2015 uconn elections candidate info

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BOARD OF TRUSTEES CANDIDATES

Kevin Alvarez My name is Kevin Alvarez, I am a third year political science major, and am running to be the Undergraduate Student Representative on the Board of Trustees. The student body deserves an individual who will advocate for their interests first. I have been doing so for the past three years as both a senator and Speaker of the Undergraduate Student Government to ensure that the students’ voice is heard. Understanding the concerns of students campus-wide, I have advocated for over 100,000 dollars in additional funding for Tier II student groups and successfully stopping the housing

rate increase of nearly 400 dollars per student. I have established the conversation on sexual assault prevention within our student government and the administration, and will continue to stand up for all students’ equal stake at this university. As a member of the Board of Trustees, I will utilize my skills and experience to ensure that the student voice is heard.

Samad Khan My name is Samad Khan and I would be honored to serve as the Student Representative on the Board of Trustees. I am currently enrolled in the ACES program and I am looking to major in Marketing with a minor in Economics. I am a part of HOLDUP!, an organization which teaches leadership to high school students. I feel I am qualified for this position because I am willing to fight for what the students want and deserve. I am looking to create a safe and equal environment for UConn all students to prosper. I will voice the concerns of students and do everything I can to keep myself available to each and every

student who wishes to speak to me. Whether they are an art student or an engineering student I plan on hearing the concerns of anyone and will do my best to help those who ask for it. My fellow undergraduates I ask for your support so we can create a better UConn. Thank you.

Brandon Luxkaranayagam My name is Brandon Luxkaranayagam and I am a Physiology & Neurobiology and MCB double major. The most qualified candidate is someone with experience specifically with UConn’s governments, knows how executive decisions are determined, and is aware of students’ and administrators’ advocacies concerning campus topics. Because of this and my USG and University Senate experiences, I am the most qualified.In 3 years of USG and University Senate, I have unfortunately learned that students don’t have a direct

voice on executive decisions. These organizations’ members get an opinion, but it is the Board that makes these decisions. As student trustee, I plan to actually advocate for the students to the highest governing board of UConn. I hope to make groundbreaking changes through positive strides in student life and safety, stronger academic initiatives, increasing our degrees’ values, decreasing student fees and tuition by allocating money appropriately, and making our campus one of, if not the most, environmentally conscious nationwide. I will be genuine throughout my tenure, and, together, we can make the campus better. Thank you!

David Rifkin Student communication with the university administration and Board of Trustees is simply not enough. The student body needs a representative who will not just vigorously advocate for its interests, but one who also hears and understands what those needs actually are. I will take the extra steps necessary for utmost communication with all UConn students, through channels including regular town hall meetings, a presence at Undergraduate Student Government events, and comprehensive online communication systems.

My value for this position strikes an ideal intersection between strong leadership and valuable experiences. My leadership has been demonstrated on and off campus – through founding two student organizations, leadership in student government, and winning the state-wide Polaris Award for Leadership. My experiences as a White House Intern, especially those that involved working with the Department of Education, make me uniquely valuable as a student Trustee.Most of all, I am genuinely passionate about helping students and making UConn a better place. Together, we will make our university stronger than ever before.

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UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT GOVERNMENT

Candidate for President/Vice-PresidentRachel Conboy, President / Adam Kuegler, Vice-PresidentStudents deserve easier access to their funds. We will not only work to fund groups more but also to accelerate the implementation of the new, user friendly funding system. If elected, we will implement a new Tier 2 Council that will provide more resources to Tier 2 student groups. We believe in consistently reaching out to students and student groups. We don’t have the power to solve every issue, but we do have the ability to bring people together to find meaningful solutions. It’s time for USG, itself, to evolve to the needs of the student body.

Candidate for ComptrollerParth Rana My name is Parth Rana and I am the current Comptroller of the Undergraduate Student Government seeking re-election. I want to continue to maintain fiscal responsibility within our organization by efficiently allocating funds to student groups and initiatives on campus. By overseeing and maintaining a healthy budget, I have formulated plans for future years that a familiar set of eyes can ensure get implemented. I am re-running for this position to erase the transition period of an official so I may continue to fulfill my duties.

