
Lastly, I will continue on with the idea that Esha Senchauduri '05 had and work to create a central academic help center, which combines all of Swarthmore's academic resources: WAs, SAMs, TAs, and natural science clinicians (Phoenix, April 18, 2002). I envision having one member of each group on call each weeknight--perhaps from 7-11pm, either in Parrish parlors, or in our new student center. That way, any student experiencing an academic difficulty or emergency knows that there is somewhere to go, beyond knocking on the door of the SAM, who might not be around.
Thank you so much for taking the time and effort to read this platform. If you choose to vote for me, I thank you in advance for your vote.
Sincerely, Eleanor Joseph, ’07
ADAM RODDY '06 -------------------- As Educational Policy Representative, I hope to lengthen the amount of time students have to declare courses as pass/fail. Students should have more time to declare pass/fail (credit/no credit) status than they have to add or drop courses. Furthermore, I would like the College to initiate an institution-wide course evaluation requirement for all courses. Despite their astounding commitment to teaching, faculty can easily lose touch with the changing needs of students, thus necessitating that all faculty provide course evaluations. Too often major downfalls in faculty performance occur without anyone but the affected students knowing about them. There needs to be a more streamlined and more accessible route for students to address concerns with their faculty. Finally, the decision-making processes of both the Curriculum Committee and the Council on Educational Policy should be made more transparent and better allow for student inputs.
CAMPUS LIFE REPRESENTATIVE: Alex Ginsberg '08, Karen Lorang '07
ALEX GINSBERG '08 -------------------- In the time I have been at Swarthmore, I have been offered many exciting opportunities, and I would be honored to have the chance to give back as Campus Life Representative. As the student body’s advocate I will raise important issues to student council and the administration. My immediate concerns are:
1. Police activity. I will work with Public Safety and the College to improve police relations so that we can have fun in peace without unnecessary police involvement. 2. Transparency. I am very concerned with making sure the administration involves students in important policy decisions. I will seek to increase student participation in these choices. 3. New student center. With the completion of Parish construction, there will be many suggestions and concerns about the new student center. 4. Campus atmosphere. We need to use our beautiful campus more. We can do this by putting picnic tables outside of Sharples, improving the pack-out system for convenience, and holding more outdoor activities.
I have many ideas which you can see at http://alexginsberg.tripod.com. Most importantly though, I will be available and approachable as Campus Life Representative, so that together we can improve the quality of living, playing and sleeping around campus.
KAREN LORANG '07 -------------------- The Campus Life Representative is not going to change the world, save lives in far off lands or establish world peace. They might, however, be able to ensure that Swarthmore students, on their quests to do all these things and more, are a bit happier. I am interested in serving as Campus Life Representative because I think we, as a community, need to be committed to guaranteeing that we are not just good, hardworking, talented people, but happy people as well. By seeking out and understanding the diverse needs and interests at Swarthmore, I hope to work with the other people and groups on campus to make changes where they are needed and improvements where they are necessary. As a member of the housing committee and a RA for the coming year I have formed functional and communicative relationships with the administration. The importance of such communication is increasing as we face changes ranging from the Parrish renovations to the modifications of Tri-Co. Swarthmore has much to decide about campus life issues in the coming year, and it would be my pleasure to do my best representing the entire community as they are made. Thank you!
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