Meet The Candidates II: Listen to the Statements

SUNY College at Old Westbury's Meet the Candidates was held on May 1st and May 2nd. Candidates from all positions were able to briefly speak why they were running for SGA and how they can make a difference in our student government.

Click on the Candidates name below to hear their statement.  Please note during the question section that the sound quality is not good but you will be able to hear the candidate answers.   

Executive Board Candidates (Executive Branch)

President: Maziely_Crisostomo.MP3, Sheila_Wilson_Wells.MP3

Vice President: Sheri_Bailey.MP3

Treasurer: Qudsia_Osmani.MP3, Isabel_Saavedra.MP3, Erik_Sisenwein.MP3, Justin_Toro.MP3

Governor of Social Affairs: Shadi_Alagheband.MP3, Alysia_Vazquez.MP3

Executive Senate Secretary: Channelle_Bland.MP3, Jasmin_Velazquez.MP3

Public Relations Manager: Jimmy_Boone.MP3

Student Court Candidates (Judicial Branch)

Chief Justice: Majok_Chol.MP3, Lauren_Santiago.MP3

Student Senate Candidates (Legislative Branch)

Senior Class President: Tiffany_Tait.MP3

Sophomore Class President: Adesuwa_Enabulele.MP3, Natalie_Lopez.MP3, Harman_Preet_Kaur.MP3

Junior Class President: Iman_Ture.MP3

Residential Representative (2): Alexandria_Ayala.MP3, Trianna_Charles.MP3, Radjiny_Nestor.MP3, Alanzo_G_Phillips_Jr.MP3

Commuter Representative (2): Clarissa_Martinez.MP3, William_Parris.MP3

Student Senate Academic Department Representatives:

School of Business

Management, Marketing and Information Systems: Angelica_Goddette.MP3

School of Arts and Sciences

American Studies/Media & Communications: Selena_Hill.MP3, Shelley_Mendoza.MP3

Biological Sciences: Ciara_Bagnall.MP3

Psychology: Dana_Vass.MP3

Do not forget to vote in the Student Government Association elections on May 7th and 8th. Voting times are 9:00 am to 9:00 pm in the milling corridor of the Academic Village for both days.  Please bring a valid Picture ID with you. 

Thank you for listening

SGA Treasurer Candidate: Erik Sisenwein

To help with the Student Government Association elections, the OWWR news room is posting Candidate statements. We encourage all Candidate applications to email their statements to [email protected]. Don’t forget that S.G.A. elections are Monday May 7 and Tuesday May 8th.

The following statement was submitted to our news room vie email by Erik Sisenwein:

Hello,

my name is Erik Sisenwein. I am a junior majoring in the dual Special Education/Childhood. I am running for the position of Governor of Social Affairs. In the past I realize that I was not involved in activities especially SGA, however I feel that I need to start now before it is to late. Recently I have attempted to join in some activities including being a volunteer tour guide, attempting to be a freshman orientation leader, and trying to start community service group. This is the newest endeavor for me. I realize that I know the least about the SGA however I am a quick learner and do things with my whole heart. Even though I have not held a title in the SGA, I have talked to the current President multiple times on what I feel needs to be done. I also feel that my training as an teacher as well as working as a teachers assistant has taught me how to problem solve especially in some very unconventional ways, which seem to work the best for some reason. I also bring the aspect of being a student who had no power in the SGA to get done what I feel needs to get done so I know where many of you are coming from. Since I know this information I will be more supportive to anyone who comes with anything, a raw idea that needs help expanding, or a polished idea that needs no help, anything.

I feel that I can not promise anything to you, because to me a promise needs to be kept. I will however make an attempt to do many things to bring the school better activities. I plan on working closely with Coach Johnson and gain more intramural sports. I would say I am well rounded person so I think there should be some sort of international or educational movie played at least once a month instead of a little program here and a program there set by professors. It think that the movies should be voted on by you the student body. Another thing that I am going to attempt to happen is get the TV station playing more than just movies, maybe Old Westbury 10’clock news or other entertaining and informative programs that could work hand and hand with the existing radio station and newspaper. I feel it is also important to hear what you the student body would like, so I plan on making myself as easy to reach as possible. The way I plan on doing this is having a paper pad outside of my door with a pen and if you needed to inform me of something and if I can not be found you can write what you need to say and I will read it when I get in and take care of it as soon as I possibly can. I hope I will be your Fall 2007 Governor of Social Affairs. I will do as much as I possibly can to ensure that your social life at SUNY Old Westbury will be the best you could imagine.

