Election Issue 2017

Volume 49

Election Issue November March 2016 2017

THE ELECTION ISSUE

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Hello FIT Students!

ELECTION PROCEDURES

As your 2017 elections committee, we first want to welcome you all to the kick off of our elections season! We are very excited to have so many wonderful candidates running to serve you this year. We would love to thank everyone who came to an info session and all who are continuing on with this process! As a team, we are filled with joy to be your guide in making FIT the best it can be. We ask that you join us at our speeches and kick off party this season on March 9th from 12-2pm in the dining hall. There you will hear your board of directors speak about how they plan to boost FIT and then we will begin our voting process! We cannot wait to announce your new 2017-18 Student Government Association at our announcement party on March 20th from 12-2pm in the dining hall, as well. We hope to see you there. Huge thank you to everyone that has assisted in the development and growth of this years elections!

Every spring semester, the Student Government Association searches for the next year’s executive board. The process starts with info sessions early in the semester and ends in a big announcement party. Our elections committee chooses the timeline and events every step of the way. We work very hard to keep students informed and ensure that we have candidates for all 24 positions on the executive board. We have nine (9) directors chosen by you, the FIT student body. The remainder of the board is appointed through an interview process. Our goal is always to have students who are passionate about making FIT better, as well as, those who can be the voice for their peers.

Good luck to all candidates and happy voting!

- Jennifer Castro, Denise Delgado, Molly Dunbar & Karina Grossman Election Committee

POSITIONS The student government executive board is composed of 24 members. Each of our members work to ensure that students voices are heard and help build the FIT community to be better than it was the year before. Each position has a different purpose and accomplishes their goals through a specific focus. In the end, they work as a team to serve the student body and to enhance all the school has to offer.

President: The President shall be the executive director of The FIT Student Association. He or she is the primary representative of the organization and serves as the Chairperson of the Board of Directors and the student representative on the FIT Board of Trustees. The President advocates for the FIT Student Association and sets the strategic direction for the Executive Council.

Vice President: The Vice President shall be second in line to the presidency, and shall serve as the Chair of the Student Council. He or she will serve as the Deputy to the President in implementing and executing all executive duties, and will assume the duties of the President in their absence or at the request of the President.

Trust me, we get it. FIT students are busy and it can be hard to have the time to vote. Well, we are working to make it super easy this year! The voting link will be available on our homepage, Sga.fitnyc.edu. All you need to do is scroll down and click on the link, log into your FIT email and vote! Voting will begin on Thursday, March 9th at 1:00PM and go through until Friday, March 17th at noon!

sociation Communications Committee as well as the Communications Council which includes all college publications and oversees the overall function of the FIT Student Association website and all social media outlets.

programming for all FIT Student Association clubs and organizations, and shall work with the Department of Student Life Program Coordinator for Clubs to advise current and prospective clubs and chaptered organizations.

Director of Finance: The Director of Finance shall be the overseer of all FIT Student Association funds.

He or she has the signatory right for all transaction from the FIT Student Association internal accounts and budgets, in addition to the President.

The Director shall be the Chairperson on the Student Association Finance Committee, and shall preside over all mandatory financial meetings for all FIT Student Association’s clubs, organizations and publications.

Coordinator of Graphic Design: The Coordinator of Graphic Design is responsible for creating, printing and distributing banners, posters, flyers and other promotional items for all FIT Student Association initiated events, programs, and general outreach to the student body.

Director of Programming: The Director of Programing is the events coordinator of the FIT Student Association. He or she shall chair the Student Association’s Program Committee, serve as a resource and support system for the Programming Committee members and their programming efforts and coordinate campus- wide Student Association Programs, such as but not limited to: Movie Night Series, Legacy Week, Semi –Formal and Grad Week.

Executive Secretary: The Executive Secretary is the master record keeper for the Student Council. The Executive Secretary provides support and structure to maintain the successful functions of the Board of Directors as well as working with the Director of Finance and Director of Student Organizations to track attendance and maintain FIT Student Association accounts.

Director of Student Advocacy: The Director of Student Advocacy serves as the liaison between the FIT Student Body and the Executive Council. The Director of Student Advocacy directly addresses the collaborative concerns of faculty, administration, and students. He or she will be the Chairperson on the Student Advocacy Committee, which is responsible for but not limited to hosting regular Town Hall Meetings.

Director of Communications: The Director of Communications works to preserve the image of the FIT Student Association and serve as the liaison between the organization and the student body. He or she serves as the Chairperson of both the Student As-

Director of Student Organizations: The Director of Student Organizations is the liaison between all clubs and organizations and the Executive Council. He or she shall keep an active file of attendance, community service, fundraising, and

Coordinator of Digital and Social Media: The Coordinator of Digital and Social Media is responsible for managing and uploading content to the FIT Student Association’s official website on a weekly basis. He or she shall serve as the liaison between the Student Association and the Department of Information Technology.