Candidates for Senator Positions - ACES

Erika Mia Elechicon Hello everyone, I want to be your senator because I believe that everyone in our student body deserves a voice, and I know I can be the bridge between USG, the administration, and you, the students. I am most concerned with fighting for issues that affect you the most, like lowering textbook costs, working on the betterment of the center of the campus: the library, and serving on the University Senate Budget Committee, which oversees the University’s budget. I have already served in USG this past year, and I know that together, we can make the upcoming year a success.

Benjamin Murray My name is Benjamin Murray and I am a second semester pre-teaching major currently living in Shippee. In high school, I was the president of my student council and national honor society, and now that the stress-es of first semester are over, I am greatly looking forward to getting back into student government, hopeful-ly as your ACES Senator. Thank you for your time, and hopefully your votes.

Kassandra Pugliese “I wish to Run for the ACES senator position to serve and represent my constituents in UConn’s Undergraduate Student Government. I will work with passion and take incentive properly represent my constituents thoughts, interest and wishes to better our University.”

*NOTE: Although there are no candidates running for School of Education, School of Fine Arts, School of Nursing, School of Pharmacy, or Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture Senators, there will be a write-in option.

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Candidate for Senator Positions - School of Business

Evan Amato If elected senator, I vow to put the best interest of the students in the School of Business at our respective university in the forefront of every decision that I make. I plan to assist in the reallocation of funding to benefit the best interests of our student body as a whole.

Francesca Caruso After finishing my first semester as a senator representing Alumni, I can say I have learned a lot about what being a senator means. One of the most important aspects is communication. As both a business student and senator, I see the true value of communication, and just how critical it is to a functioning and transparent relationship between a senator and their electorate. Thus, my objective for this upcoming year is to facilitate strong connections between my future constituency and myself. This will allow me to represent the voices of the business school to the best of my ability.

Avani Gangavelli My name is Avani Gangavelli. I am a 2nd semester Healthcare Management major and also in the Honors Program. I am running for the School of Business senator and I believe I am best suited to represent the School of Business because of my passion to provide the best academic environment for others. I’ve met with many students within the School of Business and am willing to meet many others in order to recognize their concerns. I will be the most reasonable choice to represent the School of Business community and I am prepared to represent them as their senator.

Ron Sasonov I am running as for the senator position of the School of Business because I feel that I can properly and confidently voice the opinions of our business community. Being elected to senate would allow me to raise awareness of USG as a resource that can be utilized to solve any academic issues we as students face and further enhance our learning experience.

Candidates for Senator Position - College of Agriculture & Natural Resources

Candidates for Senator Position - CLAS

Sarah Chau Hello, my name is Sarah Chau. I am an Allied Health Sciences major and am running for a Senate position to represent the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources. I will be dedicated to take initiative in order to give CANR a greater voice in USG. I want to promote health and well being throughout campus and to move in a direction that is more environmentally friendly. I’ve had experience as the class representative through my high school student council and am passionate about maintaining solid relationships between internal and external administrators and officials. Thank you for your consideration.

Bennett Cognato My name is Bennett Cognato, and after spending a semester working to increase transparency and outreach to UConn students, the Mansfield community and local legislators, I am asking for your vote for reelection. My work in USG is far from done! Currently, I’m working on establishing a newsletter for students on USG efforts as well as with student groups to bring their ideas to the forefront. It is my hope that students within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences will continue to invest their trust in me as a Senator - it is an honor to represent them.

Jan Kocur I would be honored to serve as the CANR senator on USG. I would bring a work ethic and open mindedness that would befit a person in that position. I am very involved in my undergraduate constituency and have worked with closely student advocacy groups such as the Women’s center. I have held a lead role in a large Tier 2 organization. I feel that I am qualified for this position, having been on campus for four semesters I am ready to serve as a resource to my CANR constituencies and my fellow students.

