Candidates

President: Matthew Fitzgerald ’14

Vice President: Adele Daniel ’14, Noah Laack-Veeder ’15

Treasurer: Claudia Schachter ’15, Henry Gordon ’15, Philip Xiao ’15

2013 Class Representative (1): Ned Heckman

2014 Class Representative (2): Aun Hussain, Josh Carson, Richa Sharma

2015 Class Representative (2): Matt Cotter, Connor Jackson, Sam Rix, Hiyanthi Peiris, Worthy Cho

2016 Class Representative (2): Gavin Allman, Doug Totten, Eric Dahlquist, Nathan Potter, Robert Kaylor

President

Matthew Fitzgerald ’14

Hello Carleton!

My name is Matthew Fitzgerald and I am running for CSA president. I believe that the best things on campus are student run – as such I hope to best serve you by helping to connect the dots between student groups and CSA. Campus is filled with exceptional student leaders and groups. Since CSA supports all of these groups though representation and allocation of funds I want to make the use of your money as transparent as possible. I hope to serve Carleton students by addressing student body concerns, and promoting a long-term vision that improves life during and after college.

Experience:

My work as a CSA Senator, College Council Liaison, and general manager of the Cave has taught me how Carleton works from an administrative perspective. I feel confident navigating the various levels of administration, organizing campaigns, and addressing issues at any level. These experiences have prepared me to effectively represent student concerns and creatively respond to challenges we face as a campus.

  • Class of 2014 CSA Senator (3 terms): liaison for issues including S/CR/NC “Scrunch” policy and the Northfield Social Host Ordinance
  • College Council Student At Large (1 term)
  • Cave General Manager: Responsible for 12 student workers as well as managing an annual budget of $53,000.

Short Term Goals

  • Problem: Budget Committee Can Sometimes Be A Confusing Or Daunting Forum
    • Solution:Increase Transparency of Budget Committee: Publish a mini-report of expenditures and committee deliberations in The Carletonian as a means of providing easy access to budget information. Additionally, implement a training session for students and student groups every trimester so that everyone can easily understand the funding process. 
  • Problem: Underrepresentation and Low Candidate Turnout
    • Solution: Reintroduce Ranked Voting To CSA Constitution: Ranked choice voting allows for constituents to vote for multiple candidates (1st choice, 2nd choice, etc.) This form of voting means more candidates are encouraged to run, campaigns become more competitive and stronger representation fostered. The goal is to increase the number of CSA candidates, therefore increasing CSA activity and improving student representation. 

Long Term

  • Problem: Student Loans Can Negatively Affect Post-College Decisions
    • Solution: Endowed fund to cover interest accumulated on student loans: Create an endowed fund to cover cost of interest accumulated on student loans that students can apply for after graduation. This would allow Carleton students to take on unpaid internships or low-wage non-profit work after graduation, and not be limited by student loan concerns. Since Carleton is not currently need-blind, this plan offers a compromise and solution to address post-graduation student financial concerns. This is a long-term plan; my hope is to begin a serious conversation about post-graduate debt and develop a plan to implement such a fund. I will form a committee on CSA, strategize with the Student Financial Services, Office of Student Fellowships, and Alumni Relations to make this dream a reality. 

Thank you for your consideration.

Vice President

Adele Daniel ’14

Hi! I’m Adele Daniel, a Junior History major from Kansas, and I’d love to be elected CSA Vice President. As a freshman, I served as CSA secretary, which meant I was very involved in the behind-the-scenes of both Senate and Budget Committee. Since then, I have served on Admissions and Financial Aid Committee, Convocation Committee, and Poskanzer’s Blue Sky Strategic Planning Committee. Through these appointments and my RA position, I have learned a lot about how the Carleton functions on an administrative level. My familiarity with the way things work and relationships with administrators will help me accomplish my goals as Vice President.

My main goal as Vice President will be to improve Budget Committee, and I have an eight-point plan to do so. My freshman year, the Committee improved its campus image remarkably. I’d like to build on that progress and show that students can be fiscally responsible. CSA’s Vice President chairs the Committee, so I will be in the best position to make changes. I plan to:

  • Make funding decisions clearer, so every group leaves understanding why their event was or was not funded.
  • Keep track of spending, so we can distribute money equally over the term.
  • Fund a more diverse array of events by encouraging different groups to ask for funding.
  • Craft more accessible and specific guidelines and bylaws, and make sure everyone reads them.
  • Encourage consistent decisions, and hold members accountable to precedence.
  • Attract devoted Committee members who want the best for Carleton.
  • Communicate warmly and frankly with organization representatives .
  • Create an institutional memory for the committee, using my history major skills.

