Studying abroad is an incredibly opportunity offered to students at CUA. Although I still have a month left in London I can already tell that this will be one of the highlight of my time in college. This experience can literally take you anywhere from Hong Kong, to Greece, and even one of three European Parliaments. From my conversations with other students in both my own, and other CUA programs I have found that the big picture things are incredibly well organized, yet there are still issues in the details. The General Assembly for the last two years has had minimal involvement with the academic workings of the University. Simply put this dynamic needs to change if SAGA is to be a permanent force for the betterment of the student experience at CUA.
In order to achieve these two ends I propose the that at the first meeting of the next General Assembly, SAGA commissions reports on each program (organized by the liaison to the Center for Global Education) using information provided by those people who completed the program the previous Spring (right now). I firmly believe that having students provide an honest critique of the services provided by Catholic University while abroad is the most efficient means of improving study abroad. For example in London I had a terrible time getting a Student Tube Card (a process which could have been completed prior to my arrival) and has resulted in extra charges of nearly $75. Minor issues such as these could be exposed by an examination organized by SAGA, the results of which would be presented to the Center for Global Education. This process will not only improve studying abroad for the nearly 175 students who go each semester, but will also create a conversation about further SAGA involvement with study abroad programs.
The General Assembly has got to build upon the strides taken in opening the library 24 hours during finals and the Speaker's Task Force on Politics to engage with the academic programs offered here at CUA. Making study abroad more convenient and easier for students studying in other countries is a first step for the General Assembly to reaffirm its commitment to the improving the quality of all academic programs offered by The Catholic University of America.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
Off-Campus Housing Assistance
If anyone is looking for help finding housing off-campus this year Housing Services has a few programs you should look into:
http://housing.cua.edu/offcampus/resourcecenter.cfm
http://housing.cua.edu/offcampus/resourcecenter.cfm
Protecting the Rights of Students who Live Off-campus
With most of the class of 2011 having completed the housing selection process for the 2010-2011 school year, the question of where many of us will be living is still far from answered. Due to the recent (but very much necessary) decision to close Spellman and Conaty Halls The Catholic University of America has been thrown into a housing crunch. More students than at any period during out time at CUA will be forced to move off-campus to cope with the lack of available rooms on campus.
Living off-campus comes with its own unique challenges, paramount amongst them a Brookland neighborhood that is openly hostile to University students in their community. Despite a few justified concerns residents are often nitpicking small issues and singling out students for undue negative attention out of a desire to encourage draconian measures on the part of University administration towards those residents who cannot live on campus due to size constraints. Further compounding these issues is the grotesque lack of representation these individuals enjoy presently in the General Assembly and all of student advocacy.
SAGA must take a proactive stand to assert the rights of CUA students in the Brookland community as the legal residents that they are, in addition to being students at the nearby university. If elected I will create an independent "Off-Campus Housing Association" to provide the representation so desperately needed by off-campus students in confronting the challenges posed by unreasonable community leaders. Furthermore SAGA members should be in attendance at each and every community meeting in order to prevent our students from being turned into political bargaining pieces by the Brookland community when discussing CUA's plans to expand. Last summer while living in the Heights I had the chance to observe these meetings first hand and I truly believe that students must engage with the community at large to improve the perception of CUA students as well as to develop a dialogue capable of heading off small issues before they erupt into ones the University administration becomes involved in.
The problems faced by off-campus residents will continue grow as more of the campus population moves into the Brookland neighborhood and the General Assembly must be committed to improving the present state of relations, thereby improving the quality of life for every student who lives in the surrounding area.
Living off-campus comes with its own unique challenges, paramount amongst them a Brookland neighborhood that is openly hostile to University students in their community. Despite a few justified concerns residents are often nitpicking small issues and singling out students for undue negative attention out of a desire to encourage draconian measures on the part of University administration towards those residents who cannot live on campus due to size constraints. Further compounding these issues is the grotesque lack of representation these individuals enjoy presently in the General Assembly and all of student advocacy.
