VSG announced Thursday the results of this year’s senatorial election. The 25 elected senators represent students from the residential areas and undergraduate schools. Comprised of 27 senators total, the organization serves as an outlet of student voice, according to the VSG website. Senators are responsible for proposing, debating and passing legislation that relate to student concerns on campus. Below, some of the newly elected senators share their main goal for their term.
Academic Senators
College of Arts and Sciences
Tam Wheat
“I want more than anything for students to have stronger communication with their student representatives so that the issues they value most are discussed among administrators. I believe in the past we have not established the best forms of communication, so I plan to reorganize our “Town Hall” events to allow ideas to emerge and flow more readily.”
Sharonda Adams
“My main goals for the year is to dedicate myself to the representation of all A&S students and to push legislation that will change the way that AXLE is presented and understood.”
Peabody College
Kate Petosa
“My main goal for the year is to increase financial inclusivity on campus. In Peabody specifically, I want to work with administration and VSG to create proper accommodations for education and HOD majors to reach their mandatory off-campus commitments without significant financial burden.”
College of Engineering
Jasper Lu
“I want to focus on advocating for and starting initiatives which provide more robust mentorship for engineering students.”
Not featured: Ben Ellenbogen, Blair School of Music
Residential Senators
Morgan
Shazeib Cheema
“True leadership means bringing students together and celebrating our differences, and that’s exactly what I intend to do. It’s time to discuss and bring awareness to real student concerns. I want every student to realize that no matter what he/she does, every student in this university plays a central role in shaping the campus environment. And normally he/she doesn’t know it.”
Chaffin/Mayfield
Kayla Folz
“My main goal for this semester is to bring better lighting to the Highland Quad. Also, Im excited to genuinely represent any concerns of the Mayfield/Chaffin residents.”
Moore College
Syed Rahman
“My main goal for the 2018-2019 year as a part of VSG would be to work with Vanderbilt’s administration to resolve inequities in housing, particularly the College Hall residential fee that Kissam and E. Bronson residents have to pay, as well as improve the accessibility and engagement students have with their VSG representatives.”
Towers I & II
Anesha Nadella
“I hope to work towards making our campus more environmentally friendly by making recycling chutes and compost bins more accessible throughout campus.”
Towers I & II
Minnie Mangafas
“[I want to] utilize the invigorating momentum that has swept across our nation’s college campuses, so that Vanderbilt can continue paving the way in equity and justice.”
Alumni Lawn
Foster Swartz
“I hope to make Vanderbilt a better institution not only for the residents of Alumni Lawn, but for all of us.”
Not featured: Josh Allen & Ellie Eard, Branscomb; Off-Campus: Abdirahman Osman, Off-Campus; Amira Vivrette, Blakemore/Greek Housing; Mary Tezak, Lewis; Chris Marcus, E. Bronson Ingram; Ryan Brown, Warren; Kavita Kakkar, Towers I & II
Commons Senators
Stambaugh/Sutherland
Will Fritzler
“I hope to better connect freshmen on Commons to main campus, giving them full access to the amazing people and resources our new home has to offer.”
East/Memorial
Hannah Bruns
“My goal for this year is to connect East House and Memorial to bigger issues on main campus and make sure their opinions are heard.”
North/West
Jacob Schroeder
“As your representative I plan to bring our two houses [North and West Houses] together with cultural events and donut days. I also plan to advocate for dining improvements such as the display of nutritional facts. I look forward to a great first year!”
Not featured: Hank Ingram: Rob Lusk, Hank Ingram; Tyger Quarles, Gillette; Taylor Grant, Murray/Crawford