I’d also like to keep CSA grounded. I believe the organization needs to concentrate on problems it has the power to improve. The Association can be a powerful voice for student concerns when operating appropriately. I care very much about CSA, and hope that you will elect me for VP 2013! Thanks!

Noah Laack-Veeder ’15

Hello my fellow Carls! My name is Noah Laack-Veeder, a sophomore potential Economics or Computer Science major, and I would love to be your CSA Vice President.

Campus Involvement

I am very much involved in all kinds of activities at Carleton. I participate in Varsity Cross Country and Track and Field, both of which have enhanced my grasp of leadership, teamwork and discipline. These attributes are essential to leadership in the CSA.

CSA Experience

By serving nearly two terms as the Carleton Student Association Secretary, I have gained immense experience in how both the Senate and Budget Committee meetings operate and have become well acquainted with the CSA Bylaws and Guidelines. Moreover, I witnessed incredible changes that were brought forth this year such as a revision of the Constitution and the establishment of the Budget Committee Buddy System. After seeing some of these great additions brought forth by CSA and the Budget Committee I found myself enthralled in trying to get involved.

Why the Vice President Position

By working closely with the current CSA officers, I developed a sense of what each CSA Officer does on a daily basis. From constant inquiry, I gathered that the Vice President is given the responsibility of delegating the Budget Committee meetings as well as reporting the results to Senate each Monday. With the delegation role, the Vice President makes sure the Budget Committee meetings run smoothly by keeping tabs of the speakers’ list, taking notes of motions and by communicating with requesters when they have questions or concerns. Furthermore, at the Senate meetings the Vice President represents the mass consensus of the Budget Committee and enlightens the Senate of their discussions and decisions. This delegation and representation of the Budget Committee is at the core of the Vice President Position and the aspect that draws me in the most.

Goals

There is a lot that goes into delegating a CSA Budget Committee meeting the responsibility greatly entices me. As CSA Vice President, I would start by reinforcing comfort with the students presenting requests to the Budget Committee. The money that is being requested by students is theirs; it is directly drawn from every student’s student activity fee every year. At a few of the meetings, I found myself witnessing some anxiety of students presenting their requests. Even though some of this was reduced with the new buddy system that encourages meetings with Budget Committee members, I think that there is still more that can be done. I want to format the meetings to make sure that requesters do not feel intimidated by their fellow Carls because they should not be uncomfortable asking for funds that they think are going to a good cause. Although the discretion of the Budget Committee is invaluable, I feel that if the requester is intimidated then they might not be communicating their request optimally. By optimizing communication between both parties, negotiations will become smoother. As the delegator of the meetings, I will do my best to enhance communication as well as furthering discussions in a useful and relevant manner. Ultimately, I will actively engage in communication with groups requesting funding in order to ensure that their funds were properly allocated and if the CSA could do anything more for them.

If you vote for me for Vice President, I will try my best to make each meeting operate at its fullest potential in ensuring a straightforward process and comfortable environment for all parties. Moreover, I will represent us Carls to the best of my ability. Thank you so much!

Treasurer

My name is Claudia Schachter, and I am running to be your next CSA Treasurer.

I believe that my interests, experiences, and willingness to learn make me a great fit for this position. I am serious and hardworking, yet still relaxed and approachable. If elected, I will try my best to work with the CSA Senate, and the student body as a whole to ensure that every student at Carleton is heard and represented.

I’m a potential Economics and History double major from New York, and have always pursued an academically, culturally, and socially enriching education. Having lived in France, New York City, and in Peru for a short while, I am almost perfectly trilingual in French (my native language), English, and Spanish. Attending international schools while growing up in culturally diverse places has shown me the importance of listening to, and learning from all kinds of people. Even more, it has taught me to take previous personal experiences and knowledge, and incorporate them into every new one to make the most of every opportunity.

Campus Involvement/Experience:

I am involved in several different Carleton clubs and committees, and I feel that this involvement shows my love for, and dedication to Carleton, its students, and its future:

  • Budget Committee Member – Being on this committee has made me incredibly familiar with CSA Bylaws and acquainted me with the CSA Treasurer position.
  • Carleton Investment Group Member
  • Housing Selection Advisory Committee Student Representative (the committee in charge of things such as Room Draw and Interest Community Housing options)
  • Member of the Committee for Curricular and Research Support
  • French Tutor for the Academic Support Center
  • Carleton Equestrian Team 

I am an active member of the Carleton community, and am running for treasurer as I would like to play a greater role in managing and helping allocate over 500, 000 $ of CSA funds each year. These funds allow for the continuation and proliferation of the many interesting clubs, groups, and activities that make Carleton so wonderful and unique. If elected as your next treasurer, I will fully immerse myself into the CSA Senate, and learn as much as I can in the hopes of being an approachable and effective liaison between you and the CSA funds that are effectively yours.

