Dear Vassar,

My name is Tanay and I want to be your VSA President. For the past three years I have worked diligently to create a campus that caters to the needs of all Vassar students. I served as Class of 2012 Vice-President and President, freshmen and sophomore year respectively, and now I sit on the VSA Executive Board as the Vice-President for Activities. Throughout my time serving as a representative I have navigated through the VSA resources and learned how to use them to their full potential. For example, as Sophomore Class President I received many complaints regarding the limited operating hours of the library, therefore, I was able to use my position to help lead the class gift campaign that created the current 24-hour study space in the library. Similarly, this past year as Vice-President for Activities, I was able to respond to student demand for more diverse programming by helping establish UPCafé. UPCafé is now open from 8pm to 2am, Thursday-Saturday for students who want to go out on weekend nights, but don’t necessarily have a desire to attend all-campus dance parties.

Although it’s great that I have used my time on VSA Council productively, it is also unfair that only VSA officers have the opportunity to implement new programs and policies. Since every student is a member of the VSA, all students should have access to VSA resources so that everyone, elected official or not, can help shape Vassar for the better. If elected VSA President, I will educate incoming freshmen during orientation about the different ways that students can use the VSA. Better educating the campus on how to use VSA funding, gain access to building spaces, write potential amendment changes and contact administrators will help more students with their initiatives.

Some students do try to understand the complicated, bureaucratic politics and procedures of the VSA, however, there are many more students who make an active decision to disengage with student government. Oftentimes we hear people describe Vassar students as apathetic, and therefore, suggest that it is impossible to get them to care. I don’t believe this, and you shouldn’t either. Vassar students are some of the most passionate people I have ever met! The VSA must be relevant to students in order for them to care about it, but there must be a way to engage student voice in order to know what’s relevant. If elected as VSA President, I will work to make student government a more open resource that supports and empowers student initiatives. Listed below are my priorities for the upcoming year:

RE-VAMP THE CONSTITUTION.
*Update the current documents.
*Eliminate contradictions in the constitution and by-laws.
*Restructure the VSA so that it is a more active, inclusive, efficient and effective body.
*Make the language of the constitution more accessible to students.

INCREASE COMMUNICATION WITH THE STUDENT BODY.
*Use campus-wide surveys as a means to gather student opinions.
*Publicly post the VSA agenda and forums weekly.
*Open all VSA subcommittees to students at-large.
*Create a system in which students can come and use VSA resources in order to help with their personal, non-VSA organization sponsored projects.

BUILD STRONGER NETWORKS WITH POUGHKEEPSIE.
*Partner with Poughkeepsie High School (PHS) to start a mentor program with PHS’s student government association and VSA.
*Establish the first annual “Day At Vassar,” where we bring people in the community to Vassar and invite them to attend our events, shows and lectures for a day.

ENCOURAGE COLLABORATIONS.
*Coordinate more events that connect students, faculty, staff and alums.
*Decrease the amount of events on the calendar by rewarding student organizations that choose to collaborate.

BUILD STRONGER SUPPORT SYSTEMS.
*Develop stronger pre-professional advising programs.
*Work with the VP for Student Life to establish more resources on campus for students dealing with depression and anxiety.
*Establish a relationship abuse charge.

CELEBRATE THE VASSAR COMMUNITY.
*Create a “Game of the Month” highlight for athletics in order to promote Vassar pride.
*Continue Sesquicentennial celebrations that highlight Vassar history while looking at it critically.

If you have any questions or would like to talk to me more about my plans for next year, please feel free to email me at tatatum@vassar.edu.

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Dear Vassar Student Body,

For those of you I haven’t met (and I hope that will change), I’m Charlie Dobb, and I’m running to be Vice President for Student Life for 2011-2012.

The center of my campaign is one simple question for every student on this campus: what is your challenge to next year’s VSA Council? Every year students should be challenging Council to listen to their passions, concerns and interests and respond accordingly. I hope I have a chance to be part of that response. Over the coming weeks I hope to hear from many of you what your challenge to next year’s Council is, and I intend to reach out to the dozens of active individuals and organizations on this campus dedicated to student life issues to get their challenges. But, for right now, there are at least a few challenges of my own I intend to address if elected:

1. The formation of an Advisory Council on Inclusion. For several years now Vice Presidents for Student Life have worked diligently, along with the Committee on Inclusion and Excellence, to review and implement the committee’s suggestions for improvement. There are a lot of informed voices on this campus that could be an additional voice in that process. I hope to unite leaders from a broad spectrum of student life organizations, including, for example, Queer, ALANA, and spiritual orgs, in an Advisory Council for Inclusion, which could both support its own agenda and actively advise Council.
2. The passage of an official relationship abuse charge. This year’s Council has worked diligently to put a relationship abuse charge in the college regulations, only to be challenged by the administration to prove relationship abuse is a “campus issue.” I intend to meet that challenge. Through further discussions and an active campaign to raise awareness on campus, I’m confident this important regulation can be added in the coming year.
3. Perform a critical and thorough review of the meal plan. I know -- every year representatives run on this platform, and every year there are no changes. Next year is different though: Aramark’s contract is up for review and we have a rare chance to make an impact. I intend to gather a diverse group of students at large to advise on this issue, including vegans, vegetarians, and students with dietary restrictions.
4. A transparent and inclusive restructuring of VSA Council. It’s no secret that the VSA governing system needs work. It’s also no secret that this year’s efforts, though valiant, were far from perfect. Next year, students will be involved from the very beginning. The process will start, not end, with large student forums and discussions on the issue, and will be handled by an open committee consisting of members of Council and students at large. The end result will be a popular compromise that emphasizes both inclusion and efficiency.

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"Alo Alo" Vassar...

Je m'appelle Sharon Onga. I am running for VP for Student Life.

I plan to solicit and encourage practical alternatives and revisions to current procedures concerning Student Life. I am committed to doing work that ensures a cooperative Student life atmosphere and complements academic excellence for all members of the Vassar community. My goals include:

-giving students all the resources this office has to offer in order to organize more events that effectively supplement student life. I also plan on working with VP for Activities to strategically schedule these events for maximum attendance.

-leading and contributing to efforts that enable workers on this campus to get the benefits they deserve because I strongly believe that the Vassar community cannot thrive if the very people who sustain its day to day functions are not satisfied.

-continuing work that imagines and puts into action practical solutions to the realities presented in the CIE Audit Document.

-engaging in work that revises, updates and nuances the freshman orientation program in ways that supplement the efforts of the Campus Life office, ResLife and The office of Health Education.

-engaging in work that gets Alumni and Alumnae more in-tune with the realities and needs of the students on a range of issues; from Dorm Renovations to Life After Vassar.

-encouraging students to find alternative ways to deal with the dining issues while being actively involved in the conversations and negotiations with Aramark.
  ie: Slow Foods, Tree city
  -This might mean making good use of Matthew's Mug
  since the VSA passed a motion to remove the Bar.

We have 100+ committees. Reading the VSA constitution/bylaws and attending council meetings are not conducive to a complete and clear understanding of how VSA runs.

In order to do work that satisfies student needs, as the chair for Student Life, I will make sure Student Life Committees are more inclusive of Non-VSA council members. The best way to get more students involved with the VSA is to have more at large VSA members sitting on committees. This will create points of entry for suggestions, critiques and revisions. This will also empower students to claim a space in and responsibility for our shared working, living and learning journeys.

It takes imagination, ideas and a group of people who are unafraid to work for the change they want and demand. If elected, We: Vassar students and the Dean of the College Division, will be committed to addressing the realities of student life through practical alternatives and revisions.


Vote On PAR
Onga for Practical Alternatives and Revisions

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To my dear Vassar College,

My name is Jenna Konstantine and I present myself to you as a candidate for next year’s Vice President for Operations.

I am the proud President of Noyes, which has given me the opportunity to sit on VSA Council and on the Operations and Student Life Committees this year. If you vote for me as your VP for Operations, I’ll be going into the job with a year of experience on the VSA Council and with an established familiarity with our governing documents.

As VPOP, my primary goal would be to more effectively communicate VSA initiatives to the student body. This communication would provide students with the context and resources to carry out initiatives of their own. Especially in light of the recent controversy surrounding the constitutional referendum, my goal is to increase clarity, education, and to turn the VSA Office and VSA Committees and Council meetings into spaces where students at large go to make things happen.

As your Vice President for Operations, I would:

MAKE THE VSA MORE ACCESSIBLE – As the person in charge of VSA operations and communications, my first actions as VPOP would improve the system through which students gain basic information about VSA happenings. Every Vassar student is a member of the VSA, and we need to give people the tools to access the resources they need.

Students should know what we’re talking about and when and should know how to be participants in the conversation. I would clearly advertise and update VSA committee meeting times and agendas, to better connect passionate students at large with issues that are being addressed by council. This education could be accomplished through the already-established avenues of the VSA website, blog, and Twitter, as well as through better communication with The Miscellany News.

I would establish and adhere to a strict timeline regarding when meeting agendas and meeting minutes are available to the student body.

I would work to establish the VSA Exec Board and Council as a more consistent presence on campus. I plan to experiment with creating a more central, physical VSA presence in the College Center, such as a message board or more frequent tabling by Council members, in order to better promote participation among students at large in establishing a campus agenda.

MAKE OUR SYSTEM EASIER TO UNDERSTAND – Only with a thorough understanding of our current system can we make effective improvements.

I am prepared to study, memorize, publicize, color-code, and auto-tune our governing documents. I plan to continue the current Operations Committee’s efforts to clean up the Constitution and Bylaws and mold them into simpler, shorter, more consistent language that students who don’t have countless lonely hours of unoccupied time will actually be interested in reading.

One possible project is to create a series of online videos, specifically targeted at incoming freshmen, that would explain the VSA structure and function, promoting an understanding of our student government before the class even arrives on campus.

CONNECT YOU TO ALUMNAE/I - I would serve as the student liaison between the student body and Vassar Alumnae/i.

I would continue fundraising efforts through our alumnae/i network to support Vassar’s needs and would continue to incorporate Vassar graduates into campus events.

I would attempt to compile a list of alumnae/i and the activities they were involved with at Vassar so current VSA orgs can form ties with interested graduates.

I would work with the Career Development Office to offer more relevant programming that will make more meaningful, career-building connections with Vassar alumnae/i.

BE HAPPY TO SEE YOU –

I am chronically enthusiastic and have a delightful telephone voice!

I am a believer of doing what I can to make sure that the people around me have what they need to operate to their full potential.

I am excited to see what this campus can do.

Also, I don’t sleep much, so more time for office hours, eh?

Have questions about me or my plan? Email me at jekonstantine@vassar.edu or stop by Noyes 318!

Thank you!

Jenna

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Hi everyone! For those of you who don't know me, I'm Michael Mestitz '12, a triple major in Economics, Philosophy, and Medieval-Renaissance Studies (long, nerdy story), and I'm asking you to vote for me to be your VP for Operations next year.

I'm one of the student chairs of the Sesquicentennial celebration this year, and I've been active with VSA committees in the past, serving for two years each on the Committee on Inclusion and Excellence (CIE), where I worked on the cultural audit released this fall, and the Campus Master Planning Committee (CMPC), helping to create a master plan to guide campus renovations in the upcoming years. Last year, I served as Noyes House treasurer. In addition to my VSA activities, I keep myself busy as a tour guide for the Admissions Office. Finally, I'm also a columnist for the Misc's Humor and Satire section.

