Asa Craig (ajc282)

ELECTED TO THE STUDENT ASSEMBLY FOR TWO TERMS:
Freshman Representative ‘07-‘08 and Arts and Sciences Representative ‘08-‘09
SA: supported funding of student organizations throughout the byline cycle, sponsored resolutions geared towards enhancing campus safety, and increased SA accountability to the student body

SERVED ON UNIVERSITY ASSEMBLY: Undergraduate Representative ‘08-‘09
UA: challenged the University’s decision to use Peoplesoft, criticized University expenditures while sanctioning fiscal responsibility, and argued for more University answerability to its students
PROMOTED campus inclusiveness as a student-representative to the Provost’s University Diversity Council Working Group; advocated for Assembly resolutions that increased support to minority communities.

Community involvement

Besides being involved in student government, I am a member of the Cornell Glee Club, the University’s oldest student organization. After serving as the Club’s Publicity Manager for the past year, I will assume the role of President in the upcoming weeks. I also collaborate daily with administrators as a work-study student in the A&S Admissions Office, and I promote Cornell to prospective families as an Arts & Sciences Ambassador. This summer, I look forward to working on government policy issues in New York City as a Cornell Urban Scholar.

Special interests

One reason why I chose to attend this University (besides it being the ‘hottest’ around) was that when I visited, I got the sense that it was very easy for one to find their own community. Whether one is a musician (say a piano/alto-saxophone player like me), a member of an ethnic group, or interested in Fraternity/Sorority life, one can always find his/her own niche on campus. For this reason, I am interested in enhancing our community by continuing financial support for student groups, increasing student voices in administrative decisions, and promoting programs that bring diverse groups together on campus.

Personal statement

Mitigate economic troubles without damaging academic programs (undergraduate and graduate) or on-campus student life.

Enhance financial-aid/loan policies for families beyond current guidelines ($60K).

Promote and support diversity while amplifying unity among the many communities on campus.

As trustee, I will increase University accountability to students through the development of campus forums with administrators and by securing student representation on the Trustee E-Board. I will utilize my connections with the SA, GPSA, and other student organizations to support the numerous communities on campus, encouraging united efforts to improve our campus environment.