157th
Session
Advocacy Agenda
About the Advocacy Agenda
The Senate is required to establish an advocacy agenda at the beginning of each academic year consistent with the mission statement of the Association and the Strategic Plan of the Association. The agenda consists of a series of student concerns to be advocated for by the Senate for the academic year.
A mid-year and annual report are conducted to review the progress of the Association’s efforts to advocate for the student concerns established in the agenda. These reports are publicized to the student community to facilitate accountability and improve student relations.
Please note that the number assigned to each agenda is administrative in nature and does not reflect the importance of said agenda.
Thriving at Vassar
Promoting Equity and Inclusion and Health and Wellness
Priority 1: Evaluating Uses of VSA Funds
One of the ways the Association practices its mission of combating oppression in the interest of the student body is by placing restrictions on the use of its funds to procure goods and services that do not align with the Association’s or the College’s ethical responsibilities. For example, as a result of the Association’s sustainability initiatives, it is prohibited to purchase plastic bags and polystyrene products with VSA funds.
Results from the 2025 Annual Comprehensive Survey (ACS) demonstrate that students overwhelmingly support further expanding the Association’s ethical restrictions on the procurement of certain goods and services through VSA funds. 81% of students answered in support of enacting limitations on the use of VSA funds to buy from companies and vendors that develop, manufacture, or directly invest in weapons and surveillance technology (Fig. 1), with 54.5% in support of complete prohibition. Additionally, 86% of students answered in support of enacting limitations on the use of VSA funds to purchase from companies and vendors that utilize prison/penal labor, with 62% in support of complete prohibition (Fig. 2).
To determine guidelines and appropriate timelines for enacting restrictions, the Equitable Organizations Purchasing Forum (EOPF) would be utilized. To assist with adhering to guidelines, the Association would provide Student Organizations recommended alternatives for companies and vendors to purchase programming supplies from.
Contact Mariya Novosad, President (vsa@vassar.edu)
Nico Reyes Cardozo, Equity Executive (vsaequity@vassar.edu)
Genevieve Reoch, Sustainability Executive (vsasustainability@vassar.edu
Catherine Phillips, Director of Organizations (vsaorgs@vassar.edu)
Eudys Martinez, Director of Finance (vsafinance@vassar.edu)
There are several restrictions and purchasing guidelines one must comply with when using VSA funds. These policies exist to help ensure that VSA funds are used in alignment with the Association’s and College’s ethical responsibilities and in the best interest of the student body.
However, there is no system in place to ensure that members with access to these funds adhere to the guidelines.
By auditing the VSA’s finances, we can better determine organizations’ needs and ensure funds are allocated appropriately to support their work. These audits will also help organizations gain a deeper understanding of their finances and support their applications for the Special Purpose Funds and the annual budget.
Contact Eudys Martinez, Director of Finance (vsafinance@vassar.edu)
Accurate financial record-keeping is crucial for smooth operations within any student organization. The VSA needs to maintain meticulous records of all monetary transactions to assist the Treasurers. A precise budget sheet for both Treasurers and the VSA helps in planning events and understanding current financial limits and needs, preventing bankruptcy. This includes not only tracking expenditures but also detailing the sources of funding and the specific purposes of each transaction.
The VSA Director of Finance has committed to publishing clear meeting minutes and agendas, and to providing up-to-date statuses of the Special Purpose Funds upon request. The Association aims to foster a culture of financial responsibility and informed, intentional participation among all leaders of student Organizations.
Contact Eudys Martinez, Director of Finance (vsafinance@vassar.edu)
Priority 2: Intentional and Effective Student Governance
For the past several years, the VSA has conducted a poll of the student body regarding the Board of Trustees, their transparency, and student engagement with the board. Data from this year’s Annual Comprehensive Survey (ACS) revealed that 85% percent of students support a student vote on the Board of Trustees (Fig. 5). The spirit of shared governance lies bare the logic behind such a proposal: arguably, the most powerful body on campus must have at least one student vote if we are ever to claim shared governance truly exists on this campus.