Erik Sisenwein

(Student Government Association Treasurer Candidate)

Residential Senator Candidate: Alexandria Ayala

To help with the Student Government Association elections, the OWWR news room is posting Candidate statements. We encourage all Candidate applications to email their statements to [email protected]. Don’t forget that S.G.A. elections are Monday May 7 and Tuesday May 8th.

The following statement was submitted to our news room vie email by Alexandria Ayala:

Many people complain about residential life issues but only a few are willing to do anything. I for one am willing to use my voice to represent my fellow students and create results. I value the quality of my experience here at Old Westbury as much as I value the quality of experiences of my fellow students.

I am sick and tired of complaining and I want changes. The response of, “That's Old West for you” is not good enough.

I am more than willing to sacrifice my time to improve residential life, not just for me and the current students, but also for the future students to come.

My name is Alex Ayala and I am a resident and freshman here at SUNY Old Westbury. I am a Biology major and minor in Spanish.

I am more then a passionate person; when I see something I want, I work as hard as possible to get it.

Furthermore, I also have previous experience when it comes to school politics, I was a SGA member in high school so I know what it takes to achieve change and I am dedicated to doing that.

For those students who say changes are impossible, I say to them, “Impossible is nothing!”

Alexandria Ayala

(Residential Representative Senator Candidate)

Residential Senator Candidate: Trianna Charles

To help with the Student Government Association elections, the OWWR news room is posting Candidate statements. We encourage all Candidate applications to email their statements to [email protected]. Don’t forget that S.G.A. elections are Monday May 7 and Tuesday May 8th.

The following statement was submitted to our news room vie email by Trianna Charles:

My name is Trianna Charles. I am a 19 year old sophomore here at SUNY Old Westbury. I am studying psychology where I want to pursue my education and become a Child Clinical Psychologist. I am currently the Vice President of the Caribbean Students Association and a peer counselor in training. I am an active, independent, social, and educated student. I enjoy interacting with others especially on planning social events for students as well for family.

I want to be on the Senate E-board because students need their voices to be heard. If you don’t have people to express how the students feel then they will be unhappy. It is important to be apart of the school environment. Being active at school is good for a student. They build up social skills and also leadership skills. Getting involved at school is always a good thing. If I get chosen to be on the Senate I will do to the best of my ability to help the students have an exciting yet educational experience on campus.

Trianna Charles

(Residential Representative Senator Candidate)

Residential Senator Candidate: Radjiny Nestor

To help with the Student Government Association elections, the OWWR news room is posting Candidate statements. We encourage all Candidate applications to email their statements to [email protected]. Don’t forget that S.G.A. elections are Monday May 7 and Tuesday May 8th.

The following statement was submitted to our news room vie email by Radjiny Nestor:

Good day my name is Radjiny Nestor, I’m a 19 year old sophomore residing at S.U.N.Y Old Westbury. I reside in Brooklyn , N.Y. with my mother, sister and grandfather. Throughout my high school career at Boys and Girls, I was very involved with extracurricular activities. I was a part of the cheerleading squad, the dance team, and I was a red beret. I also took part in the Bedford Stuyvesant ‘I Have a Dream’ program after school. And on Saturdays I attended classes at N.Y.U as a part of the Science Technology Entry Program. In all I managed to graduate with an 85 average and I ranked 26 out of 400. I believe that it is very important to be a part of your school’s community because as student’s we barely know what’s going on at school. We aren’t given the opportunity to make the rules but we are given the chance to change it. That’s why I want to be a senator here at S.U.N.Y Old Westbury.

Many students complain about the problems at the school, but never want to help in finding a solution. They want their voices to be heard, but they are not speaking. I was like this for my first three semesters, until I attended my first senate meeting. Seeing the advantages of being able to make decisions for the student body was very enticing for me. My peers were a major part to our campus community. They are the voices of the student body, and I don’t want to be spoken for any longer. I want my own voice to be heard, and that is why I would like to be senator.

Radjiny Nestor

(Residential Representative Senator Candidate)

Commuter Senator Candidate: Clarissa Martinez

To help with the Student Government Association elections, the OWWR news room is posting Candidate statements. We encourage all Candidate applications to email their statements to [email protected]. Don’t forget that S.G.A. elections are Monday May 7 and Tuesday May 8th.