SAGA must take a proactive stand to assert the rights of CUA students in the Brookland community as the legal residents that they are, in addition to being students at the nearby university. If elected I will create an independent "Off-Campus Housing Association" to provide the representation so desperately needed by off-campus students in confronting the challenges posed by unreasonable community leaders. Furthermore SAGA members should be in attendance at each and every community meeting in order to prevent our students from being turned into political bargaining pieces by the Brookland community when discussing CUA's plans to expand. Last summer while living in the Heights I had the chance to observe these meetings first hand and I truly believe that students must engage with the community at large to improve the perception of CUA students as well as to develop a dialogue capable of heading off small issues before they erupt into ones the University administration becomes involved in.
The problems faced by off-campus residents will continue grow as more of the campus population moves into the Brookland neighborhood and the General Assembly must be committed to improving the present state of relations, thereby improving the quality of life for every student who lives in the surrounding area.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Reforming Student Conduct and Ethical Development
Over the last two years I have attempted to provide students who are facing the University Hearing Board a fair chance to defend themselves from whatever allegations are confronted with. It is almost impossible to go a full year at The Catholic University of America without knowing someone who didn't understand what was involved in the hearing process and who winds up suspended or expelled. It is not right that students are given no opportunity to prepare their case or information as to what resources (incident report, witness policy, etc.) are available to them, while the students who are hearing their case receive professional training from the University.
In order to rectify this inequality I sponsored a bill that was passed last Spring by the Student Association General Assembly mandating the creation of a Student Advocacy Board, designed to provide unbiased information about the hearing process, and student rights therein. This body would initially be composed of members of the University Hearing Board (although if they advised a student they would be not be eligible to hear their care) and later expanded out to any interested member of the University Community interested in helping inform their fellow students and preventing people from getting railroaded by a poorly implemented hearing board system. Strict confidentiality would of course be required of anyone taking part of in the program.
Despite the progress made this Fall, more has to be done to establish, and advertise this program leading up to the Fall 2010 semester. SAGA, and specifically the Student Life Committee, need to ensure that this initiative is institutionalized into the University training schedule alongside the training for the University Hearing Board so that it becomes an official, and effective role here at CUA. After accomplishing this goal the program could be further expanded to help enlighten students regarding being documented by a RA and other University policies.
In order to rectify this inequality I sponsored a bill that was passed last Spring by the Student Association General Assembly mandating the creation of a Student Advocacy Board, designed to provide unbiased information about the hearing process, and student rights therein. This body would initially be composed of members of the University Hearing Board (although if they advised a student they would be not be eligible to hear their care) and later expanded out to any interested member of the University Community interested in helping inform their fellow students and preventing people from getting railroaded by a poorly implemented hearing board system. Strict confidentiality would of course be required of anyone taking part of in the program.
Despite the progress made this Fall, more has to be done to establish, and advertise this program leading up to the Fall 2010 semester. SAGA, and specifically the Student Life Committee, need to ensure that this initiative is institutionalized into the University training schedule alongside the training for the University Hearing Board so that it becomes an official, and effective role here at CUA. After accomplishing this goal the program could be further expanded to help enlighten students regarding being documented by a RA and other University policies.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Candidacy Announcement
I am officially announcing my bid for re-election as a Delegate to the General Assembly from the Class of 2011. Over the past two years I have served as both the Chairman of the Student Life Committee and as liaison to the Dean of Students.
Voting will take place on March 30th from 9am-9pm in Pryz Lobby and online at http://vote.cua.edu/
Students at CUA have the right to have their voice heard, and should be a major factor in decisions that will affect Student Life and Academics. For this reason I have decided to pursue another term on the General Assembly. If elected I will build upon the successes SAGA has experienced over the last two years and I will not shy away from addressing the tough issues that affect CUA students.
