I am proud to announce that I will be serving as Chairman of the Committee on Student Life for the second meeting of the Student Association General Assembly during the 2009-2010 academic year. Of the nineteen current members (2 openings exist for the class of 2010), I received sixteen votes in my bid for re-election to the post of Chairman. While the past year has been both busy and productive for the Student Life Committee I look forward to a bevy of new initiatives in 2009.
I have recently begun working on improving the content and efficiency of Student Life Meetings and once the committee members are determined will be opening new and innovative lines of communication to ensure that we represent the body to the very best of our abilities. From the members of my committee I will appoint a secretary who will serve both as the official keeper of records for the Student Life Committee and deputy chair in the event of my absence.
Looking over the issues that we have confronted in the first year of the General Assembly I am incredibly optimistic about the future. We must engage the pressing issues facing the students of The Catholic University of America and work tirelessly to ensure the highest quality experience possible. Furthermore we must seek an active partnership with the administration, recognizing the common goal of bettering the time students spend at Catholic. However, we cannot shy away from the controversial and sometimes divisive problems on this campus. Instead we must seek to remedy them in a rationale and out of the box fashion creating pragmatic solutions to major problems. Also I plan on placing a sincere focus on areas of student life that are often overlooked and bringing them to the forefront of my legislative agenda.
I cannot wait to get to work and start filling the liaison positions on my Committee.
Sincerely,
Ryan Winn
Monday, April 13, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Thank You All
With less than thirty minutes left to vote I just want to take a chance to sincerely thank all those of you who have supported me over the past few weeks, and for the last two years as I have served the Class of 2011 on Student Government. I appreciate your dedication to improving the quality of student lifer here at The Catholic University of America and commit myself to to continue working for our class whether re-elected or otherwise.
It has been incredible to meet so many of you over the past few weeks and talk about the issues you are dealing with on campus. Serving on SAGA this past year has allowed me to meet and interact with the vast majority of our class. This experience has been nothing less than inspiring. The Class of 2011 is the heart and soul of Catholic University. We lead sports teams, student organizations, academic groups, and have more fun than any other group I have ever met. As we transition from underclassmen to upperclassmen the problems facing CUA students will truly be our own.
This past year CUA has seen more new organizations and programming than any time in its history. As an institution of higher learning we are on the right path. The Catholic University of America is continuing its rise in the rankings and student life must progress accordingly. Although our time at CUA is almost half over we still have a chance to enact lasting change and build a tradition of responsibility that students past, present, and future can be proud of.
Once again I thank you for your time and encourage you to join me at midnight to hear the election results in the Pryz.
Sincerely,
Ryan D. Winn
It has been incredible to meet so many of you over the past few weeks and talk about the issues you are dealing with on campus. Serving on SAGA this past year has allowed me to meet and interact with the vast majority of our class. This experience has been nothing less than inspiring. The Class of 2011 is the heart and soul of Catholic University. We lead sports teams, student organizations, academic groups, and have more fun than any other group I have ever met. As we transition from underclassmen to upperclassmen the problems facing CUA students will truly be our own.
This past year CUA has seen more new organizations and programming than any time in its history. As an institution of higher learning we are on the right path. The Catholic University of America is continuing its rise in the rankings and student life must progress accordingly. Although our time at CUA is almost half over we still have a chance to enact lasting change and build a tradition of responsibility that students past, present, and future can be proud of.
Once again I thank you for your time and encourage you to join me at midnight to hear the election results in the Pryz.
Sincerely,
Ryan D. Winn
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Speech
“Building a Tradition of Responsible Representation”
First of all I just want to thank every one of you for coming out tonight. It is great to see that you
care enough to come out and listen to us, even after suffering through three weeks of facebook
messages, posters, and people knocking on your doors. It has been a distinct pleasure to serve
the Class of 2011 over the past two years, first as Student Life Senator and then as Chairman of
the Student Life Committee this past year. These experiences have greatly shaped my time at
Catholic University, intimately acquainting me with both the many positive aspects of CUA and
the things in need of improvement.
Although the Student Association is nearing the completion of only its first year this has not
inhibited our ability to enact positive change in the quality of life for students here at CUA.
Specifically I have sponsored legislation designed to improve the standing of the General
Assembly, making it an effective means of advocating for the students. I have also dedicated
myself to supporting student organizations, increasing recreational opportunities on campus,
ensuring transparency in SFAB, and never backing down from the tough issues facing the
student body.
If re-elected I hope to build upon these successes as well as expanding to new areas with the
potential for improvement. I will use my relationships within the administration as well as the
student body to better the quality of life here on campus and here are just a few of my ideas for
new initiatives:
The General Assembly must make it a priority to increase the amount of study space on campus.
With an ever increasing student population a serious push should be made to open a large
building for 24 hour student use year round, not simply on finals week. As our University grows
in population it must likewise find new ways to create access to study spaces
around campus for every student. Interim solutions could also include opening the McMahon
and Pangborn
computer labs for all night use.