Colin Ng I have served as the Academic Senator for CAHNR for the past two years, working on various projects in order to increase transparency and communication between USG and the student body. Currently I am working on legislation to increase USG’s participation in environmental and sustainability related initiatives, topics and issues. Recently, I was appointed as the Chairperson of the Strategic Planning Ad-hoc Committee with the agenda to increase the amount of communication between USG and the student body, edit the Constitution and By-Laws of USG to be effective in years to come and increasing the efficiency of USG.

Aarya Shenoi My name is Aarya Shenoi and I am currently a junior in the Honors Program as an Allied Health Sciences major. I am a member of a variety of organizations on this campus, including the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity and the Husky Bhangra dance team. Although I am running for the position of Senator for CAHNR, I believe that my involvement provides the opportunity to represent a larger population of the student body. I am always willing to hear the opinions of others, and I feel that I possess the necessary skills to represent the sentiments of the student body.

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Candidates for Senator Positions - CLAS (continued)

Samuel Julien I am running for USG to improve student life and make UCONN a more accountable school. I have interned in the United States Senate where I represented constituents of the State of Connecticut and worked with them to solve their issues with the federal government. I feel I can do an even better job representing my fellow students here at UCONN.

Ankoor Desai I am a man of great spirit and integrity; a leader who will guide this campus towards success. I visited Capitol Hill and lobbied with Congressmen and other government officials to help introduce the Collegiate Housing Infrastructure Act. I will use my experience and leadership skills to represent the Undergraduate Student Body to the best of my ability. There is no limit to the possibilities to what I will bring. Reach for the sky, vote for Desai!

Venkatram Gopal I will represent my constituency to the fullest extent possible, due to my experience and determination to make Uconn greater.

Alexander Karl I am a junior in the statistics program in CLAS. I am a transfer student, and I had been a Senator at my previous institution. I hope to carry over the things I have learned to the UConn Student Government, and offer a fresh perspective. I plan on creating a more proactive USG, and to focus on making it more effective and efficient, to better serve the student body

Michael Lanza I would like to be elected to the Undergraduate Student Government because I care about the UConn community. I am currently a member of the USG External Affairs committee, and I have taken great pride in helping to better the University in that role. As Senator, I will strive not only to represent the needs of the CLAS study body, but to work to the best of my ability to improve quality of life for everyone on campus.

Tyler Ryff My name is Tyler Ryff and I am currently serving as senator for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. As senator, I will continually work to represent the CLAS constituency, just as I did last semester. I pledge to fight for students’ rights and support the student body to the best of my ability.

Timothy Lim Ever since the first time I set foot in this university, I have always heeded the call to serve my fellow students. From serving as President of a regional campus student government to furthering the growth of a more favorable learning environment as the Academic Affairs Chairman of the Undergraduate Student Government here at Storrs, I have helped to meet the needs of my fellow students. With a USG Senate seat, I believe that I can address more of your needs in many more way.

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Candidates for Senator Positions - CLAS (continued)

Kei-Matthew Pritsker USG and the Senators that make up the Legislature, by design, are responsible to whom they represent. It is imperative to have sound student leadership to best advocate the needs of students. As a lifelong political enthusiast and political science major, I believe that I have the skills to most cogently defend the interests of my fellow students in CLAS. My mission has always been to promote the welfare of my peers, and as CLAS Senator, I will never be bashful doing so. My name is Kei Pritsker, an upcoming sophomore, and I look forward to being your Senator.

Lauren Oldziej My name is Lauren Oldziej and I am running for CLAS Senator. As a rising junior, I am eager to become more involved within UCONN’s student body. I believe that every student’s voice deserves to be heard, and I would be honored to serve as an advocate for this purpose. I possess the discipline and open-mindedness necessary for this position, but most of all, am willing to build positive relationships to collaborate with students, faculty, and administration alike.

Braden Parker It would be a pleasure to serve as CLAS senator and if elected I would bring experience in dealing with undergraduate organizations. In my two years at UConn I have worked my way up to an executive officer position in a tier II organization as well as helped to support community programs such as HuskyThon and the Women’s Center. I feel I have the available resources to aid my constituency and the UConn student population at large.