Those are my qualifications on paper. Let me talk about how they relate to the job description for a minute, and then we can get to the interesting stuff: my ideas, and why I'm passionate about running for this position. One of the things that I've most enjoyed while at Vassar is working on committees, and the VP for Operations is responsible for overseeing the committee system; having been on committees since my freshman year, I'm invested in including students in the committee process, and familiar with the problems with our committee system. (More on that later.) As a Sesqui chair, I've been working closely with the Development Office, and that experience will directly help me with the development and fundraising side of the VPOP's duties. Finally, I'm meticulously organized (You can't make an omelet without... making a few spreadsheets?), and interested in procedure and policy. Yeah, that sounds really boring to most people, but it makes me enthusiastic about even the constitutional nitty-gritty of the job, including managing the day-to-day work of the VSA.

Given my experience with the various aspects of the VPOP's job, I feel like I'd make a good VP for Operations. Combining that with my passion for Vassar and for working on committees and in student government, I feel like I'd make a great VP for Operations. As VPOP, in addition to my normal duties, I would have three major goals for the VSA next year relating to the VPOP's responsibilities and coming from my own experiences working in the VSA structure: transparency, education, and efficiency.

Transparency:
The debate about the changes to the VSA constitution this spring brought a lot of concern about transparency to the forefront. I believe that the VP for Operations, as the person responsible for VSA communications, needs to provide students with the calendar for VSA committee meetings, most of which are open to any interested student. Further, students should have the option of "opting-in" to a list-serv email that will provide in-depth weekly updates, containing reports from the exec board on their current projects, meeting minutes from the week previous, and the agenda for the upcoming council session (this in addition, naturally, to the updates and full-campus emails sent to all students). This same information would be available on the VSA website at any time. The "opt-in" system allows interested students to receive email, without cluttering the inboxes of those students who don't want that level of information. Which brings us to...

Education:
Another thing made apparent by the debate this spring was that students will increase their stake in government if they understand what's going on. To this end, I would offer a few open meetings throughout the year to educate interested students in the governing documents of the VSA, and on the committee structure as a whole. The cultural audit suggested that there was significant confusion among students about who to go to with comments or concerns about any given thing (food, 24 hour space, academic honesty); one of my immediate projects over the summer would to be compile an easy directory for all students that comprehensively lists all student representatives serving on VSA and joint committees (those like CIE and CMPC with students, faculty, and administrators represented). My other project would be a guide to college offices and deans, in order to try to clear up confusion which may remain about who to contact: which dean is in charge of the library, for example? (A: the Dean of Planning and Academic Affairs.)

Efficiency:
I promised to address the pitfalls of our committee system, and those pitfalls fall clearly into the efficiency category. Oftentimes, two different committees may be working on similar or related ideas, but neither knows about the other. The left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing and, given the number of committees we have at Vassar, there are two left feet somewhere and a trombone section playing an entirely different song. As VP for Operations, I would schedule periodic meetings with the student representatives on committees and ask them to give me a quick summary of the work their committee is doing- a simple step I hope will encourage communication between committees and allow for a more collaborative and less fractured work environment. In addition, a comprehensive review of the VSA bylaws and constitution should be undertaken,in order to ensure they're in agreement with each other; when they're not, we run into problems like this spring's series of judicial hearings.

If that was too long to read, the essentials are: I'm qualified, committed, and interested in enhancing the transparency and efficiency with which the VSA works by keeping interested students educated informed about what the Council and committees are doing, and how they can participate.

To those of you still reading, thanks for taking the time to check out this statement. If you have questions, comments or concerns, please shoot me an email at mimestitz@vassar.edu or Facebook me; I'm JYA this semester in England, but I'll get back to you as soon as I can. I would love to hear from you, and I would deeply appreciate your vote.

Thanks,
Michael

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Hello, I am Kate Dolson, and I am currently running for VP of Academics. Over the past year, I have served on council as Ferry Representative and on the Academics Committee within the VSA, witnessing firsthand the workings of the VSA and the responsibilities of this position. This experience has given me a wealth of insight and ideas about how to improve the academic environment for every student here.

Academics is a huge component of our Vassar experience (it is why we are all here), but often we as students ignore the role we could be playing in shaping our own academic environment. Over the past year, I have seen the importance of that student voice and the need someone to stand up for it in these discussions. I intend to protect aspects of your education you find important, whether it be developing a more extensive advising network for underclassman or working to maintain the greatest equality possible during pre-registration. As VP of Academics, I plan to, among other things:

* Revamp the pre-professional advising system. This is an area where Vassar academics really falls noticeably short; even where there is institutional support, such as the pre-med office, resources are spread far too thin. I would like to work with the administration and faculty involved to make these the resource they should be.

* Look closely at the experiences of students with disabilities within academics at Vassar. Ideally, I would like to collaborate with Student Life on this project, aiming to make all aspects of campus life as accessible as possible to an often overlooked and marginalized group on campus.

* Connect with community eduction programs, such as those through the Family Partnership Center. I would like to work not only to respond to the needs and concerns of the students involved but also to encourage more people to get involved in the great Poughkeepsie community.

* Form a Board of Major Committee Chairs. This idea began as a response to the decrease of students sitting on CCP (Committee of Curricular Policies). Through this forum, I would be able to reach out to a broader array of voices on campus and hear concerns specific to departments.

* Get credit for labs. We are so close. This can and will happen.

* Developing a Social Consciousness requirement. The idea behind this is that social consciousness is an integral part of Vassar, from our dedication to need-blind and diversity to the myriad of departments, administrative committees, and student organizations which have this focus. Should not this be reflected by the classes we take as well. However, as this is a far reaching goal, I would hope next year to create a space where these discussions can happen and where student interest in this kind of initiative can be gaged.

* Create a VSA sponsored teach in series focusing on world and local events. Through collaborating with various student organizations as well with professors and departments, I hope to create a safe space where a dialogue on important current events can be cultivated.

* Continue working on the peer-advising database. This is a program designed to help underclassmen, not yet very familiar with academics at Vassar, get advice from fellow students. I would especially push for this to be included in freshman orientation.

* Push for greener practices within academic departments and administration. This could be as basic as trying to get departments not to buy bottled water at events or as far reaching as trying to get CEQs as well as registration forms (such as add/drop or major declaration) online.

More important to me than any of these goals, however, I want to focus on the issues that matter to you. For that reason, I think it imperative to make the VSA and this position on it as open and accessible to student body as possible and I intend to work tirelessly towards that end.

As you know, there has been a lot of talk lately about restructuring the VSA. While the proposed changes did not pass, the whole experience has given the new council the opportunity to continue the discussions that this process began. It has shown in what areas the VSA is not adequately supporting the student body and what things need to change. In my role on the executive board, I will:

* Push for greater transparency. I know, everyone says it, but this is really an issue I am passionate about. The VSA is supposed to be a voice for the students among administration, faculty, and staff; if the students are uninformed and uninvolved, how can the VSA be effective representatives?

* Continue the discussions about reforming and restructuring the VSA. Unlike the process this semester, however, I would like to open up the forum to everyone, asking you all what you want your student government to look like. Perhaps these goals seem a little ambitious and idealistic, but I am convinced they can happen. Over the past year, I have seen the potential the VSA has to enact change on this campus and I am determined to work hard for the change you want.

Towards that end, I would welcome the opportunity to talk with you about any questions and concerns you might have. Feel free to email me at kadolson@vassar.edu. Thank you for your time.

Kate Dolson

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Hi! To those of you I’ve never met, let me quickly introduce myself. My name is Mariah. I love to cook and I have a cat named Dog. I’m currently the president of Jewett, and I’ve had an amazing experience this year representing the dorm and the people I love. As president, I’ve been an active member of the VSA Council and its internal Academics, Finance, and Operations committees, as well as the Library committee. Something else about me is that I really like meetings. The things I’ve done as a student leader this year have kept me pretty busy, but I’ve enjoyed every minute of it because this is exactly what I want to be doing: I truly do value being part of a process that helps to shape our experience as students at Vassar. I know that for many students the VSA seems far away, like a different world that doesn’t have anything to do with them. I also know that, though I will do my best, I will not be able to change everyone’s mind about this divide. Regardless, I believe it’s very important that all of my fellow students are represented in student government. I’ve worked hard to accomplish this goal thus far and it would be my honor to do it again next year.

As VP for Academics, I would:

1. Rejuvenate and utilize majors committees as a way to help bring the needs of the students straight to the faculty and administration. Some departments have extremely active majors committees, while others have none at all. I’m a philosophy major, and I’m in the process of working to revive the majors committee in my own department. My ultimate goal with regard to majors committees would be to create a body of representatives from each of the majors committees. This body could meet once each semester to discuss issues that I could then bring to the attention of the faculty and administration.
2. Devise a structure for mediation between faculty and students about issues of faculty policy. It’s become clear to me many miscommunications between faculty and students about certain issues. For example, it’s really frustrating to receive your first grade in a course long after the Drop/NRO deadline has passed. A number of people I know have also encountered the problem of mandatory classes scheduled during our study period. I’m becoming acquainted with Vassar’s faculty handbook so as to help straighten out some of these issues for all of us. As it stands, there is a lot of confusion, and students shouldn’t be expected to stick their necks out by confronting a professor in a way that they feel could affect their grade. I hope to create a better means of addressing these concerns, perhaps in the form of a designated intermediary between faculty and students. This type of position is something that many other colleges have already implemented to ensure better conflict resolution.
3. Work to make the process of future change in the VSA an open and fair discussion between all of VSA council and every interested student. My experience on VSA Council this past year has taught me many things, not the least of which is that the structure of the VSA needs work. Although the turbulence of this year’s attempts at reform has been a trying process for all of us, I’m excited about the possibility for change with the full input of any and all interested students in a process that will be open to the entire campus. If elected, I will help drive the process to create a more issue-driven and productive VSA Council. As an active and involved member of Council for the past year, I’ve gained an understanding of the VSA that will aid in the process of identifying what changes need to be made. Together as a student body, I believe we can come up with change we can agree upon, and change that can be enacted before the end of the fall semester. As a part of the Executive Board, I would be a part of the effort to make the process by which we arrive at change both focused and inclusive.

• Promoting accessibility for students with and without disabilities in academic settings. This would include pressuring the administration to prioritize accessibility to academic spaces as well as advocating for accessibility in teaching techniques.
• Compiling a list of all the academic resources a student has on campus to add to the VSA website.
• Publicizing and promoting peer advising. Underclassmen with pre-major advisors who aren't meeting their needs do have another resource, but none of them seem to know about it! With more involvement, we can expand the database of junior and senior peer advisors, and I think the system has huge potential.
• Continuing to support and facilitate student seminars. I helped to choose this year’s seminars and would be committed to offering them again next year.
• Defending our current, more equitable course registration system as the registrar explores other options. I doubt that many of us want to see a change to a “first come, first-served” pre-registration process, and I will support the draw number system that we have in place unless a new system is proposed that the faculty and students can both get behind.
• Pushing for a browsable system for our library’s collection of feature films and documentaries. I’ve been working on this project with the DVD/Film subcommittee of the Library committee since the beginning of this year, I will continue to pursue it next year. On that committee, I will also continue to push an extension of the 24-hour DVD loan period.