They are also responsible for managing all of the FIT Student Association’s social media accounts and promoting all FIT Student Association clubs, organizations, and programming through various media platforms.

Lastly, they are responsible for documenting, promoting, and archiving FIT activities through the use of photo and video, updating website with edited photos and videos from FIT activities, and ensuring that all Student Association events are documented.

Treasurer: The Treasurer is responsible for processing and signing all requisitioned transactions, withdrawals and deposits for FIT Student Association, clubs, organizations and publications. He or she shall keep an active electronic record of the Student Activity Fund, and shall assist with mandatory Financial Meetings for all FIT Student Association clubs, organizations, and publications.

Coordinator of Alumni Engagement: The Coordinator of Alumni Engagement serves as the liaison

between the Alumni Association, Office of Alumni Faculty Relations and the FIT Student Association. He or she is responsible for promoting existing and additional programs according to student needs and shall work to connect current student with industry alumni. The Coordinator of Alumni Engagement also serves as the Student Association representative on the Grad Week Committee and is responsible for, but not limited to coordinating the Shadow Program.

Coordinator of Athletics and Wellness: The Coordinator of Athletics and Wellness serves as the liaison between Health Services, Department of Athletics, Counseling Center and the FIT Student Association Student Advocacy Committee. He or she is responsible for promoting existing and additional athletic programs and FIT Athletic teams, as well as health service programs and services such as, but not limited to, Wellness Week.

Coordinator of Commuter Affairs: The Coordinator of Commuter Affairs is the liaison between all commuter students and the FIT Student Association’s Student Advocacy Committee. He or she is responsible for working to strengthen the commuter experience at FIT, and shall promote programming that serves FIT commuters.

Coordinator of Residential Affairs: The Coordinator of Residential Affairs serves as the liaison between all residential students and the FIT Student Association. This position is elected by the Resident Hall Community Council and simultaneously serves as the President of RHCC. He or she works to strengthen the residential experience at FIT and perform other duties defined by the chair, on behalf of the Student Advocacy Committee such as but not limited to programming the annual Block Party.

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Coordinator of Campus Diversity and Inclusion: The Coordinator of Campus Diversity and Inclusion is the liaison between the student body, the FIT Student Government Association’s Student Advocacy Committee, and the Diversity Council. They are responsible for working to strengthen the awareness of FIT’s diverse student body and shall promote programming such as, but not limited to, diversity week.

Programming Secretary/Treasurer: The Programming Secretary/

Treasurer is the master record keeper of the Programming Committee. He or she shall work closely with the Director of Programming to keep record of minutes, attendance and budgets.

The secretary/treasurer is responsible for attending weekly Finance Committee meetings and financial trainings.

Coordinator of Campus Day Events: The Coordinator of Campus Day Events is in charge of hosting events before 5pm on behalf of the Programming Committee. He or she

also serves as the Co-Chair on the FIT Drag Pageant Committee.

Coordinator of Campus Evening Events: The Coordinator of Campus Evening Events is in charge of hosting campus events after 5pm on behalf of the Programming Committee. He or she serves as the Co-Chair on the FIT Drag Pageant Committee.

Coordinator of Off-Campus Events: The Coordinator of Off-Campus Events shall be the liaison between the FIT Student Association

Meet the Candidates

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and off-campus vendors and events.

He or she is responsible for providing discounted tickets to off-campus events in and around NYC to further the FIT Student Association’s cultural opportunities.

Coordinator of Seventh Floor Events: The Coordinator of Seventh Floor Events is in charge of hosting on-campus events in various locations on the seventh (7th) floor of the Dubinsky Student Center on behalf of the Programming Committee.

Sonne Bajwa — President

Joanna Mingo — Vice President

My name is Sonne Bajwa and I’m running to be President of the SGA for FIT students to regain a sense of ownership and pride for our school by introducing reforms within the SGA to better serve and represent our student body.

Hey, my name is Joanna and I’m running for Vice President because I want to bring greater, impactful change to the community as well as stronger unity to the campus clubs; I want to serve as a familiar face on campus and be a part of making this incredible school even greater.

Hannah Lo — Executive Secretary

Natalie Ho — Director of Communications

I'm Hannah Lo and I'm running for executive secretary because I want to contribute my organization and management skills to the school.

My name is Natalie Ho and I am running for your Director of Communications because I believe that communication is key and as a student government, I feel it is important that the students are always in the know as to what is happening here on campus.

Crystal Vessalico — Director of Communications

Saravine Naitingale — Director of Finance

Hi my name is Crystal and I am running for the position as Director of Communication because I believe I will be a creative and an innovative leader and I will use my communication skills to successfully guide our department.

I am Saravine Naitingale, and I am running for Director of Finance because I believe in maximizing the FIT Student Government Association’s mission and objectives through our budget allocation would bring a successful long term outlook.