Goals:

I am confident in my ability to responsibly manage, track, and balance CSA funds in order to ensure the continued success of Carleton’s wide breadth of activities on campus. I hope to increase knowledge about the many components of CSA funds, such as Honoraria, Alt-Bev, Cap Reserves etc. so that funds may be allocated efficiently and responsibly. Further, I would like to make students more aware of different venues for which they can receive funding, both within the CSA funds and on campus.

Carleton is very fortunate to have such a large variety of groups on campus; it truly speaks to the diversity of the student body. I very much appreciate all of the dedication and hard work that goes into providing students with these outlets. It is that kind of effort that helps us pursue the goal of leaving the school just a bit better than we found it. I will bring that ethic to my work as CSA Treasurer.

Thank you for your consideration, I would very much appreciate your vote!

Henry Gordon ’15

Goals

Where does all of the money go? As treasurer, I will work not only to make sure that the funds are spent effectively, but that you know about it. This includes: 

  • Streamlining the process for applying for funding to encourage student groups to work through CSA and Budget Committee, including increasing awareness of the wide variety of funding options. The CSA should act as an incubator for student initiative, not a bureaucratic nightmare that discourages application.
  • Standardizing the guidelines and CSA bylaws to clarify the expectations surrounding the allocation process. In order to save time and money, students should know exactly how to request funding from the CSA and how much they should expect to receive.
  • Working actively with student groups and Budget Committee to monitor and evaluate the success of programs, as well as the effectiveness of the allocation process. By working together, we can make the process better for everyone. 

Qualifications

A treasurer is first and foremost a member of the CSA, and my primary job as a member of the CSA is to represent your interests and advocate for your ideas.

  • I have experience with the Carleton budget process as a treasurer for CarlPAC. I have seen first hand the redundancies and inefficiencies that plague new campus groups.
  • I serve the Carleton Community as an RA, a position that has given me the extraordinary privilege of developing programming not only for my floor, but also for the entire campus. This involves not only working constructively in a group setting, but also managing the budget of a residential community.
  • I am active in a wide variety of student groups each with their own distinctive community. This has given me a perspective on the wonderful variety and diversity of student passions that make this campus such a wonderful place to go to school.

Philip Xiao ’15

Hello Everyone. My name is Philip Xiao and I’m a sophomore economics major with a few plans to help make Carleton a better place.

Qualifications

  • Leadership- President of the Carleton Investment Group:
    • Founded a $30,000 student run stock portfolio focusing on collaborative equity research.
    • Organized weekly member meetings, guest speaker sessions and student presentations
  • Experience- Investment Analyst at Pacific Pioneer Insurance Group
    • Managed $7.5 million asset portfolio consisting of stocks, bonds, mutual funds and real estate
    • Negotiated $1.2 million DTC securities transfer between executive accounts by working directly with outside brokers
    • Facilitated the transfer of 3 properties worth $1.5 million through filing of quit claim deed forms with county registrar
  • Responsibility- Tangerine Farm
    • Managed inventory of 10,000 pounds of tangerines selling to farmers markets and grocery chains
    • Implemented “green” growing techniques to foster environmental accountability 

Change at Carleton.

  • Bon Appetit Budget Strategy
    • I don’t know about you guys but there are times when I’m not happy with the food served in the dining halls. Maybe if we sat down with Bon Appetit and worked out a detailed budget strategy then we could get some higher quality foods that are healthier and taste better.
  • Encourage greater funding for community building events like Rottblatt and Spring Concert
    • I think community-building activities are fundamental to bringing students at Carleton closer together. I look back fondly on my slightly hazy memories of Rottblatt and Spring Concert and smile at all the great times I’ve shared with my friends.
  • Making the dorms more accommodating through systematized renovation spending
    • Don’t you think it’s a bit ridiculous to pay so much for college and not have proper heating and cooling? I would like to work with Residential Life on allocations for dormitory repair and restoration. 

The CSA budget is the driving force behind organized activities at Carleton and it needs to be managed responsibly. I believe I have the experience and leadership necessary for that task. If you choose me as your CSA Treasurer, you can bet that I’ll do everything in my power to make Carleton a better place for everyone.

