Adil Hussain,
20-years-old,
Junior,
Political science major, business minor, pre-nursing
Out of all the 16,000 students on campus, what makes you the most deserving student to influence the more $3.1 million budget funded by our student activity fee?
All students who pay the student activity fee are given the right to influence the $3.1 million budget. If the question is who is most qualified to manage the budget and distribute it equally among students in order to improve campus life? Then I am the best candidate to serve the student body because my goals are to only service your needs. Year after year, many students run for student government as a means of self-promotion and getting ahead. I do not care for such things. What I want to do is make sure that everyone on this campus is proud of going to Stony Brook. I want to move away from any negative reputation regarding campus life. I want to bring students together on campus, because we all have one thing in common; we are all Seawolves. That statement alone should be the basis of how we view our community. I want to make sure that the students who pay for this fee are getting their money’s worth and have a say in how their money is being utilized.
What experience do you bring to the position you are running for? Why are you qualified? I have experience in working with administration and in USG.
As the Vice President of Academic Affairs of USG last year, I had successfully managed my agency by advocating for new academic polices and ensuring that all students had access to academic resources that would allow them to excel in their classes. I have also gone above and beyond my duties to coordinate events such as Roth Regatta successfully. Thus my leadership and management skills are unquestionable. With my experience in graphic design and marketing, I have helped advertise for many clubs across campus including The Statesman “Sex Issue” and Stony Brook Secrets. Currently, I work in the Dean of Students office in where I have gained experience and created a vast network with Administration which I can utilize to achieve my goals as President.
Is this your first time getting involved in USG? If so, why are you interested in getting involved? If not, why do you wish to be involved again?
As stated above, I have been involved in USG for my entire Stony Brook career except in the 2012-2013 academic year. Year after year, I see the same mistakes repeated and I wish to move forward. Because of my previous experience, I would not need to waste 6 months learning the processes of USG and can jump straight into making Stony Brook a better place. USG has spent many years focusing on clubs & concerts which are very important and need vast improvements. However, I want to start focusing on other issues as well that are important to students. I want to address issues regarding academic policies and services, tuition/fee increases, overpriced food and converting Stony Brook into a college town.
What do you think is the best thing about USG and if elected, how do you plan to continue that?
The “voice” of USG is immense on this campus. We are very lucky to have a student government that is powerful as ours in the sense that we really can change policies through student activism. However, with power comes arrogance and pride and that is how USG has failed. USG needs to reignite student activism on campus and start addressing concerns that everyone talks about on campus but are too afraid to talk about it. USG is a medium that can actually make the students voices heard. 5. On a scale of 9-10* (10 being the highest) how successful were the past two semesters for USG? I will just answer this question by saying that the past two semesters of USG should not be a model for future years. 6. What are USG’s biggest flaws, and how do you plan to correct those? For those currently in USG, what have you done to try to correct those flaws? USG’s biggest flaw is their relationship with administration and their lack of 7. Do you think that putting on successful campus events should be prioritized over increasing clubs’ budgets? There is no need to prioritize one of the other if you encourage co-sponsorships between clubs. This solves a several issues on all fronts for clubs. Clubs that work co-sponsor with one another (especially those with small budgets) will be able to pool their money together, bring more people together to an event and really start building that community that I am working to achieve. As for USG hosted events, USG should work with and include clubs in the coordination of event so that the event can be more of a success. Fostering and facilitating this relationship between these parties will allow clubs, individually, to utilize less of their budget while still having a successful campus event.
Representing the student body sometimes means taking a firm stance against administration policies. How willing are you to speak up on behalf of the student body, even when it means conflicting with administrators?
I represent “The After Party” and the reason we chose that name is to create controversy and show my fellow Seawolves that we have no fear in expressing ourselves in the way we want to. We have already been advised by Administration that we should not make certain posters or create a certain image of us. However, we stood our ground. We did not tell them off or demand anything, because nothing gets done that way. Instead, we approached it from a neutral standpoint and opened a doorway of conversation with administration about our goals. We felt that if we are talking about the issues and how to get work done, then we should be free to campaign and express ourselves in anyway. Just having the conversation alone allowed us to continue to do what we do and have a working relationship with administration. We do not accept “NO, YOU CAN’T DO THIS” as an answer. We instead ask, “HOW CAN WE DO THIS?”. That will be our approach and that is the way to make actual change.