The following statement was submitted to our news room vie email by Clarissa Martinez:

College is a time to create strong foundations on your journey towards your dreams! As a commuter student, your college experience should be full of memorable and significant times that you will hold on to forever. My first year at the College at Old Westbury was a great transition period for me. I started off, like many commuters, by just going to class and not participating in other activities on campus. We all have a life outside of Old Westbury. Many of us have jobs to go to, children to take care of and various other things to tend to. However, our college experience should be as engaging as all of our other aspects of life. I recently had an amazing, life-changing experience in traveling to New Orleans to volunteer with other students. However, only a few of us were commuters. As a commuter I feel that more of these great opportunities should be advertised and brought to our attention. We all have so many great things to bring to the college community.

There is an oasis of opportunity here at Old Westbury. Our college experience should be more than just learning inside the classroom. We need to venture out into the campus community, take full advantage and benefit from all the facilities, organizations and blooming life at Old Westbury. I can help fuse the communities of residents and commuters.

Clarissa Martinez

(Commuter Representative Senator Candidate)

Junior Class President Candidate: Iman Ture

To help with the Student Government Association elections, the OWWR news room is posting Candidate statements. We encourage all Candidate applications to email their statements to [email protected]. Don’t forget that S.G.A. elections are Monday May 7 and Tuesday May 8th.

The following statement was submitted to our news room vie email by Iman Ture:

My name is Iman Ture and I am a second semester sophomore. Next semester I will be returning as a junior. I am aspiring to be your SGA Senate Junior Class President! Since fall 2005, there have not been any events to connect the Class of 2009. Though we take classes together and we run into each other on campus, there is nothing that has united us since we came in as freshmen. Though I have not had the opportunity to meet the entire Junior Class, I have bared witness to many of your amazing talents, personalities and achievements.

As your Class President I am looking forward to working with and listening to the Junior Class of 09’; bringing to life all of your great ideas in various programs and activities. In the next two years remaining, we should all work together, share ideas, make change, voice opinions, join forces and help one another on the road to success. We need unity, communication and networking among all of us on campus…this will help us in life after college. We all have so many great attributes that make us SHINE AS THE CLASS OF 09!!!

Iman Ture

(Junior Class President Candidate)

American Studies/Media & Communications Senator Candidate: Selena Hill

To help with the Student Government Association elections, the OWWR news room is posting Candidate statements. We encourage all Candidate applications to email their statements to [email protected]. Don’t forget that S.G.A. elections are Monday May 7 and Tuesday May 8th.

The following statement was submitted to our news room vie email by Selena Hill:

I, Selena Hill, am a dedicated, hard working student that is more than capable to stand as the senator of the department of American Studies/Media & Communications. I am deeply committed to Old Westbury’s college mission of promoting academic excellence, leadership, and social justice. I am a Media and Communications major concentrating in Women’s Studies and pursing a career in Journalism. As a sophomore, I am proud to have participated and organized a variety of campus activities. Now, I want to take a more assertive and active political role in campus life by representing you in our student senate.

Over the last two years, I have made a number of campus and community contributions through leadership positions. As a first-year student I was inducted into the First-Year Honor Society. I worked as a School Ambassador, a feature writer of the Old Westbury Catalyst newspaper, and a 2006 Orientation Leader. Over my Spring break in both 2006 and 2007, I traveled to New Orleans with a group of student volunteers in which we worked to rebuild the Lower Ninth Ward, the area most devastated by Hurricane Katrina and receiving the least government assistance.

This year as a sophomore, I launched a successful radio program on Old Westbury Web Radio entitled “Let Your Voice Be Heard!” which allows students to express their ideas and opinions regarding social, political, and school issues. I actively reported the issues and havoc that surrounded the 2006-2007 executive board members of SGA such as activity fees, club budgets, and the advertisement of SGA events. Through my radio program, both SGA E-board members and student petitioners were able to voice their views about the student representation and performance of SGA. Hearing the students’ concerns about SGA, I was inspired to take initiative in helping to create a more active and progressive student senate.

Being involved in these activities has helped me draw closer to accomplishing my dreams. As the senator of the department of American Studies/Media & Communications, I want to present all students in this field with the same opportunities. I believe that I will make a great addition in the student senate by being in touch with you, my peers, and open to your interests and concerns. I plan to use my position to exhibit the talents and capabilities of all students within this field. By organizing programs and activities, I will give us the opportunity to network, learn, and explore with faculty and peers. I also plan to unite commuters and residents, bring together our ideas, help our future aspirations, and form a tight knit network of associates majoring in this department. Ultimately, I want to let our voice be heard!

Selena Hill

(American Studies/Media & Communications Senator Candidate)

Senior Class President Candidate: Tiffany Tait

To help with the Student Government Association elections, the OWWR news room is posting Candidate statements. We encourage all Candidate applications to email their statements to [email protected]. Don’t forget that S.G.A. elections are Monday May 7 and Tuesday May 8th.