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Hi, I’m Jordan, and I am running for VP for Academics. I was not on VSA council this past year; I was treasurer of Strong House. There are obvious cons to this lack of experience, but there are pros, too. I was interested in, but not actually a part of, the efforts to restructure the VSA. For this reason, I will be able to look at the situation objectively, without memories of this past year’s conflicts. Fresh eyes on an old problem are always helpful.

There are several things that I would like to accomplish if elected. Some of these issues are as follows.

1. Lab Credit (& more drama credit)
   I am aware that this is not a new project, but it is an issue that I am passionate about. As a biology major, I have experienced firsthand how much work goes into each lab. Two and a half hours of class per week equaling one credit, and six and a half hours of class also only equaling one credit is illogical.
   In a similar vein, I would like to look into the possibility of bumping up the credit for being in a drama department show from half a credit to a full credit. So much work goes into those shows, and those involved truly deserve a full unit of credit.
2. Transparency/consistency in future course offerings
   Every time pre-registration rolls around, I hear people saying, “I really wanted to take [insert class here], but it’s not offered this semester.” I will admit that I do not know the procedures for how such things are arranged, but I would like to seek a better system for informing the student body when particular classes will be offered. Picture someone declaring his/her major and filling out that bright yellow card, feeling so accomplished, like his/her future is all set and nothing can stop him/her. Now fast forward to pre-registration one year later. Unexpectedly, a class isn’t offered, and that perfect yellow card is completely thrown off. We obsessive planners cannot handle that.
3. Improve the relationship between VSA council and the student body
   I have sensed an “us and them” mentality regarding council and the student body at large. This is saddening, as the purpose of representatives on council is to do as the name implies – represent their constituency. Although members of the student body are always free to contact their representative, they may be too shy or intimidated to actually do so. An idea that I have had to improve this situation is to have regular (monthly?) town hall events where several members of council (preferably the less busy ones, obviously) would go to each house and discuss what is currently being done on the VSA and answer questions.

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Hey everyone,

My name is Michael Thottam but (if you know me) you probably know me as Mookie and I am running for the position of Vice President of Activities for 2011-2012.


I believe it is important that next year’s VP for Activities has knowledge and experience with the various and diverse needs of all student organizations of campus. I want all Vassar organizations to feel supported by the VSA Council in the capacities that they most need us.

My plans for next year include:

Establishing a system reputable and deserving uncertified organizations can better utilize VSA resources

Work towards a Capitol Loan system so that more student organizations have access to better quality resources

Analyze possibilities for the project that is the “Vassar owned” Mug

Prevent the type of overloads of the campus calendar that we are currently witnessing while protecting the rights and creativity of organizations

I have been on Davsion House Team for the past two years, as a student fellow my sophomore year, and President in my junior. My experience on House Team has given me a wide-range of experience in residential, campus-wide, and VSA issues. During this year, I have sat on the Activities and Finance internal committees for the VSA. Beyond this, I currently have weekly meetings with an administrator, Mike Bodnarik, who the VP for Activities meets with on a frequent basis.

Please email me with any questions, concerns, ideas, thoughts, etc., at mithottam@vassar.edu.

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My name is Jason Rubin and I am running for the position of VP for Finance. I have served as a treasurer for the past two years – my freshman year for the Class of 2013 and this year for Lathrop House. I am also on the executive board of Act Out. I believe that working with the VSA from a class, house, and organization angle has provided me with the unique perspective and experience that I need to effectively fulfill this role. My platform consists of a variety of different focuses that I would like to share with you:

EFFICIENCY: The financial bureaucracy is often inefficient and difficult to navigate. While I cannot promise to revamp the structure as it is predominantly out of student control, I can promise to work within the powers of VP for Finance and the VSA to make improvements. Credit cards were introduced this year for house teams. They greatly simplify the role of the treasurer and add a great deal of efficiency. I will work to expand the number of organizations that are granted credit cards, particularly for organizations that make frequent or large purchases. In addition, I will explore online options in processing treasurer forms, which will be both time efficient and sustainable.

TRANSPARENCY: First, I will have daily office hours for a minimum of two hours per day. It is important that treasurers and organization leaders have constant access to the VP for Finance and I will ensure that this occurs. Second, I will work towards greater awareness of the status of funds. I plan on making this information publicly available on the VSA website and will update the fund levels weekly. Finally, I will work towards greater transparency for VSA council as a whole. Council committees are the sites of much of the discussion and work that occurs within the VSA council. Information as to when these committees meet and what they are working on must be made accessible to students. Committee meetings are currently open in name only and this must change.

QUALITY OVER QUANTITY: As VP for Finance, I will look to shift the focus of budgeting and event planning away from quantity and towards quality events. Organizations often feel pressure from the finance committee to host a multitude of events, as this is traditionally looked upon favorably during annual budgeting. Good programming should be valued over a lot of programming, and it is this that should receive the strongest consideration during annual budgeting. Hosting an event for the sake of hosting an event is a waste of money and not what this campus needs. Organizations should be encouraged to host the number of creative and successful events that their budget allows for.

FUNDRAISING AND COLLABORATION: The VSA budget is $700,000. While this is substantial, when divided amongst over 120 organizations, there are bound to be those that are unsatisfied with their allocated budget. As VP for Finance I will work to encourage organization leaders to look beyond their allocated finances. There are a variety of creative and effective ways to fundraise on campus from bake sales, to raffles, to more event-oriented approaches such as the Devils’ Valentinograms. Collaborations can also be extremely effective as a means of combining funds, energies, and ideas to produce an enhanced event.

VSA RESTRUCTURING: A new VSA structure did not pass this year, but that does not mean the conversation is over. In fact, it is now even more important that the conversation continues. There are real problems with the current VSA structure that must be addressed. As an elected representative, I will work to pass a new structure by the end of the first semester of next year. In addition, I will work to ensure that the process by which this is done is transparent and includes student voice. We can only put in place a transparent structure that promotes student voice through a process that is reflective of these end goals.

With a budget of over $700,000 and over 120 organizations to oversee, the VP for Finance is one of the most difficult positions in the VSA. I am running with a full understanding of these difficulties and on a promise to fulfill this position to the best of my abilities. With my experience, energy, and ideas I believe that I will make an effective and successful VP for Finance and I would love to have your vote.

If you have any questions please email me at jarubin@vassar.edu or stop by Lathrop 106 – I would love to speak with you.

Thank you for your time and I appreciate your support.

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To the Class of 2012,

Welcome to senior year: the last and most glorious two semesters of our Vassar careers! Here come the senior sponsored events we’ve all been waiting for: Convocation, Halloween, 100 Nights, 50 Nights, the epic Senior Week, the Class Gift, Commencement, and all the excitement in between. My role if elected president, and the Senior Class Council’s, is to make sure these milestones become great memories and are lots of fun.

For this to happen, we need a strong, dedicated, and responsible Class Council. I am running for senior class President foremost because I love our class and would like senior year to be the best it can be; but would also like to ask for your vote because I have the leadership skills to pull it all off. As a past President of Lathrop House and representative to the VSA, I am comfortable and competent in creating and managing campus programming, working closely with administrators, and representing a wide diversity of constituents’ voices to council. Throughout my presidency, I helped to create a new and inclusive sense of community in Lathrop, and designed and hosted successful, ongoing events such as the “Love Hurts” concert series and the Campus Scavenger Hunt. In another leadership role, I helped create and implement a photo-voice (photography centered learning) Vassar After School Tutoring (VAST) program at the nearby Poughkeepsie Middle School, and I am currently co-president of Phocus, Vassar’s student photography organization.

Now then, I know that you’re all thinking, “What does the President do anyway?” The senior class President serves as leader of Class Council, overseeing senior programming and the Class Gift. Additionally, the President represents your student voice to the larger VSA and Vassar administration. But as your senior class President, I will further work to involve our class in local community outreach—strengthening our connection and relationship with Poughkeepsie, and giving us seniors a chance to give back to the place we have all called home for our four years at Vassar.

Senior year and Senior Class Council are about working together—as President I will work to foster class participation in large and small-scale decision-making, student initiatives, and campus collaboration. My hope then, is to maintain a balance of ideas in the VSA and Class Council, and promote networking for events and members of our class. I look forward to working with many of you on Senior Class Council, and together expanding our class’s range of collaboration and enthusiasm.

As someone who is a good listener and is passionate about new ideas, I aim to incorporate your voice in the VSA and Senior Class Council. I’d love to hear your input—let’s make senior everything we’ve hoped for and more. Send me an email at alschmidt@vassar.edu or stop me around campus—I want to hear from you!

I am a candidate who is enthusiastic and ready to take on the challenges of planning a killer and memorable senior year. With your vote I will make our last year together at Vassar the best it can be—a senior year that is engaging, rewarding, and unforgettable.

Senior Love,

Alessandra “Zan” Schmidt

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HEY SENIORS!
(Wow, I love saying that.)

Hopefully you recognize my name from the class e-mails I’ve been sending all year, but if not, I am Pam Vogel and I would love nothing more than to continue serving as the 2012 Class President. I have learned so much about what it means to be President this year, and I am asking you to give me the honor and the chance to show it. Senior class president is a very important position, and I think that I am the woman for the job. As we kick off a year of celebrations – the best parties, the coolest events, the longest papers, the hardest tests, the latest nights, and the moments we’ll never forget – I want to be there to represent what it means to be a 2012er through it all.

The senior class president, like any other class president but 50000x crazier, serves two roles: a VSA Council member and the face of the Class of 2012. Here are the things I have learned that will help me do those things, and the ideas I have for how to make our senior year the best around:

As the voice of 2012 on the VSA Council, I will work even harder than I have this past year to provide every member of our class with the resources and the knowledge about what is happening in the VSA world. We are starting this new year with a strong mandate for change, and I am committed to making sure that this discussion begins AND ends with the opportunity for all voices to be heard. I would also like to add positions on Class Council for the Senior Residence Presidents (THs, TAs, and SoCos) so that all of our senior events can be coordinated and well-attended, and so we can all benefit from the resources a wide variety of student leaders can bring to the table. I am willing and prepared to make this position my biggest commitment next year, so rest assured that, if I am elected, I will devote my heart and soul to including as many people in the making of our senior year as possible.

As president, I also have the huge responsibility of overseeing the intense event planning that happens throughout our last year. The most important thing a class president candidate can have when it comes to event planning is experience, and I’d like to think I have plenty of that. I already know how to navigate administrative offices, request the resources we’ll need for each event, and hype up our last year for all its worth. That means I can focus on adding the glitz and glam that will make our senior year truly memorable, and I cannot think of any other way I’d rather spend my remaining time at Vassar.

This past year has made me realize that, more than ever, I love everything about Vassar. I love staying up all night to write a paper because I spent six hours of my Sunday night in a VSA meeting. I love every committee I sit on, and I love the hours of arguing over phrases on merchandise and color choices for decorations. I love the look on someone’s face when they walk into an event space for the first time. I love every e-mail I receive about something happening in the VSA, and every late-night conversation I’ve had about how we can make a difference. Please vote for me, so that I can pour all of this sappy love into making 2011-2012 the best time we’ve ever seen, and to making sure we end our time at Vassar with a bang.