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UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT GOVERNMENTCandidates for Senator Positions - CLAS (continued)

Candidates for Senator Positions - School of Engineering

Timothy Sullivan My name Tim Sullivan and I am running for USG Senate. My goals are to bridge a better connection and foster understanding between the administration and the student body, improve dining hall hours, and put pressure on the administration to make parking more available. If elected, I would like to start a Facebook group with the other CLAS Senators to reach out regularly to students to get feedback and gauge which topics are most important to the student body. Please vote for me this spring for the USG Senate.

Victor Trofimov The Undergraduate Student Government has a budget of over $1,000,000 each semester to spend on students. Most of this is put to use in places where the average student will get little benefit, such as weekly catering services for various clubs. If elected, I will seek to control such wasteful spending and redirect this money to initiatives that more directly benefit students, such as textbook subsidies and salting roads.

Julia KennedyMy name is Julia Kennedy and I am campaigning to become the engineering senator in the Undergraduate Student Government. As a member of the USG Student Senate I will passionately advocated not only for those in my constituency, but also on behalf of every student’s interests. In addition, I will work diligently to ensure that USG recognizes the voices of every student and takes his or her opinions into consideration. Vote for me to represent the School of Engineering in the Student Senate.

Soumya Kundu “The Senate of the Undergraduate Student Government at UConn exists to represent the interests and needs of the student body, and advocate for change when necessary. As an active senator representing Shippee in USG for the past semester, and as a member of the Academic Affairs Committee, I have pursued important issues affecting all students on this campus, by sponsoring legislation to promote open-source textbooks and seeking improvements to the Student Admin website, among other tasks. If elected, I look forward to continue my commitment to USG by effectively representing and advocating for the student body of the School of Engineering.”

George Wang In the past year, we’ve accomplished much together. In my duties on the USG Student Development and External Affairs Committees, USG Senate, and my appointments to the Bystander Intervention Educational Program Development Committee and University Senate, I’ve done my best to work for my constituents. We still have much work to do, however. The students of this University will need strong and just representation: that is achieved through the active participation of more and more members of this student body. I would be honored to receive your vote of confidence to continue work as YOUR mouthpiece to the University.

John Beatty Since becoming a student at UCONN in 2011, I have felt that my skills have not been used to their full potential. It is my desire to utilize my skills in leadership, organization, facilitation and cooperation to work with intelligent minds that will ensure the student voice is heard.

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UCONN FOUNDATION CANDIDATE

UCONN CO-OP BOARD OF DIRECTORS CANDIDATES

Amelia Subervi I, Amelia Subervi, am seeking the position of the UConn Foundation Student Director in order to assist the community of UConn in learning about the Foundation as an organization and how the money that it accumulates translates into positive contributions to the university. In a community as broad as ours, the goal to enhance our university’s atmosphere must stem from the support of the student body, the spread of ideas, and the resources available to achieve them. I want to be the driving force that shows students where the money of the University goes towards which in turn, creates more opportunities for financial growth within the university as well as for student run organizations. As a transfer student,

being involved in Greek life has shown me how to organize philanthropic events effectively in order to achieve a certain goal. I’m actively aspiring to get involved in the UConn community due to the opportunities provided for us and I would love to give back by acting as a liaison between UConn’s Foundation and the university’s students.

Davin Campbell Alumnus Qualifications: Editor-in-Chief of African American Cultural Center Newsletter, Member of Students Engaged in Academic Leadership, University Writing Center Tutor. As a member of the Board of Directors, I would like to make the functions and decision-making of the Co-op transparent and serviceable to the student body. As the University Bookstore, I believe that the Co-op’s number one priority should be the student experience. As a board member, students will be able to contact me directly about concerns they have with the administration of the Co-op and can be assured that their concerns will be addressed in Board meetings.Students and Co-op members should be able to resort to the Co-op for a variety of supplies and support at an affordable, college student friendly, price. Therefore, as a Board Member I want to institute competitively priced supplies and merchandise, that do not vary simply because of logistical inconvenience.It is my understanding that students can, and do, utilize a variety of textbooks to learn while taking a course; as instructors, can, and do, overlook and under use certain textbooks that are required for students to obtain grades in the course. This incurs an unnecessary expense on the already burdened pockets of college students. Therefore, we as a university committee can bring the market for college textbooks closer to equilibrium by introducing other avenues for obtaining the right supplemental materials for courses.My ultimate goal is to see greater trust and continuity between the Co-op and the University community. Therefore creating a stronger commercial environment, as the Co-op becomes a place the entire community can consistently resort to for living and educational supplies.

