This year, the Board of Elections has decided to combine the Senate elections with the Executive election. Both will be happening on Wednesday, Nov. 6.

The students who have applied to be senators responded to three questions:
(1) Why are you interested in serving in this position?
(2) What makes you qualified to serve in this office?
(3) If you could change one thing about Xavier, what would it
be, and how would you accomplish this?

1. Why are you interested in serving in the role of the office(s) sought?

I am interested in serving the role of a senator because I am curious on how I am able to help the Xavier community. I was suggested to run from a senator, and I believe I can draw new ideas. I am from Cincinnati and want Xavier to show its true colors as a Cincinnati Jesuit Catholic University.

2. What makes you qualified to serve in the office(s) sought?

I believe I qualified enough to serve as a senator because I am an officer of Accounting Society, a sophomore looking for a seat in the senate, and strive to get involved in new ways.

3. If you could change one thing about Xavier, what would it be, and how would you accomplish it?

(No answer).

1. Why are you interested in serving in the role of the office(s) sought?

I’m looking to continue my tenure as Senate as someone who will represent Xavier students in their best interest. I enjoyed being on SGA this term and it brings me a sense of purpose at Xavier. I also believe that I can use my past experience to become an even better Senator.

2. What makes you qualified to serve in the office(s) sought?

As a Senator, I served on the Academic Affairs committee and have asked tough yet passionate questions on how our academics are currently affecting the campus. As a committee, we placed high importance on faculty and student transparency, gave opinions about the new HUB building, and made sure to follow up with the administration concerning the Xavier at 5000 plans.

I am also an RA in Brockman Hall, so I know what Residence Life is like daily. Using my skills with the knowledge that I’ve gained with Academic Affairs and Residence Life, I consider myself well-informed about Xavier.

3. If you could change one thing about Xavier, what would it be, and how would you accomplish it?

I am currently working on a committee that would bring changes to SGA’s structure. To that end, this committee is working towards more opportunities for students of different backgrounds and majors to participate in student government with a greater variety of roles. I believe that SGA needs a more diverse set of majors so that SGA can encompass as much as of undergraduate population as possible, and by making new positions to SGA that can reach those majors not as represented will be imperative to the quality of the work that we do. 

1. Why are you interested in serving in the role of the office(s) sought?

I want to be an SGA senator because I feel that it is what I am called to do. Being a part of SGA is supposed to mean that you serve all those on Xavier’s campus. This seems like common sense, yet it isn’t truly put into practice. Xavier isn’t comprised of just heavily involved students, or students with a 3.5+ GPA. A student that isn’t in any organizations or clubs and is just barely passing their classes deserves to have their voice heard as well. I know that SGA is aware that these students exist, and tries to engage them, but it comes down to meeting these people on a personal level and talking to them face to face. I feel that there is a wall between heavily involved students and those who are not, those who are involved feel they don’t know how to engage the uninvolved, and the uninvolved feel intimidated and don’t know how to become involved. I want to be a part of SGA because I don’t shy away from reaching out to these students…encouraging new First Years to submit applications for SAC and run for SGA. Xavier’s campus has seen a decrease in student involvement, and I want to help start the reversal of that trend.

2. What makes you qualified to serve in the office(s) sought?

Throughout my time here at Xavier I have been a part of numerous student clubs and organizations. Spending time in these spaces, with people from all different backgrounds and cultures, has allowed me to grow in the way I view all students on Xavier’s campus. While here at Xavier I have been selected for multiple leadership positions and initiatives, such as Manresa, ELR, and the Diasporic Soul Leadership Development trip. These all look good on paper but are pointless unless the experience can be translated over to action and change on campus and the surrounding community.  I have spent time on Student Activities Council, I know what goes into the planning of events and the curation of student life on campus, being a part of SGA would give me the chance to be able to be a part of that again.