The following statement was submitted to our news room vie email by Tiffany Tait:

My name is Tiffany Tait and I am currently interested in becoming a part of Student Government Association here at SUNY Old Westbury. My wanting to be a part of this organization has been a priority in my college experience yet I was unsure if I was qualified to handle such responsibilities before I became Junior Class President for the year 2006-2007. I feel that in order for things to get done, there has to be some leadership and someone who is willing to step up to the plate and take action. I feel that I now posses those qualities to be a leader and to take action into my own hands. I have had numerous students confide in me for answers to their questions and problems. Once I saw that I was able to relate and fix those students problems; I knew that S.G.A would be right for me. I am currently applying to be Senior Class President. I believe that I am a strong leader and I am willing/able to lead the participants of my class in the right direction for their future. I think that I am different than others for the simple reason that I have had experience with working with people. I am currently working for Lady Footlocker and I used to work at Sears Roebuck and Company for a total of 4 years, which are not the easiest of jobs to do. I am experienced in customer service skills, so working with people is a skill that I possess. My intentions are simple; I am going to get things done. I am going to listen to the concerns of students and try to help them solve it. I want everyone to be happy and for everything to go smoothly and if I cant solve their problem I will try to do my best to be honest, fair, considerate and try to assist in any way possible to make our Senior year be the best that it can be.

Sincerely,

Tiffany Tait

(Senior Class President Candidate)

Sophomore Class President Candidate: Adesuwa Enabulele

To help with the Student Government Association elections, the OWWR news room is posting Candidate statements. We encourage all Candidate applications to email their statements to [email protected]. Don’t forget that S.G.A. elections are Monday May 7 and Tuesday May 8th.

The following statement was submitted to our news room vie email by Adesuwa Enabulele:

I have noticed there is a collective disappointment among students, faculty, and administration about the state of our school. And, since entering Old Westbury this year I have heard many stories about the way this school used to be and how student participation with the collective help of administration and faculty made this school one of the most sought after colleges to be at whether public or private.  As students it's our job to make our college experience the best it can be socially, academically, and economically.

As a current freshman student at SUNY Old Westbury I learned and observed a lot of things from my peers and upperclassmen. Although I have not directly involved in SGA I have kept up to date to the events and issues concerning the student government and students themselves. I am willing to learn everything and more about SGA so I, along with the help of my mentors, my peers, and administration to make our college experience as the Class of 2010 and future students more enjoyable.

This year as freshman we have had our own personal complaints about SGA and how we don't feel like we had a college experience like we hoped to have. SO, it our job to make it better and not wait for upperclassmen to do for us because guess what they are leaving and we will still be here till its our turn to graduate and lead successful lives. So I am asking for your vote for Sophomore Class President in hopes that our College experience will be what we always thought it should be.

Thank You,

Adesuwa Enabulele

(Sophomore Class President Candidate)

Governor of Social Affairs Candidate: Alysia Vazquez

To help with the Student Government Association elections, the OWWR news room is posting Candidate statements. We encourage all Candidate applications to email their statements to [email protected]. Don’t forget that S.G.A. elections are Monday May 7 and Tuesday May 8th.

The following statement was submitted to our news room vie email by Alysia Vazquez:

Dear Classmates:

I, Alysia Vazquez, intend on running for the Governor of Social Affairs for the 2007-2008 school year. The Student Government Association had many obstacles to overcome this past year and I feel that I performed my duties as the Governor of Social Affairs to the best of my ability. Planning and executing are two very important aspects of the position. These are definitely two areas I excelled in. Planning and executing trips and programs at the last minute takes a lot of work. Every event I planned was successful. These events range including parties, Fun Flix, S.G.A. Week, Commuter Luncheons, Howard Homecoming Annual trip, Six Flags Fright Fest Annual trip, Binghamton Carnivale Celebration, Spring 2007 Fashion & Hair Show, Caribbean Chaos, Mr. & Mrs. Caribbean Pageant, Senior Ball, and the list goes on. It’s unfortunate that many programs and events were last minute, but that was not under my control.

In the past year while occupying office, I have gained valuable experience and knowledge for the position. I plan to continue the traditional events as well as implementing new programs that will hopefully become traditions as well. This position requires a lot of time, dedication, commitment and hard work. I am now more than qualified and ready to make 2007-2008 the best year ever. I look to my classmates for the continued support as well as ideas for the upcoming year.