2013 Class Representative (1)

Ned Heckman

Classmates–

Hey. It’s me again. I took a quick (well, 4 term) CSA breather, but I’m ready to be back. I missed representing you all. So, I decided to run for Class of 2013 representative. I am excited to keep the young ones in line, what with my expansive knowledge I possess of the great governing body that is the Carleton Student Association Senate. I want to make sure the class of 2103’s mark is made on the future of Carleton, and I hope to do that as your representative. As with before, I will hope to keep you informed about CSA’s goings on via email (funny video link included as well), and will continue to make budget committee a more student friendly experience. Finally, I promise to say ridiculous stuff occasionally to add to Charlie Rosenthal’s “Wacky Stuff said at CSA meetings” column. Vote for me for that reason, if nothing else.

I was your first class rep. Vote for me to be your last.

Love, Ned

2014 Class Representative (2)

Aun Hussain

I am a Junior majoring in Political Science. Please read the following anecdote.

The other day, I overheard President Poskanzer describe how his role as President has changed over the last 3 years. He noted that during his first year or so on the job, he mainly listened. He listened to students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of the college. He wanted to learn about Carleton and all the inner workings and quirks of the school so he could get a real feel for what Carleton was all about, and what needed to be done to improve it based on the opinions of people who knew the school for years before he arrived. Over the last year or so, President Poskanzer discussed how he has shifted his approach and started to take action. He operationalized all the knowledge and expertise he developed to make the change he realized the school needed.

I by no means am trying to say my role is the same as President Poskanzer. However, I see many parallels between his approaches and my own that I have done the past year as the Class of 2014 Representative. CSA is a complicated organization. There are a number of different rules you have to navigate through and a long history of decisions that people reference when voting on issues. At first it took me a while to adjust, and I know anyone in my position would have the same problems. I realized I had much to learn in order to fully be able to utilize Senate and help Carleton become a better place. I sat back and listened to older Senators and students with more experience. I soaked in information and developed a strong understanding of the way Senate works in order to understand the most effective way to make change. I am confident that because of this, I am now one of the most seasoned and well-informed members of Senate. That has translated into me helping students with issues regarding Bon Appetit, Residential Life, the Printing Quota and navigating Budget Committee guidelines, amongst many other things.

While I am will always be willing to listen and learn. I am ready to act. There are a number of key issues I want to address if I am given an opportunity to serve a second term as your Class Representative that have serious ramifications for the rest of this year and our Senior year. These include:

  1. Continue putting pressure on Residential Life and the Dean’s Office to slow the reduction of Northfield Option
  2. Increase revenue for CSA to allow for more events and a consistently awesome Spring Concern.
  3. Ensure that PaperCut does not reduce the quality of learning on campus. Look for ways to help out COMPSing seniors or those in reading intensive seminars to receive extra funds.
  4. Working with Auxiliary Services so students have an active role in Bon Appetite’s new contract and in shaping future dining policies.
  5. Ensure the Senate is held accountable for their actions, and that the students know their Senators and are able to lobby for what they want to see done.
  6. Open dialogue when Educational Curriculum Committee comes with changes to academic policies, so that changes like night classes and earlier 1As do not pass without extensive student input.

There are many more things issues I hope to work on beyond the ones I listed above. I am confident that my experience and knowledge of how Senate works, diverse background and desire to improve the College I love will allow me to serve the Class of 2014’s best interests.

Josh Carson

In casting your vote this winter for 2014 Class Representative, it might be well if you would ask yourself, “is Carleton better off than it was three years ago?” “Is it easier for you to get off campus with a sub-100 draw number than it was three years ago?” “Can you scrunch classes during 10th week of term like you could three years ago?” “Can you print assigned readings for free like you could three years ago?” “Are there as many Sayles dances as there were three years ago?” “Can you have kegs at Rotblatt like you could three years ago?” If the answers to these questions is yes, why then I think your choice is very obvious as to whom you will vote for, my opponent(s). If you don’t agree, however, if you don’t think that this course that we’ve been on for the last three years is what you would like to see us follow for the next three, then I could suggest another choice…ME.

Now, I know what you are thinking…and yes, I did just steal Ronald Reagan’s speech from the 1980 election. However, I think it makes sense in the context of our lives at Carleton. We can all agree that the school is changing, and many of us would say for the worse. While this change has manifested itself in alcohol and party related policies, it can also be seen in our housing, printing, scrunching policies and elsewhere. To be perfectly clear, I am not running to change these policies, necessarily. Obviously most of them are not CSA related in the first place. I am, however, running because I love this school and will do everything I can to keep Carleton the Carleton that we know and love. To assure that traditions like Rotblatt are not impeded on, to push the school to stop changing off campus policies, to make open swim longer and at better times (you’re welcome Julia Bakker), and to assure that any other changes that negatively affect the student body in the future are stopped from being implemented.