3. If you could change one thing about Xavier, what would it be, and how would you accomplish it?

 Xavier has recently launched the Stained-Glass Initiative, which is aimed to address Xavier’s historical connections to slavery. Recently at the Universities Studying Slavery 2019 Symposium, Father Graham showed a clip from the class of 2023’s welcome address. Within this clip Father Graham preached about how racism has ravaged our country for so long, and the long-lasting effects it has created. However, he did not mention Xavier’s ties to slavery. While he discussed this openly at the conference, the audience was much smaller than the entire class of 2023 and their parents. If I could change one thing about Xavier, I would make it so that every tour given of our campus would have to discuss Xavier and Bishop Fenwick’s ties to slavery and racism. I would partner with the admissions office and the CDI, to develop a training course that would include all the necessary information about Xavier’s ties to slavery. The student tour guides would then learn this information, and how to facilitate a discussion surrounding this topic. The university can say that want to help dismantle racism, but unless they risk losing potential students in that endeavor of transparency, how can they be taken seriously?

1. Why are you interested in serving in the role of the office(s) sought?

I’m interesting in serving the role as senator because I believe there is more Xavier can accomplish and there is more to be done. As the campus population diversifies there are more needs to be met and more opinions to be voiced which I am interested in hearing.

2. What makes you qualified to serve in the office(s) sought?

I’m hard working, levelheaded and interested in hearing all sides of a story. I care about the current climate at Xavier and want it to be welcoming for all those who will be inhabiting the campus even after I graduate.

3. If you could change one thing about Xavier, what would it be, and how would you accomplish it?

I would change the way students can get around Cincinnati and make the bus a more relaxed way to travel. Ideally a bus pass system would be put into the Xavier world and students would be able to use the public transit easily. Though it is a complicated issue and may be cost ineffective if everyone wanted one but it would be smart to survey first year students who do not have a parking pass and work from there.

1. Why are you interested in serving in the role of the office(s) sought?

I’ve always been interested in the government process since I was a child. It was something that ran in the family. As a result, I feel like Student Senate is a position here at Xavier that I would love to take part in. I’m one who loves helping out my community as much as they help me, and this position is the way that I can.

2. What makes you qualified to serve in the office(s) sought?

I’ve served on the Central Florida YMCA Metro Board as a Teen Representative, working to help build a new YMCA in my area. Along with that, I was in Youth In Government for all 4 years in high school, and was elected to the statewide position of the Senate President in the Program.

• If you could change one thing about Xavier, what would it be, and how would you accomplish it?

I would definitely help promote the amount of influence that the student has in the school structure, as the people are the most important factor in making a change in the community. My main goal as a senator would be to help let the people serve, and let the community make a change with keeping the public informed on meetings, new issues and topics. It’s not my job to be the voice as student senator, but it’s my job to make sure everyone has a powerful voice in the community.

1.         Why are you interested in serving in the role of the office(s) sought?

a.         Through the recommendations of upper class peers and their high praises of senators and executives, I came to know that a senate seat would connect me with spectacular people. My goal is to learn the ways of our senate so that I may represent my peers, develop my professional abilities, and network with the most important students and faculty on campus. To achieve this I intend to establish a communication line between myself and each end of Xavier. The drafted list includes informants from sports teams to drama students; all of which would voice their concerns to me. Additionally, I will use this senate seat as a means of preparing me for a future in government. By putting my mock trial and leadership experience to the test, I will grow exponentially in my communication, interpersonal, and professional abilities. Finally, I will create long-lasting bonds with my fellow twenty-three senators and executives. This is of the utmost importance to me, as I know their support in and out of the classroom will be invaluable.

2.         What makes you qualified to serve in the office(s) sought?

 .          I am qualified for senate because of my history of leadership experience. I was the captain of percussion for my high school’s marching band. The responsibilities included were the oversight of thirty of my peers, as well as up to seventy additional band members on several occasions. In the remaining months of the year I was a senior member of my high school’s mock trial team. In the courtroom I had to direct my team and ensure we were consistently on the same page. Lastly, in the summer months, I watched over thirty second graders for camp invention. Camp counseling was one of the most frustrating jobs, yet it taught me great patience and communication.

3.         If you could change one thing about Xavier, what would it be, and how would you accomplish it?

 .          If I could change one thing about Xavier, it would be the lack of activity space for students. In my first month of college I already picked up on the party culture that goes on at Xavier. Every student ubers or walks away for the weekend, and comes back Monday for their studies. I believe that Xavier needs a new social space that can be shared by everyone. For example, a recreation space with pool tables, classic games, and big-screens for movies would be ideal to bring students back on campus. We need to create reasons for Our students to stay on Our campus. To achieve this I would first take a poll/petition of student opinions on campus through random sampling. With the results, I can then reinforce my claims and debate in the senate committees over the budget and location. Once I gain enough support, I would use it to follow through on my promises and communicate with leading officials on campus about our plans.