Thank You,

Alysia Vazquez

(Student Government Association Governor of Social Affairs Candidate)

SGA Treasurer Candidate: Justin Toro

To help with the Student Government Association elections, the OWWR news room is posting Candidate statements. We encourage all Candidate applications to email their statements to [email protected]. Don’t forget that S.G.A. elections are Monday May 7 and Tuesday May 8th.

The following statement was submitted to our news room vie email by Justin Toro:

My name is Justin Toro and I am running for SGA Treasurer for the 2007-2008 terms. Serving on SGA for 2 years, I have held a Senate position (Media & communications) and I have held an Executive Board position (Executive Staff Officer). While in office, I have seen the good and the bad that SGA has to offer and yet I have stood by SGAs side because at the end of the day Students=Power and SGA is for the Students.

I am an Accounting minor and have been following closely to the operations of the day to day paper work and finical matters that go on in SGA. With new changes I would like to put in place such as more convenient hours that can cater to the residents and the commuters of Old Westbury, to having a system to where clubs budgets will be signed for when received and noted when it was received so there is no confusion with any paper work, and lastly I am hoping to work closely with the clubs to ensure that they are using their money in an effective manner and a more “user friendly” paperwork system for getting a budget and asking for more money. I am looking forward to working with the Budget Committee to ensure that clubs are getting the amount they deserve and ask for, as long as all procedures are followed correctly.

This is not a fortune 500 company or big name company, this is SGA! A student run organization, so lets try to work together to make it work for the students and ensure that the students feel compelled to want to be involved and feel that their 63 dollars of Student Activities fees are going to good use.

Justin Toro

(Student Government Association Treasurer Candidate)

Psychology Senator Candidate: Dana Vass

To help with the Student Government Association elections, the OWWR news room is posting Candidate statements. We encourage all Candidate applications to email their statements to [email protected]. Don’t forget that S.G.A. elections are Monday May 7 and Tuesday May 8th.

The following statement was submitted to our news room vie email by Dana Vass:

The potential for growth and achievement at Old Westbury is at hand. At the Psychology Department, we are well equipped with a great faculty of professors who are hard working and are an inspiration to many students. However, because of our many responsibilities, it is difficult to find the time to meet with a professor and share our concerns. This lack of communication inhibits change that the department and students could benefit from. I would like to bridge the gap in the Psychology Department by running for Psychology Senator. Being a Psychology major, holding a position on the Eboard of the Psychology Club, and as a tutor for Research Methods One, I am actively involved in many aspects of the Psychology Department here at Old Westbury. Some of my contributions include obtaining research regarding the grievances of students, which was presented in a report by Dr. Greenberg at the past faculty senate meeting. This research is laying the ground floor for positive change that we the students demand and deserve. Currently, I am trying to improve the curriculum of the Psychology program by working hard to get the students a Counseling Psychology 2 course for many of us who are interested in pursuing a career in the mental health professions.

I would be honored to be the facilitator of positive change in the Psychology Department by being your Psychology Department Senator. If elected, I will listen to your concerns, develop your suggestions, and take action on your proposals. Lets improve the Psychology Department at Old Westbury together.

Dana Vass

(Psychology Senator Candidate)

Media and Communications Senator Candidate: Shelley Mendoza

To help with the Student Government Association elections, the OWWR news room is posting Candidate statements. We encourage all Candidate applications to email their statements to [email protected]. Don’t forget that S.G.A. elections are Monday May 7 and Tuesday May 8th.

The following statement was submitted to our news room vie email.

Becoming the Representative for Student Senate Academic Department of Media and Communications is of great importance to me. My name is Shelley Mendoza and I am a senior at Suny College Old Westbury. As a transfer student from Nassau Community College and a commuter I believe it is fundamental to be involved in student activities and help fellow students. What better way to be more involved then joining the Student Government and improving the college experience for others. I am very dedicated and hardworking when it comes to helping others. Not only do fellow students require help during their college life, but they also require an overall good college experience as a gateway to the outside world.

I am actively involved in the Women’s Center, radio station, American studies club, and The Catalyst. My background speaks for itself, as I am involved in several aspects of Media and Communications. Now I would like to add SGA to the list. My job would entail listening to the voices and opinions of my fellow students, brainstorming ideas to benefit our community, and fight for the rights of students. I know I would be a good candidate and need your support to help make a difference. Let me voice your needs to make your experience at Suny Old Westbury an unforgettable one.

Make your vote count,

Shelley Mendoza

(Media and Communications Senator Candidate)

Governor of Social Affairs Candidate: Shadi C. Alagheband

To help with the Student Government Association elections, the OWWR news room is posting Candidate statements. We encourage all Candidate applications to email their statements to [email protected]. Don’t forget that S.G.A. elections are Monday May 7 and Tuesday May 8th.

