11/11/2019
Since the debate, we have asked all the executive candidates to go more in depth about who they are, why they want to run and what they can bring to the Student Association. The SA Executive elections start tomorrow 11/12 at 9am and end 11/13 at 9pm. The two slates running are:
Jillian Beard (President) and Carolyn Tomasine (Vice President)
Jimmy Kinney (President) and Emma Asklar (Vice President)
And here are their responses to our questions:
Jillian Beard
Tell us a bit about yourself.
Hey everyone! My name is Jillian Beard (she/her) and I am running for President of the Student Association along with Carolyn Tomasine. I’m from Buffalo, and a Senior Psychology major with a minor in Biology. You might see me around campus as a work study assistant at the library, or frantically running in and out of the President's Office! I am the Treasurer of STEPS (Students Teaching Equals Positive Sexuality) and the Treasurer of the FSA Board of Directors. This is my 3rd consecutive year being apart of the Student Association, and lastly, I am currently fortunate enough to serve SA as you all’s Vice President.
Why are you running to be an SA executive?
Being an executive currently, my experience working with clubs has further shown me how dedicated and hardworking people are when it comes to their extracurricular interests, and the current/future executives of SA are and should be responsible for supporting and highlighting the clubs. In a Presidential position, however, the past 3 years has shown me that rather having clubs come to SA, SA needs to integrate ourselves amongst the clubs and campus community to find out what students really want to change (which currently regard low efficacy in communication within SA, lack of interest, and club retention). These are things that need to be directly addressed and improved for the betterment of SA and for the campus as a whole. On a more personal note, when I first joined SA it was a very foreign and slightly intimidating experience. I know that SA policy can seem pretty strict, but I’ve realized that it isn’t so much the policy being enforced that creates a divide, but it is those who enforce the policies who set the overall tone. In addition to this, I would have loved to see more diversity within the leadership when I first joined, and if I were to win I would be the first African-American female to serve as President of the Student Association. This is something that new and current members of marginalized communities would be able to look up to and strive for. Furthermore, I believe that I have the passion and experience to serve as SA President, and I would do it to the best of my ability from start to finish.
What issues do you plan to tackle?
The issues Carolyn and I plan to tackle are those that directly pertain to the needs of students on campus. One of the bigger ones she and I have been working on and plan to improve are a lack of mental health accessibility on campus. Lograsso is currently open from 9-5 M-F, but mental health issues go beyond those time periods, and the approximate wait for a counseling appointment is 3 weeks. Not to mention, many students are not able to make those time periods due to having busy schedules. We met with Dr. Hefner and he informed us that there is a fee that we all pay which partially funds the counselors at Lograsso, and in order to hire more counselors we would have to increase that fee by 2%. This fee is controlled by a task force that lacks student representation. The student activity fee is regulated by SA, and the fee associated with funding Lograsso should be as well considering it is an urgent issue. With Dr. Hefner and Lograsso’s guidance, we will make sure that students are added to that task force, and will diligently work to extend the hours at Lograsso, as well as incorporate more counselors and psychiatrists. While this takes off, our idea is to take the “Let’s Talk” program located in IC and spread it all throughout campus with the help of previously safe-zone trained and IC staff. In addition to this, we would address the lack of faculty-led diversity initiatives. BSU, B2B, the SA Diversity Committee, and many other clubs on campus do a fantastic job at promoting and integrating diversity through events, seminars, and workshops. As it stands, faculty take little part in promoting and initiating diversity, and seeing that we attend a predominantly white campus, it is important that faculty participate in that initiative. Our plan is to encourage the formation of a committee that includes faculty from each academic department, which would serve the purpose of hosting at least one event a semester highlighting the academic achievements of marginalized people in their respective fields. This would make it so faculty can still focus on their roles as professors, while also interacting with the students and informing them about the diversity within their academic community. We will also push for Sensitivity Training for faculty and staff, since that is not mandated already. Another issue we plan to tackle is something that we all have experienced as students, which is that many faculty do not upload their grades on OnCourse prior to midterms. We have talked to members from Academic Affairs, and they are on board with us pushing this initiative, and they strongly encouraged us to write a resolution and bring it to the faculty-student senate after getting approval at GA. On behalf of Carolyn and I, before publicly stating our initiatives we made sure that what we are promising to accomplish is in fact doable. Considering the current financial state of SUNY schools and Fredonia specifically, we are working on initiatives that we are confident in handling and can succeed at within the time span of one year. So far- we have made great progress with planning!
What attributes can you bring to the position?
