Assemblies Elections

Dale Barbaria (dkb78)

Position Sought: College of Engineering Representative

INTRO: Hello. My name is Dale Barbaria, and I am running for reelection as your College of Engineering representative.

WHY DALE FOR SA: I was the only candidate who ran in the Special Election last month, and although I have only served a short time, I am excited about my work on the Assembly both now and in the future.

EXPERIENCE: Since the beginning of the Fall Semester, I have been an active member of the SA Academic Policy Committee, where I helped develop an expansion to Cornell’s Open Course Evaluation system and worked on the recent resolution to develop an Open Syllabi system, which would enable students to view course syllabi during the Pre-Enroll period.

THE FUTURE: If reelected, I plan to continue devoting my time to representing Engineering students, working on initiatives like adding more study areas in Duffield Hall and ensuring the voices Cornell Engineers are always heard. I would also like to increase dialogue between Engineers of different majors, so we can remain well-rounded students as we progress through Cornell. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions, comments, or concerns you might have: dkb78@cornell.edu | http://bit.ly/votedale2016

Vote Dale for Engineering Representative!

Jordan Berger (jrb476)

Position Sought: President

Hello! My name is Jordan Berger and I am running for SA President! For the past three years, I have served as the Parliamentarian of the Student Assembly with a goal of eliminating barriers to representation. As President, I will provide better representation, better outreach, and better policies. I believe that the Student Assembly must be strengthened from within in order to effectively bring about change throughout the University. I will advocate for improved policies surrounding academics and student life with an emphasis on safe drinking policies, housing, and diversity and inclusion. In addition to fighting for the best interest of students, I will empower the members of the Student Assembly to represent the best interest of their constituents. I am confident that with my three years of experience, my involvement in initiatives throughout campus, and my vision for the future of the Student Assembly will ensure a productive year filled with meaningful change. Please feel free to email me at jrb476@cornell.edu with any comments, questions, or concerns, as my main priority is to serve your best interest.

Nelson Billington (ntb43)

Position Sought: School of Hotel Administration Representative

Thank you for electing me to the position of Hotel Administration Representative for the rest of this academic year. I look forward to working with all of you over the next few months and beyond.

I am running again for next year’s position because I believe that continuity of leadership is critical. As we transition into the College of Business, I want to channel your feedback so SHA maintains its sense of community and identity, while equipping the school to meet future challenges. As a member of the Student Advisory Board, I’ve worked closely with my peers to provide a better link between Dean Johnson and students. Through my work with the rooms division of HEC, I’ve watched countless students plan and flawlessly execute the conference. My background lies primarily in restaurant operations, but I am continually enthused by classmates who start their own companies. I want to be an advocate for you as we remain #hotelies4life!

Bjorn Bjornsson (bgb64)

Position Sought: College of Arts and Sciences Representative

From my time at Cornell, I have learned two things above all else: learning is sometimes fun, but books are always expensive. I can’t make not fun learning any more fun, but I can make books less expensive. You shouldn’t have to spend $195 on a glorified packet, or spend hours combing the internet for a rumor of a Ukranian torrent PDF your friend’s cousin had maybe.

Additionally, I would like to see more transparency with the school administration. I have talked to a number of Materials Science and Organic Chemistry professors here who assure me this is impossible�if administrators were primarily composed of silicon or another glass-like material, transparency would be a reachable goal. They are, however, just like you and me: mostly carbon. I also think they misunderstood my idea. I want the student body to have more exposure to administrative decisions so that we can give adequate feedback and feel like we are involved in the future of the university. The silicon thing would be cool, too.

Vote for me today, and grab life by the Bjorns.

James Cassell (jcc384)

Position Sought: College of Engineering Representative

My platform is common sense and I believe in freedom.

Also, realistically the SA has no real power as we have seen in recent events, so just know that if you vote for me, I’ll disclose all information about decisions that Cornell gives me, unless they I am legally forbidden to disclose information.

I’m not going to make promises about getting anything done for students, I see no point in making empty promises, so I won’t. If you are expecting empty promises then here is one: As SA representative for the College of Engineering, I will make sure that every engineering lab, will be fully equipped with computers, printers, 3D printers, and time machines. WARNING: Time machines might take you to a different world line, so there you homework may have already been due.