Tensions have risen to unforeseeable levels over the past academic year. Students feel unheard and disillusioned by the representation provided to them by their student government, with 72% feeling like they do not trust the Board of Trustees (Fig. 39). A student vote on the Board of Trustees would be a significant step towards the collaboration with the board that students seek. The Association thus pledges to continue previous lobbying efforts to secure a vote for our President on the Board of Trustees.
Contact Mariya Novosad, President (vsa@vassar.edu)
The 2025 VSA Annual Comprehensive Survey revealed 88% percent support for a student vote on the Board of Trustees (Fig. 3). While the VSA remains steadfast in our pursuit of this student vote, there has also been an internal push to include other members of the VSA Cabinet on Trustee committees that relate to student interests. One student observer on the board of trustees only provides a brief portion of the whole story, and allowing other Cabinet members who advocate for targeted issues related to their year-long work would allow for a substantial impact on the college’s operations.
The Association thus pledges to continue its previous lobbying efforts to expand upon its desire to secure a vote for its President on the Board of Trustees by calling for more meaningful Cabinet involvement with the Board of Trustees.
Contact Mariya Novosad, President (vsa@vassar.edu)
Mateo Tavarez, Vice President (vsavp@vassar.edu)
While the Division of Communications has succeeded in revitalizing former initiatives, such as the Brewer Bulletin and semestral town halls, the 2025 ACS revealed an overwhelming sentiment against the formality of our communications. Despite the breadth of our initiatives, we must effectively engage and inform the student body by communicating with them as peers, rather than through top-down announcements.
To achieve this “informalization”, the Division of Communication is committed to refreshing its branding and approach to online communications. Results from the ACS ranked social media as the second-most preferred method of receiving updates from the Association. Approaching our Instagram presence with a renewed blend of creative liberty and professionalism would allow us to break away from students’ prior associations with the VSA and thus generate renewed interest. The Division also seeks to explore additional social media platforms to diversify its presence through platforms with active student users, such as Fizz and TikTok.
Similar to previous years, the ACS revealed a near majority preference for emails, with 87% of students indicating that emails are their preferred method of receiving updates from the Association (Fig. 29.1). Building on last year, the Brewer Bulletin will continue to serve as our primary avenue for disseminating regular updates on internal and external affairs. In alignment with our branding refresh, the Division plans to introduce a formalized newsletter builder for the Bulletin, featuring consistent sections and footer notes with quick links to helpful resources.
Contact Sofia Satuito, Director of Communications (vsacomms@vassar.edu)
The Casework System is a resource for students seeking assistance with concerns related to college administrative offices, academic departments, campus services, or the Association itself. While the form is readily available on our website, it is significantly underused. Publicizing and encouraging the use of the Casework System would enable constituents to connect more effectively with their senators and advance their concerns.
This initiative aims to establish the Casework System as the standard for addressing student concerns. Standardizing its implementation would begin with making QR codes and links to the form readily available through flyering in high-traffic campus spaces, along with educational guides on how the process works.
Contact Sofia Satuito, Director of Communications (vsacomms@vassar.edu)
Mateo Tavarez, Vice-President (vsavp@vassar.edu)
While the Association has maintained ample online engagement through its Instagram and website, many students lack a tangible connection to our initiatives. By increasing the frequency of in-person tabling throughout the year, the Division of Communication aims to expand its promotion of new initiatives and events and provide senators with an opportunity to hold Q&As in a physical space with their constituents. Providing regular opportunities for students to learn who their representatives are is crucial in establishing a two-way relationship between senators and their constituents. The VSA in-person presence includes flyering in high-traffic spaces on campus, as it’s an effective way to pique students’ interest as they go about their daily lives. Adding our material to the TV screens around campus intends to serve the same purpose. The Division of Communications is committed to developing a holistic and strategic approach to ensure effective engagement with students.
Contact Sofia Satuito, Director of Communications (vsacomms@vassar.edu)
Priority 3: Student Rights & Responsibilities
Many students might not fully understand their rights when interacting with college representatives. Whether in the classroom, during financial aid applications, or within the framework of Community Expectations, every student at Vassar possesses rights that often remain overlooked. To address this, the VSA will publish and regularly update a Bill of Rights, designed to help students clearly understand their roles, powers, and responsibilities at Vassar.