I think that a good work ethic, transparency as a leader, trustworthiness, devotion, and the ability to remain unbiased are attributes that I can bring to this position. As I had mentioned in the first question, I am a member of STEPS, and that has taught me how to intertwine professionalism with approachability, which seems to have been in issue in the past within SA. I believe that my previous and current work as a student and a student leader reflects these qualities, and those who have worked with me can attest to that. Through being a student and having taken on various leadership positions, I have realized that in order to make effective and productive change, we need to be able to understand and sympathize with each other’s outlooks and concerns. Throughout my college career, I have had 3 major switches. My freshman year, I was a Musical Theatre major, Molecular Genetics for my Sophomore and Junior year, and lastly (and finally..) Psychology. I took a trip around the school in a sense, have dealt with very different professors and academic departments, and it’s allowed me to see the campus from 3 completely different lenses. I feel that I am able to do an excellent job at not only relating to students that come from all different paths of life, but also working with them in a way that is most beneficial to their individual concerns on this campus.
How can you bridge the divide between clubs and the Student Association?
Firstly, SA only hosts two main events per semester, Summit and Class Rep Orientation. Considering we are an organization that funds and guides the 176 clubs on campus, it only makes sense that we practice what we preach and host events that highlight the clubs on campus, and in addition to that, making those events inclusive to non club-members as well. Secondly, I would make sure the SA representatives and executives are present at Freshman Orientation. If we were able to just introduce ourselves and communicate the purpose of the Student Association and role we play on campus, I feel that potential club members/ prospective students would have a better understanding of SA’s true purpose, which is to assist clubs and address/voice campus concerns. And lastly, I would make a point to have each SA committee collaborate with a club that either compliments or aligns with the purpose of said committee. This would further integrate SA into the student population, and create better alliance with the clubs.
Jimmy Kinney
Tell us a bit about yourself.
Hi everyone! My name is Jimmy Kinney, I use he/him/his pronouns and I am so honored and excited to be running for SA President. I’m originally from Long Island, NY and I’m here at Fredonia studying Public Relations.
Why are you running to be an SA Executive?
It’s more important now than ever that we have experienced student leaders prepared to represent us in the most critical times. Like this one. With changes coming to SUNY Fredonia’s administration in the coming year, it’s imperative that we have the student voice heard when decisions are being made that affect our day to day lives. I am running to ensure all voices are made heard, not just some.
What issues do you plan to tackle?
-The lack of mental health and disability services on our campus. Our administration will propose that SA forms and develops a Disability Services Committee Chairperson into our constitutional framework that will be led by students and work directly with administrators to address the lack of accessibility on campus.
-The number one reason why students leave Fredonia is because they feel their isn’t a place for them on campus. Our administration will propose that SA adopt a Peer-Mentoring Service where students can be teamed up with a mentor through SA that will show them all the things Fredonia has to offer and ease the transition to our campus.
-Many students feel there is a lack of transparency between the FSA and the students with issues ranging from Food Diversity to Meal Plans and Policies. We will form a task-force immediately upon entering office to collect student opinion to help aid the student representatives on the FSA Board of Directors.
-Have you slipped on ice walking to class? I know I have. Together, Emma and I will Work with Facilities Management to implement a easy way to report ice or other hazards while walking to class that will be able to instantly notify facilities of the location of the ice.
-We will strengthen and grow our Assembly to be more representative of the students in our school.
-We will work with the senior leadership of SUNY Fredonia to implement a Faculty-wide cultural awareness workshop that happens on a semesterly basis.
-We will ensure our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee has all the resources it needs to be an aid to all of our Intercultural groups on campus and ensure the longevity of all clubs on campus, especially our Intercultural organizations.
What attributes can you bring to the position?
Passion. At the end of the day, I could be the most qualified candidate, but if I don’t have the passion to make this school a better place than I wouldn’t be a good President. I bring passion to the table, passion for student advocacy and passion for positive change. I consider myself a very resilient person, especially when faced with adversity. I don’t give up, especially if it’s for the people.
How can you bridge the divide between clubs and the Student Association?
-By fulfilling the promises made to our 170+ clubs and increasing the presence of SA at club meetings and major events.
-Making sure our clubs and organizations are supported in the way they DESERVE from SA. In the office and especially in their budgets.
Carolyn Tomasine
Tell us a bit about yourself.
Hello everybody! My name is Carolyn Tomasine and I am running with Jillian Beard for Vice President of the Student Association. Currently I am a Junior with a double major in Business Administration: Marketing, and Economics. My hometown is Barker, NY. This is a really small town about halfway between Buffalo and Niagara Falls. I am involved in many clubs on campus including S.T.E.P.S, American Marketing Association and Business Club. I am also the current chair of the Student Association’s public relations committee.
Why are you running to be an SA executive?
I am running for this position because I believe that student clubs play an invaluable role in the student experience, and they should be supported and understood. Since the vice president meets with club eboards and student leaders directly, this creates a great opportunity for improvement in the way that clubs interact with SA. I would like to ensure that the eboards of each club know their role within SA and fully understand the role they play within this campus. Each club that is recognized by the student association influences the way students live and learn on this campus, and should be fully aware of this fact. Overall I believe that, should Jill and I be elected, I would utilize the position of vice president to engage clubs and students with SA in a meaningful way, and help to bring up the next generation of this campus’ student leaders.
What issues do you plan to tackle?