*Please note we intentionally asked for a scale of 9-10.[/tab] [tab title=”Benn Yuifat Lam”]
Benn Yuifat Lam,
21-years-old,
Junior,
Engineering science, studio art
Out of all the 16,000 students on campus, what makes you the most deserving student to influence the more $3.1 million budget funded by our student activity fee?
Having been both a commuter and a resident, I have participated in numerous clubs and organizations. Over the years, I have the honor to serve as an E- board member, a resident assistant, a student assistant, a UGC fellow, a TA, and most importantly as a student that is eager to become involved in the Stony Brook Community. I therefore have interacted and observed situations in various perspectives. Therefore I am confident that I would make fair and considerate decisions on behalf of the undergraduate students.
What experience do you bring to the position you are running for? Why are you qualified?
Having been an active participant of the Stony Brook community, I have worked closely with my peers in many respects to accomplish goals. From starting a new club to enforcing a policy, my expertise lies in my ability to adopt and excel in a new environment. Over the years as a student leader, I gained skills in communication, administration, interpersonal relation, finance, policy enforcement, conflict resolution and many more. I am who I am today with the help from every student, supervisor, advisor, and professional staff that I have interacted with. Therefore I am extremely grateful and would like to introduce such system of interactive development into USG.
Is this your first time getting involved in USG? If so, why are you interested in getting involved? If not, why do you wish to be involved again?
I am currently employed as graphic designer in USG. Although my involvement in USG has been limited, I am interested in making a difference with my role as the president. Coming from a background of interpersonal development, I have always stride to reach out to students and work side by side with everyone to achieve result. Therefore, my interest in getting involved in USG would be to bring such comfort and approachability to USG. I would like to make USG a place where the students’ concerns and needs are the utmost priority.
What do you think is the best thing about USG and if elected, how do you plan to continue that?
USG is initially created to represent the Undergraduate students body. It amplifies the students’ voices and serves to make things possible for the students, by the students. However, I feel that such mission has slowly been forgotten. Therefore, I vow to revive such mission and re-invite the students back into the USG decision-making process.
On a scale of 9-10* (10 being the highest) how successful were the past two semesters for USG?
I understand that it will always be difficult to please every person when it comes to making a decision influencing over 15,000 undergraduate students. There are many factors taken into consideration when forming a fair decision, especially in such a grand scale. With that being said, I respect the current executive board and everyone of USG for maintaining the operations of USG. Therefore I would rank the success of the past two semesters with a 10.
What are USG’s biggest flaws, and how do you plan to correct those? For those currently in USG, what have you done to try to correct those flaws?
I strongly believe in the 4 C’s: communication, community, collaboration and consideration. Reviewing the flaws of USG, I feel that it has forget to take a step back and asses a situation from a club’s, an organization’s or a student’s perspective. It is therefore one of my goals to bring transparency, approachability and a sense of welcoming to USG.
Do you think that putting on successful campus events should be prioritized over increasing clubs’ budgets?
I believe that both are equally important since the two inter-relate and connect in many aspects. A successful club would foster a more intimate community where as a successful campus event would gather these communities to form a closer university. The two essentially feed off on another in a positively exchanging relationship. Therefore, I place equal emphasis on both.
Representing the student body sometimes means taking a firm stance against administration policies. How willing are you to speak up on behalf of the student body, even when it means conflicting with administrators?
I believe that USG is the voice of the Undergraduate students body. Therefore, it is imperative for USG to fight for what the students want and needs. I would vow to take a firm stance to present the students’ desire without compromising my personal integrity or disrespecting the professional members or university. I believe that there is always a solution to a problem. It is a matter of how one proceeds to resolve it and how creative the individual’s method is in doing so.