One person on the SA can’t do much, but I’d hope that by bringing common sense to the table, that others would follow me and work together not only to find the best solution, but to also compromise on solutions.

The personal views expressed by me are my own and do not necessarily reflect those of the United States Air Force or the Department of Defense.

Traciann Celestin (tvc23)

Position Sought: Minority Students Liaison At-Large

My name is Traciann “Traci” Celestin, and I am a freshman in Arts and Sciences. I love to dance and travel, but my biggest passions are social justice and community development. In my first year at Cornell, I have been able to engage in this work as Freshman Representative of Black Students United and Co-President of Ujamaa Residential College Hall Council. I will apply the skills I have gained to the Student Assembly as Minority Liaison At-Large! My job as Minority Liaison At-Large will be to ensure students who belong to marginalized groups on campus are heard and valued by the SA, the administration, and the larger Cornell community. I plan to accomplish this by 1) Implementing an ongoing standard social justice skills and knowledge training for campus organization leaders to increase competency among the entire undergraduate community, 2) Facilitating the development of more mental health initiatives for minorities on campus, focusing on intersectional identities that are often ignored, and 3) Demonstrating accountability to the duties of my role by first, sending out monthly updates and surveys to student leaders and second, hosting open forums and outreach events for all students to share their questions and concerns.

Noah Chovanec (nmc78)

Position Sought: School of Industrial and Labor Relations Representative

As students in one of the smaller schools at Cornell, it often feels like our concerns aren’t heard. This is shown through recent administrative decisions such as the creation of the College of Business, with no student input whatsoever. As an ILR representative on SA Academic Policy Committee, I have worked to change Cornell policy for the benefit of students. Alongside representatives from ILR and other colleges, I have successfully submitted a resolution to the SA recommending an “Open Syllabi” policy be implemented. I am also currently working to reconcile recent faculty crackdowns on laptop policies with students’ abilities to effectively take notes. My experience with the University Hearing and Review Board, where I review cases that the JA has brought against members of the community, has familiarized me with the Code of Conduct, as well as the necessity of student voice in the processes often hidden behind the Big Red curtain. Outside of class and academic policy, I am involved with Alpha Phi Omega, Cayuga’s Watchers, Class Councils, and the Engaged Cornell Initiative. I have the experience necessary to effectively represent the interests of and needs of ILR students. Please reach out to me at nmc78@cornell.edu!

Varun Devatha (vad33)

Position Sought: Undesignated Representative At-Large

What makes you think you can succeed where every freshman rep has failed before?” A question posed to me online when running for class representative. I had discussed placing trash cans near Thurston Bridge and extending dining hours on North from 8:30 to 9:00. Three months later, dining hours were successfully extended. Last month, trash cans were placed near Thurston Bridge (Thanks Miranda!). Fortitude, compassion, and engagement allowed me to act as a successful freshman representative this year. Next year, I hope to serve as your Undesignated Representative (overall undergraduate rep). As rep, I plan on continuing efforts to develop an A&S Alumni Database with Jung Kim. In addition, as a hotelie, I will work with committees to facilitate the College of Business. Using an objective approach, I will engage in committees to reduce course overlap and competition for procuring professors within the university. Recently, the administration established new financial aid policies that will marginalize lower income international students. Only one student served on the committee responsible. No data was provided. In the future, I hope to work with the administration to increase student involvement and accountability. Vest in Varun.

Daniel Engelson (dse37)

Position Sought: College of Arts and Sciences Representative

My name is Daniel Engelson. I am running for one of the seats for the College of Arts and Sciences on the Student Assembly. Currently, I am involved in other organizations, such as serving as Vice President of Finance for Cornell Class Councils 2018. I am the treasurer for my pre-law fraternity. Lastly, I am a member of Anything Goes Theater Troupe. As a recently declared Music major, I believe I have unique insight and perspective on many of the processes that occur on Cornell’s campus. Through my work on Class Councils, I have unearthed my passion for public outreach and unity and community service. My intention with this movement towards the legislative aspect of student government at Cornell, is to ensure that every voice is heard and that all students feel safe and welcome at a school where an individual can fall through the cracks.

