Student Senate candidates face off in hot campaigns

Senate enacts ride share program, coinless laundry
By: Meg McCormick, News Editor

Top three objectives:
*Increased integration of students and organizations with Senate
*Better communication to and from Senate
*More accountability within Senate		 Top three objectives:
*Demystify the Student Senate.
*Change students’ view of the Senate by having senators take more responsibility in providing feedback to their constituents.
*Transform the Senate into a working team rather than having it be a group of discrete individuals.
Why are you running?
We are running for Senate because we are both passionate about serving the student body. There are a number of things that we would like to see changed about the way that Senate works, and we feel that with our background leadership experience in implementing change, practical solutions for the current problems that we see, and enthusiastic passion and drive for the position, we are the best candidates for the job. 		Why are you running?
Sushilkumar: I have been involved in so many different forms of student activities, engaging with the administration for various purposes and just generally love getting to know people, that I like the idea of taking on the role of leadership in those very endeavors of being liaison between students and the administration.
Student Senate background
Zoelzer: Second year of Student Senate, serving as a class representative as well as communications committee leader this past year.
Campos: First year in Student Senate. Wellness Representative, member of both the forum committee and the traffic hearing board. 		Student Senate background
Sushilkumar: Senator since elected Brandt Representative ’06-’07, student representative to Board of Regents, leader of Senate Forum Committee
Greenley: Senator since Brandt Representative ’07-08, Senate Secretary/Treasurer
How would you ensure that students’ voices are heard as president/VP of Student Senate?
The largest portion of our Communication platform includes creating a Student Senate KATIE site in which every student would be automatically enrolled. This site would give everyone access to Senate, and would be as simple to use as checking your e-mail. You could see progress/issues being discussed and provide your valuable two cents. Plus you could hold us accountable and make sure that when we’re not being as productive or effective as possible, there’s a way for you to let us know. 		How would you ensure that students’ voices are heard as leaders of Student Senate?
Sushilkumar: Senators need to get out there and actually seek feedback from the constituencies they have committed to. Reminders of an “open forum” need to be more public — anyone can attend the meetings.
Greenley: We want to put into action a fortnightly Senate Report that goes out to students in the form of our bulletin board, caf table mini flyers and exploiting networking websites (i.e. facebook/KATIE) We are also advocating for student leaders from other organizations to be represented on the Senate.
If you had to live off of two items found in the caf for the rest of your life, what would they be?
Mountain Dew & orange juice and seasoned homemade fries		 If you had to live off of two items found in the caf for the rest of your life, what would they be?
Sushilkumar: Pasta and sauce
Greenley: Honey Bunches of Oats and veggie omelets

Hot campaigns have students abuzz around campus as cafeteria tables and dorm bulletin boards are flooded with propaganda for student representatives.

In planning for the year ahead, however, the Senate’s accomplishments this year have gone unnoticed by many students. CHIPS asked current Senate President Colton Long (‘09) what Senate has accomplished recently.

Ride Share program development

“Next year, with the aid of Professor Brad Miller, the student body will see a new ride share program developed via the Internet. Dubbed ‘Luther Ride Share,’ the goal is to increase the students’ sustainability in a more accessible and convenient fashion. We have been working hard to organize this, and I am proud to say our job is almost complete.”

Campus safety measures

“Senate began an oversight process toward the beginning of the year with Facilities. Emergency phones weren’t working and safety measures (such as lighting) were not in place to ensure a students’ safety on campus. Most emergency phones are working or being fixed and lighting as well as phone visibility has been greatly improved.”

Coinless laundry machines

“Senate has fought hard for ‘coinless’ laundry machines in all residence halls. As part of a plan the will begin implementation next year, students in Miller and Dieseth halls will receive laundry machines that only ask for a magnetic card to be swiped through the machine. The machine debits your account for the cost of laundry. Within the next few years, all of campus will be going coinless: with the exception of one machine per laundry room.”


Debit cards in Dining Services

“Senate is working to push through a proposal that will see the implementation of debit cards in Dining Services. While there have been voiced financial concerns by the Office of Financial Services and others in the administration, there is overwhelming support for this proposal in Community Assembly and in Senate among faculty, staff and students. Senate’s hope is to have this proposal passed by the end of this year.”

Trayless and sustainability initivatives

“Senate has worked with Dining Services in their goal to remain more sustainable. Senate continues a conversation with Dining Services ensuring that the switch continues to run smoothly, and reviewing statistics on waste and money saved. I assure you, the numbers are quite impressive, and I have asked Dining Services to publish some of their findings in this implementation as soon as possible.”

Residence Life and room draw

“While the [room draw] switch in my estimate was, on the whole, positive, there are many problems with it as well, and so Senate has continued an open line of dialogue with the student body and Residence Life regarding room draw.”

Hall renovations

“We have voiced concern to the Board of Regents and the administration regarding the recent delay in the remodeling of Miller and Dieseth and the construction of Baker Village, and we have advocated, recommended and questioned the budget for the upcoming 2009-2010 fiscal year.”

The biggest barriers in accomplishing Senate goals

“In comparison to other organizations of similar importance, we are heavily underfunded. As a group, Senate seeks to give money to organizations that enhance Luther’s name recognition and allow students to grow as leaders. We have roughly $2,000 annually to do this, and a little more money could go a long way in helping us achieve our mission statement.”