If you have questions about any of the ideas I have for the future, suggestions, or just want to chat, please e-mail me at pavogel@vassar.edu, stop by Joss 328a, or just stop by the College Center, because I will probably be spontaneously tabling for something, as is my wont. GET READY FOR THE BEST YEAR OF YOUR LIVES!

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Statement Pending

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Hello 2012 Classmates,

For those of you unaware of who I am, I am currently the treasurer for the Class of 2012, and the past treasurer for Jewett House. I have proved my capability thus far, and I am ready to move up to the bigger and better Senior Class Budget.

Our our final year here is coming, and with it requires the best financial planning for all those events that define senior year. This planning requires a dynamic budget, knowledge of the VSA treasury structure and protocols, event arrangements, merchandise production, names and faces, along with the ability and know-how to cut through the bureaucracy when the need arises. I can do all this and more.

E-mail me if you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions at gakellyramirez@vassar.edu

-Gabe

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Hello!

Now, you may be thinking “Does she even go here?”. A valid question and although I am currently abroad this semester, I will be back in the fall and I am extremely excited at the idea of potentially being the President for the Class of 2013.

So, please read with an open mind and a full stomach:

2- TWO: The number of semesters we have next year.
Each will be very different as many of you go abroad. Having been away for the past few months, I understand what it feels like to be part of something from far way. I will make it a priority to make sure you guys are all involved as much as you want to be from anywhere in the world. For those of you who are staying, I will work hard at making sure we all fall in love with each other, as many of our best friends leave us to go “study” in places like Paris and Budapest. This is actually a great opportunity for us all to step outside our comfort zones and meet our fellow classmates, as the dynamic is bound to change.

0 – ZERO: The number of reasons to not vote for me.
Known to be a great listener and co-coordinator, I also have the fresh outlook needed to keep our class moving in the right direction. I have stepped outside the Vassar bubble and can see clearly now the things that need to be changed and those that need to be embraced. I have also been working full-time in an extremely professional environment that has shown me what makes a good leader and what doesn’t. I know that I will bring not only my newly acquired organizational skills, but also my understanding of what it means to represent a large number of people.

1- ONE: VOICE.
I believe I will be a great voice in class council meetings to represent all of you not only because I have a fun accent but also because I know that I am in no way perfect. We do not need a President who has sailed through Vassar without realizing the trouble that a lot of students go through in various areas. I may not have a perfect application on paper but what I do have is a great balance between compassion and courage. I think my past experiences at Vassar will be beneficial to us all in a leadership setting as I will not forget about the many administrative issues we all come across at some point.

3 – THREE: Things I would do if I were at Vassar right now:
- Walk around speaking very loudly about current events whilst offering to toast your bagels
- Find some puppies to adopt and let you all play with them
- Ask you guys to stop by if you have any questions or concerns.

Unfortunately I am in a land far, far away, so stopping by with questions may take longer than you’d like. However, if you do have anything you want to talk about then please pop me an e-mail (or a postcard!) at any time.

Alternatively, a boy named Andrew Lindsay (2013) creepily made a pillowcase that has a very large imprint of my face on it, so you can ask to borrow that for a few hours and I can prove that I really am a good listener and a great shoulder to cry on. So have faith in a small town girl looking to take care of you Vassar! Vote with your soul! And, most importantly, enjoy your last few weeks of sophomore year and get ready for my arrival because I miss you all more than anything.

Happy Voting!
Love,
Riddhi

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We, the Class of 2013, are almost halfway through our time at this crazy place called Vassar, but there’s still plenty of time for us to leave our mark on this campus as a class. For those of you who don’t know me, I am involved in a wide array of activities at Vassar including being a Student Fellow in Noyes, playing the saxophone in the wind ensemble, and competing on the varsity rowing team. Every time my boat reaches the halfway mark during a race, I make a point to recommit, to ensure that the second half is even better than the first. I enter this race with the same mindset, hoping to push our class to make our final years here better than the time we have already had. Every day, I am amazed by the type of dynamic and intelligent individuals that make up our class. I chose to run for this position because I am passionate about our class, and I firmly believe I have the skills and the motivation to make your voices heard, and to take action.

As a candidate for President of the Class of 2013, I have several goals and ideas to make next year a success and bring our class together as a community:

A big part of the junior year experience is the abroad programs that leave only a portion the class on campus each semester. I would like to establish an open line of communication between those abroad and those at Vassar by setting up an interactive “2013 Abroad” blog.

As is expected, the Class of 2013 would host, plan, and sponsor great all campus parties and events. I would also like to put more funds and class effort into important initiatives by either spearheading projects as a class or collaborating with organizations and other classes to help the campus grow and change, as well as nurture and encourage an involved, informed, and passionate student body.

I hope to lead a Class Council comprised of dynamic, invested members of the Class of 2013. However, the decisions made by class council would not be limited to its members. I want to work with all of you to affect this campus in positive ways, and to take concrete action that will foster a strong sense of class pride. I seek to develop an open relationship with the Class of 2013, allowing for a more transparent student government.

If elected, I promise to keep you more informed and involved. I will often ask your opinions about issues that arise in either Class Council or VSA so that I can properly represent you when it comes time to vote. I plan on hosting office hours in each dorm on a weekly basis to make it easy for you to approach me with issues that you feel need attention. I want to involve the members of our class in event planning, projects, and open class discussions to make use of the individual ideas and skills that each one of you possess. As a class you all inspire me, and I ask for your vote so that I may lead and represent you the way you deserve.

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Hey 2013 – my name is Amanda Crommett! I would be a qualified, energetic, and knowledgeable Vice President. This past year I served as Vice President for Lathrop House Team, where I planned both small-scale House events and large all-campus events. If elected, I would focus on the following three areas:

1. JUNIORS YEAR ABROAD. Many juniors who go abroad can feel disconnected from Vassar. I would try and keep JYAers integrated in the Vassar community by creating a website for juniors to share photos and stories on. I would also work to increase transparency and clarity surrounding the Room Draw process for returning JYAers so everyone can return home to a good room.
2. PROGRAMMING. With close to half our class abroad, we need to maintain a strong presence on campus in order to make our voices heard. I would use my experience and creativity to offer awesome events geared specifically towards juniors.
3. COLLABORATION. Junior Class Council will be awesome, but some of the best all-campus events this past year stemmed from collaboration with other organizations, Houses, and Class Councils. If elected, I would increase lines of communication between other VPs to offer the best Council experience ever.

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Hi, my name is Richard Casey Rice and I would love your vote as class vice president. As VP, I believe I would exemplify the class of 2013 in a positive light within the VSA Executive Board and make beneficial changes once elected. I take this position very seriously, as representing this class will be my number one priority. I will do my best to represent every individual and make sure every voice and concern is heard directly by VSA. I feel that I have adequate leadership potential to take on this role effectively. Some of my previous leaderships positions include:

• Represented the state of Arizona as a youth consultant to the Governor Janet Napolitano
• Participated in Student Government in High School
• Captained of my club soccer team senior year
• Selected as one of 50 "Valley Teen Leaders" in Arizona

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Hi Class of 2013,

I’m Amy Corenswet and I want to be your class treasurer. I am currently treasurer of Noyes House, and this year’s experience has given me a good understanding of the system, procedures, and paperwork that a treasurer has to deal with. (Also I’m an economics major, and I enjoy the nuances of a good budget.) I have loved being on House Team this year, and I look forward to an expanded role in student government as a member of the Class Council next year.

This semester I’ve attended many VSA meetings and carefully followed the proposed amendments to the constitution. I want to be sure that we as a class contribute to the process of change if it continues next year. Also, in addition to performing the duties of treasurer, I want to help create programming that lets juniors who spend time abroad next year stay connected to—and feeling like they are a real part of—our class, and help those of us on campus connect with each other.

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Over my past two years at Vassar, I have served in our student government, first as Lathrop’s freshman representative (a member of both the class council and the house team), then as Lathrop secretary this past year. As I move out of Lathrop next year, I would like to represent the class of 2013 as a whole on our junior Class Council. We are an especially awesome class and we deserve and especially awesome junior year. I would bring a wide range of ideas and experience to the junior class council as your secretary. Over my time at Lathrop, I have been involved in planning a number of successful events, from the Scavenger Hunt last spring, to the ABC dance at the beginning of the year, to tie dye on the quad last week. As junior class secretary, in addition to taking some quality notes, which I would make available to any member of the class who wants to see what the Class Council is up to, I would put my experience in event planning to good use. Next year, in addition to the traditional spring convocation event (can you say champagne toast anyone?) and a welcome back party for all those returning from JYA, I would like to host a farewell party at the end of first semester for those going JYA in the spring, a group I feel is often forgotten about. Finally, through Lathrop House Team this past year, I have followed the attempted VSA restructuring closely, and I believe I would bring valuable advice to our class president as the VSA works on an even better restructuring plan next year.

If any of you have any questions, concerns, or simply want to talk, please don’t hesitate to email me (naallen@vassar.edu) or drop by Lathrop 107. I am usually in my room for the night after 8pm.

I appreciate your votes and I am very excited to make our next two years together great ones.

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As we enter into the second half of our Vassar experience, it’s time to make the Class of 2013 known. During a year when half of us will be abroad, it will be even more crucial that our presence is still felt on this campus. As secretary, I would work with the 2013 Class Council in an effort to bring together our class and solidify our class identity. In doing so, I want to coordinate both a sendoff to those going JYA at the end of first semester as well as a welcome back celebration for those returning in the spring. I also want the entire class to feel connected to the VSA and the Class Council by making myself and my minutes easily accessible. I remember how much fun our Freshman Fifteen was and I would love to plan another similar event that celebrates how great our class is. With upcoming discussions about VSA restructuring sure to come, I want to allow everyone the opportunity to know and understand where their class exec board stands on this issue.

Since coming to Vassar I have had many opportunities and experiences that would help make me a great secretary. Over the past two years I have served on the 2013 Class Council and the Jewett House Team, first as Freshman Class Representative and then Secretary, both of which have provided me with ample experience in event planning and counsel politics. During my time on the 2013 Class Council, I helped plan the Fall Study Break with music and food from local farmers, the Freshman 15 event, Guilty Pleasures Mug Night, and spearheaded the planning of the Envy floor during 7 Deadly Sins. As Jewett House Secretary, I kept organized minutes throughout all the meetings and stayed in close contact with the ROC and B&G. For the two years on Jewett’s House Team, I have helped plan Dormal Formal, 7 Deadly Sins, study breaks, a fundraiser for Japan relief, and other small scale events within the house.

Given my experience on Class Council and as Secretary of Jewett, I believe I would make a valuable member of the 2013 Class Council this upcoming year. If you have any questions for me or want to jam out to ‘Judas’, come stop by Jewett 2 West! Let’s make next year great!

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Hey Rising Sophomores!

My name is Jacob Greenberg, that kid who brings you local raw milk and eggs, and I’m running for our class president.

Vote for an approachable, friendly, and reliable class representative.

Vote for a representative committed to bringing fresher, local, and naturally grown food to our dining services.

Vote to have a say in your government.

Vote for transparency and for an inclusive and efficient government.

Vote to empower your voices.

I’m running because we need someone approachable in the VSA. We need someone who we feel comfortable talking to after class or at a party about our suggestions for change – about how we can improve the food at the DC, bring your voices to the VSA, strengthen our community, and maybe even install solar panels on our roofs.