Rebecca Herz (reh268)

Position Sought: College of Engineering Representative

My name is Rebecca Herz and I’m currently a sophomore studying chemical engineering in the college of engineering. I am running for SA representative for the college of engineering. I feel prepared to take on this position because of my organizational and communication skills, but also my ability to be an effective leader and member of a team. I hope to accomplish a number of ideas and initiatives to better student life in the college of engineering, such as increasing resources for peer-to-peer mentoring, increasing outlets in Duffield Hall, and increasing resources for exciting and beneficial student organizations. The students of the college of engineering devote countless hours to pursuing their dreams of engineering and have helped maintain and expand the astounding reputation of the college, I have confidence that as their representative I can provide access to more resources and programs that will create a more cooperative environment and a more accomplished student body.

Alex Iglesias (ai273)

Position Sought: College of Human Ecology Representative

Fellow Cornellians: I am running for Human Ecology Representative and I will be the best deal-maker this university has ever seen. First, I will build a wall around Cornell and we will make Harvard pay for it. Together we will make Cornell great again!

On a serious note though, my name is Alex Iglesias and I am running to serve as your Human Ecology Representative on the Student Assembly. I was a transfer student into Cornell this fall and I am currently a junior majoring in Policy Analysis & Management. Having transferred to Cornell from Miami (FL), I’ve really enjoyed getting to know some amazing peers throughout the institution. (I’ve also developed a real understanding of winter). I’ve been really excited to have become affiliated with some incredible organizations on campus including the Student Assembly’s Health & Wellness Committee, the Roosevelt Institute, and I’ve become an ambassador with the college, and an active citizen in Keeton House. I am also working on various projects on campus including an effort to develop a collaboration between all the clubs that work to improve health & wellness on campus. I will serve you, your interests and I only hope you provide me the opportunity to do so.

Thank you, - Alex

Matthew Indimine (mi235)

Position Sought: Executive Vice President

My name is Matt Indimine, and I am a sophomore PAM Major running for EVP. I unknowingly became involved in the SA by joining Ivy Council during my 3rd week at Cornell. Through IVC planning, I discovered the SA Community Life Committee. After working on mental health programs with CLC, I took on the role of Chair of a new 50+ member Health & Wellness Comm. Working to improve student life soon became my top priority at Cornell.

In continuing that. as EVP I will: -Bridge diverse campus communities: through co-programming, & expanding the outreach of, and representation within, the SA -Prioritize transparency: involving relevant groups in Policy 6.4 (sexual assault, protected status) revisions, revisiting the need for a $350 health fee; -Increase affordability: expanding the aid ‘budget increase’ policy to include Greek Life expenses, developing a “Leave of Absence Fund,” lobbying for federal aid reform; -Promote awareness of campus issues: Mental Health Awareness Week, peer-to-peer bystander trainings, Dining with Diverse Minds, faculty trainings; -Continue to empower students: as my predecessor has done, to bring their unique viewpoints + experiences to committees.

Contact me anytime at mi235 or via FB with any concerns!

Akhilesh Issur (aki9)

Position Sought: International Students Liaison At-Large

My name is Akhilesh Issur and I am a junior in the College of Arts and Sciences. My experience as an international student from the small island-nation of Mauritius has been both challenging and very rewarding. Having been part of several international organizations on campus, I have been able to see the needs of international students. I am running as International Student Liaison At-Large to give in my best to fulfill these needs and gaps. My main platform is as follows: firstly, to address mental health issues in a more proactive way (the conversation is often even more taboo for international students and there is a severe lack of data and resources to solve this problem at Cornell), secondly to bridge the gap between different international groups at Cornell by having more events connecting international students of different backgrounds together as well as facilitating the process of transition to Cornell, and thirdly, to give a better voice to international students as a whole in important decisions concerning them such as financial aid and housing policies. Cornell made me a better and stronger person; I am running to give back and contribute to a better Cornell for everyone - both international and domestic students.

Miranda Kasher (mk2324)

Position Sought: Women’s Liaison At-Large

Who run the world? Girls!

Hey women,

My name’s Miranda Kasher and I’m a freshman in the School of Hotel Administration. This past year I served on Student Assembly as a freshman representative and next year, I would love to serve as women’s representative. I’m ready to represent all y’all females on campus an be a liaison to women’s advocacy and female empowerment groups on campus.