*Please note we intentionally asked for a scale of 9-10. [/tab] [tab title=”Anna Lubitz”]
Anna Lubitz/Biology (Pre-Vet) Major; Music (Vocal Performance) Minor/ Junior/21
Out of all the 16,000 students on campus, what makes you the most deserving student to influence the more $3.1 million budget funded by our student activity fee?
I am running for re-election for the position of USG President. This role entails being in charge and overseeing the approximate $3.1 million dollar budget funded by the student activity fee. As a presidential candidate, I would like my constituents to know that the influence over this budget is an important responsibility. If re-elected President, I want voters to know that they re-elected a competent, determined, and passionate student, who is willing to take on that responsibility and influence the $3.1 million dollar budget in the best interest of the student body. It is ultimately the students’ money and they deserve the right to see that money be put towards clubs and on campus events/activities that they want, in order to enhance their college experience and connect the campus community. What makes me the most deserving student to influence this budget? The answer: my dedication, commitment, passion and true desire to listen and act in the best interest of the students at Stony Brook University while acting as an agent of beneficial change for the student body. USG never has had a President run for re-election recently; I can act as the agent of stability in leadership while implementing change that all students want to see happen. If re-elected President, I will continue to listen to the needs and wants of the students and incorporate the budget in the best way in order to make the SBU campus a closer community (East and West Campus), implementing fun and memorable events (concerts, notable speakers, etc.), creating new traditions, reaching through administration and voicing the concerns of the students (for example, the renovation of the pool; field space at South P; safety for students (i.e. Stony Brook Road); off-campus housing issues; better food services on campus), and benefitting/supporting the efforts of clubs and organizations on campus. I have experience already working with the $3.1 million dollar budget and I know that if re-elected as USG President, I can oversee it being put to efficient use for the students at Stony Brook University one more time.
What experience do you bring to the position you are running for? Why are you qualified?
I have been involved and have held many leadership positions in various clubs and organizations, including USG, ever since my freshman year. I have experience working with administration as the Commuter Representative on the Student Life Committee, University Senate Student Representative, Middle States Planning Committee, Stony Brook Council, Commencement Committee, the Undergraduate Council and the Spirit and Pride Committee. I have extensive communication, time management and organizational skills reaching out to other students via my past positions as the Secretary of Commuter Student Association, Events Coordinator in the Pre-Vet Society, UGC Fellow for LDS, Volunteer Coordinator for the 2012 Earthstock Committee, and current positions as a Commuter Assistant, Student Ambassador, NSCS, Sigma Beta, national anthem singer for SBU athletic games, and Marching Band member. Moreover, I have previous experience working on the Weekend Life Council for Student Activities and have established events that help increase student connection over the weekends (i.e. a traditional event that I initiated was S’mores Indoors).
I am the current USG President and I have established respectable and professional relationships with administration, including President Stanley as well as other councils and committees. In USG, I was the Assistant to the VP of Communications and Public Relations (2010-2011); this role enhanced my communication skills reaching out to students. Last year, I represented the student body as Senator for the College of Arts and Sciences (2011-2012), in which I wrote the resolution to increase field space for student groups/clubs/sports on campus- this resolution made its way to administration and was passed. Additionally, I worked with the Dean of Students office as the student liaison to initiate and implement the Elect Her training session on campus which encouraged women to run for elected positions. This year, 2012-2013, I have had the honor of serving as your USG President. My accomplishments this year have included:
Outside of the walls of USG Office- Washington/legislature:
Traveling to Washington D.C. to get SBU involved with the American-Israeli relationships in AIPAC with the US government; representing USG to promote an on-campus chapter.
speaking with local legislatures to better the safety of Stony Brook’s campus for all students, especially on Stony Brook Road;
Helping Clubs/Students (funding):
Progressive actions to make certain highly USG funded sports clubs (i.e. Ice Hockey and Rugby (men and women’s) athletically recognized- their athletic recognition would open funds up more diverse clubs on campus;
Writing and Executing the Printing Quota Resolution to make sure your $14 of printing in sinc sites is readily available to students and in a greener manner.
Focus on revamping SBU-TV for students to have another media outlet.