Less than two hours ago I was called by a sophomore asking if I could sit down with him and
help him wade through the paperwork and language that has followed in the wake of a write up.
The current system employed by Judicial and Ethical Affairs is broken. More often than not
students do not understand the process and are thus unable to properly prepare their response to
charges presented by the University. In order to ensure fairness and to better educate the student
body I am currently working towards the establishment of a “Student Advocacy Board.” This
group would serve as an educational resource for students, explaining the process that goes along
with a Judicial Board Hearing and answering questions in a confidential environment.
Further if re-elected I will continue to hold the General Assembly, as well as SFAB accountable
for how they choose to spend money from the Student Activity and Club Sports Fee. To this end
I am proud to announce that as of August 15th all SFAB allocations will be public to the
University community and available online within five days of any allocation. I also pledge to
look for new, innovative ways of increasing student body oversight and involvement in the
allocation process.
I believe that Student Organizations are one of CUA’s greatest resources. In addition to
providing programming to entertain, they also serve as points of origin for career and further
academic opportunities for a multitude of students. It is time that we let our Student
Organizations know that we have their back and that is why I am a strong supporter of increasing
the Student Activity and Club Sports Fee. I have no doubt that the abundant talent in our many organizations will ensure that this money is spent wisely, and that it is an investment in the CUA community and not merely an arbitrary fee increase.
Most importantly however I commit myself to increasing student input within the General
Assembly. Greater steps must be taken by each and every member of the Assembly to reach out
and ask students what they would like to see done by their representatives at CUA. Students
should be encouraged to sit in on SAGA meetings and provide an outside prospective to help
guide discussion and debate.
It has been a pleasure serving our class for the past two years. Through the ups and down I can
truly say that I have enjoyed my time as a Delegate, and as a Committee Chair. Student
government has allowed me to meet so many incredible people and make a number of good
friends.
To me it is clear that our class is very unique. As sophomores members our class are already
leading the University in academics, student groups, and on athletic teams. As we progress
from underclassmen to upperclassmen nothing would make me happier than to continue the
work I have started this past year in improving the student experience at Catholic. It is my
sincere belief that we have a duty to build a tradition of responsible representation for our class,
then entire University, and those who will attend after we have graduated. The lack of a strong
student voice in University affairs is a crucial shortcoming of this University, but it is a problem
we can, and if re-elected, a problem I look forward to correcting.
Thank you all so much for your time and I wish the best of luck to my fellow candidates. I hope
I can count on your support on Thursday, God bless.
First of all I just want to thank every one of you for coming out tonight. It is great to see that you
care enough to come out and listen to us, even after suffering through three weeks of facebook
messages, posters, and people knocking on your doors. It has been a distinct pleasure to serve
the Class of 2011 over the past two years, first as Student Life Senator and then as Chairman of
the Student Life Committee this past year. These experiences have greatly shaped my time at
Catholic University, intimately acquainting me with both the many positive aspects of CUA and
the things in need of improvement.
Although the Student Association is nearing the completion of only its first year this has not
inhibited our ability to enact positive change in the quality of life for students here at CUA.
Specifically I have sponsored legislation designed to improve the standing of the General
Assembly, making it an effective means of advocating for the students. I have also dedicated
myself to supporting student organizations, increasing recreational opportunities on campus,
ensuring transparency in SFAB, and never backing down from the tough issues facing the
student body.
If re-elected I hope to build upon these successes as well as expanding to new areas with the
potential for improvement. I will use my relationships within the administration as well as the
student body to better the quality of life here on campus and here are just a few of my ideas for
new initiatives:
The General Assembly must make it a priority to increase the amount of study space on campus.
With an ever increasing student population a serious push should be made to open a large
building for 24 hour student use year round, not simply on finals week. As our University grows
in population it must likewise find new ways to create access to study spaces
around campus for every student. Interim solutions could also include opening the McMahon
and Pangborn
computer labs for all night use.
Less than two hours ago I was called by a sophomore asking if I could sit down with him and
help him wade through the paperwork and language that has followed in the wake of a write up.
The current system employed by Judicial and Ethical Affairs is broken. More often than not
students do not understand the process and are thus unable to properly prepare their response to
charges presented by the University. In order to ensure fairness and to better educate the student
body I am currently working towards the establishment of a “Student Advocacy Board.” This
group would serve as an educational resource for students, explaining the process that goes along
with a Judicial Board Hearing and answering questions in a confidential environment.
Further if re-elected I will continue to hold the General Assembly, as well as SFAB accountable
for how they choose to spend money from the Student Activity and Club Sports Fee. To this end
I am proud to announce that as of August 15th all SFAB allocations will be public to the
University community and available online within five days of any allocation. I also pledge to
look for new, innovative ways of increasing student body oversight and involvement in the
allocation process.