Richa Sharma

Hi everyone, 

My name is Richa Sharma and I am running for Class of 2014 Representative. I would like you to close your eyes and imagine walking around on campus. Suddenly, you notice someone making a face at you or just smiling at you for no reason. Would you vote for that person to represent you? Well, I hope so! I may not be painting a good picture by introducing myself as a weirdo, but I don’t want to mislead you. I just want to let you know that if you vote for me, you will live a great life. I am not joking.

Why else should you vote for me?

Although I have never served on Student Government before, I have assumed leadership positions in various social justice groups and fundraised for different causes, such as for the earthquake relief effort in Haiti.

As an RA, I have gotten to know the student body pretty well. Honestly, I have been getting paid to figure out how to best serve the people I go to school with. I have learned about and utilized the various resources available to us all as Carls in order to foster a strong community and help figure out what is best for all.

And I am told I make delicious chai.

But most importantly, I think that the Class of 2014 is an amazing group of people and nothing would make me happier than to have the opportunity to represent you.

If elected, I will:

  1. Represent you fairly.
  2. Promote true appreciation of diversity on campus. The shade of the color of your skin is not the only indication of diversity. Along with that, I will try my best to support programs that encourage the understanding that being part of a majority is not something to feel ashamed about.
  3. Improve communication between ITS and the students. I understand the frustrations of poor Wi-Fi signals, the Hub’s user-unfriendliness, and the failure of printers when you need them the most. As a past student worker there, I can say that they will at least hear me out.
  4. Say thank you! 

That is all. Class of 2014, I hope you vote for me to be your representative!

2015 Class Representative (2)

Matt Cotter

Hello! My name is Matt Cotter, and I am a Sophomore prospective Computer Science major. I am running for the position of 2015 Class Representative. I am enthusiastic and passionate about the chance to represent my wonderful class in the CSA Senate. I would be delighted to be a relay for my class and the student body as a whole to get ideas and thoughts into the CSA. 

I have personal connections and friendships with many members of my class, and I am very open to and eager for exchanging opinions and thoughts with anyone looking for a conversation. I am very approachable and extremely accessible around campus. Furthermore, I have a deep devotion to Carleton and especially to the student body.

I know personally how much of a role CSA can play in the lives of a Carleton student. I have been involved in many clubs including: Game Development Club, Poker Club, Ebony II, Carleton Computing Society, Mock Trial, Men’s Soccer, and the Student Band Union. On top of this, I am also an avid reader of email lists from many other clubs and various publications and a regular viewer of the Carleton Television Network. I also work in the Math Skills Center and volunteer through the ACT Center. Through all of this, I get to interact with a great many students with drastically varying hobbies and goals. 

Through all my connections, I believe I am a strong candidate for Class Representative. If elected, I will ensure that the concerns and suggestions of all of my classmates are addressed by the CSA.

I have two main other goals I strongly stand for: more campus wide fun activities, and greater communication and connections between clubs and the CSA.

I have never heard a Carleton student say anything negative about Late Night Breakfast. On top of the free food, this event is a great way to relax during a period of studying and stress. Even more than this, my favorite thing about Late Night Breakfast is seeing so many friends and fellow students. Events as amazing as this should happen more frequently than thrice a year. I will push the CSA to sponsor other such all-inclusive, de-stressing events throughout the term. I think everyone could use fun, relaxing activities more than just during reading days.

The second vision I have is for a system fostering communication between clubs’ leaders and between clubs and the CSA. I was part of the drive to create the Carleton Poker club, and since getting chartered by the CSA, there has been no communication between this club and the CSA at all. I have heard similar stories to this, and I want to emphasize that this is fairly common. My goal is to eliminate this lack of communication. The CSA deals frequently with many, very successful clubs at Carleton, but they should certainly check in with smaller clubs to make sure everything is going well, let the club leader know about resources available, and ask if the club needs help or advice. 

Finally, I want to increase students’ accessibility to the CSA. Much of the inner workings of the CSA are unknown to the majority of the student body, and my goal is to not only to help further inform students of all that CSA offers, but also to increase the accessibility of all the CSA processes. I will do everything in my power to allow more students to fully utilize the great resources of the CSA. 

I would love to hear anything you would like to share regarding my campaign or other subjects, so please contact me with any comments or questions at cotterm@carleton.edu.

Connor Jackson

Hi Class of 2015! My name is Connor Jackson and I would love to continue serving as one of your class representatives. I am a prospective Political Science major from Milford, New Hampshire. In my time here at Carleton, I’ve been lucky enough to meet many of you who form our creative, intellectual, and supportive class.