We have an obligation not only to our class but to every class that will follow us to create a system of student governance that is legitimate, respected, and effective.
Check out the blog I have set up to let you know a little more about what I have been working on this year and my thoughts on where SAGA needs to go in the future, follow me on Twitter @RyanDWinn
If re-elected I dedicate myself to the following goals:
Student Life
Reforming Student Conduct and Ethical Development- How many times have we heard people say that they were confused as to there rights when they went in front of a University Hearing Board? Students should understand the charges being brought against them as what they have access to as far as documents and personnel as per University policy. To this end I sponsored a bill, which was passed by SAGA last term creating a Student Advocacy Board that can help educate students about the process associated with a hearing. However, this has been slow to be implemented and the administration must formalize this board prior to the start of the Fall 2010 Semester.
Ensuring an Equal Voice for Students in Off-Campus Housing- All too often the interest of off-campus students are underrepresented here at CUA, and when issues arise in the Brookland community it is often students who bear the brunt of the criticism. With more students moving off-campus the rights of students as residents need to be protected. Therefore I support the creation of an Off-Campus Housing Council to serve as an independent means of dealing with the challenges faced by students who don't live on campus. Furthermore SAGA representatives should attend the monthly local community meetings in order to build a positive, lasting relationship with the Brookland Community. For more info on the problems CUA students face off-campus check out this Washington Post article from last summer http://ryandwinn.blogspot.com/2009/08/washington-post-article-on-off-campus.html
Revising the Visitation Policy- Lets face it there are simply not enough locations around campus open for late night use. I fully support efforts to increase the number of buildings offering 24 hour access however more immediate steps need to be taken. The lack of study space is further compounded by a visitation policy that severely limits students ability to meet at night. As a start, visitation hours should be set no earlier than 2am for rooms and unlimited for common rooms to ensure students academics are not infringed upon by arbitrary regulations.
Expanding CUA Shuttle Service to Local Airports- I am strongly in favor of increasing shuttle services to both airports and train stations prior to University Breaks through the current measures before the Assembly.
Academics
Improving Study Abroad Programs- Studying abroad is an incredible opportunity that I am fortunate enough to be experiencing right now in London. In my experience the programs offered by CUA are extremely good, however because returning Seniors are often reluctant to provide thorough feedback small problems go unfixed From my conversations with other students studying abroad it is clear that there is room for substantial improvement in the details of study abroad programs. Therefore I believe that SAGA should commission reports from returning Juniors and Seniors as to which aspects of their programs could have been better. The General Assembly needs to renew its commitments to those students studying abroad through the thorough compilation of student feedback and presenting the reports to the Center for Global Education.
Reforming the Student Association
End to Appointed Positions- Presently when a vacancy occurs on the General Assembly the remaining members of that class' delegation appoint someone to fill the empty seat. This process leads to distrust of the body as well as raises serious questions as to how representative SAGA can be. Despite the admirable service of all appointees (past and present) a change is necessary. Therefore if elected I will present a bill requiring special elections should a vacancy occur mid-session. This measure will give students a greatly increased role in determining who represents them to the University.
Save Our Speaker!- I am strongly opposed to the forthcoming ballot question regarding changing the name of the Office of the Speaker to the Office of the President. This name change is billed as a measure to "legitimize" SAGA. With due respect to its proponents improving life for students will bring legitimacy to the General Assembly. Furthermore this change will serve to confuse first year students as the Speaker does not possess properly executive powers, nor are they elected by the entire student body. For more information on my opposition to this change please check out my Tower Op-Ed http://ryandwinn.blogspot.com/2010/03/whats-in-name.html and vote NO on March 30th.