The following statement was submitted to our news room vie email by Shadi C. Alagheband:

The following objectives are what I would like to accomplish in office if I am elected SGA Governor for the fall 2007- spring 2008 school year.

1. Colored parking stickers to differentiate students who commute are those who dorm and students who go to NYIT and Briarcliff College.

  • Students who commute to SUNY Old Westbury should have first priority with parking. Many times students who commute cannot find parking because the students who live on campus have inconveniently taken over the parking lot. This causes commuters to be frustrated. The College of Old Westbury needs to have a color coding system so that commuters have first priority when it comes to parking. Students who dorm should park at the back of the Campus Center parking lot as this will give students who commute more parking options.

2. The school website should have a page dedicated to the SGA which will allow clubs and organizations to post their upcoming events and club meetings.

  • When it comes to informing students on upcoming activities we should provide a calendar on the school’s website which will indicate a) what events/meetings clubs and organizations have to offer b) the day the event will be held c) where the event/meeting will be held d) time of event/club meeting. This will provide more structure to SGA and the clubs and organizations which are on campus. By having this done clubs and organizations will know ahead of time when other clubs and organizations are having their meetings/ events so that they do not have an event or a meeting on the same day. This will hopefully lessen the number of conflicting activities on any one day. Clubs and organizations should come and present themselves during open house.  This should be mandatory. There should be a segment or a time slot during open house where clubs and organizations can introduce themselves to prospective students (ten to fifteen minutes for each club). In addition we should have clubs and organizations set up tables for any additional questions parents or students may have about the club or organization. Having clubs and organizations present themselves open house gives prospective students an idea of what SUNY Old Westbury has to offer outside the classroom. This will make them more interested in joining such activities once they come to Old Westbury.

3. Placing ATM machines in every building (mostly the Campus Center and Academic Village).

  • As of now we only have one ATM machine on campus which is located in the Student Union. For convenience, there should also be an ATM machine located in the Campus Center and the Academic Village.

4. Hallal and Kosher foods provided on campus

  • Many students who attend Old Westbury have dietary restrictions which prevent them from dining at the food courts on campus. SUNY Old Westbury should acknowledge these students by providing Hallal and Kosher foods.

5. There should be a Commuters’ Club on campus

  • The majority of the students who attend SUNY Old Westbury are commuters. Having that said we should provide trips and activities on and off campus for these students. (Subway sandwiches are not cutting it!!!) These students are paying $63 in their student activities fees and unfortunately they are not always able to be a part of clubs and organizations because they commute. The College at Old Westbury should make the commuters feel more a part of the school by involving them in outings and on campus events by having a carnival or a fair on campus during common hour.

6. Common hour should be extended to a two hour long time period.

  • Many times clubs and organizations are not able to cram their activities into just one hour. There should be an extension in the common hour so that students can enjoy the clubs and activities which are on campus.

7. Extending cafeteria hours

  • The cafeteria hours do not meet many of the students’ schedules here at the College at Old Westbury. Breakfast starts at 8:00, however, many students have their classes start at 8:30. It makes it difficult for students to eat breakfast and make it to class on time. Breakfast should be earlier (7:00am if possible) so that students can have a nutritious meal before class. Dinner is another problem. The cafeteria dinner hours are 5:00-8:00pm. Many students have class during these times and have to miss dinner. The last class which is offered here at Old Westbury is 10:10pm; therefore, the cafeteria should be open till 11:00pm so that students have a chance to have dinner.

8. Wastefulness in the cafeteria

  • The cafeteria is extremely wasteful; after every meal they throw out food which could be sent to a soup to feed the hungry or a meals on wheels program. We should think of others and be less wasteful in the cafeteria.

9. Meal plans

  • The meal plans are not meeting many students’ expectations and as a result many students are wasting their dining room meals and instead spending their declining balance in the Panther’s Den. Meal plan money should be transferable for use between traditional cafeteria meals and the food court. Also campus food is extremely unhealthy; students should have the option on whether or not they would like a meal plan…they should not have to pay for something they do not wish to have.

10. Utilizing space

  • The Atrium Café is inactive in the Campus Center. The college should fix it up and make it into the Café it once was.

11. The bursar’s and registrar’s computer system is outdated

  • The inaccuracies with and the unreliability of the computer system in the bursar’s and registrar’s offices is frustrating to students. This causes long lines at these offices and students miss or are late to class. Oftentimes’ students have their classes dropped because they owe the bursar as little as $0.24. This is an embarrassment to the school.

