Opinions
Student Council Platforms — Fall 2009 Election
Balloting will begin on Monday at noon and continue until Thursday at noon. You can cast your vote on Blackboard.
In print | September 10, 2009
Campus Life Representative Candidates:
Omari Scott ’12
Dear Fellow Students:
My name is Omari Scott and I am running for Campus Life Representative. As a sophomore, I have had the great opportunity to meet so many of you, and learn about the issues our community faces. That is why I am excited to work on your behalf, in order to make sure your concerns are heard and addressed.
One of the major issues I have heard discussed over the past several months is campus safety. Last year, the issue of campus safety was brought into light following a few incidents. Campus safety and security should be one of the school’s top priorities, and while I commend the administration and rest of the community for its swift action following these incidents, I believe there is more that can and should be done. As Campus Life Representative, I will make campus security one of my top priorities. This is just one of the many concerns I know students in the community face, and I will continuously reach out to the student population to see what concerns you may have.
As a leader in some campus groups, I understand the importance of communication, meeting deadlines, and working as part of a team. Currently I serve as the treasurer of both SASS and the McCabe Scholar Society, and served as a member of the Orientation Committee. These experiences have not only helped me further develop my leadership skills, but have also given me the opportunity to get to know many of you.
I look forward to continue getting to know many of you throughout the semester, and will hopefully have the opportunity to serve you as Campus Life Representative.
Yours truly,
Omari Scott
Matthew Lamb ’12
What’s up guys?
I’m Matt Lamb, and I want to be your Campus Life Representative. But first of all, let’s establish what a Campus Life Representative really does. Basically, I would serve as your personal liaison between the study body and the student council. I would attend student council meetings as well as the Dean’s Advisory Council meetings. Furthermore, I would plan and organize student council events. I would hold meetings in which I could get a clear idea of how the student council is meeting the needs of the student body and what the student council needs to do for the student body. I promise to be easily accessible and able to talk to in order to make sure your experience at Swarthmore College is as great as mine has been
At this point most of you reading this platform are probably asking, “How is this kid in any way, shape or form qualified for this position?” Well, for starters, I believe I represent many different aspects of Swarthmore College life. I am not solely a baseball player or a political science and economics major. I am a combination of many things that make me a champion of life. I have helped organize numerous campus events. I’ve run and coordinated many parties and thrown many bangers. I have helped organized the past two blood drives. I have been a part of numerous community service projects throughout Chester including Chester Bike Works and Chester Co-op. I even helped Barack Obama win the 2008 presidential election by canvassing for him.
This summer I first realized the tools Swarthmore College gives you to help people. I received an internship in rural South Africa where I lived, worked and learned in a small village for two months. I personally organized a Soccer Tournament and Health Awareness Event as well as a rainwater catching project. I received sponsorship money from numerous NGOs and corporate sponsors such as Coca-Cola. I loved organizing these events and hope to continue mobilizing students.
Swarthmore College students are extremely well rounded and versatile. I believe our student body needs someone who is well rounded and belongs to many facets of the Swarthmore College community. I think I’m your guy. Thanks for listening to my rant, and I hope you vote for me.
Yours truly,
Matthew Lamb ‘12
Financial Policy Representative Candidates:
Jesse Hoff ’11
I am running for Financial Policy representative to be a strong voice for students as Swarthmore moves into more difficult times. We have all seen students contribute both personally and financially to Swarthmore in astonishing ways. Swarthmore in return has given us an unparalleled education. However, as coming to, paying for and succeeding after Swarthmore becomes more difficult than ever, it is essential that we focus on getting the most out of our school. I will make sure that students are heard clearly and that our needs are met.
I also want to encourage and be a part of greater dialogue about the economic role of higher education in America. It is clear that students feel strongly that change is needed. The recession has only increased the heavy financial burden on students. Even amidst the worst economic year in decades, tuition has outpaced inflation once again the administration taunts us with cuts in financial aid. It is true that our shrinking endowment dramatically impacts the budget. Yet I believe Swarthmore can do better. The primary goal of our endowment policy should not be to protect the endowment, but rather to protect students. As of this June, our endowment was reportedly worth around 1.15 billion dollars, yet our budgeted 47 million 09-10 spending is just a four percent rate. This is below our historical target of 4.25%. It was still a cut from last year’s contribution by ten million dollars. Imagine if President Obama decided to raise taxes and cut spending this year.
I believe that this is the time that Swarthmore can set itself apart in financial justice. It will take hard work and new ideas. It will also take prudent decisions and belt-tightening. As Financial Policy Representative I will witness the start of discussions that head us down that road. I look forward to helping to turn student frustration into action and ideas. I will always work to listen and I will always strive to protect and project student interest. Swarthmore can be of value to you; I hope you’ll let me help.
Email me at jhoff1@swarthmore.edu if you have any questions.
Dan Symonds ’11
I’m Dan Symonds and I want you to elect me as Swarthmore’s student Financial Policy Representative. As the economy craters and our college is forced to make budget modifications, I believe students are essential in ensuring that Swarthmore keeps sight of its educational and social mission. As longtime school finance nerd and student advisor to the Dean of Admissions & Financial Aid, I understand that affording the $51,870 yearly price tag is an issue that affects students and families in complex, often difficult ways. The intensity of last year’s financial aid discussion, the growing stacks of student aid applications, and the debates over staff benefits and future budgeting are just hints of how quickly things are changing at Swarthmore. We must face this difficult period with a creativity and courage that only students can command.
Though this position will grant me limited access to the workings of the college’s financial structure, I hope I can use it to spur wide discussion about where, how, and why Swarthmore spends its money. I want find out more about how the financial aid office assesses need, to track socioeconomic diversity in the student body, to understand the inner workings of our need-blind admissions policy, and to see how Swarthmore applies its ethical intelligence to investment decisions. In addition, I hope to uncover the reasons why there is no student representation on the Ad-Hoc Financial Planning Group, an administrative and board committee created in response to the economic crisis. The Ad-Hoc Committee makes recommendations on topics including salaries, admissions, and the rate of endowment spending. I trust that Swarthmore has equipped us with the tools to answer these questions in a fair and nuanced manner.
When applying to colleges in my senior year of high school, I was struck with Swarthmore’s longstanding commitment to rigorous academics and social justice. Our college’s financial aid program is the best among its peer institutions, and I look forward—with your help—in striving to make Swarthmore a national leader in the effort to make top-notch education a real possibility for students of every background. In dealing with matters that are not my exclusive responsibility, I intend to serve as a progressive voice to keep Swarthmore’s actions in line with its values. I care deeply about access to education, and hope to bring my knowledge and commitment to bear as student Financial Policy Representative.
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