I believe that Student Organizations are one of CUA’s greatest resources. In addition to
providing programming to entertain, they also serve as points of origin for career and further
academic opportunities for a multitude of students. It is time that we let our Student
Organizations know that we have their back and that is why I am a strong supporter of increasing
the Student Activity and Club Sports Fee. I have no doubt that the abundant talent in our many organizations will ensure that this money is spent wisely, and that it is an investment in the CUA community and not merely an arbitrary fee increase.
Most importantly however I commit myself to increasing student input within the General
Assembly. Greater steps must be taken by each and every member of the Assembly to reach out
and ask students what they would like to see done by their representatives at CUA. Students
should be encouraged to sit in on SAGA meetings and provide an outside prospective to help
guide discussion and debate.
It has been a pleasure serving our class for the past two years. Through the ups and down I can
truly say that I have enjoyed my time as a Delegate, and as a Committee Chair. Student
government has allowed me to meet so many incredible people and make a number of good
friends.
To me it is clear that our class is very unique. As sophomores members our class are already
leading the University in academics, student groups, and on athletic teams. As we progress
from underclassmen to upperclassmen nothing would make me happier than to continue the
work I have started this past year in improving the student experience at Catholic. It is my
sincere belief that we have a duty to build a tradition of responsible representation for our class,
then entire University, and those who will attend after we have graduated. The lack of a strong
student voice in University affairs is a crucial shortcoming of this University, but it is a problem
we can, and if re-elected, a problem I look forward to correcting.
Thank you all so much for your time and I wish the best of luck to my fellow candidates. I hope
I can count on your support on Thursday, God bless.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
SAGA Speaker to Address Student Body during Fall Semester
Last night the General Assembly voted overwhelmingly to pass into law a Bill I proposed making it mandatory for the Speaker of the Student Association General Assembly to address the University Community at least once per year. The address will be known as "The State of the Student Body Address," and the exact date is to be decided by the presiding Speaker.
It is my sincere hope that the next Speaker takes full advantage of this event to, along with the General Assembly, create a cohesive agenda for tangible change here at CUA. The Student Body has a right to know what we want to do, and influence the direction we take at.
It is my sincere hope that the next Speaker takes full advantage of this event to, along with the General Assembly, create a cohesive agenda for tangible change here at CUA. The Student Body has a right to know what we want to do, and influence the direction we take at.
Monday, March 16, 2009
SFAB Transparency and Campus Movie Fest
A week ago today the Student Association General Assembly took under consideration two pieces of legislation that I proposed. The first was a resolution committing the General Assembly to support the efforts of the winners of the Campus Movie Fest to continue competing with their film in Cannes France at the world renown film festival held there. The Student Association will be sending out two list serv emails encouraging people to support these five person team financial in an attempt to offset the incredible cost associated with this trip. If you would like to donate please click on the following link or email me at 60winn@cua.edu http://jkhincannes.blogspot.com/
View the film here: http://www.vimeo.com/3330029
The second piece of legislation that I authored and was subsequently passed into law made it mandatory for all SFAB allocations to be public within five academic days. Furthermore my bill required SFAB to create an internet resource that will allow any student to keep up to date on how THEIR money is being spent.
View the film here: http://www.vimeo.com/3330029
The second piece of legislation that I authored and was subsequently passed into law made it mandatory for all SFAB allocations to be public within five academic days. Furthermore my bill required SFAB to create an internet resource that will allow any student to keep up to date on how THEIR money is being spent.
Winn's Words
Some quotes from this past year:
“Ideally I’d like to remove visitation hours, but I don’t think that’s going to happen, so we have to find a way to make it easier to study that administration will accept,”
“I know a lot of students who have showed up, and just got railroaded, because they just didn’t know what was going on. In a court, at least you have someone on your side, and maybe we can get at least some information out”
“Our job is to educate kids on campus about this. It is a serious problem. But at the same time we don’t want to be bar police. I don’t think it’s our job to tell people where they can and cannot go. Let’s get the information out there, but let’s not try to become some moral authority. We’re here to keep kids safe, but we’re not here to judge them.”
"The inspiration behind this is to increase transparency and let them know what we are planning so that we are not only getting people on board with our initiatives, but also allowing them to hold us accountable."
“Ideally I’d like to remove visitation hours, but I don’t think that’s going to happen, so we have to find a way to make it easier to study that administration will accept,”
“I know a lot of students who have showed up, and just got railroaded, because they just didn’t know what was going on. In a court, at least you have someone on your side, and maybe we can get at least some information out”
“Our job is to educate kids on campus about this. It is a serious problem. But at the same time we don’t want to be bar police. I don’t think it’s our job to tell people where they can and cannot go. Let’s get the information out there, but let’s not try to become some moral authority. We’re here to keep kids safe, but we’re not here to judge them.”
"The inspiration behind this is to increase transparency and let them know what we are planning so that we are not only getting people on board with our initiatives, but also allowing them to hold us accountable."
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