During my time on SA, I hope to incorporate eating disorder education into programs on campus and help develop stronger sexual assault prevention measures and programs. As women’s rep, I also vow to hold office hours (during which I’ll offer manicures) so I can hear what YOU have to say and get to know my constituency! GET READY TO RUN THE WORLD, GIRLS!!!!!

Yours in service, Miranda Kasher

Gabe Kaufman (gdk36)

Position Sought: Undergraduate Representative to the University Assembly

Hi Cornell,

I’m Gabe Kaufman and I’m a sophomore in ILR seeking re-election to the University Assembly. Visit the official website gowithgabe.com to learn more!

Simply put: I love Cornell. I love that the students here are friendly, diverse, hardworking, and freethinking.

I also really care. I am proud to be the only representative with perfect attendance at all UA, SA, and Faculty Senate meetings this term. I want to continue as your UA Representative to build on the current UA’s legacy of success. As your representative, I have worked towards:

- Lowering the cost of textbooks - Promoting feedback on the College of Business - Creating forums for activism and free speech - Demanding transparency on carbon neutrality - Drafting a Community Bill of Rights - Urging professors to publish syllabi before pre-enroll - Removing burdensome course requirements

If elected, I promise to:

- Appoint underrepresented students to the Faculty Senate Minority Education Committee - Work with the JA to improve Good Samaritan policy - Create oversight on JA’s use of interim sanctions - Improve the attendance policy to keep representatives accountable

We have accomplished a lot, but we are not done. Let’s get to work.

- Gabe Kaufman

Diana Li (DL792)

Position Sought: Undesignated Representative At-Large

My name is Diana Li and I am the Undesignated At-Large Representative. If re-elected I will keep working on:

1. CHEAPER “GRAB & GO”: I have been working with Dining to decrease the prices of all “Grab & Go” items. Students pay absurdly high prices for items like PB&J and celery with peanut butter. Dining has agreed to have a student on the committee that decides prices for the upcoming year. I will continue to work with them and ensure that cheaper healthy items become a reality.

2. The Hotel - Dyson merger and the fact that Cornell is now need-aware for international students prove that we still need TRANSPARENCY. We have not made progress on shared governance since the Student Health Fee hike last year. Since many administrators have shown that they will not actively seek student input for decisions that affect students, we must adamantly demand it.

3. MICRO-AGGRESSIONS need to be addressed. All students should feel comfortable on campus but this will only occur with open dialogue at all levels of the university. We need to share inclusive ways of thinking with our professors, peers, and administrators. Otherwise, these seemingly small comments will keep hurting others.

I am counting on you to vote Diana Li!

Dustin Liu (dl558)

Position Sought: LGBTQ+ Liaison At-Large

Hey Cornell! My name is Dustin Liu and I am running for the LGBTQ+ Representative at Large position on the Student Assembly.

During my role as Freshman Representative, I have begun participated in initiatives and resolutions that benefit the broader Cornell community. From working on issues such as preferred name and gender identity on ID cards to advocating for a veterans’ resource center, I hope to continue advocating for student needs on the SA.

I have made it a true effort to reach out to a multitude of communities on campus. From this experience, I have better understood the intersectional nature of the LGBTQ+ community. Working towards facilitating active communication and dialogue as well as bridging communities together is a step towards a more united Cornell.

Your voice is my priority. I intend on continuing my intent of being accessible. Whether you want to reach out online or want to grab brunch, I’m there. Don’t for get to vote Liu for You!

If you have any questions or concerns (or want grab a salad), feel free to email me at dl558@cornell.edu or just message friend me on Facebook @ Dustin Ducky Liu.

Hamish MacDiarmid (hm379)

Position Sought: International Students Liaison At-Large

My name is Hamish MacDiarmid and I am a Freshman in Arts and Sciences from Geneva, Switzerland and London, England. I want to use my international experience and background to advocate for the international student body at Cornell.

The changes I want to bring to campus are as follows:

Push to revert back to a needs blind policy for international students and undocumented students.

No committee should vote on ANY decision regarding internationals if there is not an international student representative present.