The VSA is an institution for the students, and the power of our student government reflects that. It controls more than $700,000 of funding total each year, which it allocates to student organizations, activities, and events. The VSA has the power to change policies – such as negotiating Aramark’s contract when it expires – and to pressure administrators into listening to the student body and acting on what we demand.

And so I am running to make your voice heard because I have felt that my voice, our voices, have been ignored. We need to bring the students back into the Vassar Student Association. We need a more inclusive and transparent government, and one that actually works. We need a government free from apathy, bias, and indecision. And we need a class president who is reliable, affable, and sociable.

I want to be that person. I can be that person.

I love Vassar more than I can express. I love you, I love the people, I love the overwhelming beauty of the campus, and I love the balance between work and play. I think we can agree that the food on campus is not conducive to a healthy living and working environment. With your help, we can change that.

Vote for me. It’s time we felt empowered.

Please feel free to contact me anytime with your thoughts, questions, or concerns. Remember, this is about you, and this is about us.

Thank you. And much love from,

Jacob Greenberg
jacgreenberg@vassar.edu
(818) 631-2783

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Hey 2014!

My name is Michael Moore and it was my great honor to serve as your President this year! I hope that you will give me the chance to carry on the work I’ve done with Class Council and continue to make our class one that truly changes Vassar’s history.

The 2014 Class Council has been recognized by students, VSA members, and administrators alike as one of the most dynamic and dedicated councils in years. We have worked tirelessly to sponsor parties, leadership conferences, and a plethora of other activities to bring 2014 together and give its members the most opportunity possible in their first year. We have also been planning for next year in many ways. For next year’s freshmen, I have been working on a Government and Activism education at Orientation, as well as a plan to introduce next year’s freshmen council to their responsibilities and potential (and how to be as awesome as 2014).

For us sophomores, I am prepared to tackle issues like the Sophomore Slump, better Major Advising, and making a Class Gift that we all can be proud of. On VSA this year I have worked on student seminars and curricular policy on Academics Committee as well as Food and Dining and a more safe drinking culture on Student Life Committee. It was often difficult being the only 2014 voice on the VSA Council, but I constantly pushed to make our voice heard. Sometimes it took being a little bitchy, and sometimes it took extended Lord of the Rings metaphors. Both are things I am prepared to do in the name of our rights.

The ties that I have formed this year with Cappy, administrators, and most importantly next year’s student leadership, will ensure that any issues you have get brought to full light. I am dedicated to the concept of servant leadership, and I know that a government must balance accessibility with productivity. I worked for months on a new structure that is more accessible and brings more issues of activism, diversity, academics, and legislation to our council, while focusing Residential Life issues where they can get done. While the outcome was mixed, the good news is that next year we will have more content and interest than ever to change Vassar governance for the better, and I will make more of an effort to bring students in on these conversations!

I’ll be coming door-to-door but I can’t catch all of you! Please talk to your Freshmen Reps or Dorm Presidents about the work I’ve done this year, or contact me in any way you feel comfortable! Love you all!

Michael Moore
micmoore@vassar.edu
610-256-1736
Noyes 330

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Hi, my name is Anna Carias, and for those of you who don't know me I am an outgoing, fun loving, hard working, crazy person who dedicated the past year to being Freshman class Vice President, I really loved my experience with class council and VSA, through all of the trials and tribulations.

Being a part of student government has always been important to me, and accurately representing the class and its voice is just one of the skills i have acquired during my year as VP, I know the class of 2014 in all it's awesomeness and feel I have the necessary experience to fulfill the role of Vice President.

We have planned numerous smaller events this past year but at the moment we are in the midst of planning an awesome mug night and the freshman talent expose: Freshman 15. I have experienced the sheer amount of work and personal time that being on class council takes and I am ready to continue on to bigger and better challenges that Sophomore class council will bring.

During Sophomore year I hope that myself and the council can create a more unified class with increased class actives and events as well as a possible class party and even speed dating. But the most important object to tackle Sophomore year will be the class gift and I will make sure that it is something worth talking about.

I love Vassar and I love Class of 2014, we are all so unique and amazing and I really enjoyed serving as a student voice Freshman year and I would honored to serve as class Vice President again.

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Hey 2014! My name is Luke Gehorsam and I'm running for treasurer of our class. In high school I was co-founder of the business strategies club, which analyzed the successful strategies of various American business leaders. I've carried over my love of economics into college, where I'm taking numerous econ classes. When you consider someone for treasurer, you want a person who is scrupulous and pays attention to the details of our funds. I believe I am that person. I hope you'll consider voting for me in the upcoming elections!

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Class of 2014 – My name is Drew Murray and I would love to be your class Treasurer for next year! I feel like I know a lot of people in our class and I hope that most know who I am – but for those who don’t know me – go to Facebook and stalk to your heart’s content. I’m a very outgoing person with a positive attitude. I will most like be a Drama major with a possible correlate in Math. I love talking to and getting to know people and I love organizing events!

I’m always brainstorming ideas for whatever project I’m working on and am a pretty creative person. I have a flair for math and money. (I mean – who doesn’t love money?) I’ve taken an Economics and a Math course on campus and plan to take many more. I’ve always been pretty unique in that while I love to act and perform, I also enjoy a good Calculus problem set. I would love the opportunity to combine my creative mind with my love for math to help organize and budget some amazing events for next year!

I’m also a very friendly and generally available person – so if anyone ever has any concerns about the class council or our budgeting – I hope you will all feel comfortable coming to me to talk. We, as a class, should strive to create a council that will get things done while remaining approachable by all members of the class of 2014.

Let’s make next year as amazing as I know it can be!

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Hey ladies and gents!!

My name is Rachel Thompson, and I am extremely excited to be running for Treasurer of the illustrious Class of 2014!! This past year at Vassar has been one of the best times in my life, and I would like to show my appreciation and dedication to our class by representing you all as a member of the of our Class Council.

I was involved in many club activities at my high school, and know I am more than capable of handling all of my responsibilities as Treasurer. More importantly, however, I feel that I would be able to make very valuable suggestions and be a wonderful source of ideas for all of our sophomore activities. Our sophomore class gift is an important, pivotal moment in our Vassar careers because we will see the effect our gift will have on the school and I want to provide my insight as well as your input into the decision making process.

If you have any questions for me, or suggestions to make, know that I am always available, whether in my room (Noyes 404) or around campus.

Here’s to a fantastic sophomore year!!

Rachel Thompson

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HELLOOO CLASS OF 2014!

My name is Zoe Ripecky and I would love to represent you as sophomore class secretary. I am very eager to get involved with the inner-workings of the Vassar community and I can promise you that if elected I will fulfill my position with great dedication and passion.

I have discussed the position with current members of the freshman class council and I think the role of secretary would be a great fit for me. I am organized and punctual. I am observant and attentive. I respect the opinions of others and am confident enough to express my own. I am a good notetaker.

If chosen as secretary, my intention would be to act as a fantastic observer and notetaker, but also involve myself in active discussion and projects.

I think my energy and enthusiasm would be a strong addition to the 2014 team.

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Hey! My name is Sienna Brown and I am running for Main House President. As a current student fellow and member of Main house team, I know that as a student leader I will be an asset to house team for the second year in a row.

As an upcoming junior I have been well acquainted with house life and issues that some students have. As President, I will be available and happy to talk about house concerns with all of the house residents. I also would like to see Main house become more of a community, like the smaller dorms are. I know that this is a bit more difficult because our home is so large, but with great programming and more upperclassmen/freshman interaction, I feel that as a house we can make it possible.

Not only would I be available to the residents of Main to talk about the issues that they have but I will also be a liaison for our house to the VSA council. As we all know there has been controversy with the referendum this year and I am looking to have the voice of Main be heard during VSA meetings by yours truly. You can be reassured that I will not solely be focused on the changes in the VSA but also on the changes in our house.

Main house events are also something that I feel strongly about and I am planning on working with our Vice President to create great ones. In planning Moulin Rouge (which was a huge success this year) and South by South Commons, along with many other events, I am familiar with what it takes to plan a good event and I have a general feeling with what the students like to see in campus-wide events.

The last issue that I will be planning to tackle as Main House President is creating a better relationship with Building and Grounds. As the oldest house on campus (and the original!), there are often times where rooms or bathrooms need repairing and it can be found that it doesn't happen as quickly as we would like to see. As President I would look to be able to have B&G present in the dorms when we need them and in a timely manner.

Feel free to come talk to me with questions or just about anything in general.

Visit Main 437! Add me on Facebook! If you see me around, don't be afraid to say hey!

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Hey Mainers!

My name is Jeremy Garza and I am running for President of Main house: aka your representative on the VSA Council!

I am running for this position because I am truly passionate and dedicated to making both VSA and House Team more inclusive institutions. No system is perfect, and now is the time to come together to foster unity within our House community so your voices can be heard. House Team is responsible for serving you as residents so we can make this the best place to live. We are the biggest House on campus; therefore, we should be the loudest and proudest.

My goal this past year was to involve myself as much as I could. I dedicated myself to several organizations on campus, including QCVC, Vassar Rowing, CLRG. In conjunction with these orgs, I was thrust onto the VSA political scene when, in January, I started regularly attending the Sunday meetings. It was then that I realized the overwhelming need for strong leadership that can keep apathy within the student body at bay.

As president, it is of the upmost importance for me to cultivate a relationship with all of you as Main residents in order to ensure that your voice is justly heard on the VSA. Under the new leadership of our House Team and VSA for the coming academic year, I believe we can collectively move forward in making these governing bodies more inclusive, efficient, and welcoming to diverse voices. As a result, we can reaffirm this college as a renowned place for activism and innovation—one that tries its hardest to include all types of marginalized students by actually addressing issues and accomplishing set goals.

I encourage any and all types of open dialogue, so please do not be afraid to call on me for anything; I am here to serve you. Whether or not I am elected, I am still dedicated to my House and this school, and I will continue to try my hardest at being a progressive leader wherever there is need.

With much hope and optimism for the year to come,
Jeremy Garza
jegarza@vassar.edu
(512) 992-9623

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Hey there, Main!

I’ve lived in Main for the past two years and have come to understand how Main House works. I’ve seen firsthand the issues we as a House have had to deal with and realize that vital lines of communication must be open in order to effectively address those and other concerns.

As your President, there are many critical issues that I will focus on. Just a few of them are as follows:

LEADERSHIP: Being Main House President isn’t just about house pride and inclusion, though these are obviously integral parts of our system here at Vassar. The House President holds a dual role of serving both on House Team and VSA Council, so here’s how I would approach both of those roles:

When in the House, I would work closely with other student leaders such as the Student Fellows, House Fellow Interns, House Student Advisor, and other House Officers to make Main the best living environment on campus. I would effectively delegate responsibilities so our House has top-quality programming and awesome events.

When sitting on VSA Council, I would address key issues that concern us not only as Main residents, but also as Vassar students. You, the constituent, will ultimately shape the issues I address. I’ll always be available to talk to you about any issues you have so that I can represent your views accordingly on Council.

RETREAT ORIENTED-MEAL PLAN: As Main residents, we have a unique relationship with The Retreat. Due to its convenience, running out of Retreat points has been a continual problem for Main residents. If elected, I would make it a top priority to create a Retreat-oriented meal plan option, as to offer maximum dining flexibility.