Representing and standing up for clubs when others did not give them a voice;
Student Life (increasing student life):
co-hosting and planning the Elect Her series with the Office of the Dean of Students to encourage women leaders on campus to get involved;
organizing fundraising initiatives and networking opportunities to connect students, administration, alumni and faculty/staff under one roof, also showcasing student group talents multi-culturally at the first ever USG Gala;
Fundraised and collaborated with Alumni Association to provide SAB with a foundation account to save funds to secure bigger artists and plan more events on campus. Currently fundraised $1,117.
reaching out to the students to obtain their interest through USG Townhall meetings (Off-Campus housing issues which are being tackled and resolved with the town of Brookhaven; the campus recreation center and athletics; future Town Hall meetings include food on campus and dining services- Let’s get a Quiznos or a Panera on campus! Let’s make stony brook a college town!
Securing the Lavalle Stadium for the first ever outdoor end of the year concert in Stony Brook History!
USG Networking/Collaboration:
building and creating productive and beneficial relationships with administration where negotiations with the students in mind are run smoother and in our favor, thereby increasing collaboration efforts with Administration (President Stanley’s and the Provost’s office), Athletics, Staller Center, School of Journalism, the Undergraduate Colleges, College of Business, Graduate School, Student Activities, and Dean of Students and maintaining the highest respect for student voices.
Student Advocacy:
Starting the Student Task Force with my running mate, Ryan Heslin, for the Provost of SBU to further bridge the gap between administration and USG and implementing programs via the provost’s office that help student academics.
I have worked with my other running mate, Wes Hawkins, to the planning, petitioning and proposal to building Stony Brook’s very own Ice Rink on campus.
Making sure that the field space issue on south p is finalized (from day one of my resolution I followed through even being the only student representative in an auditorium of angry TVCSD townspeople). Today, the field space issue has been resolved and in the students favor for all student groups/orgs and sports clubs.
Executing NEW TRADITIONS on campus such as Back to the Brook- this effort increases more concerts on campus.
Miscommunications/misconceptions:
Securing the Lavalle Stadium for the first ever outdoor end of the year concert in Stony Brook History! This concert will model after the super bowl halftime show. Although there has been controversy and rumors spread, I have always fought for the students and their needs despite what others say. The biggest misconception to students, lives in the process of booking and securing an artist which was not communicated properly to the students by the SAB from the get go. I will make sure, if reelected as President, that these miscommunications and misconceptions are eradicated. The surveys that were sent out were to give students a voice in a process that was previously always strictly decided by a select group of people within USG, aka the SAB board. The students deserve their voices to be heard amongst their peers, student leaders AND administration.
But why choose me? There are numerous candidates that you have the choice to choose from…I follow the path of professionalism and I am motivated to get set goals accomplished. When I was accepted into SBU, I immediately wanted to become a member of the Undergraduate Student Government. I believe that if I am re-elected President of USG, I will be able to continue to make a beneficial difference by representing my fellow classmates and peers by listening to the voices of the majority on a legislative level! I also want to enhance the college experience for students in SBU and the broader SBU community.
Throughout my previous leadership experiences, I have gained invaluable knowledge and I have developed a skill for getting things done successfully and proficiently. I believe that consensus, communication, and collaboration, among students, are important facets to effectively carry out and accomplish tasks/events/goals successfully. I will continue to contact and reach through administration so that the voices of the students can be represented and heard! I believe in volunteer action for the betterment of another cause. WE, as students can make a difference in our school for the better. We are leaders!
I know that if I am re-elected as the President of USG, I will provide the leadership and focus in the role as an agent of change and improvement so that students will feel connected and involved. If re-elected USG President, I will not mislead or lie to the students with promises that cannot be kept. I will make promises that are obtainable and realistic for the betterment of student life. I promise that I will accomplish goals, voice the thoughts and opinions of students, and plan beneficial and fun events leading to an exciting, memorable, enjoyable and successful year. Overall, if re-elected President, I promise to serve the undergraduate student body with full dedication and intent for bettering campus life and community; I aspire to engage in issues concerning students and contribute to the overall goals of the Undergraduate Student Government representing the entire SBU student body! I encourage the beneficial change that you want to see happen on SBU’s campus!