Empowering Student Organizations While Protecting the Student Activity and Club Sports Fee- Last year students voted to increase the student activity fee by $25 a semester. These funds will become available for student orgs and club sports starting next year, providing an additional $140,000 for events (bringing the total to over $500,00). Although an incredible opportunity for organizations, SAGA must play the role of steward for these funds, carefully examining SFAB allocations. If necessary the General Assembly must also hold organizations accountable for irresponsible uses of your money. Last semester I sponsored a bill that required Program Board to appear before the Assembly and give a detailed account of where the funds went, and why the event failed. This variety of oversight provides a model that will ensure Student Activity Fee money is properly managed.
Improved Communications- In order to solicit feedback as well as improve understanding of SAGA the Speaker should present an agenda each semester covering all of the offices represented by SAGA. This agenda could be presented in the mandatory speech the Speaker is required to give, based upon a bill I sponsored last year. Furthermore the Speaker should appoint a Communications Director to spread the word about SAGA initiatives as well as to cultivate a better relationship with campus media (CUA TV, The Tower, WCUA, The Quorum, ect).
Voting will take place on March 30th from 9am-9pm in Pryz Lobby and online at http://vote.cua.edu/
Students at CUA have the right to have their voice heard, and should be a major factor in decisions that will affect Student Life and Academics. For this reason I have decided to pursue another term on the General Assembly. If elected I will build upon the successes SAGA has experienced over the last two years and I will not shy away from addressing the tough issues that affect CUA students.
We have an obligation not only to our class but to every class that will follow us to create a system of student governance that is legitimate, respected, and effective.
Check out the blog I have set up to let you know a little more about what I have been working on this year and my thoughts on where SAGA needs to go in the future, follow me on Twitter @RyanDWinn
If re-elected I dedicate myself to the following goals:
Student Life
Reforming Student Conduct and Ethical Development- How many times have we heard people say that they were confused as to there rights when they went in front of a University Hearing Board? Students should understand the charges being brought against them as what they have access to as far as documents and personnel as per University policy. To this end I sponsored a bill, which was passed by SAGA last term creating a Student Advocacy Board that can help educate students about the process associated with a hearing. However, this has been slow to be implemented and the administration must formalize this board prior to the start of the Fall 2010 Semester.
Ensuring an Equal Voice for Students in Off-Campus Housing- All too often the interest of off-campus students are underrepresented here at CUA, and when issues arise in the Brookland community it is often students who bear the brunt of the criticism. With more students moving off-campus the rights of students as residents need to be protected. Therefore I support the creation of an Off-Campus Housing Council to serve as an independent means of dealing with the challenges faced by students who don't live on campus. Furthermore SAGA representatives should attend the monthly local community meetings in order to build a positive, lasting relationship with the Brookland Community. For more info on the problems CUA students face off-campus check out this Washington Post article from last summer http://ryandwinn.blogspot.com/2009/08/washington-post-article-on-off-campus.html
Revising the Visitation Policy- Lets face it there are simply not enough locations around campus open for late night use. I fully support efforts to increase the number of buildings offering 24 hour access however more immediate steps need to be taken. The lack of study space is further compounded by a visitation policy that severely limits students ability to meet at night. As a start, visitation hours should be set no earlier than 2am for rooms and unlimited for common rooms to ensure students academics are not infringed upon by arbitrary regulations.
Expanding CUA Shuttle Service to Local Airports- I am strongly in favor of increasing shuttle services to both airports and train stations prior to University Breaks through the current measures before the Assembly.
Academics
Improving Study Abroad Programs- Studying abroad is an incredible opportunity that I am fortunate enough to be experiencing right now in London. In my experience the programs offered by CUA are extremely good, however because returning Seniors are often reluctant to provide thorough feedback small problems go unfixed From my conversations with other students studying abroad it is clear that there is room for substantial improvement in the details of study abroad programs. Therefore I believe that SAGA should commission reports from returning Juniors and Seniors as to which aspects of their programs could have been better. The General Assembly needs to renew its commitments to those students studying abroad through the thorough compilation of student feedback and presenting the reports to the Center for Global Education.