Cody Carver Alumnus My first term as a Director on the Board was defined by some of the most notable events in the history of the UConn Co-op. From the opening of a new location in Storrs Center through the second dual basketball championship seasons, our organization has served as a proud representative to the UConn community on campus and beyond. In addition to an evolution in Storrs, we anticipate a bright future at each of our branch campus locations, a network that creates the largest collegiate bookstore in the state. The Co-op remains an integral part of the University and a unique feature among like institutions. It is my mandate as a Director (and promise should I be elected again) to protect the cooperative institution and the students that make up its membership as we continue to face distinct 21st century challenges. I will do my duty to help guide the Co-op through the necessary evolution required to thrive in the current climate. It would be an honor and privilege to continue to serve on the Board, to serve the University of Connecticut, and to serve you, the owners, of the UConn Co-op.

Thomas Hart Undergraduate 2018 My name is Thomas Hart. Although I have no prior experience serving on the Board of Directors at the Co-op, I plan on bringing an attitude that will support change and positive progress. The needs of our 5,000 non-students and countless student members will always be my first priority while I serve on the Board. The Co-op already functions like a well-oiled machine with it’s many resources for students; I will strive to take the Co-op to new heights of productivity. This will be done by serving as an effective representative of all members of the University of Connecticut Co-op.

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(continued)


Stephen Klinck Alumnus Three years ago, when I ran for a seat on the Co-op Board for the very first time, I wrote that what makes the Co-op so unique is its 30,000 co-owners. After serving these co-owners for the past three years, and for the past year as Chairman, I have never believed this to be more true. Having a not-for-profit, cooperative bookstore serve as one of the pillars of our UConn community is a rare and special thing that must not be taken for granted. And if re-elected, I will continue to represent our members with passion and dedication, and in a manner befitting the terrific institution to which they belong.

Kyle Muncy Staff Member I am a 1992 graduate of UConn with a degree in Communication Sciences. As an undergraduate, I was a member of the varsity soccer team. I have been employed full-time at the University since 1994, serving in the Athletic Communications office until 2011 and moving to the Trademark Licensing and Branding office in 2011. As the Trademark Licensing officer, I am responsible for the protection and use of the University trademark portfolio, including the use of marks by University licensees at retail in places like the UConn Co-op. In my position, I am charged with the protection and promotion of, along with the profiting from the use of marks through the collection of license royalties.I hope that a position on the UConn Co-op Board of Directors would allow me to better understand the day-to-day operations of the organization and the challenges faced in serving the University community. A successful Co-op is critical to a vibrant UConn Licensing program, but there are many other areas which are important to that success, not just licensed merchandise sales. As I work with over 200 licensees on an annual basis, I believe a position on the board can help me better tell the story of the UConn Co-op. A position would also enable me to work proactively with the Board and Co-op staff to grow not only the merchandise sales portion of the business, but all parts of the business.

Susannah Richards Alumna In this economic climate, it is imperative for the UConn Co-op to monitor, evaluate, and implement strategies to thrive in a fast-paced retail market where consumers carefully consider where to spend their money. The mission and vision statements provide a guiding philosophy for meeting the needs of the campus community, the Co-op staff manages the daily operation and the Board of Directors collaborates with the President/General Manager and staff to provide support, oversight, and vision to enable the Co-op to anticipate and respond to the needs of the University campus and community at large while maintaining itself as a ethical and responsible retailer. Having served as both a student and alumni board member for the last 14 years, I have been able to work with students, faculty and alumni board members, staff members, and members of the Co-op to help the Co-op set goals for growth and assess and implement strategies to respond to the needs of the campus community in this changing era for online and brick and mortar retail stores. Now that the Co-op moved into new territory with the opening of the UConn Co-op Bookstore at Storrs Center, I would value the opportunity to continue to be part of the board to help maintain and improve the Co-op as an integral part of the campus community and as a thriving business owned by its members.