REDUCE HOUSE DAMAGE: It’s not fair that the entire House has to pay for damage caused by a select few unknown individuals. This year’s damages were astronomically high, considering we reached a record amount of damages for Main by the middle of the year. If elected, I would work with Residential Life to reform the current system of charging all Main residents for damage, and instead focus on catching those responsible for the damages. By doing this, we can foster a more respectful living environment for our home instead of just writing the damage off as just another cost of going to Vassar.

REPRESENTATION: Everyone has something that they care about. As President, I will adapt my leadership style to fit each of my constituents. Those who are interested in getting involved will have opportunities to meet with me about the VSA, get involved in House events, and work with me on political issues. For those who are not interested, I promise not to flood your inboxes with emails about topics that you don’t care about. Each of you will receive the level of representation you want and deserve.

If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to email me at wiserio@vassar.edu. Thanks for reading, and I appreciate your vote!

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The foundation of family is a unique structure to life. I believe that Main house personifies the concept of family the most, because we consistently aim to look for ways to strengthen our bond. Although I have enjoyed the honor and experience of being on this year’s House Team and Class Council as Freshman Rep, I feel that more can be done to bring our ever growing family closer. During the year, I have been able to grow accustomed to all of the House Team procedures and responsibilities, and I can insure that each encounter in our house continues to run smoothly and effectively each time. However, you’d be seeing lots more of me as your VP! That means, more quirky emails, more study break antics, and of course, more representation of the best house on campus! I am always energetic, always DEDICATED, and, more importantly, excited to get to know each of you! My primary goal for the future of this house bring more unity, and represent a more general population, uniting the diverse voices of Main House collectively. With your help, I am confident that we can make our Main family foundation stronger than ever!

With sincerest regards and love,

Anastassia Knight

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Hey Mainers,

I am running to be Main's Vice President because I want to do my part in continuing to make this house the best place to live on campus. I have already served as a representative for Main on Vassar's Food Committee, and now I hope to take on the more ambitious and involved role of Vice President. As a freshman, I've loved getting to know Main's awesome members, from the dwellers in the Pits to the inhabitants of the 5th floor singles. I've really enjoyed being part of such a great community, and want to help to make this place a welcome home for next year's crop of Mainers. Although I have yet to meet all of Main's 300-plus residents, I feel I have the experience and understanding of what is best for this community as a whole.

If you'd like to contact me, shoot me an email at jamullan, or feel free to swing by room 309. Thanks for your consideration, and please vote!

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Hey Everyone!

My name is Hadiya Shire, I am a freshman living in Main 3 Cent, and I am running for Main house Vice President (head of house team). I am currently a Pre-Med student with a possible major in Sociology. I truly love Main, and I’m ready to build a strong house team for next year, to help bring together our wonderful house community. This past year I have learned what we want from our house team, and what we need in order to make living in Main an enjoyable experience for all. Through the years Main house has proven that we know how to throw a great party, so put your trust in me, and I promise to keep up the great work!

Yours sincerely,
-Hadiya

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Mainiacs:

I'm Molly Buckley, current resident of the wonderful North Pit. (Yes, it exists.) I'll be a sophomore next year, and I'll probably major in Media Studies and Poli Sci. Clearly, I've only got social sciences in my life. I miss numbers.

Vote for me! I'm actually pretty good at math, I can fill out paperwork like no other, and I'm really excited to be on House Team and represent Main.

Thanks,
Molly

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As Main's treasurer I will use my mathematical expertise and exceptional organizational skills to the best of my ability to ensure that all of the financial paperwork is completed expeditiously and accurately.

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Hey Mainers! My name is Tori Larson. I’m a freshman living in (and loving) 3 cent. I am hoping to be the Main House Treasurer for the 2011-2012 school year. I believe I am fully qualified for this position. I have spoken with Stacy, this year’s treasurer, and understand what this job is all about. Organizing a budget is by no means an easy task, but I know I am responsible and can handle the duties that come with being house treasurer. In high school, I was a member of student council for all four years. This leadership experience taught me to be organized and responsible. I also learned the importance of teamwork and commitment. In addition to keeping the Main House finances aligned, I will be a dedicated and enthusiastic member of the house team. I hope to work towards making the best house on campus even better next year!

Thanks for your consideration!
Victoria (Tori) Larson

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Hey Mainers!

My name is Isabelle Zee, and I am running for the position of Treasurer on the Main House Team! “Why Treasurer?” you wonder, “and why Main?” Well, not only is Main the most convenient, the most sought after, and the most vibrant of houses, our house, I must say, has some pretty awesome people!!

As a sophomore, and currently a biochemistry major and economics minor, and the Treasurer of one of Vassar’s largest SOC group, I can definitely say I have plenty of experience. (So giving passionate, persuasive speeches to the VSA council on why we need funding is definitely NOT a fear factor.) After having spent almost a year managing and monitoring a large and constantly employed budget, I am confident that I can improve on my previous experience and bring even more to the table. I am obsessively organized and procrastination is a pet peeve of mine – this means that I will get things done as soon as possible! I will delegate the approximate and necessary funds to Main’s yearly events, and will never overlook those who have borrowed from Main and those who Main owes. Finances will be meticulously recorded, and fresh ideas will always be popping up.

So, dearest Main-ers, as I end this blurb,I just want to say thank you, thank you for taking time off your busy schedules to read why I would like to serve Main as the next Treasurer. Trust me, you won’t regret it. I look forward to letting my voice be heard as treasurer in Main and around campus! :)

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Hey Main!

To all of those who don’t know me, my name is Kim Benenhaley and I am running for the position of Main secretary for the 2011-2012 school year. Main, clearly the best dorm on campus, has a lot to offer and I want to be secretary so I can help it reach its potential. I have already spoken to the secretary for the 2010-2011 school year, and I am confident that I would be able to fulfill all the duties of secretary. I am responsible, organized, and enthusiastic, which are traits I believe necessary for a secretary to posses. Also, I take BANGIN’ notes! (For real, come check ‘em out.) As for experience, I have been a member of my schools ‘student council from first grade through senior year, so I’d say I have a good idea of how student governments work. If I were to be elected, you would find me at every Council Meeting thinking of new ways to make Main even more boss than it already is.

Thanks!

-Kim

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Hey!

My name is Evan Lester, I have lived in Main for my entire stay at this amazing school of ours (VASSAR!!!), and I am running for House Secretary. I think we can all agree that Main is a model for the other dorms, a tour de force of awesomeness that cannot be reckoned with. In that spirit, I want to be House Secretary so I can partake in maintaining Main as the best it could possibly be. Along with excellent note taking skills, I bring exorbitant amounts of experience to the House Team table. In high school I founded and presided over my own club, Walk for a Cause, and participated in Student Government as Press Secretary, and Class Representative (from 9th to 12th grade). I had a hand in running large school wide events, creating press releases, as well as speaking to local news and other organizations. I am unbelievably excited to run for House Team and can’t wait to get started on making the Main 2011-2012 year, the best year in its history.

Evan

P.S. In the history of the world, the greatest and most (in)famous decisions have occurred on one square foot of real estate: the brain. So take those heaping piles of brain that I know all Mainers possess in excess, and make a great decision, voting Evan Lester for your House Secretary!

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My Sweet, Lovable Herd of Main Sophomores,

Hi, I'm Charlotte Andrews, and I want to be your sophomore representative. I'll make this short, sweet and covered in peanut butter, like me.

In a past life, I was a dark, leafy green. That should be enough proof that I am helpful and hearty for you (and your colon). I have previous experience with being a liaison between students and student-run organizations; it is very important that you have someone assertive and organized to communicate your ideas and concerns to the House Team and the VSA council. I want to be your voice because I know I can support your arguments with clarity, logical reasoning, and a stifling glare. We must keep in mind that these institutions are there to serve our needs! Unlike the President and VP, my job is to represent solely the sophomore class, because we have enough issues of our own. Let me serve you because I know how to go about it; I can be extremely convincing.

I'm very accessible, my only other commitments are to Cheezits and my wife, Lois Griffin. Feel free to stop by Room 471 or email me, or send me farmville requests on facebook.

I will be aggressive, reasonable, forceful, loyal, and I will take action on your behalf. If you vote for me to be your sophomore representative, I will put your needs first and dedicate all my time to voicing the things that matter to you! I will even sacrifice my first-born.

Thanks everybody!
Charlotte Andrews

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Hi, I'm Nana from Ghana, and I want to be your Sophomore Class Representative. So I ask for your vote. I ask for your vote because I need it. I ask for your vote because in order for me to give you what I believe you, WE, deserve: dependability, passion, an unwavering and diplomatic voice that articulately presents our concerns and desires, and ensures that something comes of it, YOU have to give ME what I deserve, YOUR VOTE. So vote for me. Vote for passion, vote for diversity, vote for a keen ear and a strong voice. Vote for me because Main is the ish. And you know it. For Vote for me because you should.

Vote for me,
Because I will bend over backwards to get the job done.

Peace & Love

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Hello Fellow Mainers,

My name is Juliano Pereira. I am running to be your sophomore representative because I have the qualities necessary to fulfill the needs of our class. I assure you that I can be persuasive and articulate, but most importantly I can smang it.

Communication skills are essential to any good relationship. I believe that I have the assertiveness to have cohesive relations between our dorm and the rest of our class. I am the type of person who will fight like a Spartan for what is right, and for what is best for all of us. Not only will I do my best to inform you about what is happening around campus, but I will also make sure that your thoughts and opinion are heard as well. I am truly inspired to find a way to get everyone to participate in cross-campus dialogue without having to read all 30 bagillion emails the school sends us every day.

I know that it can be hard to follow all the interesting and exciting things that are happening around school. I am determined to ease that process and make the tight community that Vassar prides itself on felt by each and every one of you.

Best,
Juliano

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Hey Main, my name is Carlos Ignacio Hernández Tellez. I’m from Venezuela (yup, long names in South America) and I want to be your Sophomore Rep. I can assure you I’m both qualified and excited for this position, and I want to work hard in order to make this awesome building of squeaky wooden floors and labyrinthine corridors feel more like home for all of us.

I like that this is such a dynamic position. In it, I would be able to contribute not only to the living experience in Main House, but I would also be sitting in our Class Council during a time of important changes in the VSA and in a period during which the Sophomore Class will have to decide on a gift to give back to Vassar. I would like to bring your creative ideas to the table and establish a strong channel of communication between these committees and you.

I like to think that I’d be a positive force on your House Team, and dedicated to working with both the population of our awesome Main community and the rest of the team. I look forward to meeting you guys, so if you have a question please shoot me an email at cahernandeztellez or come by room 466, we enjoy having people over!

I like doing good work. And having fun while I’m at it. Pick me.

