letters from the president-elect and current Student Government president
Dear Capital Students,
We are honored and excited to have been elected to serve the student body as president and vice president of Student Government for the upcoming year. There are many changes that are coming to Student Government this year as we will be implementing the new constitution. These changes set the stage for a new, stronger Student Government that is more visible to the students and more effective as a whole. We are going to work to make sure that this happens as smoothly and efficiently as possible. We are excited to come to you as an established leadership team that plans to build strength and numbers. Together, we were on the committee that wrote the new constitution which gives us confidence in our ability to implement it. We also worked together to bring the Crusader Readership Program to campus which provides students with newspapers on campus five days a week, currently in the Cru Brew Cafe and the Post Office lobby.
The experience that we gained during these projects as well as the relationships that we built with administration and fellow students has set us up to be ready for these positions. We are eager to build off of the things that Brent Bowers and Scott Rarick started as president and vice president this year, as well as implement some of our own projects. We plan to continue with the changes that President Bowers and Vice President Rarick referenced in their letter as well as add the following ideas:
– Immediately work on getting cameras and lighting added to all parking lots on campus to reduce the amount of vandalism that has recently occurred.
– Work to have the Cru Club and Mezz hours extended, specifically on the weekends to allow for more eating options to students who wish to stay on campus during the weekend.
– Extend the usage of meal swipes to the Cru Club and Mezz before 7 p.m. on weekdays.
– Reduce the amount of community usage of Capital athletic facilities that prohibits Capital Students from using things such as the basketball courts, track, or soccer fields.
– Make sure that safety concerns on campus are addressed such as elevator licensing and mold in residence halls.
– Level sidewalks on campus to eliminate deep puddles when it rains.
These are some of the ideas that we have developed as being Capital students and also listening to the concerns of other students. One of our main goals is to make Senate more transparent to students and administration. Student Government has the ability to be a powerful organization on campus and we want to make it just that. We want to be available to students by setting aside an hour a week, each week, just to talk to students and address concerns and hear ideas. Beyond that, we are both very involved on campus and want to be familiar faces that you can approach with any issues, no matter how big or small. We are anxious to get started and are greatly looking forward to the year ahead with all of the potential that it has.
Sincerely,
President- Elect Bobbi Wilson and Executive Vice President- Elect Mitch Stith
Dear Capital Students,
It has been our pleasure to be your president and vice president of Student Government over the past year. During our year in office, we have worked to address many of the issues we highlighted during our campaign as well as many of the issues that have arisen during the year. Some of them will be noticed quickly by the student body. Other changes will come long after we have graduated.
The following are changes that will be completed before the end of this semester:
-Stump removed from Schaaf Lawn by the breezeway to increased safety
-New concrete sidewalk behind College Avenue Residence Hall to eliminate dirt path and better connect Sheridan Avenue students to main campus
-Pizza station open on the weekends in the Capital Court
-Capital Center and
-Library open from 11AM-4PM on snow days
-Two Sheridan Avenue houses to be utilized as theme houses for student groups available
-New constitution and bylaws of Student Government to better represent the student body
The following are changes that will continue to be developed or initiated over the next couple years:
-Development of a mobile app that will give students convenient access to web-based services and information they need, including a master calendar, webmail, WebAdvisor, campus news, Moodle, and Public Safety
-Renovations to common spaces in the Lohman Complex to improve the usability and feel of the areas
-Minor renovations to the Campus Center first floor with major renovations planned for the future
-Off- campus meal options using flex dollars, though implementation is contingent on community partnerships and vendor interest
-Renovations to the Blackmore Library first and second floor to update and improve usability and access to information
-Improved parking for students by expanding parking options for Sheridan by expanding parking options for Sheridan Avenue apartments
-Student Government representation in the campus master plan completion process
-Accessibility and safety upgrades to the Capital Commons, including additional lighting to paver walkway
Beyond these initiatives, positive conversations with administrators have resulted in the university’s commitment to providing more resources and opportunities for students on the weekends. These conversations have set in motion many improvements for the future of Capital University and its students.
It is an exciting time for Student Government and the Capital community. The successful candidates in the upcoming elections will surely continue to improve life and experiences for students well into the future. Our hard work and the collaborative spirit of the administration have positioned the next Student Government leaders to accomplish even more on behalf of the student body. We implore all students to continue to be involved and voice their concerns and issues to Student Government so it may continue to advocate change for the student body.
Sincerely,
President Brent Bowers and
Vice President Scott Rarick