I realize that for most of you, the CSA may not seem of critical importance. Their dealings may appear abstract and irrelevant. However things like the Sayles renovation and the apportioning of the $400,000 of student activity fees are significant matters that fall under CSA purview. Even communicating with administration regarding financial aid is an area in which CSA represents the student body. CSA is imperative in shaping these features of Carleton. It is the way you can help influence the school. In short, CSA matters.

Here are some of the things I want to work towards on your behalf:

  • Class T-Shirts: Every other class got t-shirts, and we got metallic, crummy water bottles – not cool. As class rep I hold that we deserve class t-shirts for the sake of tradition, class unity, and of course, style.
  • Improved Spring Concert: This is one of the best events at Carleton, to be sure. So why not make it even better? By allocating a bit more money towards this area we could have a band/artist you know and love.
  • Better Meal Plans: Our contract with Bon Appétit is up this year, so the time for change is now. Do we want a 16 meal-plan option? If so, let’s make it happen.
  • Technology: ITS has already started working with cell carriers to improve signals in some areas on campus. Let’s take this progress and run with it. Poor wifi signals should be resolved. Resistance to putting printers in areas like Goodhue and other areas needs to be explained. Let’s get some answers and make some progress.

As a class representative I want to make sure you get the absolute most of your student activity fee and your time here at Carleton. Towards these ends I will always keep your interests in mind. I believe each student should have a voice in the various decisions that impact our Carleton community. I will be sure to listen to and accurately represent this voice. Further I will strive to bring clarity and definition to the CSA decision-making process.

Again I would greatly value the chance to listen to your input and ideas. We have many exciting and promising things happening here at Carleton, and I look forward to helping them progress. As your representative I would work hard to improve our already thriving Carleton community.

Sam Rix

Hi, I am Sam Rix. I am from Southern California. I am a future economics major, with a possible cognitive science concentration. I love people, and I have a whole lot of spunk, I love to be involved and spread my excitement to all of you!

Experience

  • All School Vice-President-high school
  • Director of publicity for ASB –high school
  • Director of Publicity for the drama department -high school
  • President of the women’s volleyball club – Carleton
  • College counselor- Summer 2012 and winter 2012
  • Leadership training, two week course –Summer 2012
  • Summer Camp Counselor at Camp Stevens-lead wilderness trips of 14-16 kids in foster care ages 13-18.  (Rock Climbing & Back Packing)- Summer 2012
  • Very active member of Carleton Rugby.

Goals

  • Club Sports, they need more attention. Our club sports are awesome! 
    • Why are we only allowed 17 official club sports?
    • Why can’t there be a club for a varsity sport?
    • Not enough funding!
    • When our club sports go to nationals and accomplish cool things, it should be a bigger deal! And the funding they should receive should be more substantial.
    • Work with club sports directors, to further the motion of baseline testing and concussion awareness.
    • More trainer hours.
  • Garbage disposals!
    • In dorm lounges and houses. They are as central to every kitchen as an oven.
  • Increase school spirit.
    • While Carls have plenty of pride in where they go to college and rightly so, we lack school spirit.  I want to change that! 
    • Sponsor more athletic games
    • Varsity and Club sports (They should be bigger deals, especially against St. Olaf)
    • Generate more excitement about school sponsored social events

Hiyanthi Peiris

Hey Carleton Students,

My name is Hiyanthi Peiris (Class of 2015) and I am running for the position of Class of 2015 Representative. I am very enthusiastic about being more involved in the Carleton student body and in the student government. As former Head Prefect (leader of the student body and Prefects’ Guild) of Bishop’s College, Colombo, I have experience communicating the needs of the student body to authority figures and getting such issues solved.

Leadership Experience

  • Head Prefect- 2010- Head of the student body at Bishop’s College, Colombo
  • School Prefect- 2009- A member of the Prefects’ Guild at Bishop’s College, Colombo
  • Secretary UN Club – 2009/2010
  • Patrol Leader Girl Guide Troupe- 2008 (similar to Girl Scouting in USA)
  • President Mediation Circle- 2010

Current Activities:

  • Member- Carleton Model UN team(2011/2012)
  • Program Director- Kids for Conservation (2012/2013)
  • Organization Leader- Mosaic for South Asian Students at Carleton (MOSAIC) (2012/2013)
  • Member, Organizing Committee for Volunteer for Carleton (2011/2012)
  • Head of organizing committee: International Festival 2013
  • Member of organizing committee: International Festival 2012

Goals as Class of 2015 Representative

  • Communication of needs of current sophomores to the CSA: There is a clear need for better communication between the CSA and students. I will work towards better communication of student needs to the CSA! Need a printer in Goodhue? More laundry machines in Watson? More funding for your organization? Increased dining hall hours for lunch and during the weekends? I promise to make your ideas heard.
  • Provide students with frequent and comprehensive updates of activities organized by the CSA: If elected, I will make sure that you are made aware of what happens in the CSA, through study break updates, emails, tabling in Sayles and answering any questions you may have.
  • Intercollegiate bonding/ activities: We all know how Carleton sometimes feels like a bubble. If elected, I will make sure that there are more opportunities for us to interact with students from other nearby colleges- mostly St. Olaf.
  • More information about opportunities outside of Carleton: I will work towards raising awareness about opportunities that exist outside the Carleton bubble, such as study abroad programs, internship and job opportunities and post college opportunities.