Un abrazo,
Carlos

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Hi, I'm Rose- I've lived in Main for the past two years, and I've felt the positive impact that house team has on the community within the dorm-- sponsoring house activities, collaborating with other houses for campus-wide events, and keeping Main residents informed on the issues going on around campus. I'm responsible, organized, and outgoing, and I want to be a part of that team! I want to make sure that the class of 2013 is represented on our house team next year- it's going to be an exciting one, whether you're going abroad or rocking it JYstay, and I hope you'll let me be your class rep for it! My room is 457C- feel free to drop by with any questions :)

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Let’s face it, being a junior is like being back in that awkward pre/early-teen adolescent phase: you are no longer a child, but you still are not exactly an adult. As juniors we face a similarly awkward transition through the house: we are no longer in the exciting freshman year where we go to every study-break and house event (been there, done that!), but we have still not earned the freedom to be in senior housing where they trust us with stoves. As junior representative my goal would be to bring excitement to your junior year and make sure that what may be your last year in Main House, Junior year, is one to remember and not just a vague blurry memory. I want juniors to be involved and their voices heard: not only in Main, but also in the VSA. If you have seen me around main then we must have talked because I am not one to keep quiet and I greatly welcome making a new friend. With that in mind I see myself as a comfortable medium for Main Juniors to be active. Help restore house pride for Main Juniors by voting for Nada Mohamed for Main House Junior Class Representative because like a good neighbor Nada is there.

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My name is Sam Brucker and I’m running to be the president of Raymond House. I’m running for this position because I believe I am well suited for the diverse duties that come with being president and am excited to carry them out.

In terms of the responsibilities to the house, I am very excited at the prospect of being the one running house team meetings and will employ candid yet respectful methods of communicating to make the meetings efficient and effective. Along with house team, I will work as hard as possible to come up with inventive and inclusive study breaks that would bring the students of Raymond together. I will oversee the planning and execution of the always awesome Raymond haunted house and Roaring Twenties, putting a fresh spin on things but making sure the Raymond tradition is still deep rooted. Making the incoming freshman feel comfortable is a priority of mine and I will use study breaks and inter-fellowgroup dinners to make sure that freshman are meeting as many people as possible. My goal is to bring all of Raymond closer together, furthering its reputation as the “Family Dorm”.

In respect of the duty at the VSA, I believe I am both qualified and trustworthy. Three years of California-wide youth government has given me great insight into the process of democratic policy making and taught me how to critically assess proposed policy through different ways of thinking. I consider myself a passionate arguer and am ready to take a stance that may not be popular if I believe it is best for Raymond.

While the duty of president is usually thought of as these two distinct realms, I believe that they are very much so connected and would honor that connection. I understand that I am not given the seat on the VSA to voice my opinions, but rather to voice the opinions of Raymond. I will best do this by using a Raymond-wide Facebook group to establish a convenient way of suggesting ideas and concerns and will honor transparency by posting on the group’s wall what I do at the VSA on behalf of Raymond. I also am ready to make myself available for meeting with any concerned members of Raymond and always enjoy hearing a knock at my door. I am confident that I can smoothly link the two main duties of dorm president, ensuring that Raymond is being properly and accurately heard in the VSA.

In summation, you should vote for me for president of Raymond because I love both Raymond and policy making. I believe I have the ability to preserve Raymond’s uniqueness and charm while striving to make living in Raymond the best it can be.

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Hey Raymond! My name is Casey Bartow-McKenney, I am a rising sophomore, and I am extremely ecstatic about the opportunity to become your next vice president. For those of you who I do not have the pleasure of being acquainted with, I look forward to meeting you soon and strengthening the network within the greatest dorm at Vassar College. I would not mind gaining your vote and support either!

As vice president, I hope to hear your thoughts on everything “Raymond.” I hope to incorporate your opinions, our dorm’s spirit, and my seemingly endless vigor into a house team that will make Raymond radiate. This office entails programming our dorm events, specifically Haunted House and Roaring 20’s. These projects will provide me with the ability to show my passion for Raymond while simultaneously serving all of you, our dorm’s reputation, and Vassar College. Some of you may remember me from this year’s Haunted House as one of the statues covered in the infamous latex paint, a position that while painful, allowed me to show my passion and dedication to Raymond. Though I may have seemed less than thrilled when peeling the aforementioned paint off of my body, and subsequently ripping off a sizable chunk of skin from my neck, I assure you that I would only undergo such a feat again for the dorm that has embraced me like a family. With Haunted House in mind, I am overjoyed with the prospect of creating a theme that we can all work on together as a dorm.

Over this year, Raymond has become more than a home. I have grown close to my fellow cohort of freshman while also forming connections with the upperclassmen that I cherish dearly. It would be my honor to both serve and represent you in the coming year, and hopefully live up to the legacy of our past house team who were more than helpful to me as an overwhelmed and wide-eyed freshman.

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Seeing as each house works on a limited budget it seems the largest obstacle of any treasurer is making the money last. My only goal is to try and stretch every dollar of the Raymond House budget. In this way I hope to provide enough resources so that everyone involved in Raymond house sponsored events is able to partake and enjoy themselves.

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I have an immense regard for residential life, as it is in our dorm in which we live. I have an interest in keeping Raymond dorm, not only financially stable, but also financially prospering. Allow me to handle the treasury, so that Raymondites can have more comfort and more fun.

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Hey Raymond!

Most of you probably know me, but in case you don't, I'm the 3-North Student Fellow. You know, the one with long hair who makes a lot of crazy faces. I'm running to be on house team next year because the community of Raymond is one of my favorite things about Vassar and my experiences this year have shown me what an important role house team plays in helping to maintain that amazing community. Next year, I hope to participate in house team as an officer, having had an absolutely wonderful year as a Student Fellow.

The Secretary position will give me the perfect outlet for my extreme organizational tendencies (just ask my lab partner about my color-coded Organic Chemistry notes). I'm also excited to put my dorm pride to good use by planning and advertising for Raymond's events from Haunted House to study breaks.

To summarize, I'm outgoing, organized, experienced and do this because I love it and truly care about it. I'd love to be Raymond Secretary, so I'm asking for your vote. Thanks!

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Hey Raymond! I am Emily and I am interested in being your secretary for next year. Having only lived in Raymond for one year I am incredibly surprised about how attached I have found myself to our dorm. We are a dorm filled with incredible individuals. We are athletes and artists, musicians and students, but most importantly we are people who work hard and laugh harder. I want to help keep Raymond a place to be who you are, just as it has helped me do this year. By being your secretary I would be keeping track of all the great ideas that Raymond’s house team comes up with to make our college life fun and stress free. Raymond offers two great events, Haunted House and Roaring 20s, and weekly events that I would enjoy helping with. Through keeping track of everything that the house team is planning I can be a great link between the house team and the needs of the student body that makes up Raymond. Please stop by my room (419!) if you want to talk about anything (seriously anything), my door is always open.

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Hello Raymond class of 2014! My name is Molly and I would like nothing more than to represent all of you lovely people next year. I'm TOTES reliable as a candidate and will put my heart and soul into giving you people what you want!

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RAYMOND WHAT WHAT!!

Hey Raymond 2013, I'm Tracy and I would love to be your junior rep for next year! Raymond is our home away from home, so let's work to make next year fantastic.

TRAY TRAY FOR RAY RAY!

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Hello Strong Ladies,

Living in Strong for the past two semesters has been amazing experience. The sense of community has been incomparable; it is this legacy that I hope to continue as president of Strong.

Although I was not on the house team last year I have many valuable insights that stem from being a resident in Strong. I believe that not being on the house team this year will prove to be an advantage because it has allowed me experience Strong in a unique way. As result, I strongly believe that as Strong president I can bring a refreshing way to deal with issues that may arise.

As the representative from Strong to the VSA, I will effectively communicate the needs and wants of the women in Strong. As an activist who is part of many activist groups on campus, I will bring the same passion and zeal to matters concerning the Strong community in any forum. I will make sure that our voices, as members of this house, will be heard. My ability to work well collaboratively with others will be especially useful in both the house team and the VSA.

I hope that together with the house team we can help make Strong not just a dorm – but home for everyone who lives there. The spirit of warmth and love that exist in Strong is so important and fundamental in shaping our experiences as students who live here, and that is something that is a legacy that I hope foster and build on as president. This legacy has the potential to transcend beyond the walls of Strong and radiate into the wider Vassar community and ultimately the world.

As Strong president, I hope to foster that spirit of community that makes Strong the welcoming and embracing and wonderful place that is – all the while strengthening Strong’s ties to the larger Vassar community.

Peace and Love,
Stephanie George

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Hello All,

I am Manning Wu of Class 2014 and I am running for Strong President!:)

As the current Freshman Rep. for Strong House, I’ve been working on house issues and events on the Strong House team for almost a full academic year now. During this year and the many events that came with it, I’ve picked up a lot of value experience from this opportunity to serve---allowing me to mature and become a more productive member of the Strong House team and community. I’ve really enjoyed all these house team experiences and cannot wait to head the new house team next year! I believe that with my past experiences and all the enthusiasm I have for the future, I would be a wonderful president for the community in Strong!

Those of you who know me can attest to my friendliness and my eagerness to give a hug to everybody! I hope that with my friendliness, accessibility and approachability, I can provide adequate support to any needs that arise amongst the upperclassman and also welcome the 2015-ers to make them feel at home in one of the best dorms EVER. I am also very open and eager to hear suggestions and advice from you guys--if you want to change or know of a way to improve any aspect of life in Strong House, let me know and together we will make it happen. I am fully aware of the fact that a president is supposed to represent his/her house on the VSA, and I will give my very best effort to convey your opinions and concerns to the VSA as an effective and efficient leader.

I have a lot of love and energy to devote to this job and my Strong community. It’s been a great honor to be your Freshman Rep. and I can’t wait to give you all tons of hugs as your president. :)

Mucho Love,

Manning Wu

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Hi, I’m Margaret Kwateng, and I am running for Strong House Treasurer. While I have battled with the pros and cons that accompany living in Strong during freshman year, I have come to realize that it is a great community to be a part of. I have met some amazing people living here, and I have grown to like both the quiet halls at night and the open doors during the day.

Last year I worked as a treasurer for one of the larger organizations at my high school, and I understand the responsibilities that come with this position. I am aware that in order to be a successful treasurer, one must be able to budget both funds and their time, as being at the group’s activities is just as important as planning them.

I have also worked on a number of community mentoring projects and have participated on numerous teams, so I can attest to the importance of group dynamics. If elected treasurer, I will work in conjunction with the other members of the board to make house team a tight nit family, as I want meetings to be both fun and efficient.

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I am running for the position of secretary in Strong House because as a rising sophomore who has lived here for the past year, I would love to contribute to residential life and help Strong’s personality shine through. I am up to the task of secretarial duties: I am a reliable person and have informally taken minutes for groups in high school. And my handwriting is legible, so there’s that, too.

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I've served on the food committee now for two years, first as the Joss representative and this year as the chair. I've committed myself to the bettering of food and dining options on this campus as my primary extracurricular. A basic need, food plays a vital role in our experiences as students at Vassar. Though often under valued, a good meal can be the difference between a fine and a great day.

Yet, because our need of food is so basic and we will generally eat what we are given, the quality of our dining options are often overlooked by the college in favor of dealing with more visible problems. I have spent the past two years trying to close this gap between the importance of dining options for students and the attention paid to the quality of those options. Over the past year, I have lead the committee in securing several large dining changes as well as a myriad of small day-to-day changes.

This year's changes have included:

-new healthy options in all of the school's vending machines with the "fit pick" program
-the newly available option of having a senior meal plan, to make acdc more accessible to upperclassmen
-the coffee served at UpC is now provided by a local coffee roaster, Winchill Mountain
-the expansion of the stir fry station in acdc
-the installation of some soft seating in acdc

Aside from these more noticeable changes, I also am in constant contact with Dining Services about small everyday problems, such as table cleanliness, availability of certain options like condiments and jams, the use of a larger chafing dish for the vegan station, the inclusion of a cold dish at the vegan station in addition to the hot one, and more options at express lunch.

