Senatorial Candidates: Campus Life for Access and Opportunity

There are 2 seats open for Campus Life for Access and Opportunity and 3 candidates running.

Brooke Cheney (Elevate)

One of the largest problems we have today as not only a school but as a society is ensuring equal opportunity regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, education or any other demographic factors that make the UGA campus so beautifully diverse. As senator, I would work tirelessly to ensure that all of our voices are heard. I am one that not only recognizes key problems but works to fix them. We all get to call this incredible place home, and my biggest goal in this position is to make sure everyone feels welcomed and included. As someone who has not only studied abroad but has been on mission trips abroad, I want to create more affordable opportunities for students to be able to explore their interests all over the world. Visiting different cultures and places allows us to become more accepting of others and create an overall inclusive environment. As students, we are the future of our country and world. By focusing on all students with varying needs, we will build each other up to become the best version of ourselves. It would be an honor to serve you all as senator for access and opportunity.

Expand and promote resources/events for low-income and first-generation college students Partner with organizations such as IFC and Panhellenic to establish more programs that assist low-income and first-generation students such as the Georgia Commitment Scholar Program. Establish a program for low-income and first-generation college students that they can partake in that would match them with a willing mentor that would help them transition and navigate college life. Listen to student input on Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) and make necessary reforms as needed Many students have cited concerns with CAPS such as unresponsiveness, feeling uncared for, and also being turned away and instead referred to other places. At SGA, I hope that we can work with CAPS to change this perception and allow students to get the proper help they need. Improve safety on campus and listen to student input on safety improvements Collaborate with UGAPD and ACCPD to identify high-risk areas of crime on campus and improve lighting/patrols in those areas Partner with student organizations to receive feedback on safety improvements and then work with them to implement those changes.

Gideon Fernald (Elevate)

Coming from a low-income and single-parent household, I was overwhelmed and daunted by the complexities of college when I first came to UGA. Although my mom worked hard to provide for me, she had never gone to college and my brother had also decided to enter the workforce straight out of high school, so I was very daunted by the process. However, as I gradually began to acclimate more and more into UGA’s environment, I began to meet some of my closest friends and make memories with them that I’ll always cherish. I want to serve on SGA Senate to develop programs that assist first-generation and low-income students as well as push for initiatives that I believe would truly make UGA as a whole a better place. I believe that my past experiences working in political offices and campaigns as well as currently balancing a part-time job while enrolled as a full-time student has allowed me to further learn and demonstrate dedication, innovation, time management, and effective communication. I want to serve on SGA Senate to apply my personal experiences in order to allow UGA to have an even more inclusive environment for first-generation and low-income students as well as push for initiatives that would truly make UGA as a whole a better place. I also believe that my past experiences working on a wide variety of political campaigns/offices would make me an excellent Senator, as I was able to further learn and demonstrate dedication, innovation, and effective communication through these various positions.

  1. Expand and promote resources/events for low-income and first-generation college students (a) Partner with organizations such as IFC and Panhellenic to establish more programs that assist low-income and first-generation students such as the Georgia Commitment Scholar Program. (b) Establish a program for low-income and first-generation college students that they can partake in that would match them with a willing mentor that would help them transition and navigate college life.
  2. Listen to student input on Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) and make necessary reforms as needed (a) Many students have cited concerns with CAPS such as unresponsiveness, feeling uncared for, and also being turned away and instead referred to other places. At SGA, I hope that we can work with CAPS to change this perception and allow students to get the proper help they need.
  3. Improve safety on campus and listen to student input on safety improvements (a) Collaborate with UGAPD and ACCPD to identify high-risk areas of crime on campus and improve lighting/patrols in those areas (b) Partner with student organizations to receive feedback on safety improvements and then work with them to implement those changes.

William Mason

UGA students can expect to see drive and commitment from me each day as I work to address their needs. With my experience as First-Year Senator (34th Administration) and Disability Resource Liaison (35th Administration), I’ve been very fortunate to be able to experience the complexity of the administration, and learned what’s effective in getting things done. I’m a firm believer in equity and access, and strongly feel each student has a voice that should be empowered. The best results come from bringing together everyone’s unique experiences and working together to seek a solution. As Senator, not only will I work to represent all students and their needs and concerns, but I will serve them as individuals too.

  1. Expanded Benefits for Student Workers – Student employees are the heart of efficiency all across campus. Whether it’s in the bookstore, the dining halls, or our awesome transportation workers, they are crucial to our every day lives. I hope to expand their benefits and empowerment by working to offer better incentives for these employees.
  2. Increased Safety Measures on Campus – Several areas on our campus are unfortunately still quite hazardous to both pedestrians and drivers alike. I will strive to mend these issues and expand safety measures such as increasing lighting and signage, as well as working to improve pedestrian access with sidewalks and paths.
  3. Supporting Student Organizations – Student organizations are at the heart of what makes UGA great. I’ll work to not only support these groups, but also to raise awareness towards those that may not always be front and center. We all have an important role to play.