We are all leaders in our own right. We have diverse passions and goals, we are so different, but also have more in common than we think. There is nothing I want more than to connect us. To tie us to one another to take on serious issues and give us a sense of responsibility to people outside of our own communities.
It is crucial to recognize our collective potential, and take the time to incorporate new leaders who can bring diverse perspectives. I bring a unique leadership style that balances the responsibilities of Student Assembly and highlights the other leaders around me. I know that the Assembly president is not the only leader on this campus. In fact, the strongest leaders are able to recognize the other leaders around them and bring them to the same table to collectively communicate and work with one another.
Next year, Dartmouth will face a unique opportunity. Under a new College president, we have the possibility to institute real changes at Dartmouth, and we must take up this challenge together. In this time of change, it is essential that the new Student Assembly be well rehearsed in all aspects of campus in order to hit the ground running with a vision that represents the entire undergraduate community. Student Assembly, now more than ever, must act as a collective and cohesive unit of the student body.
Together, we will improve student government, develop a transparent vision that equally represents the Dartmouth student body and ensure accountability in school policy for all students.
First, Student Assembly must help ensure that vital resources are effectively and responsibly allocated to student organizations. In light of recent budget cuts, we cannot predict how student organizations will be affected in the coming year. Therefore, we must develop a plan of action that ensures student organizations can still thrive and contribute in light of current constraints.
Through the creation of a reserve fund, not an additional bureaucratic body, the Undergraduate Finance Committee will be better prepared to address an influx of funding requests from organizations next fall.
Second, we should open the dialogue about a student-run judicial board model similar to the successful systems in place at Wesleyan University and the University of Connecticut, amongst others, to hear cases on alcohol violations. The system would be in line with Dean Crady's commitment to increasing student governance, and would be composed of student representatives well trained in the policies and procedures, overseen by a dean. Recognizing that the Dartmouth campus is unique from other institutions, especially with the strength and prominence of Greek organizations, it will be important to acheive a proper consensus as to who the student representatives will be on the board and what dean will oversee the appeals. Opening this dialogue is the first step that must be taken in order to empower Dartmouth undergraduates to be active participants in their own judicial affairs.
Third, Student Assembly needs to be more integrated with students on campus. Rather than other organizations reaching out to Student Assembly, the Assembly should reach out to them. Therefore, as Assembly president, I will open the first Execs meeting of every month to campus leaders. All too often, Assembly members become trapped in a student government bubble that no outsider can break. This will not happen if I am elected president.
Fourth, Student Assembly should create a group of peer advocates for students going before the Committee on Standards. With massive changes in the COS system, and even more changes on the horizon, it is important that students have experienced student advisors to navigate this complicated process. If elected, I will push for additional reform within the COS system, as well as increased transparency for both sentencing and processes.
Fifth, we must continue to push the Town of Hanover to modify its alcohol policy. It does not make sense that Dartmouth students are over 15 times more likely to be arrested than students at any other Ivy League school.
It also does not make sense that there are barriers in accessing help at a moment when students need it the most. As president, I will ensure that the Town of Hanover meets us halfway on this critical issue involving the safety of all students.
Finally, these five ideas are part of a larger plan that has been cultivated through collaboration from students and administrators. I am passionate and dedicated to Dartmouth. After three years of serving the College in vastly different arenas, I look forward to the opportunity to work with leaders from all over Dartmouth. As we work to build a strong team of leaders across campus, the student body must demand a leader who will develop a collective vision and hit the ground running, together.
Vote Vernon on April 20!
