San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913

The Daily Aztec

San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913

The Daily Aztec




San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913

The Daily Aztec

A.S. Presidential Candidates

03_07_13_News_Debates_SeanGuardian_AZName: Sean Guardian

Position running for: President

Major: Criminal Justice

Year: Junior

 

My experience…

Includes being Interfraternity Council President in addition to three semesters as Associated Student Council representative from the College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts, Voting Member of the Rules Committee, Executive Committee, Campus Fee Advisory Committee, Student Diversity Commission and a Greek representative to the College Area Community Council.

 

What I would do differently than my predecessor…

The one thing I would like to build upon is the continued effort to enhance the accessibility of A.S. and the communication between A.S. and students. I think it’s important for students to know they can come and speak with me or any other executive officer at any time, and feel comfortable enough to do so.

 

What makes me different…

I have truly been blessed to have the opportunity to work with students from all different backgrounds, I have advocated on behalf of greek students through IFC; PSFA students through my college council; and the cultural organizations through my role on the Student Diversity Commission.  I believe I can understand and work with students from all demographics and with any range of needs and can effectively communicate their message and address issues on their behalf.

 

If I could change one thing about SDSU…

I want to work toward enhancing school pride and the university’s image to California and the nation.  Already, we are on par or better than schools such as University of California, Los Angeles, University of Southern California and Stanford when it comes to sustainable initiatives, campus diversity, athletic excellence and even academic prestige.  I want to work toward enhancing that image and instilling a greater sense of Aztec pride, so that we are recognized as the premier school in California and a premier campus nationally.

 

If elected, my No. 1 priority would be…

Enhancing the communication between students and A.S.  My No. 1 priority is whatever you, the San Diego State student, wants it to be.  My role is to represent you to the California State Student Association and to the university.  I can only do that by hearing your needs and making it my priority to seeing them met.

 

Fun fact:

I completed a half-Ironman during the summer and hope to complete the Hawaiian IronMan Triathlon within the next few years.

03_07_13_News_Debates_JoshMorse_AZName: Josh Morse

Position running for: President

Major: Finance

Year: Junior

 

My experience…

I have shadowed past A.S. executive officers; sat on numerous boards and committees; and ran for Vice President of University Affairs last year. As a former foster youth and Educational Opportunity Program student, I have used my passion for service to advocate on behalf of foster youth and other underserved students. I was selected by the assistant vice president and director of the EOP, to be the spokesperson for the Guardian Scholars Program. Since I joined the program in 2010, I have helped raise nearly $2.2 million. I am also an academic mentor for foster youth in the EOP Success Opportunity, Academics, Relationship Program.

I am also a member of Aztec Philanthropic Role in Development and Education. I am one of 20 students selected by the university’s first lady, Jeri Hirshman, and the division of University Relations and Development, to “play as guests to the university’s most prominent affairs on behalf of President Elliot Hirshman.”

 

What I would do differently than my predecessor…

If elected, I would make an effort to be more visible and hands-on with various student organizations and colleges. I would go beyond the call of duty to reach out to the same student organizations candidates generally reach out to when they are trying to get elected. Maintaining constant communication with organizations that do not directly have a seat on council will ensure that their voices are being heard. I would also utilize videos and other multimedia to disseminate information to students in a more exciting and interesting way.

What makes me different…

My broad and diverse perspective I have gained from representing so many different organizations. My ability to cope with homelessness, poverty and abandonment in my earlier years has given me a humble perspective of life and has allowed me to relish the opportunities this fine institution provides to all those willing to put in the hard work. I am a part of Greek life as well as Surf Team captain and Sports Club Council representative.

If I could change one thing about SDSU…

I would change the culture of SDSU by changing the common misconception that it’s just a “state school” that parties and lacks the prestigious name the University of Southern California and University of California, Los Angeles have garnered. No person can tell the world about the amazing Aztec experience better than an Aztec. In order to maintain these quantum leaps in university life we must start by believing we are great.

 

If elected, my No. 1 priority would be…

My No. 1 priority is to immediately start implementing my goals of ensuring a fluid transition into our new Aztec Student Union, finishing the restructuring process that was started years ago and to further solidify the vision of shared governance on campus. I will ensure any issues that arise during this implementation and transition are addressed properly. This will facilitate my goals of increasing communication and enhancing transparency of A.S. to the student population.

 

Fun fact:

I was ranked as the sixth best collegiate surfer on the West Coast.

 

 

 

 

03_07_13_News_Debates_JessikaSeekatz_AZName: Jessika Seekatz

Position running for: President

Major: Women’s Studies & International Security and Conflict Resolution

Year: Senior

 

My experience:

From 2011-12, I was the undeclared student representative on Associated Students Council, during which time I was able to use my position to create the Undeclared College Council in hopes of giving more opportunities for leadership positions where there were very few previously.

During the last three years as an Aztec, I have been a member of the San Diego State Debate Team and, this year, I have had the privilege of representing the team as the club president. My experience debating a wide range of political, social, economic and environmental issues in a national arena has contributed to my ability to think critically.

 

What I would do differently than my predecessor…

While I understand the importance of being a figurehead and building connections with faculty, staff and community leaders, one change I would like to make is promoting a more open-door policy as of A.S. president. There should always be a comfortable, open and direct line of communication between this position and the rest of the student body, especially when we consider that this individual is supposed to speak for all students and provide useful input.

 

What makes me different…

I believe this is where my slogan, “Fresh Perspective, Genuine Representation” comes into play. I am not afraid to question or challenge policies, practices and general discourse within A.S. or take the extra step to challenge them if necessary. I think this attribute will allow me to be a genuine advocate for SDSU students to the best of my ability.

 

If I could change one thing about SDSU…

I believe SDSU should aspire to be more active in the San Diego community as a united institution. One idea I have been playing with is the possibility of the A.S. executive team heading an event for a social issue that is both prevalent in the San Diego community and important to you all as SDSU students. This could also allow for different departments and parts of campus (with their permission and feedback) to be involved in a common cause and be able to utilize their specialties for an event to help people in our city, whether it be film, art, debate, dance, marketing fundraising, etc.

 

If elected, my No. 1 priority would be…

Would be to incorporate the student voice more into the structure of A.S. Implementing the new government structure means this is a critical time for building new standards and connections between A.S. and you all. If elected, one way I will strive toward this goal is by hosting an open forum with my fellow executive officers before the end of spring semester. During this event, at least one representative from the organizations and clubs on campus—as well as any students at large that would want to attend—would decide on the key priority goals of A.S. for the upcoming year.

 

Fun fact:

I can fit a quarter in my belly button.

 

 

 

 

03_07_13_News_Debates_CanaeWashingtonBW_AZName: Canae Washington

Position running for: President

Major: Political Science

Year: Junior

My experience:

I serve as vice chair of external relations in Associated Students and Student Diversity Commission Representative for the Student Veteran Organization. Additionally, as an San Diego State ambassador and official SDSU representative, I have given numerous tours to prospective students and worked during summer orientation to learn about the social and academic interests of students.

 

 

What makes me different…

These experiences equipped me to effectively represent the student body. The combination of being an SDSU ambassador and serving in as Vice Chair of External Affairs Board prepared me to represent students as the next A.S. president and distinguishes me from other leaders on campus.

 

What I would change about SDSU…

If there was anything I could improve about SDSU, it would be the intercultural connections between student orgs.

 

Fun fact:

I had the awesome opportunity to model for the SDSU Bookstore.

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A.S. Presidential Candidates