Contact Mateo Tavarez, Vice-President (vsavp@vassar.edu)
Nico Reyes Cardozo, Equity Executive (vsaequity@vassar.edu)
It is essential to acknowledge and uphold the fundamental rights of every individual within the Vassar community. By offering comprehensive education through the Association's resources, we can not only promote the safety and well-being of students on campus but also empower them to advocate for these rights within their families and broader communities. This dissemination of knowledge cultivates a culture of awareness and advocacy that fortifies the fabric of our community, enabling individuals to navigate challenges with confidence and effectiveness.
Contact Mariya Novosad, President (vsa@vassar.edu)
Nico Reyes Cardozo, Equity Executive (vsaequity@vassar.edu)
It is essential to deepen student workers’ understanding of their rights to ensure that everyone at Vassar can fully understand the privileges available to them. By familiarizing students with federal and state labor laws that protect workers’ rights, as well as the specifics of holding a work-study position on campus, we establish a solid foundation for effective self-advocacy. Educating student workers about their legal rights not only empowers them but also aids the staff dedicated to meeting the needs of the campus community.
Contact Zander Swift, Chair of Student Financial Affairs (vsasfac@vassar.edu)
Priority 4: Expansion of Health & Wellness
After years of expressing dissatisfaction with the limited hours at Baldwin’s Health Services and Vassar College Counseling Service in Metcalf, the VSA will collaborate to extend the hours and availability of these services. Extended hours would offer more opportunities for students to schedule appointments during their free time, making it easier to accommodate students' often busy and demanding schedules.
Many students expressed their desire for more professionals. Mental health remains a top concern for students on campus, and the need for more counselors, particularly those from diverse backgrounds, is crucial to ensuring student success. More counselors allow for an increased chance that students can find the right counselor for them and meet more frequently.
Contact Owen Gifford, Wellness Executive (vsawellness@vassar.edu)
Many students with food allergies, including those with severe and life-threatening conditions, have expressed concern about the lack of safe late-night dining options. Once dining halls close, students with allergies often face extremely limited or no safe food choices, which can impact both health and academic performance.
In response, the Association is committed to continuing our collaboration with Campus Dining Services to increase the availability of clearly labeled, allergy-safe options during late-night hours. This includes reviewing current offerings, expanding allergen-free options, and ensuring that food safety standards are consistently maintained across all hours of operation.
Contact Owen Gifford, Wellness Executive (vsawellness@vassar.edu)
Flora Cahill, Chair of Residential Affairs (vsaresidential@vassar.edu)
The 2025 Climate Action Plan has been long-awaited and delayed. The Climate Action Plan is “developing a new plan to reduce carbon emissions and minimize the environmental impact of campus operations. This effort builds on past progress and will assess current conditions and evolving technologies to support natural systems and broader sustainability goals.” Following the completion of the decarbonization study conducted by Wendel Companies, the VSA intends to collaborate closely with the Office of Sustainability to ensure the timely implementation of this plan. Together, we seek to establish a decarbonization deadline accompanied by a clear roadmap for achieving it.
Contact Genevieve Reoch, Sustainability Executive (vsasustainability@vassar.edu)
Living at Vassar
Residential Experience and Community Engagement
Priority 5: Student Organizations & Activities
As part of the effort to increase the VSA’s presence on campus, we would like to bring more collaboration on more events between the Association and our student organizations. The VSA understands the valuable work being done by many on campus. Those organizations should be recognized for their work and have it showcased through the use of VSA resources.
Collaboration with student organizations enables the VSA to host events that exceed the community's expectations and fosters an understanding of the partnership required to ensure future successful events. The Chartered Organizations destination is for those organizations that provide essential services to the campus. Through the work in this initiative, we will be able to identify the collaborations that work best for the goals of the VSA and the services students desire.