1. Why are you interested in serving in the role of the office(s) sought?

I am interested in serving as an SGA Senator because I want to help represent the interests of the student body to the many administrative groups across campus as well as to expand my leadership abilities by taking an active role in the shaping of the Xavier community over the next four years. I hope that during my time as Senator I can improve the Xavier experience for as many undergraduate students as possible and from as many different backgrounds as possible. 

2. What makes you qualified to serve in the office(s) sought?

I am qualified to serve as an SGA Senator because I have the dedication and desire to put the necessary time and energy into my duties as part of the Senate. I am also involved in a variety of groups across campus ranging from the Outdoors Club, Political Science Club, HOLA, and Buenger Hall Council, and believe that the diversity of my involvement provides me with a unique perspective. Above all I think that the SGA Senate needs to be passionate about taking real action for change and that I have that vital passion.

3. If you could change one thing about Xavier, what would it be, and how would you accomplish it?

If I could change one thing about Xavier, it would be to put more emphasis on environmental awareness across campus. Specifically, I believe that it is important that the University, particularly the students, have a more in depth understanding of the changes to the earth’s environment as well as act in response. I think that the first step should be to bring together various groups including the many political organizations on campus as well as groups such as Xavier Student Sustainability to both educate about environmental changes and then discuss what are real changes that the student body can undertake. In my opinion, what is most important is that the student body come together to combat the very real changes the earth is going through and will go through in the near future.

1. Why are you interested in serving in the role of the office(s) sought?
   1. (No answer)

• What makes you qualified to serve in the office(s) sought?

1. (No answer)

• If you could change one thing about Xavier, what would it be, and how would you accomplish it?

1. (No answer)

Please respond to the following three questions (200 words or less per question).  Responses will hyperlinked to your name on the Official Ballot to better educate eligible voters.

1. Why are you interested in serving in the role of the office(s) sought?

In high school, I was apart of organizations like Student council and congress, therefore I feel like I have the necessary tools for leading the student body. I am also a social work major and being apart of the senates will give me an opportunity to step out into the community and make a change.

2. What makes you qualified to serve in the office(s) sought?

I feel I am qualified to serve this position because I have experience in dealing with a student body. These experiences I have dealt with have helped craft my social skills, problem solving skills and made me into a better leader. One reason being I am more attune to my colleagues’ voices and opinions and how to logically answer their questions, concerns and demands.

3. If you could change one thing about Xavier, what would it be, and how would you accomplish it?

I as a social work major am interest in community engagement and would like to increase minorities involvement in community service on campus. I could do this by attempting to create key club which is a community service program that uses long term less demanding task to collect community service hours. This could be an asset to minorities since a lot of the organizations on campus that desire minority involvement require or prefer members with community service experience.

Please respond to the following three questions (200 words or less per question).  Responses will hyperlinked to your name on the Official Ballot to better educate eligible voters.

1. Why are you interested in serving in the role of the office(s) sought?

There are a few reasons that come to mind as to why I am interested in running for a seat on Senate.  The first reason being I would love the chance to be a part of making Xavier a better place, whether it be through big or small changes or even by being a person to come to for questions about what’s going on around campus.  Second, I would love the chance to be a voice for the students at Xavier and take their concerns to the administration to enact beneficial and lasting change.  Third, I want Xavier to be as open and welcoming as possible.  So, I will suggest that SGA as a whole be more visible in what it does and accomplishes especially to first year students and prospective students.  Also, I will work with the newly elected Executives to fulfill their goals and better the Xavier community.  Finally, ever since I went to X-Day here and went to the room about SGA I learned about what they do.  I have felt called to be a part of SGA and I feel at home when in their meetings knowing that change is happening one member at a time.

