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.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
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
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Show Me The Money- SFAB Allocations as of 10/26/09
To date a total of $295,863.63 has been allocated from the Student Activity and Club Sports Fee. Details about these allocations are available online at sfab.cua.edu.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Coming Soon- TV's to the Kaine Fitness Center?
Earlier today the General Assembly met in a special session to vote on a proposed piece of legislation enabling the General Assembly to apply for funding for TV's for the Eugene I Kaine Student Health and Fitness Center. The bill enables the General Assembly to apply for $3,500 for the purchase and installation of TV's in the fitness center. This funding is contingent upon the Director of the Fitness Center getting University Approval for the instillation of the TV's, the cable, and the assumption of all future costs for the TV's.
This bill was passed by a vote of 18-2 and I voted in favor of this piece of legislation. It is my opinion that this is crucial improvement that will increase usage of the Fitness Center and improve each students experience at the Student Health and Fitness Center. The ball is largely in the Mrs. Marie Kennedy and the University's court at this point. The General Assembly has taken all necessary steps to apply for these funds as soon as the University presents us with a letter of intent to allow the instillation.
Should this intent be provided by the University I encourage SFAB to approve this funding as soon as possible so that work can commence immediately. The only reservations I bear towards this bill is that it may be mistakenly seen as a precedent for the use of the Student Activity and Club Sports Fee for the purchase and renovation of University equipment. This is simply not the case, and I ensure the Student Body that I will be a vocal critic of any SAGA member who intends to use the trust invested in them by their class to inappropriately use the money that is expressly designated for Student Activities and Club Sports.
This bill was passed by a vote of 18-2 and I voted in favor of this piece of legislation. It is my opinion that this is crucial improvement that will increase usage of the Fitness Center and improve each students experience at the Student Health and Fitness Center. The ball is largely in the Mrs. Marie Kennedy and the University's court at this point. The General Assembly has taken all necessary steps to apply for these funds as soon as the University presents us with a letter of intent to allow the instillation.
Should this intent be provided by the University I encourage SFAB to approve this funding as soon as possible so that work can commence immediately. The only reservations I bear towards this bill is that it may be mistakenly seen as a precedent for the use of the Student Activity and Club Sports Fee for the purchase and renovation of University equipment. This is simply not the case, and I ensure the Student Body that I will be a vocal critic of any SAGA member who intends to use the trust invested in them by their class to inappropriately use the money that is expressly designated for Student Activities and Club Sports.
Friday, October 9, 2009
New Legislation- SFAB Transparency and By-Law Amendments
It gives me great pleasure to announce the passage of two new pieces of legislation upon which I served as a primary sponsor. The first deals with the perpetually contentious issue of transparency in the allocation of YOUR Student Activity and Club Sports Fee. Last year I worked to ensure that allocations would be posted online for general consumption and now I am proud to announce that we have opened up the allocation process even further. From this point forth SFAB is required to record the vote of each member on every allocation request. Then, the number of SFAB members voting for and against each allocation will be posted online along with the information about the request on sfab.cua.edu. Furthermore Student Organization Executives (in most cases a President) now have the authority to request a list of those members who voted in favor, against, and abstained from voting on the allocations for which their organization is a direct sponsor or cosponsor.
This new process will better allow organization leaders to improve their skills in requesting funding from SFAB as well as facilitate a conversation between Organizations and the SFAB membership that funds them. It is also my distinct hope that this will encourage students to take an even greater interest in the Student Representation process here at CUA and help ensure fiscal responsibility on SFAB, as well as protecting the interests of our Student Orgs.
The second piece of legislation was an overhaul of the Student Association bylaws reflecting name changes in liaison offices, authorizing the inclusion of SFAB's by-laws, and correcting minor inconveniences.
If you have questions regarding either bill or the operation of the General Assembly please contact me at 60winn@cardinalmail.cua.edu
This new process will better allow organization leaders to improve their skills in requesting funding from SFAB as well as facilitate a conversation between Organizations and the SFAB membership that funds them. It is also my distinct hope that this will encourage students to take an even greater interest in the Student Representation process here at CUA and help ensure fiscal responsibility on SFAB, as well as protecting the interests of our Student Orgs.
The second piece of legislation was an overhaul of the Student Association bylaws reflecting name changes in liaison offices, authorizing the inclusion of SFAB's by-laws, and correcting minor inconveniences.
If you have questions regarding either bill or the operation of the General Assembly please contact me at 60winn@cardinalmail.cua.edu
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