Contact Catherine Phillips, Director of Organizations (vsaorgs@vassar.edu)
Mariya Novosad, President (vsa@vassar.edu)
Ulysses Bergel, Director of Student Events (vsaevents@vassar.edu)
The VSA currently has over 160 Student Organizations on campus, which is a lot of time to spend in different spaces if you want to gain a relative understanding of what student organizations Vassar has to offer. While the Student Activities Fair has been successful in providing many students with a basic knowledge of an organization’s mission, the operations of an organization may differ or be ill-suited to a single table and an elevator pitch.
Inter-organization collaboration would allow people who’ve only had time to commit to an organization or two to experience other parts of the campus community. Some people on this campus may never interact with one another outside of a random class they shared or being in the same first-year orientation group. Additionally, by collaborating, orgs can access additional funding supplemental to their existing budget through the deliberate use of the collaboration fund. Organizations that share similar missions and interests can then host larger, more elaborate events, as the financial responsibility is split among multiple organizations, while retaining the audience of various organizations. There are also various offices on campus ready to engage with student organizations and their missions, finding similarities in the groups’ interests. Examples of these partnerships include, but are not limited to, working with the local city of Poughkeepsie through the Office of Community-Engaged Learning or speaking with formal Vassar alumnus on possible career opportunities after college through the Center for Career Education.
Contact Catherine Phillips, Director of Organizations (vsaorgs@vassar.edu)
Eudys Martinez, Director of Finance (vsafinance@vassar.edu)
Art student organizations on campus, whether in the performing or visual arts, have worked tirelessly to provide entertainment and emotional impact for the community. However, once the work is over, the preservation of the work is often hard to upkeep. The accessibility of such performances is crucial to the organization's success. Being able to learn from an organization's history allows for opportunities to build on the achievements of the organization's previous years.
The archival work should also extend to organizations putting on educational teach-ins. Allowing students access to events put on before a student’s time with an organization. This would enable the organization to revisit the topic of the teach-in, adding more relevant information that has transpired since the event was created and archived. Keeping the student history alive allows students to revisit the campus throughout its history and see what campus life was like through different lenses and perspectives. The VSA aims to collaborate with the Archive Library to preserve the history of student organizations.
Contact Catherine Phillips, Director of Organizations (vsaorgs@vassar.edu)
Effectively managing a student organization can be challenging, particularly when leaders are not well-acquainted with the various support systems provided by the VSA. This challenge is compounded if the resource materials are outdated or not presented in a clear, accessible format. To address this issue, the Treasurer Resource Guide will undergo a necessary update to align with the Association’s current governing documents and enhance its presentation. The Division of Organizations will create a comprehensive resource guide for leading a Vassar Student Organization. The Division of Communications will evaluate both guides to ensure they are user-friendly and easy to navigate.
Contact Eudys Martinez, Director of Finance (vsafinance@vassar.edu)
Catherine Phillips, Director of Organizations (vsaorgs@vassar.edu)
Sofia Satuito, Director of Communications (vsacomms@vassar.edu)
Events hosted by student organizations that often experience low attendance are due to a lack of awareness among students or scheduling conflicts with other events. To address these challenges, the VSA intends to establish a regularly updated public calendar of events organized by student organizations, possibly in collaboration with Vassar’s Office of Communications. This initiative will help mitigate the attendance issues mentioned above and provide a way to see what organizations have to offer on any given day. Additionally, the VSA plans to create a comprehensive directory of all active student organizations, complete with their contact information, allowing students to join organizations or inquire about specific events easily.
Contact Sofia Satuito, Director of Communications (vsacomms@vassar.edu)
Catherine Phillips, Director of Organizations (vsaorgs@vassar.edu)
Flora Cahill, Chair of Residential Affairs (vsaresidential@vassar.edu)
Priority 6: Campus Life
Much of what happens on the Vassar campus would not be feasible without the tireless work of our staff, many of whom we can aid in their jobs with more compassion. The Student Financial Affairs Committee and the Residential Affairs Committee will campaign to express gratitude to both students and administrators, highlighting the work of Vassar’s staff members. This can be achieved by either hosting events dedicated to appreciating those staff members or communicating with students to encourage them to pitch in where possible to support the staff who make their time at Vassar possible.