I have so many more ideas and goals for the future of campus dining, both large and small that I would love to help install. For next year, I hope to explore the possibility of expanded seating and outlets in the retreat, the appearance of acdc, the increased use of sustainable ingredients, the increase of variety both at the retreat and acdc, and the increase of options for those with restricted diets.

With the knowledge and familiarity I have with Vassar's dining system and Aramark, I know I will be successful in bringing many of these ideas to fruition. I hope you continue to let me improve food on this campus, one issue at a time.

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Though I am currently in Washington DC this semester for my "JYA" or "JY not-Poughkeepsie" experience, serving on the Campus-Community Advisory Committee this past year as your student representative was a great experience. Having been employed as a Community Action Coordinator for Field Work and being born and raised in Dutchess County, I often work with a variety of Poughkeepsie institutions, not-for-profit organizations, schools, government offices, service centers, and various committees to seek change. Being on the Campus-Community Advisory Committee this year allowed me to strengthen the College's connections with many of these organizations and to develop new partnerships with others as well.

When I ran for this position last year, I hoped to look for better ways to bring the surrounding community to Vassar and to bring Vassar into the Poughkeepsie and Hudson Valley Community. We've made progress through working on sesquicentennial programming (both on-campus and off-campus), addressing ways to improve accessibility, working to create a master list of campus-community partnerships, and partnering with Field Work and other related groups to better provide students with information for off-campus events, but there is still more to do. Next year, I hope to follow through on the success of these efforts while also looking for input on starting other new initiatives. As always, I am open to any and all ideas from yourselves, faculty, other members of the Committee, and community members for ways to better improve our campus-community relationship.

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I have sat on this committee as the VP of Finance and was impressed by how active a role students can have in affecting the investment decisions of the college. I firmly believe that the student voice is important in every administrative conversation and really wish to focus on reaching out to other students to get their perspective on the matter. If you have any questions about me or want to ask me any questions send me an email at tredwards@vassar.edu.

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As a member of the Campus Investor Responsibility Committee, I will make sure that Vassar’s nearly $800 million endowment is invested in a manner that reflects the values of Vassar’s community, including but not limited to social and environmental responsibility. I will carefully research each company in question to ensure that they have practices that are conscientious and that the student body would be comfortable with.

As an Economics major and Vice President of the Vassar Business Club, I have a firm understanding of the structure and behavior of businesses. For example, in some cases it may be monetarily advantageous for a company to pollute or have unsafe conditions for workers; it will be my task to ensure that Vassar discourages these sorts of activities and instead encourages plans that are aware of and beneficial to the community at large.

I also feel that it is important that there is student input in the investment decisions Vassar makes. Not only is it essential in order to sustain a strong community, but also necessary so that students are aware of where the money they give to Vassar is going. I would like to have communication with the student body so that I can fully understand what values are important to you, so that I can make recommendations that truly reflect student interests.

I believe that I can help assure that Vassar’s endowment receives a healthy return while upholding ethical standards that we, the student body, believe in. Please feel free to ask me any questions at kellshortridge@vassar.edu.

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Hello Rising Seniors!

As an Urban Studies major interested in architecture and city planning, I am committed to the betterment of our campus’ physical environment. I will work to ensure that the historical integrity of Vassar College is maintained throughout renovation and development initiatives. Furthermore I will promote a community-centric campus plan, one that establishes a comfortable and accommodating living environment for students.

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As a prospective Urban Studies major, I would like to represent the Class of 2014 in the Master Planning Committee during a year that promises lots of activity and dynamic discussion as the College considers significant changes in the infrastructure of our historic campus.

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Hi everyone! My name is Lauren, and I would love to be your representative to the Admissions and Financial Aid Committee. Can you believe it was only 3 short years ago that we were receiving our Vassar acceptances? I want to guarantee that every student, regardless of their financial capability, has the ability to go to Vassar. Including international students and waitlisted students, who currently aren't afforded this ability. I promise to dutifully attend all meetings and serve your interests- and if you have any feel free to contact me! So thanks so much and I hope you'll vote for me to be your representative to this important committee.

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This year I served as the Vice President of Strong House and loved working in dorm programming. Next year I would like to experience another side of the VSA and Vassar College leadership.

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In October, I was elected your representative to the Joint Committee on Admissions and Financial Aid on a platform of equality of opportunity. This year, the work of Admissions pursued just that.

The numbers speak for themselves. More students of color than ever before were admitted to the Class of 2015, admitted students' academic credentials are the highest in Vassar's history, and the College's acceptance rate dropped about two percent. Of course, I can't claim credit for much of this, but I can claim my piece. I had the best attendance record of all student representatives to the Committee, and provided a valuable student voice to the group's discussions.

Thank you for supporting me this past year as I stoop up for equality of opportunity, and I hope you will continue to do so in the future.

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Read my lips: No. New. Taxes.

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In my three years at Vassar College, I have gradually gained more and more understanding of what exactly makes our college and the culture of Vassar really click.

I have participated in a number of different facets of Vassar life, allowing me a varied and in depth understanding of student’s views and interests on a number of different matters. I have worked on the Miscellany News as a photographer, getting the opportunity to observe and photograph many events and people. I also play on the Women’s Rugby team, and for the past year I have filled a spot on Main’s house team as House Fellow intern, intimately interacting with athletes, student leaders, the residents of Main, professors and their families and children. My time here has allowed me an expansive look at student and campus life, especially during a time of many changes. I am extremely open minded and I think that I will bring to this committee not only my own unique point of view on Vassar culture and college policies, but the consideration of other’s view points on Vassar life. I am interested in giving back to the student body and helping shape and define our college experience in the way that we really want it to be. I hope that you will vote for me, as I will give the position and the committee the time, dedication, and consideration that it deserves.

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Life at Vassar is pretty sweet, but there is nothing wrong with making it better. Serving on the Jewett House Team for the past two years has allowed me to focus on life within the dorm. Planning events for the residents and solving dorm wide problems. I now want to expand upon this and work on creating a greater college life at Vassar. As the 2013 Representative on the Committee of College Life, I want to get your voices heard on non-academic policies, including alcohol and party policies. I would love to hear from all of your, whether it’s a question or concern, and want to represent the Class of 2013 to the best of my ability!

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I'd love to get the opportunity to represent the class of 2014 on the Committee on College Life. I have lots of ideas and would love to hear yours. I'm very approachable and I think together, we can put some of our great ideas into action! Feel free to email me at rebauer@vassar.edu if you have any questions.

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As a Film and Chinese double major, an experienced student leader, and someone dedicated to community involvement, I know I have what it takes to be your representative on the Committee on Curricular Policies for the Arts. During my first year at Vassar I served as Vice President of the class of 2013 and was elected freshman representative on the Act Out executive board. I have continued my involvement this year as Transfer, Visiting, Exchange Fellow and Treasurer of Act Out. These experiences have garnered me with valuable skills and knowledge which qualify me for this position. I want to discuss problems and concerns of curriculum within the arts, the connections and dynamics between the arts and the other academic divisions, and deliberate on policies for the benefit of Vassar students and overall efficiency of our academic program. I want to be a voice on the CCP to see that curricular policies continue to serve academic rigor and liberal education, as well as the interests of Vassar arts students.

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Hi,

My name is A.J. Kim and I am running to represent the natural sciences division on the Committee on Curricular Policies. I am a sophomore biology major with interests in all the different sciences. My goal would be to gain insight to the policy and decision making process of our administrators. With this knowledge, I would like to expand the voice of the student in this heavily administrative process. Thanks for reading.

Best,

A.J. Kim
Vassar '13

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Hi everyone! I’m Lauren, a rising senior Comparative Cultures (Independent) major and I would love to be your representative to the Committee on Curricular Policies next year! I’m currently studying abroad in China and I was in Morocco last semester, but I’m excited to come back to Vassar next year, and have realized how unique the independent, multidisciplinary, and interdisciplinary majors and structures are to Vassar. I hope to guarantee that any curricular changes or policies in the next year take into account this unique aspect of Vassar’s academics, which I think is often underutilized. I also want to make sure the CCP addresses some important issues, like the Course Evaluation Questionnaires, and getting more courses cross-listed so that major requirements can be completed without so much paperwork. I have experience on the exec boards of VSA orgs and was a Community Works representative with the VSA my freshman year, so I’m familiar with VSA and committee structure. I want to make sure that your concerns, whether as an independent, multidisciplinary, or interdisciplinary major, are voiced in the CCP, and hope you’ll contact me with any questions or comments. Thanks for reading this!

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As a student who comes from a working class background, issues of inclusion on Vassar's campus are of particular importance to me. I firmly believe that the college's work to bring a diverse student body to campus needs to extend far beyond the admissions office to include institutional support systems that ensure that traditionally underrepresented students are able to not only smoothly transition to Vassar life but thrive and succeed here. I believe there are several areas which Vassar as an institution should critically examine to make sure they are providing the best environment for all students, including orientation and advising. As a member of the Committee on Inclusion and Excellence, I will be prepared to bring my experiences, ideas, and passion to work towards enabling Vassar and all its students to realize their true potential.

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Hey y'all,

I'm Mike and I'm interested in representing you to the Committee on Inclusion and Excellence for the next two years. As the VP of Joss this year I've worked with our residential system to support the students of our house. Next year, as House Student Advisor, I'll be further connected to both res life administration and the VSA. I hope to bring my experience with the administration and the VSA to this committee to make sure we're as effective as possible. Both positions have also opened me to a variety of student experiences, and I look forward to using this knowledge to address concerns I've seen in the student body.

Some specific goals I have for next year include:

*Formulating a social consciousness component to be incorporated into orientation and the first-year experience

*Continuing to collaborate with Health Services to incorporate trans concerns into the Vassar health care plan, hopefully creating health care support for hormone therapy or mental health professional referral

*Encouraging new first-years to take advantage of the newly created and highly successful Transitions program for low income and first generation college students

*Working with the campus to show support for incorporating a relationship abuse charge into the student handbook, and mobilizing this support to pressure the administration

But most importantly, I'll be open to hearing all voices, and excited and ready to take action with the Committee. Feel free to contact me with any questions: mihenrich@vassar.edu

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Hi Vassar,

I want to help make us as environmentally sustainable as possible. I have leadership experience, as the current president of Vassar Democrats , and finely toned active listening skills from being a student fellow. I've also worked with the Sierra Club and PennEnvironment, both non-profits, and have learned a lot about state and national goals for energy efficiency and sustainability. As your representative, I would work on

--Increasing the percentage of locally grown food at Vassar
--Making sure recycling bins around campus are clearly marked and are provided next to every trash can
--Making "Meatless Mondays" have less meat and provide creative vegetarian options as all of the main entrees
--Bringing back a dorm energy war that will have dorms compete for the lowest energy usages per person over a month long period--for a prize! This will increase awareness of energy consumption and incentivize saving energy
--Looking into alternatives for paper towels on campus
--Helping to remove bottled water from campus and provide BPA-free water bottles to incoming freshmen.

Thanks for your time!

Tess Dernbach

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