Is this your first time getting involved in USG? If so, why are you interested in getting involved? If not, why do you wish to be involved again?
No, this is not my first time getting involved in USG. I have been involved in and dedicated to USG since my freshman year at SBU- if re-elected I will be entering my 4th year in USG. During my freshman year, I was appointed as the Assistant to the VP of Communications and Public Relations and during the Spring 2011-2012 elections, I was elected as Senator for the College of Arts and Sciences. And in Spring 2012, I was elected as the USG President. I have a true passion to make a beneficial difference on campus and represent the student body with the highest respect. I want to be involved in USG again because I want the student voices to be well represented, continue to enhance the organization internally/externally, and continue with projects in progress (such as the pool renovation). If re-elected USG President, I feel that I can meet that challenge- I want to be the agent of change that acts in the betterment of student life activities, representing the students as the highest priority and I know I can serve this position, once more, with integrity and experience to succeed.
What do you think is the best thing about USG and if elected, how do you plan to continue that?
I think that the best thing about USG is the overall mission aimed to represent the students of SBU, in addition to recognizing and regulating student clubs and organizations. If re-elected USG President, I plan to continue and uphold the mission of USG by increasing communication efforts amongst students, building awareness about USG, outreaching to the student body and Freshman 101/102 classes, and holding more town hall meetings that would allow clubs and organizations to meet with executive council and administration to ask questions and voice concerns. I also believe that USG is where strong initiatives arise to make changes. For instance, I am currently working on several projects: one is aimed to building an Ice Rink on campus to increase student life and give profit funds back to the students; another is to hasten the renovation of the pool on campus with proper funding; serving on the Student Task Force to create tutoring and advising centers on campus in conjunction with the Provost; as well as to implement more out-sourced food venues (i.e. Panera or Subway) on campus.
On a scale of 9-10* (10 being the highest) how successful were the past two semesters for USG?
9- There is always room for improvement!
What are USG’s biggest flaws, and how do you plan to correct those? For those currently in USG, what have you done to try to correct those flaws?
I think USG’s biggest flaws, especially hearing from many clubs/organizations and students, is outreach and communication to the campus community. Communication is always an issue that needs to be improved upon. I have become involved with more student/faculty committees and I have also spoken to clubs and organizations about what they would like to see change in USG- by becoming involved with committees and personally talking to undergraduate students, I have increased communication through USG as a President. I also piloted Town Hall meetings where administration and students can come together to voice concerns with different issues on campus. If re-elected USG President, I intend to better communication and outreach on a grander scale through more surveys, town hall meetings, and personal interaction with students. Internally, I also think that more student involvement should occur in the Student Activities Board. From this past year alone, many students have heard rumors and have been mislead concerning events on campus. With clear transparency in USG’s SAB, I want to see all student voices represented- not just those who have been elected or appointed on the board- to decide on major events and concerts on campus. Increased student involvement can consist of committees within SAB that have SAB volunteers to voice student concerns. As President, I have spoken with students at involvement fairs and recruited them for the SAB volunteer program. On a club funding level, I also believe that the Financial Bylaws are in need of severe clarification for clubs and organizations. More outreach in club funding needs to occur so that clubs will not be penalized. New legislation is always welcomed in order to make sure that changes can occur for students. Where there is a change to be made, I will make sure students come first! I believe in an Open-door policy where all students are welcomed in USG for any and all concerns or questions!
Do you think that putting on successful campus events should be prioritized over increasing clubs’ budgets?
I think that building a strong campus community should be the ultimate goal. By increasing the sense of community amongst students, there needs to be an appropriate balance between successful campus wide events and club/organization budget increases.
Representing the student body sometimes means taking a firm stance against administration policies. How willing are you to speak up on behalf of the student body, even when it means conflicting with administrators?
I am very willing to speak up on behalf of the student body, even when talking with administrators. I believe that we all have to find a common ground, voice the needs of the students, and work together in order to ensure success. As President, I have fought and will continue to fight for the students with honor, dignity and class! For the students, for the clubs!
*Please note we intentionally asked for a scale of 9-10. [/tab] [/tabs]