2. What makes you qualified to serve in the office(s) sought?

I feel that what makes me qualified is that I am friendly, outgoing, and approachable.  I think that these qualities will allow students to come talk to me about whatever they want and to provide suggestions on what Xavier needs or what SGA can do better.  I was an active member in my high school’s student government, planning events for students and our canned food drive each year.  I also held every leadership role available to me in Boy Scouts.  I was elected the Senior Patrol Leader multiple times as well as other top spots and made a difference by helping the younger scouts to learn what they needed to and help them to develop leadership skills so that when I and the others my age aged out they would then be prepared to take the leadership rolls.  I earned Eagle Scout which through that process it also taught me how to be an effective genuine leader that worked toward something other than myself.  As a result, I feel these qualities make me qualified to serve not myself but the Xavier community and student body.

3. If you could change one thing about Xavier, what would it be, and how would you accomplish it?

If I could change one thing about Xavier I would encourage the administration to be more transparent with the student body.  I have noticed as a first year that I have no idea what the administration is doing or working on.  I think that everyone could benefit from being in the know about what is going on and what is being planned.  I would accomplish this by talking with the administration and encouraging them to send out weekly emails or even monthly to update the student body about plans for the future or updating us on recent events that occur.  I could even achieve this by talking to an administrator once a month and putting what they say in a section of the SGA weekly email.

 Please respond to the following three questions (200 words or less per question).  Responses will hyperlinked to your name on the Official Ballot to better educate eligible voters. 

1. Why are you interested in serving in the role of the office(s) sought? I am interested in running for senate for the student government association since I have had a passion for making things better as a whole for individuals whether in my community or at my school. Assuring to do just that, I would bring my will, power, ideas, and communicative skills to the table if  I am selected to be apart of senate this year.

2. What makes you qualified to serve in the office(s) sought?  I believe I’m qualified to serve on senate since I have been keen on taking on many leadership positions ever since highschool which gives me previous experience. During my time in  highschool I was apart of Business Professionals of America, Freshmen Mentoring Program, Student Council/Senate, and my school’s U-Knighted Knights Program. In these lead organizations in my high school, I have also taken on roles such as my chapter officer position as Vice President in Business Professionals of America and a Homecoming Committee Member in Student Council. In my short my time at Xavier, I have become apart of various clubs and organizations such  Gentlemen Organized for Achievement and Leadership, Black Student Association, and the Smooth Transitions Mentoring Program ran through the CDI. I have served in roles in these organizations on the executive board as the Public Relations Coordinator for Black Student Association, Fashion Show Co-Chair for Black Student Association, and as a Core Leader for the Smooth Transitions Mentoring Program.

3. If you could change one thing about Xavier, what would it be, and how would you accomplish it?  If I could change one thing about Xavier it would be the variety of more restaurants and food places to eat around campus for students and staff to eat at. This would ultimately would be accomplished by the means of Student Government coming all together and what would be good places or establishments to add to specifically to Xavier’s campus. Also with talking to Father Grahame, Xavier’s Physical Plant, and any other higher up officials that have  say in determining if this can be accomplished or not. 

Please respond to the following three questions (200 words or less per question).  Responses will hyperlinked to your name on the Official Ballot to better educate eligible voters.

1. Why are you interested in serving in the role of the office(s) sought?

I am interested in serving in the Senate office to participate in carrying out the wishes and concerns of the Xavier student body. By being elected as a senator I will be able to contribute diverse ideas to better the campus for the students that live here, go to school here, and for those who work here. To do this I will collaborate with the other senate members in each committee on common topics including student enrollment, safety of students and workers, grants for new clubs, and the benefits of diversity.

2. What makes you qualified to serve in the office(s) sought?

I am qualified to serve in the Senate because I have been elected in previous positions of authority which include president of the international club, and a captain of the swim team at my high school. For the international club I collaborated with other students in the club and organized meetings, events, and activities for the students who joined. I persuaded students to join and encouraged them to bring friends. In the club we learned about different cultures, traditions, and holidays that go on in countries around the world. I was also chosen to be a captain of the swim team. In the position of team captain, I guided my teammates when they were anxious, nervous, and mentored the underclassmen. I am a role model and portrayed good sportsmanship to my teammates and those we competed against. When team conflicts arose, I helped resolve them by conversing with my teammates and my coach.