Thank you for reading my platform. Please email me if you have any concerns or require more information about my platform and other specific issues. Have a wonderful day!

Worthy Cho

Hi! My name is Worthy Cho and I am running for the position of Class of 2015 CSA Representative. Just so you guys know a little about me, I’m from Derwood Maryland, I am currently planning on being an Economics and Mathematics double major, but more importantly I am extremely passionate about being a more active member in the Carleton College community. In high school I was very involved in student government, and it is something, I have realized, I wish to continue doing at Carleton.

Past/ Current Relevant Experience:

Though I do not have experience in working with the CSA, I do have prior experience from various other leadership positions such as:

High School

  • Vice President of Key Club – High school
  • Board member on Youth United Way of Washington County Maryland – High school

Carleton

  • Secretary of Pennies for Peace – Freshman year
  • Vice President Pennies for Peace – Fall 2012
  • Firebellies Assistant Pastry Chef and Board Member – Winter 2012 till present
  • Young Northfield Chef (Northfield Middle School cooking program) – Winter 2013 

Objectives:

As CSA class of 2015 representative I hope to:

  • Increase community involvement by perhaps building stronger bonds with the Northfield United Way, and help raise funds for various Northfield Non-profits by perhaps hosting a Class of 2015 charity event
  • Find new and more effective methods of interacting with and obtaining input from the student body 

I feel that I am hardworking, organized, and devoted. If elected, I would work diligently to ensure that I am fulfilling my duties to the best of my ability.

2016 Class Representative (2)

Gavin Allman

My name is Gavin Allman and I am running for the position of Representative for the Class of 2016. I believe that I am very in tune with the freshman class as a whole. I try to be outgoing and approachable whenever possible, which is why I would make an excellent representative. Some issues which I would like to address include:

Outdoor Trash/Recycling Bins: Being responsible, respectful students, for the most part we pocket our coffee cups and snack wrappers while we make the walk across campus, but a bin or two on the Bald Spot would be incredibly convenient.

Printers in Dorms: I personally am tired of walking to Sayles, the Libe, and the CMC every Monday, Wednesday and Friday to print my homework. I also don’t like bothering my next door neighbor to use his printer before class. Having printers in 1st floor lounges would really be the bee’s knees.

Bon Appetit, of course: The age-old enemy of the Carleton student. Bon Appetit has been on every potential representative’s platform as far back as I can see, and yet we still don’t have a 16-meal plan. Rollover Sayles dollars is another Bon Appetit issue which I would like to see addressed.

Your Issues: While I have a few ideas for positive change, I know that you all have many more, and I am eager to hear and address them. I will be an approachable, reasonable and persistent representative for our class. I look forward to hearing from all of you.

Doug Totten

Hello, my name is Doug Totten and, in my short but blessed time on this campus, I have begun to realize just how good we have it—but that does not mean we can’t do better! Thus, I am running to be your Class of 2016 representative. 

Qualifications:

  • As the coordinator for my community’s CROP Hunger Walk I raised thousands of dollars to help communities around the globe become more self sufficient (through things such as teaching members of the community simple agricultural and rainwater collection techniques)
  • I was President of my high school’s National Honor Society chapter
  • I have been volunteering weekly at the Center for Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation in Northfield since the beginning of this term
  • I was a Boys’ State Delegate in Indiana
  • I love you all

Ideas:

  • Changing up the meal plans: I know I rarely use 20 meals a week. (It’s hard!) I also feel bad eating in town and supporting local businesses knowing that I’m simply wasting a meal for which I have already paid. Yet, I use more than 12 meals a week, I don’t live near Sayles, and I don’t want to pay the same for less. I know that some students suffer financially with the cost of the 20/12 as well. Thus, why not:
    • Have a 15 or 16 meal plan?
    • Cut the cost of the 12 meal plan? (yes, this may include cutting some dining dollars)
  • Printers in dorms: Cassat residents are fortunate, why can’t all dorms have printers, or at least why don’t we work towards that as a goal?
  • Is there a way to get some coffee sold in the Libe?
  • Broomball helmets: You know they need an upgrade.
  • I have yet to see a remote for a TV on campus (not including those at the Rec). I, for one, would not mind having them.
  • Increase the number of local businesses that accept Schillers
  • WHATEVER YOU WANT ME TO WORK ON! After all, I would be YOUR representative, and to do my job well I would work for you! Thanks for your time, have a blessed day, and may the Force be with you,