Contact Zander Swift, Chair of Student Financial Affairs (vsasfac@vassar.edu)
Flora Cahill, Chair of Residential Affairs (vsaresidential@vassar.edu)
The overall success and well-being of students are profoundly intertwined with the health and support of the staff members who guide them. By investing in enhanced support systems and a diverse array of resources for our staff, we can cultivate an environment where every individual within our campus community feels valued and nurtured. This holistic approach ensures that both educators and students can thrive together, fostering a vibrant and supportive educational atmosphere.
Contact Zander Swift, Chair of Student Financial Affairs (vsasfac@vassar.edu)
Nico Reyes Cardozo, Equity Executive (vsaequity@vassar.edu)
Mariya Novosad, President (vsa@vassar.edu)
From Safety & Security’s shuttle to having free access to Dutchess County’s public transit with your Vassar ID, several existing transportation services often go underutilized because students simply do not know about them. Through our efforts to centralize student resources, we aim to provide students with more opportunities to connect not only with peers from opposite ends of campus but also with the broader community within the city of Poughkeepsie.
Contact Sofia Saturito, Director of Communications (vsacomms@vassar.edu)
Genevieve Reoch, Sustainability Executive (vsasustainability@vassar.edu)
Unfortunately, not all students trust their interactions with various offices on the Vassar campus. While Initiative 2.4 aims to address some of these concerns through collaboration with VSA officials and the Casework system, investigating the Association's partnerships with various offices on campus, or the lack thereof, can reveal critical gaps in understanding how these offices regularly interact with students. The Equity Executive, with the help of select senators, aims to investigate these dynamics and take corrective action where necessary.
Contact Nico Reyes Cardozo, Equity Executive (vsaequity@vassar.edu)
Arlington Bucks serve as an essential resource for students in need of financial assistance to acquire necessary supplies for living on campus. These funds are distributed at the beginning of each semester and are removed at the conclusion of the semester. The VSA will advocate for the preservation of funds for students who successfully save their Arlington Bucks until the end of the semester.
Contact Sara Golakova, Senior Senator (sgolakova@vassar.edu)
Nico Reyes Cardozo, Equity Executive (vsaequity@vassar.edu)
Priority 7: Accessibility of Vassar & the VSA
Accessibility on campus remains a significant concern, not only for students with permanent disabilities but also for those facing temporary challenges, such as athletes in recovery from injuries. Barriers such as inaccessible classroom entrances, malfunctioning elevators, and inconsistent availability of ADA-compliant spaces impose additional hardships on these students, hindering their academic success.
The Association is committed to identifying and addressing ADA compliance deficiencies throughout campus infrastructure. This effort involves working collaboratively with the administration to enhance elevator reliability, expand the availability of ramps, and streamline the process for students requiring temporary accommodations due to injuries or other temporary disabilities. By improving accessibility, we ensure that every student can fully engage in campus life.
Contact Owen Gifford, Wellness Executive (vsawellness@vassar.edu)
Flora Cahill, Chair of Residential Affairs (vsaresidential@vassar.edu)
Nico Reyes Cardozo, Equity Executive (vsaequity@vassar.edu)
Various senators and committees within the Association have published exhaustive resource guides. While advertised through flyering or newsletter updates, there is no existing repository to access all of them easily. Consequently, students may miss out on vital information that already exists.
This initiative is designed to complement our efforts to simplify and refine our website and social media presence. In developing a centralized, searchable resource hub, students can quickly locate the information they need, as well as who to contact for further details. Creating this centralized system will both strengthen the visibility of the Association’s initiatives and empower students with comprehensive guides uniquely curated for the Vassar student experience.
Contact Sofia Satuito, Director of Communications (vsacomms@vassar.edu)
Any student should be able to participate in any event on campus. The VSA is committed to hosting accessible events, especially our larger events during Halloweekend and Founder’s Day. The Association will also consider the accessibility of student organizations’ events, ensuring that they have the necessary resources to hold successful, accessible events for all students.
