I. Speaking Engagement 5/5/10
II. In the news…
Surveys Allow Students to Create Change
“Last Wednesday, the Campus Committee for Inclusive Excellence (CCIE) hosted a presentation in the Soda Center regarding the data collected from surveys for 2006, 2008, and 2010. Faculty, staff and students participated in surveys that asked questions ranging from how fair faculty are to all students regardless of ethnic background, to how female faculty feel they are being treated by male peers.
The event began with an address from the student body president, Freddie Silveria, who spoke about the importance of Saint Mary’s being a community that celebrates its diverse student and faculty population. The governing bodies at Saint Mary’s use the data to create new policies to better accommodate students, staff and faculty.”
-Anthony Gotti 10/26/10
Presidents Corner
The Associated Students is our student governing organization that acts to promote a positive student experience. Today, we wish to increase awareness by informing and reaching out to our peers.
Currently, the Senate has just passed a Community Liaison position. Thus, Lindsay Verber will be attending Moraga town council meetings. It is our hope that this will increase the communication between the town and the students.
We are also representing student concerns in various committees, including: the Public Safety, Food, Seminar, Jan Term, Library, Inclusive Excellence, Curriculum Implementation, Technology, Facilities and the Athletics & Recreational Sports committees. Results have included the following: the new SMC portal and email server, WiFi in the residence halls, expansion of the Hearst Art Gallery, and the Sodexo food survey. AT&T cell phone towers are also included in the prospective plans.
In addition, the freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior classes have been busy pushing for initiatives and promoting a sense of community. The freshman class is now in the process of making a mural – their hope is to bring the largest class ever together for a bonding experience. The sophomore class will be conducting student outreach Wednesday, October 13 from 8:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. in front of the library. The junior class just hosted a successful event to promote the Legacy Garden, behind South Claeys Hall, and is in the process of developing a recycling project. They plan to have a class meeting, “Pennies for your thoughts,” to gain input for future projects. The senior class is conducting outreach, preparing for senior social events, and is in the process of starting a Senior T-Shirt contest.
Moreover, a few Senate positions are open. If you would like to make a difference and represent your class, please contact the VP of Administration Esteban Salinas (asvpadm@stmarys-ca.edu). Also, please feel welcome to come to our next Senate meeting (Sunday, October 17 at 5:30 p.m. in the Soda Center) or contact your class presidents: Hector Chinchilla (Fr.), Kyle Snyder (Soph.), Damaris Nielsen (Jr.), and José Ruiz (Sr.).
Lastly, our goals for the academic year are to increase communication and to promote a sense of community at Saint Mary’s College. It is our wish that our fellow peers are informed and aware of what is happening around campus. Therefore, I encourage you to get involved and be engaged with your community. Above all, I personally invite you to let your voice be heard through the Associated Students.
-Freddie Silveria 10/12/10
ASSMC President Report: Elections 2011
Recently, the Associated Students of Saint Mary’s College (ASSMC) held the 2011-2012 student governance elections. We, the Associated Students would like to first thank all those who ran and congratulate all those who will be serving the student body next year. Moreover, today we are here to report what happened with the ASSMC Presidential election.
Prior to the election, a case was brought forth to the Election Commission (elected student officers that ensure a positive and clean election) regarding negative campaigning on Facebook by one of the candidate’s campaign members. The Election Commission then made a ruling to disqualify that candidate on the grounds of violating the “Election Guidelines.” The candidate then appealed the ruling to the Judicial Tribunal (appointed students that interpret and oversee the Associations Constitution, Bylaws, and Election Code) and they found that the candidate was wrongfully accused because the Associated Students Vice President for Administration’s “Election Guidelines” were not grounds to disqualify someone – only the Constitution, Bylaws, or Election Code are grounds for disqualification. Therefore, the Election Commission then re-evaluated the case and did not have substantial evidence against the candidate. Thus, a re-election will take place Thursday and Friday on SMCnet between the two candidates, Damaris Nielsen and Isaac Morton.
What have we all learned from the recent events? First, we have become aware that our Constitution, Bylaws, and Election Code need to be revised for future elections to properly ensure positive campaigning on our campus. In addition, with the rise and use of online social media as a means to communicate one’s message, we must all be careful for our own words and the words of others that represent our candidacy platforms.
Lastly, we must recognize the big picture here. We are all students in a learning environment. As students, we are here to learn, grow, and develop into people of character and learn from our experiences to do what is right in our futures of service. For more information contact the Associated Students at extension 8509 or online at stmarys-ca.edu/student-life/associated-students.
-Freddie Silveria 5/3/11
III. Public Service & Policy
In Washington D.C. representing California at AIPAC 2011.
Leon Panetta Institute for Public Policy, Monterey, CA.
California Boy’s State Delegate, Sacramento, CA.
IV. Election Results…
Saint Mary’s elects new student government
Freddie Silveria elected ASSMC President by large margin
“Saint Mary’s students elected next year’s student government last week. The elections decided important roles for the Associated Students of Saint Mary’s College (ASSMC).
Junior Freddie Silveria was elected ASSMC President – he handily defeated his closest opponent, Junior Andrew Aguilar 58 percent to 18 percent.
ASSMC is the governing body that oversees clubs and other student-related activities.”
-Editor 4/27/10
New ASSMC leaders elected
“The newly elected president is Bailey Hasty ’10 and the Vice President for Administration is Lindsey Vaccaro ’10. Vaccaro said, “I’m really excited that now I will be more involved and can get things done for the school.” She added that effectiveness is her main goal, saying, “I am looking forward to working with the other members of the executive team [to work efficiently and] get things done on campus.”
Jeff Emmerson ’11 was elected Vice President for Finance. After a run-off vote Freddie Silveria ’11 became the Vice President for Student Affairs.”
- Caitlin Graveson 4/28/09