12. Little or no communication within departments

  • As students go to college and get their higher education, they learn that communication is key in order to get ahead in life. Unfortunately, there is little to no communication within departments in this school. The bursar’s office, financial aid, EOP, registrar (etc.) do not communicate with one another and students end up having to run around in order to get a single answer to their problem. We need the departments within Old Westbury to communicate better in order to be more organized. We are losing students this way…organization and communication is key.

13. SUNY College at Old Westbury cultural night

  • I am hoping to organize a cultural night which will be opened to all students and faculty members who attend Old Westbury. This will bring about more school spirit as well as a better understanding of different cultures and ethnicities.

14. GRE classes on campus

  • There should be a GRE club on campus which offers classes free of charge.

15. Dangerous hand rails in the Campus Center.

  • The hand rails in the Campus Center are extremely dangerous for small children. The Campus Center is home to the day care and the hand rails are not suitable for small children. The hand rails have large gaps in between them; this can cause a small child to fall from the second floor of the Campus Center which could cause injuries and fatalities.

16. Study Abroad

  • The students here at Old Westbury need more of a variety when it comes to Study Abroad programs. I was fortunate enough to have gone to both China and Spain Summer Abroad with the school and would like to see more of a variety offered.

17. Separate department for students who would like to study abroad and foreign exchange students.

  • It is a bit absurd to have everything arranged last minute when it comes to planning a semester or a summer abroad. SUNY Old Westbury is very unorganized with its planning for these programs. Oftentimes students have to jump around to different departments to get a single question answered and many students do not know where to go to get their questions answered. Ms. DeAntonio is a secretary here at Old Westbury and should not have to deal with all of the responsibilities and problems which are brought to her by students who plan on studying abroad. There should be an entirely different department dedicated for students who would like to study abroad and faculty whose only focus is to deal with overseas programs.

18. Releasing SUNY College Old Westbury copyrights

  • SUNY College Old Westbury should release its copyright policy so that stores like Steve and Barry’s can sell College at Old Westbury merchandise. Not only will the college get a portion of the proceeds which Steve and Barry’s makes it is also an extremely clever way to advertise. Because the college’s name brand merchandise would be more affordable, students would be more likely to buy SUNY Old Westbury clothing which would raise school spirits, make students more willing to apply to the College at Old Westbury, and more likely make students more eager to stay instead of transferring.

Shadi C. Alagheband

(Student Government Association Governor of Social Affairs Candidate)

SGA Vice President Candidate: Sheri Bailey

To help with the Student Government Association elections, the OWWR news room is posting Candidate statements. We encourage all Candidate applications to email their statements to [email protected]. Don’t forget that S.G.A. elections are Monday May 7 and Tuesday May 8th.

The following statement was submitted to our news room vie email by Sheri Bailey:

By serving on Student Government Association for two years I have seen a lot and learned even more. My best lesson is that change is inevitable and sometimes unexpected but necessary. Change is both and good and bad but if one can have a hand in creating good and proper change, then why not take the opportunity. My opportunity to promote positive change is by running for Vice President. I have first hand experience of the position by serving as a Senate member, so knowledge of the position would not be a problem. My goal is to serve in the position to the point where it works for S.G.A and at the same time beneficial to the students. My job will be easy as long as I make it easy for myself. There is a time and place for everything and all challenges I am faced with can be dealt with in the right time and solutions will be put into place. Last but not least I would like to run for this position because I realize the importance of the government working together and that me being Vice President is not just dependent on me but those that serve with me and the students I serve for.

Sincerely,

Sheri Bailey

(Student Government Association Vice President Candidate)

Commuter Senator Candidate: William Parris

To help with the Student Government Association elections, the OWWR news room is posting Candidate statements. We encourage all Candidate applications to email their statements to [email protected]. Don’t forget that S.G.A. elections are Monday May 7 and Tuesday May 8th.

The following statement was submitted by William Parris to our news room vie email:

Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is William Parris and I am a junior here at Old Westbury majoring in Management Information Systems. This statement formally announces my intention to run for the position of Commuter representative on the SGA Senate.

I transferred to Old Westbury in September of 2006 after completing am A.S. degree at Suffolk County Community College. I had wanted to be involved in the SGA here at Old Westbury from the start, but needed time to see how well I would handle the academic rigors of the College and ensure that my studies would not suffer at the expense of an extracurricular activity. I am pleased to say that I have so fardone very well in my studies and now feel ready to significantly contribute to the SUNY Old Westbury Community.