Contact Ulysses Bergel, Director of Student Events (vsaevents@vassar.edu)
The Financial Aid process at any given college will often be a struggle shared among students across various campuses. The Student Financial Affairs Committee aims to assist Vassar students in understanding the financial aid process and provide multiple guides for applying for and appealing financial aid. The Association also hopes to hold workshops teaching necessary financial literacy skills and guide students through a smoother application process.
Contact Zander Swift, Chair of Student Financial Affairs (vsasfac@vassar.edu)
Priority 8: VSA Services
The Division of Services is dedicated to enhancing the service offered by VCycle by implementing more frequent maintenance of various bike components, including batteries, fragile parts, and app connectivity issues. The Association is committed to routinely surveying all VCycle bike racks to ensure that each bike is in optimal working condition.
Furthermore, the VSA aims to collaborate with the local bike shop to engage students interested in purchasing their own bicycles, rather than relying solely on the VCycle system. As part of this initiative, the Association plans to provide education on how to repair and maintain personal bicycles. Additionally, the VSA seeks to expand its partnership efforts with the Office of Sustainability to advocate for the establishment of a bike lane on campus, thereby fostering safer infrastructure for cyclists.
Contact Angela Moon, Director of Services (vsaservices@vassar.edu)
Genevieve Reoch, Sustainability Executive (vsasustainability@vassar.edu
Two years ago, the Vassar Student Association piloted a safe sex supplies vending machine in the Old Bookstore in the College Center, which has received positive feedback from students. This machine offers a range of supplies, from tampons to pregnancy tests, and is the first vending machine in the nation to provide free Plan B to students. Considering the positive impact this service has had, the Division of Services is committed to expanding the locations of VSafe. Currently, the Division of Services plans to place the additional VSafe vending machine in the 24-hour section of the library after the construction has been completed. Additionally, the Association is committed to maintaining a consistent supply of resources for students across campus.
Contact Angela Moon, Director of Services (vsaservices@vassar.edu)
Owen Gifford, Wellness Executive (vsawellness@vassar.edu)
Given the longstanding history of Project Period and its mission on Vassar’s campus, the Division of Services is committed to providing menstrual products to students on campus. Several buildings currently lack dispensers for these essential products, instead relying on bins that often remain empty or underfilled. As a result of this practice, the Division of Services is committed to maintaining a full stock of products and materials, ensuring they are always readily accessible.
The Association is committed to surveying these buildings to ensure that the bins are restocked regularly and that the distribution is widespread across campus, not just in “core buildings” like the Deece or Bridge Building.
Contact Angela Moon, Director of Services (vsaservices@vassar.edu)
Owen Gifford, Wellness Executive (vsawellness@vassar.edu)
All students should have campus events that they are excited to attend. Whether that’s dancing at a music concert, crafting while watching a movie, or playing kickball, you should be able to find events that pique students’ interest. The Association will provide more opportunities for students to socialize and cultivate relationships, creating a larger, cohesive community.
Contact Ulysses Bergel, Director of Student Events (vsaevents@vassar.edu)
Learning at Vassar
Academic Expectations and Support
Priority 9: Supporting & Enhancing Curricular Education
Vassar’s robust and broad curriculum provides students with knowledge in various departments and realms of academic inquiry. Most recent Annual Comprehensive Survey results show an overwhelming students’ desire to have some correlates expanded to full majors (i.e., Creative Writing, Migration and Displacement Studies, Arabic Language, etc.) as well as the creation of new correlates based on existing majors (i.e., Drama, Cognitive Science, Psychology, Science, Technology, and Society, Korean Studies etc.).
The Academic Affairs Committee is committed to advocating for students' interests and collaborating with various academic departments to expand the selection of majors or correlates. The changes, once implemented, will provide students with opportunities to enjoy a robust Vassar curriculum and pursue various academic interests. Students also overwhelmingly answered that they would like to see academic fundraising efforts prioritized by the College in its campaign to their alumni.