The Student Health Insurance Plan should not be compulsory for international students but should be optional as is the case for domestic students

Increase mental health facilities directed towards international students.

Create an International Student Resource Center, similar to the Centers existing for minority communities on campus.

Make storage more affordable for all students through collaborations with the International Students Union.

During Cornell’s short breaks ensure that AT LEAST one dining hall remains open on each campus

Incorporate ONE session during orientation week for International Students to help them adjust.

CORNELLIAN NOT POLLITICIAN! Hamish Ross MacDiarmid

Mitch McBride (mlm428)

Position Sought: President

To hold the administration accountable, we need to make sure the representative body that acts as the primary voice of students is held to the highest standards and is reflective of our concerns.

1. Accountability— In my position as VP of Internal Operations, I have held members accountable who have not attended meetings, and I aim towards ensuring that members better connect to constituent groups. Furthermore, SA needs to be restructured to include the voices of many more communities.

2. Policies:

A) Diversity Requirement— In order to make progress towards ending injustice, I have been meeting with the Knight Institute to bring to fruition dialogue of diversity issues as part of Freshmen Writing Seminars.

B) Medical Amnesty for Organizations— In addition to advocating for more transparency of the JA’s office, I have been working to make organizations exempt from punishment when calls to CUPD are made for medical and safety purposes.

C) Financial Aid— I’m an advocate of need-blind policy and believe that the Financial Aid Office should make non-grant aid more fluid. Students should be able to choose whether loans or working requirements match THEIR situation. Before voting, visit SwitchToMitch.org

TOGETHER, we can achieve CHANGE

Julia Montejo (jrm527)

Position Sought: Minority Students Liaison At-Large

Hello, I’m Julia Montejo, and I’m a Junior Anthropology major in the College of Arts and Sciences. You might know me better from my involvement in the DREAM Team, SA City and Local Affairs Committee, Cornell Speech and Debate Union, or my outreach into many other community organizations. I’ve spoken out in response to issues facing minority students on our campus, such as the administration’s response to incidents at the Latinx Ivy League Conference, the exclusion of student voices in decision making processes, and the recent changes in financial aid policies.

As Minority Student Liaison At-Large, I will make it my priority to engage students from all communities in creating Student Assembly resolutions and to ensure that students have direct access to administrators.

Earlier this semester, I challenged Provost Kotlikoff to stand up to Cornell’s commitment to shared governance. As a member of the Student Assembly, not only will I continue to push the administration in this direction, but I will also ensure that I uphold my end, by listening to students across our campus and advocating on their behalf. Together, we can make Cornell a better, more inclusive place.

Jose Montes (jam873)

Position Sought: Minority Students Liaison At-Large

Cornell is known for its diversity and I have personally witnessed the mutual respect that students share for each other regardless of religion, race sexual orientation. It is through the admiration of such culture that I aspire to make the campus more inclusive of its diverse undergraduate population. As a Latino student, I know the struggles that minorities face on campus. Whether it be a lack of cultural preservation, or a request to expand multicultural programs, I have worked diligently through various organizations to serve such cases and many more. My record includes leading efforts of advocacy and programming in multicultural organizations such as CU IMAGE, La Asociacion Latina, and the Latinx Delegation. It is through these organizations that I been exposed to the intersection of many issues that Latinos with other minorities. Taking into account the wider picture, I want to be able to help other minorities as much as I have helped the Latino community. If I am selected as Minority Liaison, I will be able to use my experience from helping the Latino community to better address the needs of the minority community.

Mohammad Imtisal Qadir (mq54)

Position Sought: Minority Students Liaison At-Large

I seek to run for the Minority Liaison At-Large position because I feel there is much work to be done to support minority communities at Cornell. My goal is summarized by just three words: SOLIDARITY, ADVOCACY, REPRESENTATION.