The issues Jill and I want to tackle are those which affect the student body the most. These can be thought of as addressing how student mental health is treated on this campus, and addressing the lack of faculty-led diversity initiatives. We have already begun discussions regarding the specific goals we would like to set and steps we would take to achieve them. Such steps include urging for the return of Safe-Zone training which was revoked 3 years ago and fighting for the inclusion of students on the task force that searches for new counselors. Also pushing for “mental health days” for students by addressing each academic department’s attendance policy and making it known to department heads and professors how important it is that their students mental health is a huge component to their success as students. In the current administration, the Vice President sends out memos concerning dates of sig cards and Summit. If I was elected, I would no longer use mailboxes as the primary method of communication. Jill has already put all Event Worksheets online, making them easier to access, and I plan on doing the same with memos and sending them via e-mail. Then, for Summit, tracking when each club has their E-Board elections to ensure not everyone has to sit through Summit if they’ve been there already.
What attributes can you bring to the position?
I believe that my leadership style is well-suited to this position. I do not believe that the role of leader should be strictly defined or power should be distinctly divided. Often I have found that true leadership comes from understanding, empathy, and compassion with others. If a leader does not understand those who they are working with, or doesn’t understand how they think, they become ineffectual at best and dictatorial at worst. Additionally, I believe that my previous experiences in leadership positions have prepared me for this position regarding the organizational and soft skills required for good leadership. These include PR chair of the student association, and heading presentations and Winter Week/Farewell to Fall Week events in S.T.E.P.S. I am clear and concise in my language, well organized, a great planner, and an excellent negotiator. My attributes are a great fit for this position because they will allow me to effectively engage with student clubs and campus leaders, and transform words into actions which will ultimately improve the experiences of students at Fredonia.
How can you bridge the divide between clubs and the Student Association?
The role of vice president provides an excellent opportunity to do just this. This number one way I would do this is to develop a more personal relationship with club eboards and student leaders. The divide between clubs and the student association is not structural; the clubs are structurally entwined with the student association. Rather, the divide is a result of a lack of knowledge on behalf of club eboards and leaders, and a lack of initiative or motivation on behalf of the student association as a whole. Therefore, the way to bridge the divide is to introduce all of the clubs to the student association and ensure they understand their role and what SA does for them. I would start to tackle this by attending general body meetings of clubs, attending their eboard meetings, and working more closely with the Speaker of the Assembly to gain a thorough understanding of their doctrines. From there I would meet with their presidents and treasurers and work with them to come to a conclusion regarding how they will form the symbiotic relationship with SA that was written into the constitution.
Emma Asklar
Tell us a bit about yourself.
Hi everyone, my name is Emma Asklar and I’m a junior majoring in Communication Disorders and Sciences with a minor in Leadership Studies. Since my freshman year here at Fredonia, I’ve been very involved on campus. I currently hold two eboard positions and one is for NSSLHA as Secretary which is our speech club here and I’m also Co-Treasurer for Kappa Delta Pi which is an education honor society. This school year I also became apart of Fredonia’s Judicial Board and I’m also a student manager for Campus Life.
Why are you running to be an SA executive?
I’m running for Vice President of SA because I understand the importance of the Vice President position to our clubs on campus. Having been and currently holding e-board positions in clubs, it’s integral that the SA Vice President has been able to share the experiences of club leaders to be effective in the role. I will do my best to help make sure every student has the best experience here at Fredonia that they possibly can.
What issues do you plan to tackle?
Some issues I plan to tackle are regarding mental health issues, many of the programs and services that are offered to students aren’t available 24/7 and in this case there should be more online services offered along with better counseling center hours since mental health issues can occur at anytime, and a student should never have to wait for the opportunity to speak with someone who’s there to help them. Students are also undergoing constant stress, and I think having even more programs to relieve and reduce stress should be offered more throughout the semester and not only just around finals week. Another issue I plan to tackle is making sure that any student that may feel out of place here at Fredonia is able to find their sense of belongingness. Ideas I have to resolve this issue are more on campus programs and events that are offered not only during the week but also on the weekends and more events and programs aimed more to student’s interests. My last issue is aimed towards helping junior transfer students find their place here at Fredonia. Coming into a school as a junior is much harder since many students are already involved in clubs and organizations and have a core group of friends already. Their transition to adjusting to a new school like Fredonia should be just as enjoyable and easy as it would be for a student who’s a freshmen. I think by providing more services that are aimed towards junior transfer students would help them be able to meet other students and become more comfortable with getting involved in all of the amazing clubs and organizations that are offered on campus. These issues are just a few of the many others I’m willing to make a change for.
What attributes can you bring to the position?
Attributes I can bring to the position are my leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. I have many experiences with all of these attributes and I’m very passionate about helping to resolve the concerns of every student here.
How can you bridge the divide between clubs and the Student Association?
How I plan to bridge the divide between clubs and the Student Association is by reaching out more personally to students that are apart of our clubs and organizations to make sure they have the resources they need to thrive on campus.