Reforming the Student Association
End to Appointed Positions- Presently when a vacancy occurs on the General Assembly the remaining members of that class' delegation appoint someone to fill the empty seat. This process leads to distrust of the body as well as raises serious questions as to how representative SAGA can be. Despite the admirable service of all appointees (past and present) a change is necessary. Therefore if elected I will present a bill requiring special elections should a vacancy occur mid-session. This measure will give students a greatly increased role in determining who represents them to the University.
Save Our Speaker!- I am strongly opposed to the forthcoming ballot question regarding changing the name of the Office of the Speaker to the Office of the President. This name change is billed as a measure to "legitimize" SAGA. With due respect to its proponents improving life for students will bring legitimacy to the General Assembly. Furthermore this change will serve to confuse first year students as the Speaker does not possess properly executive powers, nor are they elected by the entire student body. For more information on my opposition to this change please check out my Tower Op-Ed http://ryandwinn.blogspot.com/2010/03/whats-in-name.html and vote NO on March 30th.
Empowering Student Organizations While Protecting the Student Activity and Club Sports Fee- Last year students voted to increase the student activity fee by $25 a semester. These funds will become available for student orgs and club sports starting next year, providing an additional $140,000 for events (bringing the total to over $500,00). Although an incredible opportunity for organizations, SAGA must play the role of steward for these funds, carefully examining SFAB allocations. If necessary the General Assembly must also hold organizations accountable for irresponsible uses of your money. Last semester I sponsored a bill that required Program Board to appear before the Assembly and give a detailed account of where the funds went, and why the event failed. This variety of oversight provides a model that will ensure Student Activity Fee money is properly managed.
Improved Communications- In order to solicit feedback as well as improve understanding of SAGA the Speaker should present an agenda each semester covering all of the offices represented by SAGA. This agenda could be presented in the mandatory speech the Speaker is required to give, based upon a bill I sponsored last year. Furthermore the Speaker should appoint a Communications Director to spread the word about SAGA initiatives as well as to cultivate a better relationship with campus media (CUA TV, The Tower, WCUA, The Quorum, ect).
Sunday, March 7, 2010
What's in a Name?
What’s in a name? Well SAGA feels like they are quite a bit associated with a name. Earlier this week the General Assembly voted 20-5 in favor of allowing the student body to decide whether or not the title of Speaker of the General Assembly should be changed to President. While I commend the GA for putting the issue to the CUA community I have concerns as to the reasons given for calling this vote. According to the reasons presented on Wednesday night the change is designed to legitimize the executive role within SAGA, make it easier for people to understand what the General Assembly is, and to give additional weight to the initiatives undertaken by SAGA. While noble goals in themselves I can’t quite see how altering a title can accomplish these goals. The only true way to legitimize and prove SAGA’s worth to the University community is to simply improve the quality of the student experience here at CUA. It’s as simple as that. Creating a consistent record of achievement is not only a means to better the organizations reputation but the very end for which it was founded in the first place.
Furthermore, changing the name of the Speaker to President will serve to confuse, rather than clarify the role this office holds. In reality the Speaker is not a President, he is a Delegate for either the Junior or Senior classes who is chosen to lead the body for a current term and to carry out the initiatives of the body. However, that does not mean the Speaker is an ineffective office. In reality quite the opposite is true, the role of the Speaker allows for an incredible amount of growth. If the General Assembly wished to expand the authority of the executive I encourage them to do it within the framework of the Office of the Speaker. For example the Speaker could consolidate authority of his office by addressing the student body once a year (as is currently mandated), issue a holistic agenda, and create stronger lines of communication between the body and the student population.
The largest pitfall SAGA faces as it heads into its third year is the belief that Delegates are more concerned with hollow changes to governing documents than making things better for their classmates. I encourage the current members of the General Assembly to strive to innovate new means of improving student life and academics on campus. Similarly I encourage students to vote against changing the title of Speaker to President when they cast their ballots for next year’s members of SAGA, SFAB, and Program Board.