A peek into some of the issues I seek to address:

Revert to earlier International Student Financial Aid Policy Increasing representation on the SA for Minority, Undocumented and First Generation Students, possibly through ex-officio positions Make the Bias reporting process more widely understood and accessible (Should be part of Freshman Orientation) More Vegan, Kosher and Halal Food options in Cornell Dining More Financial resources for resource centres of each community (LGBTQ, Women’s, Asian American etc etc) Greater Access to programming on campus such as for groups like MGLC Should not have to pay for cops at events as that makes many events too costly Improving relations between minority communities and campus police through workshops Should not have to pay to reserve university spaces eg. Duffield as that makes many events too costly Adding University Staff to work with minorities on campus

Hanna Reichel (hmr54)

Position Sought: College of Architecture, Art and Planning Representative

Fellow architects, artists & planners: how can we use our creative assets for meaningful change on our college & campus? We are used to an environment that demands a strong work ethic, tireless individual ingenuity & constructive input — for the best results. We know how to get things done & do them well. And we are always looking to do better. This is why I believe AAP needs to have a more assertive role on SA. As your representative, I would seek opportunities to improve the visibility & vitality of the community, within our walls & beyond. I would make increased, inclusive interaction a priority. Encouraging forums to yield improved inter-disciplinary options would extend the conversation to student spaces, initiatives & groups to refresh the student experience across our curricula & campuses. Focusing these efforts within the University framework of engaged work, I am committed to furthering the idea of “knowledge with a public purpose;” I would bring an AAP perspective to issues of financial transparency, campus planning & diversity to design equitable & sustainable solutions. AAP is founded on exploring how to communicate with creativity. Let’s start that conversation now. Let’s finally make an AAPpearance on SA.

Weihong Rong (wr85)

Position Sought: College of Arts and Sciences Representative

Refocusing on the intersection of the arts and sciences; stemming from the humanities and reaching towards technology.

Grounded in pragmatism, elevated by experimentation.

Assemblage.

Anima

Justin Selig (jss459)

Position Sought: College of Engineering Representative

My name is Justin Selig. I’m a junior ECE major, and I’m your current Engineering Rep on the SA. Over the past year, I’ve worked to improve policies that affect students: collaborating with the faculty senate to reduce prelim conflicts, improving the housing lottery (R. 26), having open-course syllabi before enrollment period (R. 42). Even more, during my term we’ve been able to increase the number of outlets in Duffield and passed a resolution which will soon result in Duffield improving its layout (R. 13).

Last year I promised to run a no BS, issue-focused campaign, and I did just that. I promised to advocate for students before administrators, and I did just that. I used the slogan “trust in Justin” because I believed that, if elected, you’d trust me to follow through on my promises. I now want to 1) improve access to tools and space for engineers; 2) enhance technology standards and outdated internet-usage policy; 3) improve the system of exam scheduling; 4) regulate work assigned during breaks; 5) clearly define standards for credit hours.

I ask you once again to put your trust in me because I still have unfinished goals to achieve. If you believe I’m the person to do that, then I ask you once more to Trust in Justin.

Erick Vargas (ev224)

Position Sought: College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Representative

I am a cyclist. Like most students in CALS, I have classes and labs located far from central campus. So biking is a very efficient way that I can save time commuting to class. I cycle almost every day, and one of the issues that I’ve noticed is that some cyclists do not obey traffic laws. Some of them either run red lights or ignore stop signs. This creates issues for everyone. There have been pedestrians who have been hit or severely frightened. I’ve spoken to some cyclists and non-cyclists, and some from both groups do not know that cyclists are required to stop at a stop signs and red lights. My solution would be to raise awareness of this issue. Some cities have stop signs that specifically direct cyclists to stop. I believe that if those stop signs are coupled with regular stop signs, it would encourage cyclist to and inform cyclists that they must stop. I hope that the end result will be less road rage, and safer pedestrians and cyclists.

Yuchen Richard Wang (yw463)

Position Sought: College of Arts and Sciences Representative

As your Arts and Sciences representative, I fully pledge to fight for the best interests of Arts and Sciences students and the Cornell community. In a changing campus environment, who you choose to be your representative on the Student Assembly is of critical importance. As a voting member of the Student Assembly Appropriations Committee I have gained insight into the inner workings of the SA and how it interacts with campus leadership and the administration. This strong institutional knowledge will inform my decision-making within the SA to better Cornell. Additionally, serving as the Director of Finance of Anabel’s Grocery, I understand what it takes to make the wishes of the student body reality: hard work and compromise between students, assembly members, and the administration. As an assembly member I will take my experiences and work ethic to fight to make our fair Cornell a little more fairer.