While I realize that I have not participated in the SGA at Old Westbury up to this point, I think that a fresh outlook would be invaluable in the coming year to help bring unity and leadership back to the SGA. I have a wide variety of volunteer and leadership experience that I think uniquely qualifies me to serve as a commuter representative on the Senate. I currently serve on the Supervisory Committee of Long Island Realtor's Federal Credit Union and am also the Chair of their Information Technology Committee. In my academic past, I have served as President of my High School SGA and in fact chaired the committee to draft a new constitution. I am familiar with Robert's rules of order and through my volunteer work at the Credit Union understand generally accepted accounting practices and procedures. Although this is the first time I am choosing to run for a position on the SGA my first year at Old Westbury has been dedicated to not only improving myself but to serving the college community. I have spent significant amounts of time tutoring other MIS students and working on outside research projects with Faculty.

John Quincy Adams once said that if a persons actions “inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more” they are a leader. My desire to better not only myself but to awaken the Student body to the endless opportunities that having an SGA provides is the purpose and platform for my candidacy. It is my hope that in the coming year you will allow me to serve as your senator and that together we can harness the vast wealth of knowledge and diversity of experience of the student population to make Old Westbury a better college than when we entered it.

Thank you.

William Parris

(Commuter Representative Senator Candidate)

Sophmore Class President Candidate: Natalie Lopez

To help with the Student Government Association elections, the OWWR news room is posting Candidate statements. We encourage all Candidate applications to email their statements to [email protected]. Don’t forget that S.G.A. elections are Monday May 7 and Tuesday May 8th.

The following statement was submitted by Natalie Lopez to our news room vie email:

I, Natalie Lopez, will be dedicated to the position of Sophomore Class President for Student Government Affairs because I enjoy working with my peers every minute I can and I am a great worker when it comes to leadership. For instance, on Wednesday April 18 th , I contributed a major part of the "Reduce, Reuse, Recycling Arts and Crafts fair" by creating stencil designs for the on campus group, NYPIRG. My communication and leadership skills are intact and will be further excelled due to this position of Sophomore Class President. I will always be available to assist any student in need under any circumstance. I will represent my student body and address the many issues we have with the greatest effort one can obtain. To express my determination, as apart of the student body, I have involved myself in many things as possible such as NYPIRG, Entertainment Revue, and etc. I have decided to take on this challenge of representing and becoming apart of a dynamic team to create a positive experience at SUNY Old Westbury.

Thank you for this opportunity.

Natalie Lopez

(Sophomore Class President Candidate)

SGA President Candidate: Maziely Crisostomo

To help with the Student Government Association elections, the OWWR news room is posting Candidate statements. We encourage all Candidate applications to email their statements to [email protected]. Don’t forget that S.G.A. elections are Monday May 7 and Tuesday May 8th.

The following statement was submitted by Maziely Crisostomo to our news room vie email:

I would like to hold the position of SGA President for Several Reasons. First off I would like the position so I can effectively represent the student body of the college, so I can then advocate for the students, also help to improve the welfare of students’ education and campus life. I want to make sure the important issues facing students of all creed, religion, age and lifestyle are addressed to administration and I also hope to actually accomplish the goals and improvements students are looking for. Whether or not I get this position I will continue to challenge what I feel is wrong or needs improvement at the college and I will continue to work towards what I feel is fair and just for the complete student body. I would like it to be known that I will never silence the students’ voices or the voice of myself for anyone. I hope to be the Chief executive officer (president) in SGA and effectively oversee the organization and also to restore SGA back to its true purpose. This is to represent the students and to advocate for students rights. I would hope you the student body choose a true leader and a true advocate me Maziely Crisostomo to be your future Student Government President.

Maziely Crisostomo

(Student Government Association President Candidate)

Business Senator Candidate:Angelica Godette

To help with the Student Government Association elections, the OWWR news room is posting Candidate statements. We encourage all Candidate applications to email their statements to [email protected]. Don’t forget that S.G.A. elections are Monday May 7 and Tuesday May 8th.

The following statement was submitted by Angelica Godette to our news room vie email:

I am a student at SUNY old Westbury and I am currently a junior here with a passion for business. I feel there is more that I can do and I would like to add my peers in being a lea son for the Business Department as a Senator. If appointed the position I will be sure not to just meet my requirements but I would like to be an active body to see that I have made a difference whether I am voicing my opinion or giving creative ideas to the student government in general. I am a Business person at heart and I like everything done in decency and order and I will have no other way. So may my drive be the light that sets off the next generation torch. Thank you again for the opportunity.

Angelica Godette

(Business Management Senator Candidate)