3. If you could change one thing about Xavier, what would it be, and how would you accomplish it?

If I could change one thing about the Xavier campus it would be the method of recycling. We have recycling bins over the entire campus which are commonly used as trash cans. I would raise awareness about this problem by talking to students and asking them to become involved by educating fellow students on the recycling policy here at Xavier. I would also place a few more trash cans near the recycling bins. This ensures that the recycling bins are loaded only with plastic, paper and cardboard reducing the chances of unrecycled trash accumulation in recycling bins. In residence halls I would place bins and create signs for where residents can throw their recyclable materials collected in the dorm rooms.

Please respond to the following three questions (200 words or less per question).  Responses will hyperlinked to your name on the Official Ballot to better educate eligible voters.

1. Why are you interested in serving in the role of the office(s) sought?

I want to be a part of the SGA Senate to help students’ needs be heard by the administration.  I feel like often times decisions are made without much input from the students, but as a Senator I would advocate for what students want. 

2. What makes you qualified to serve in the office(s) sought?

As a student who is involved with several different kinds of activities here at Xavier, I think that I would be able to advocate for a lot of different students on campus.  I am a good leader who takes issues of students seriously. As a freshman I am not afraid to speak up in meetings and make sure that I am heard by the administration and older students.

3. If you could change one thing about Xavier, what would it be, and how would you accomplish it?

If I could change one thing about Xavier, I would add more dining options for our students.  Sometimes it gets repetitive eating the same food every day.  I would rather see our room and board payment go towards more dining dollars.  This would allow students more meals at our dining options that aren’t the caf.

1. Why are you interested in serving in the role of the office(s) sought?  ​I’m interested in a role in Senate to become an active contributor to positive change in the Xavier community. My goal in life is to one day become a member in Congress to promote change in our country. By working in Student Government here at Xavier, I hope to gain experience working in a Senate body. I’m excited to listen to students and use their feedback to create the changes they want to see. As a Black male at a PWI (Predominantly White Institution), I want to represent the underrepresented minority students on campus, and help to create a welcoming campus environment for all students here at Xavier. Resume building is not my main priority for running for Senate, my main goal is to support my fellow classmates and faculty members. Xavier is a wonderful school that students from all over the world come to live and learn. As senator, I want to not only keep it this way but improve our beautiful school here in Cincinnati.   

2. What makes you qualified to serve in the office(s) sought?  ​I’m qualified to serve in the Senate because i’m a hard-working student and I take pride in completing tasks to its best quality. I’m more than willing to listen to the issues facing the student body and put forth my best effort to help resolve those issues. In High School, I participated in similar associations like Model United Nations and the debate club, so I have experience doing this type of work. From my past experiences I possess the ability to develop relevant ideas, and the talking skills to express and defend my goals and beliefs. I was also raised to always fight for what I believe in, so I have no problem in standing up to others and fighting for what’s right. 

3.If you could change one thing about Xavier, what would it be, and how would you accomplish it?  One thing I would change about Xavier is the hours for the ​Conaton Learning Commons. I would like to see the CLC open a few hours later on Fridays and Saturdays. The CLC is a great place for students to study when they need a quiet environment.​ Not only will later hours give students a longer time to work before getting kicked out, but it would also create more job opportunities for students to work front desk or in the library. Currently, the CLC is only open till 5pm on Saturdays and 7pm on Fridays, which limits the amount of time for weekend studiers to do homework. In order to accomplish this goal I will be proactive and approach administration with my plan, in hopes to create discussion and create reasonable agreements. By showing administration the benefits of later hours I believe this can be accomplished. I will also work with other senators to help support me in achieving this goal.

1. Why are you interested in serving in the role of the office(s) sought?

 I am interested in serving as a member of the Senate due to the fact that I believe that if I would like to live in an overall positive and welcoming community, it would only make sense that I would take part in the very organization that can make this type of community a reality.  I would be truly humbled to not only have the opportunity to create better learning and living environments for my current peers but also create a lasting impact that can be seen and experienced by future generations of Xavier students.

2. What makes you qualified to serve in the office(s) sought?

   I believe that I am qualified to serve as a Senator because I believe that I have developed many leadership skills throughout my high school career through taking part in various academic clubs, volunteer work,  and a specific relief effort that provided aid to Syrian refugee camps called Project Turquoise. The qualities I believe that I have gained from my extensive history of extracurricular activities include being able to respectfully get my point across, cooperate with others toward a common goal, and organizational skills. I hope to evolve these current skills to new heights and hopefully attain more leadership qualities during my time as a Senator.