Contact Nicole Gao, Chair of Academic Affairs (vsaacademics@vassar.edu)
The Non-Recorded Option (NRO) for Vassar classes serves as a valuable tool that encourages students to explore courses that may present a greater academic challenge or to pursue new areas of interest. While certain departments offer NRO-eligible courses, others do not extend this option to students. This is particularly true for introductory 100-level courses, which are crucial for grasping the fundamentals of a new department. If students are unable to take advantage of the NRO for their first course in a department, it may deter them from further exploration and academic inquiry, which are integral to a liberal arts education. According to the Annual Comprehensive Survey, 77% of students expressed a desire to have all 100-level courses eligible for the NRO.
Contact Nicole Gao, Chair of Academic Affairs (vsaacademics@vassar.edu)
Vassar’s faculty-led governance is what makes our classes and academics so special. Professors have the liberty to decide what they want to teach and how they want to teach it. This, however, can lead to students being confused as policies not only differ between departments but also between professors within the same program. The VSA will seek to clarify many of these policies and aid various departments in understanding where some of the students' confusion may originate.
Contact Nicole Gao, Chair of Academic Affairs (vsaacademics@vassar.edu)
Finances should not be a barrier to a student choosing whether to study abroad during
their time at Vassar. While studying abroad, students do not receive their typical work-study
An award that is, more often than not, a crucial component of their financial aid award. Students are also not allowed to work while abroad. By creating and implementing a stipend program that helps support students while abroad, studying abroad can become more accessible to others.
Contact Nicole Gao, Chair of Academic Affairs (vsaacademics@vassar.edu)
Priority 10: Enriching Community-Based Learning
Learning at Vassar does not end at the classroom door. Working with departments and offices on campus, such as the Office of Community-Engaged Learning and the Center for Career Education, the VSA aims to host events that promote various learning approaches. The Vassar Community can come together and learn from one another in ways that academic classes may not be able to offer. Learning in an environment free from the pressure of grades can be more conducive to some people’s education, especially when it comes to topics not explicitly covered in Vassar’s curriculum, such as cooking or financial literacy classes. In addition to life skill classes, these spaces can provide an opportunity to engage in topics outside of one's major’s curriculum without the need to use a credit.
Contact Mariya Novosad, President (vsa@vassar.edu)
Mateo Tavarez, Vice-President (vsavp@vassar.edu)
Navigating conflict is a part of growing both as an individual and as a community. In collaboration with Amanda Munroe, Director of Restorative Practices for Engaged Pluralism, the VSA seeks to equip individuals with the skills necessary to repair harmed and strained relationships through dialogue and effective communication.
Implementing restorative practices in our governance will allow a pathway to resolve intra-organization conflict without the need for an adversarial meeting. The VSA aims to foster these skills to bring the Vassar community together and acknowledge the importance of addressing harm when it occurs.
The skills learned through restorative practices will enable people to understand better how to maintain their communities and spaces, both on and off Vassar’s campus. As students continue to grow in a transformative space and time like College, building the toolbox for a graduate’s post-Vassar life, healthy self-advocacy will be integral to anyone’s success, regardless of the field.
Contact Mariya Novosad, President (vsa@vassar.edu)
Nico Reyes Cardozo, Equity Executive (vsaequity@vassar.edu)
Owen Gifford, Wellness Executive (vsawellness@vassar.edu)
Vassar has a land acknowledgement in many campus spaces and often begins its programs by reading it. While our land acknowledgment acknowledges elements of the land's history, the Vassar community sometimes struggles to recognize how to care for the lands we occupy today. Through the work of the Sustainability Executive, the VSA aims to foster stronger relationships with the Grounds Team of Facilities Operations, the Arboretum Committee, the Preserve, the Environmental Cooperative, and the Office of Sustainability, ensuring that sustainable and environmental protocols are consistently adhered to.
The work required is not mutually exclusive from those offices. Educating departments, offices, and student organizations on informed decision-making related to planning event sustainability and the ways the community can collectively care for our green spaces on campus.
Contact Genevieve Reoch, Sustainability Executive (vsasustainability@vassar.edu)