Eric Dahlquist

Hey! I’m Eric Dahlquist and I’m a ginger and a freshmen. I want to represent the Class of 2016 in CSA and overhaul the CSA system. Here are my goals for my so-called redolution:

  1. Increase shared social and academic events with St. Olaf
  2. Turn off lights in LDC for afterhours.
  3. Install motion detector in appropriate low traffic areas.
  4. Put people and ethics back into politics.
  5. Promote diversity and work to facilitate important discussions on campus.
  6. Better utilize social media and office hours to communicate with student body.
  7. Find a way to deescalate gridlock in CSA.
  8. Incorporate new strategic plan into CSA Constitution and Bylaws.

Nathan Potter

Hey Class of 2016, My name is Nathan Potter and I want to be your class representative. I am a prospective Economics major from Tomball, Texas. I will strive to represent each and every member of our class and to work tirelessly to make sure your ideas are heard. I’ve come up with a few proposals that I think would improve our already incredible campus, but as your class representative I think it is very important to be completely open-minded to new ideas from our class. If elected, I would seek to:

  1. Make printers available in all dorm complexes throughout campus.
  2. Create a more sustainable Carleton environment by improving the functionality of buildings inside and out.
  3. Build on the already great traditions of Carleton such as Rotblatt, Mid-Winter Ball, and Spring Concert by coming up with a new tradition. As a class, I believe our creativity, talent, and originality will be able to come up with a new and incredible college-sponsored event.
  4. Improve food quality and meal plan options. We use the same catering service as St. Olaf, yet it is widely known that their food is better somehow. As your class representative I will work to make our food quality just as good if not better than St. Olaf’s. I will also strive to make a 16 meal plan. It is very difficult to eat all 20 meals in the dining hall every week. Being on the 12 meal plan, I have come to find out that I run out of meals on some weeks. There needs a common ground of 16 meals.

Robert Kaylor

Hey Carleton;

So I guess it is time to fill the spots of class representative again. I am choosing to run for spring term because I, as a student, didn’t hear a whole lot about CSA my first two terms, and I would like to see that changed. Something’s I would like to see happen:

  1. A meal plan in between the 12 and the 20. No one eats 20 meals a week, but can anyone survive on 12? Althought this is considered an impossibility by many, because of the finances of providing a meal plan to a small campus like Carleton, this year is unique. On July 1, Bon Appetit’s contract expires, and negotiations have already started. Now is the time to press the administration to find a possible alternative, before we are locked into another contract
  2. Printers in all of the dorms, especially Goodhue. This is already being looked at by the Hall Directors, and I am sure with a little more pressure from the student body, is something that can be easily accommodated.
  3. Change the lighting in the older dorms, such as Goodhue and Myers, from fluorescent to more eye- and environmentally- friendly options.
  4. Bring the CSA process to the Carleton students in a more visible way. Although the CSA makes a lot of important decisions regarding the student body, there is not a great deal of information flow.
  5. Better wi-fi in the dorms, perhaps with an updating of the placement of wireless routers.
  6. Change the way we pay for laundry. I find it ridiculous that the amount it costs to attend Carleton does not cover laundry. If I pay for my own detergent, Carleton can pay to operate the washing machine. One way to help offset the cost to the college would be to encourage students to wash in cold water. It is better for the clothes (less shrinkage and color loss) and better for the environment (most of the cost associated with a washing machine is in heating up the water). Paying for drying would still be required, as that is a luxury. You can air dry for little opportunity cost, but hand washing is ridiculous. The very least we can do is change all washers and dryers that take change into onecard accepting versions. Asking students to have a supply of change on hand is ridiculous, if only for the fact that change is not easy to come by at college.

So there you have it. I am an idealistic freshman, but a little idealism is good. Helps keep the debates lively. May the odds be ever in your favor.

Robert Kaylor, Class of 2016

I understand that some of these ideas seem unrealistic; especially the meal plan and the laundry ones. But ideas like this are necessary to debate every year. Almost every single platform I have looked at includes something on the meal plan. It is obviously very important to the student body. By bringing it up every year, we are letting the administration, and the leaders of the CSA know that a solution should be tried for every year. Paying for washing is another thing that I have heard many students complain about. At the very least give us a washing quota, and if we need to go over we pay for it.