Paul Wederski — Director of Programming

Molly Dunbar — Director of Student Advocacy

Hello, my name is Paul Bentley Wederski, and I am running for Director of Programming, I believe that FIT programs are what makes college fun and memorable for students as well as foster inclusivity and community, and I believe that with my hard work and love for FIT, I will be able to excel at this job for students.

Hello, my name is Molly Dunbar, and I am running for Director of Student Advocacy because I believe students deserve a greater voice in what happens in the institution.

Dylan Rice — Director of Student Advocacy

Marty Sullivan II — Director of Student Organizations

I want to increase student advocacy in the SGA, both commuter and residential, and to help grow and expand the possibilities of the position to further serve the FIT student body.

Hello I'm Marty and I'm running to be the Director of Student Organizations to ensure that clubs and organizations have the best opportunity to grow and and operate smoothly.

Virginia DeGuzman — Coordinator of Graphic Design

Samridoui Kacliwal — Coordinator of Graphic Design

I am Virginia DeGuzman, and I am running for the Coordinator of Graphic Design because I believe that the little things — like design — can help connect the student body and get involved in wonderful things on campus.

I am Samridoui Kacliwal and I am running for for the Coordinator of Graphic Design because I believe I could use my graphic design skills to effectively and creatively create awareness and publicity of FIT SGA efforts and events amongst the student body.

Kathleen O'Brien — Coordinator of Graphic Design Hi my name is Kathleen O'Brien and I am running for the Coordinator of Graphic Design to create beautiful designs that will promote the amazing events and activities we have here at FIT.

Tarishi Gupta — Coordinator of Digital and Social Media I’m Tarish,i and I’m running for the Coordinator of Digital and Social Media because I want everyone to be involved on campus and feel at home at FIT by being connected.

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THE ELECTION ISSUE

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Sara Ayobi — Treasurer

Ryan Donohue — Treasurer

Hi my name is Sara, and I am running for Treasurer because I believe in treating the funds provided for our student body as investments.

My name is Ryan Donohue, and I am running for treasurer because I believe that great ideas come from the individual.

Robert Allen — Coordinator of Commuter Affairs I value community and inclusivity and so I aim to create and promote events that enable commuters to feel welcomed and involved in FIT’s growing list of campus activities.

Susanna Mazzoleni — Coordinator of Diversity and Inclusion Hello, my name is Susanna, and I am running for Coordinator of Diversity and Inclusion to make FIT welcoming for all students.

Elisha Blake — Coordinator of Diversity and Inclusion I would like to be the ambassador this campus needs to include all students in major events instilling the FIT pride from those who come from across the globe or those who are domestic dwellers not yet peaked in what we have to offer at our wonderful university.

Emma Baj — Programming Secretary/Treasurer Hi my name is Emma Baj and I am running for Programming Secretary/Treasurer to bring organization to the programming committee.

WHY VOTE? When you have 200 things on your mind, taking a few minutes to vote for your student government candidates isn’t on the top of your list. So we are here to tell you exactly why your vote matters!

The FIT Student Government Association is the voice of the 10,000+ students on campus. They are the direct link to faculty and administration who have the power to make real change happen. Please consider the things you are passionate about, whether it be sustainability, fun programs, clubs, or so much more, when voting. These are the things that the 24 candidates who represent you will be making changes for. Look into the candidates and make sure they are someone who you would want to represent you — someone you trust with your student activities fee. They matter as they are your key into getting your problems solved or your solutions put into action. At the end of the day, they are here to to serve, empower, and unify you — the FIT student body.

Cindy Carangui — Programming Secretary/Treasurer

Claire Anvelt — Coordinator of Campus Day Events

Hello my name is Cindy Carangui, and I am running for Secretary/Treasurer because I believe I can help and manage the programming team through a successful year.

I strive to create a positive and exciting environment in the FIT community while engaging with the student body.

Sallie Haas — Coordinator of Campus Evening Events My name is Sallie Hass, and I’m running for Coordinator of Campus Evening Events because I believe that I can promote more student involvement especially with input for events which will lead to greater attendance and successful programming.

Molly Salley — Coordinator of Off-Campus Events My name is Molly Salley and I am running for 'Coordinator of Off-Campus Events' because I want to bring new opportunities and experiences to the FIT community.

Allie Carter — Coordinator of Off-Campus Events My name is Allie Carter, and I am running for Coordinator of Off Campus Events because I believe offering exciting opportunities and events for FIT students will only enhance our college years that much more!

Allison Yang — Coordinator of Campus Evening Events Hi, my name is Allison Yang, and I am running for Coordinator of Campus Evening Events because I want to help organize events that bring students together and allow them to take a break and have fun.

Yon Hee Allen — Coordinator of Seventh Floor Events

William Perez — Coordinator of Seventh Floor Events

I am running for Coordinator of Seventh Floor Events to share my passion of the arts and to create a community of like minded individuals.

Hello, my name is William Perez, and I’m running for Coordinator of the Seventh Floor because I want people to know and enjoy the cool events we have to offer.

Photos Courtesy: Lara de la Torre