Students voters face VP position decision

Two candidates who pledge to listen to concerns about the budget and improving campus life are running for the seat of student government vice president. The Student Government Association elections are scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday. Students can vote at two polling stations located in the Herrington Patriot Center lobby and the second floor of the University Center Expansion at the top of the stairs by the entrance to the Metamorphosis Café.

Sara Khalifa, 17, an accounting major from Tyler, graduated high school early and started at the University fall 2008.

She currently serves in the SGA as a freshman class senator and is a member of the accounting Society and the Black Students Association.

Khalifa said she worked with the vice president on committees and knows what is required of the position.

“I’ve been to some of her meetings with the deans. So I know the path I need to be taking and what I need to do in a position such as vice president.”

She said she wants to focus on student life by creating programs for new students.

Jamie Newburn, 31, a junior psychology major from Jacksonville, started classes with the University this spring after attending Jacksonville College for two years.

Newburn said he served as a vice president for the student government at Jacksonville College from 2007-2008 and as the business manager for the Delta Psi Omega honor society.

Newburn said he is doesn’t know what the main issues facing students are because he is new to the campus. He said he hopes to find out what issues students consider important and do his best to fix them.

Both candidates agreed to share their views about the office with the Patriot Talon.

Khalifa

What qualities do you possess that make you a good leader?

“I’m very, very goal oriented. I’m only 17. My goal was to graduate early, start college and get my master’s and I’ve followed that goal. I like to set goals and I follow through, no matter what. Even if there are ups and downs, I follow through.”

What would you like to see changed on campus and how would you accomplish this task?

I think the budget cuts are really taking a toll on both faculty and students. The business building has been complaining about the air conditioning being turned off. Also, teachers in some classrooms don’t have chalk. I think I would try to find different ways and different areas to cut the budget. That way, students don’t have to have an uncomfortable learning environment.

I would like to see the University moving toward the green point of view by changing the light bulbs or other simple things.

How do you see yourself as a liaison between the student body and the administration?

I’ve been trying to get to know most of the deans and the [University] president as a freshman senator. I think I have pretty good communication skills and I’m not afraid to address an issue even if it’s controversial. I’m going to address it if that’s what the students want. I’m here for the students and, if I get this position, I will work for the students.

How do you plan to represent the student body?

I want to represent them the best I can. I’m not going to go just on what I want personally. I want to see what the students want. I’m here for them and I will do what I can to help them out.

What goals would you like to see the University accomplish by the time your service ends?

Hopefully, campus life will be a little bit stronger. We’ll resolve the budget issue by figuring out different ways to [cut costs]. Also, if we can’t go green this year, I’d like to come up with a plan of how we can. That way we have a proposal ready for when we have the money to do it.

Newburn

What qualities do you possess that make you a good leader?

I try to find out what other people are needing or wanting. You can tell people, “Oh, follow me.” But if you’re not going to the same place that the other people are going, it’s not really going to help them.

What would you like to see changed on campus and how would you accomplish this task?

We should have some sort of event to actually get the students together; something where you don’t have to compete against others, like some sort of mixer where all the students are invited and welcomed. There is a difference. A lot of times I see places where everyone’s invited but they’re not necessarily welcomed.

Me personally, I’m older than the average student here. I’ve been through more stuff in my lifetime but I’m not seen as equal to the rest of the students. I may only be a junior ranking, but I’m older than most of the people entering the [graduate] programs.

I’d like to see the students look at each other … as equals. I don‘t know if there is any way of doing that, but going against stereotypes sometimes would help.

How do you see yourself as a liaison between the student body and the administration?

Be willing to listen. Be willing to help. Be willing to serve the students. That, and not be afraid to tell the teachers or administrators what the students want. Too often I’ve seen ideas get set aside because people say, “oh, the president doesn’t want that,” or, “Oh, this teacher doesn’t want that.” Sometimes controversial ideas work.

How do you plan to represent the student body?

Represent them as best I can. I’ll be the first to tell you I’m not perfect. I don’t get everything right. I may not make friends with most of the student body. They may not like me at all. But, I’m there willing to listen. I may not be able to help much but I’m willing to help.

What goals would you like to see the University accomplish by the time you service ends?

To look at the students as more than numbers. Each student on this campus, even if they fit into a stereotype exactly, is an individual. From what I’ve seen before, with colleges and universities, it’s often about the numbers and the balance sheet. The actual student is kind of left out.

This many people enrolled, this many transferred. What about those people, who are they? What were their plans? If their plans were to take one class to prove they could, they succeeded. They don’t need a degree to show that they are a success.

Some people are made for college and some aren’t. I’d like to see the University look at the students as individuals.

By Aaron May Staff Writer