3. If you could change one thing about Xavier, what would it be, and how would you accomplish it?

  The one thing I would change about Xavier would be to change Core 101 or Goa to an online lecture format with informative videos that require the student to check in once a week for no more than 30 minutes. Students would be able to choose one day during the school week to complete the set of brief videos and a short reflection. I would accomplish this by first drafting a petition and receiving an adequate amount of signatures. I would then present my idea during opinion entries during an official meeting of the SGA.

1. Why are you interested in serving in the role of the office(s) sought?

I am interested in serving on the Senate because it would be a new experience for me to show people who I am and what I strive for. Joining would give me the opportunity to work hard and tackle difficult situations that would benefit the students and faculty on campus. I had always wanted to be apart of the student government at my high school, but I never had the chance. That is why if I could be on the Senate at Xavier, that would accomplish one of my many important goals. I have also always wanted to help people with situations that are sometimes to difficult or out of their hands. The Senate would give me the authority to do just this.

2. What makes you qualified to serve in the office(s) sought?

I am qualified to serve on the Senate because I have partaken in many different clubs and activities that have given me the experience needed to be a great leader. During my Senior year of high school, I was a section leader in the marching band, the president of the honors choir, captain of track and cross-county teams, did numerous hours of community service, was a member of a suicide prevention group at my school, and I aspired to know everyone. Throughout my years as a student, I have strived to do it all for the chance to make a strong impact at my school and in the community. I want to do the same at Xavier with being a Senator. I know that I would be able to handle any task thrown at me, and I would be able to get it done in a timely fashion. I have worked hard to be able to get to where I am today, and I plan to work even harder through my future endeavors.

3. If you could change one thing about Xavier, what would it be, and how would you accomplish it?

            The one thing that I would change about Xavier would have to do with the garden in the back of the McDonald library, where the ‘Dance of Tears’ statue is. I would like to restore that area to make it look like an actual garden again, so people have a nice place to sit and do their homework or talk to friends. I know that this might not be a huge impact on the university, but I would like Xavier to become a beautiful campus everywhere. The garden area has been neglected because the statue located there depicts abortion in a certain point a view that the university would not like to push. I wish Xavier would stay true to its values and keep the garden area looking like how it was intended to be, a garden. Through community service and only a small amount of funding from Xavier, I would be able to bring new life to that area again.

1. Why are you interested in serving in the role of the office(s) sought?

I am interested on serving SGA as a senate because I want to be more involved and be a representative voice for the student body’s interests and any concerns that they may have. I personally want to help create a better campus life for the incoming students and the current students. At the same time, I believe serving for SGA would allow me to build up my professional network and personal development. It would also help me develop my organization, leadership, and social skills while I serve on the board. While my personal skills would be develop, the main interest for wanting to join SGA is to help make Xavier a better campus life and a more inclusive environment. 

2. What makes you qualified to serve in the office(s) sought?

I am a first generation Vietnamese student that is currently majoring accounting and minoring in business analytics. I am also on the board for Accounting Society, HR Club, and Children’s Charity Club. During my time and experiences on these respective clubs I was able to personally develop my leadership and teamwork skills. I take pride in my ability to work well in a team environment, coordinating well with others, and being an effective communicator as a result of these experiences. I have also taken the opportunity to study abroad in London and Paris which was a great experience to learn to be adaptable in a new environment/culture. I believe with my unique background and experiences gives me the qualifications to give a different perspective for SGA.

3. If you could change one thing about Xavier, what would it be, and how would you accomplish it?

One of the best things about Xavier is the small class sizes and the subsequent relationships you can build with your professors as a result of the smaller class sizes. While these class sizes make for a good environment for learning, I believe that applying concepts outside of the classroom would be a great addition to Xavier. I have had only one class which was marketing where we were able to work with an outside company (Dewey’s Pizza) with the help of the Sedler Center. If I were to try have more class have access to applying concepts to the real world, I would work with the Sedler Center and assist them in any way to help accomplish this. This is because the Sedler Center focuses on experiential learning and could use the assistance to expand to many more classes.