Furthermore, changing the name of the Speaker to President will serve to confuse, rather than clarify the role this office holds. In reality the Speaker is not a President, he is a Delegate for either the Junior or Senior classes who is chosen to lead the body for a current term and to carry out the initiatives of the body. However, that does not mean the Speaker is an ineffective office. In reality quite the opposite is true, the role of the Speaker allows for an incredible amount of growth. If the General Assembly wished to expand the authority of the executive I encourage them to do it within the framework of the Office of the Speaker. For example the Speaker could consolidate authority of his office by addressing the student body once a year (as is currently mandated), issue a holistic agenda, and create stronger lines of communication between the body and the student population.
The largest pitfall SAGA faces as it heads into its third year is the belief that Delegates are more concerned with hollow changes to governing documents than making things better for their classmates. I encourage the current members of the General Assembly to strive to innovate new means of improving student life and academics on campus. Similarly I encourage students to vote against changing the title of Speaker to President when they cast their ballots for next year’s members of SAGA, SFAB, and Program Board.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Official Resignation from SAGA
Speaker Christopher Pierno and Delegates of the Second General Assembly,
Effective immediately following the close of the 8th Meeting of the 2nd Student Association General Assembly I formally resign as Delegate to the General Assembly representing the Class of 2011. I will be studying abroad next semester in the United Kingdom and therefore I will be unable to adequately fulfill the duties of SAGA Delegate.
The decision to study abroad was not arrived at easily. As a member of the General Assembly since its inception in 2008 this body is dear to me both because of its incredible potential and because its mission is to cultivate a dedicated student voice within the CUA community. I have the utmost confidence in the leadership of this body as well as in each Delegate to build upon the successes we have achieved this year. However the challenge before you is not simply to continue what you already do well, but to find new ways to better the student
Develop new and innovative means of representing your classes, give voice to every student concern no matter how small, and finally understand the incredible role you have in shaping student representation here at Catholic. In just a year and a half SAGA has improved greatly, but its continued betterment is contingent upon your diligence and dedication to leaving CUA better than when we arrived. Understand that each vote, speech, and bill is setting precedents that will be followed in years to come. Be worthy stewards of that role, make SAGA, and CUA something we all can be proud of.
It has been a distinct pleasure to work and get to know each of you. Thank you for stepping up to represent your representative classes and I wish you the best of luck next semester. I will be following SAGA intently from abroad. Thank you again.
Sincerely,
Ryan D. Winn
Effective immediately following the close of the 8th Meeting of the 2nd Student Association General Assembly I formally resign as Delegate to the General Assembly representing the Class of 2011. I will be studying abroad next semester in the United Kingdom and therefore I will be unable to adequately fulfill the duties of SAGA Delegate.
The decision to study abroad was not arrived at easily. As a member of the General Assembly since its inception in 2008 this body is dear to me both because of its incredible potential and because its mission is to cultivate a dedicated student voice within the CUA community. I have the utmost confidence in the leadership of this body as well as in each Delegate to build upon the successes we have achieved this year. However the challenge before you is not simply to continue what you already do well, but to find new ways to better the student
Develop new and innovative means of representing your classes, give voice to every student concern no matter how small, and finally understand the incredible role you have in shaping student representation here at Catholic. In just a year and a half SAGA has improved greatly, but its continued betterment is contingent upon your diligence and dedication to leaving CUA better than when we arrived. Understand that each vote, speech, and bill is setting precedents that will be followed in years to come. Be worthy stewards of that role, make SAGA, and CUA something we all can be proud of.
It has been a distinct pleasure to work and get to know each of you. Thank you for stepping up to represent your representative classes and I wish you the best of luck next semester. I will be following SAGA intently from abroad. Thank you again.
Sincerely,
Ryan D. Winn
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
Posts