Debra Rosen Alumna BSN degree in 1973; Master Gardener certificate from West Hartford Extension Center 2000Qualifications: 1. Consumer at the bookstore since 1973 2. Understanding of commitment to serving on a Board of Directors through experience on several Boards of Non Profit volunteer organizations including: o Current treasurer of the Connecticut Master Gardener Association o Immediate past Board Secretary of Medical Aid to Haiti a nonprofit that provides primary health care to neighborhoods in Port Au Prince Haiti o Past Board member of CT AIDS Association 3. Appreciation for the independent organization of the bookstore. 4. Recently retired from full time employment and now working part time.In appreciation of the fact that the UCONN Co-op is an independent bookstore, I would hope to support the continued independence of the bookstore. I appreciate that the Co-op consistently is rated/voted as one of the best independent bookstores in Connecticut. As an avid reader, I would hope to support the continued quality of the literature and programs offered at the bookstore. As a consumer, I am impressed by the services provided at the Co-op and the commitment of the staff. As a Board member, I would hope to support the continuation and expansion of services provided and support of the staff in their commitment to quality and quantity of services.

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REFERENDA FOR UNDERGRADUATES

STUDENT FEE AFFIRMATION VOTES

*NOTE: All candidate information was provided by the candidates and reported verbatim in this document.

Student Fee Increase ReferendaUConn Stamford Undergraduate Students Only• Do you approve of an increase in the undergraduate fee for the Stamford Associated Student Government from $40 per semester ($80 per year) per student to $50 per semester ($100 per year) per student (an increase of $10 per semester/$20 per year)? This increase will take effect no earlier than the fall semester 2016.

Student Organization Constitution Change ReferendaUConn Storrs Undergraduate Students Only

• Do you approve of the updated SUBOG constitution? If confirmed by a majority of the undergraduate student body, this updated constitution will go into effect in Fall, 2015. To review the proposed changes, go to http://vote.uconn.edu/subog

• Do you approve of the updated USG constitution? If confirmed by a majority of the undergraduate student body, this updated constitution will go into effect in Fall, 2015. To review the proposed changes, go to http://vote.uconn.edu/usg

(continued)


Andrew Stern Undergraduate 2018 My name is Andrew Stern and I am running to serve on the Board of Directors for the Co-Op. I am a freshman majoring in Political Science with aspirations of entering the field of business and law. I have always been a proponent of promoting student advocacy and policy. In high school I served on Student Council and Class Council, and was a Board member of the community student outreach club. Currently I am the Deputy Chief Justice for the Undergraduate Student Government, while also serving as an active member of the Academic Affairs Committee, External Affairs Committee, and the Student Development Committee. It would truly be an honor to serve the University of Connecticut student population by way of this position. For the Co-Op’s unique incorporation of the student body, and distinct ability to advocate for its customers are only a couple of the reasons why I wanted to run.

Student Fee Affirmation VotesUConn Storrs Undergraduate Students Only• Currently, there are seven student organizations that are supported by undergraduate student fees. Each year, students will be asked to indicate the extent to which they agree with the continued support of these organizations on a rotation basis (2-3 organizations per year). This vote is intended as an as-sessment of student opinion and is NOT intended as a referendum on the existence of the fees.

Please indicate your level of agreement with the following statements:• Do you support the continuation of the Nutmeg Yearbook fee ($3 per semester, $6 per year)?• Do you support the continuation of the UCTV fee ($5 per semester, $10 per year)?

Visit vote.uconn.eduto cast your ballot for: USG, StudentTrustee, Foundation Student Director,Student Fees, and Co-Op Board

Vote March 4-6

Swipe righton the idealcandidate.

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