The United Students Government is once again preparing for its annual student elections, which will be
held April 1-4 in the Campbell Student Union lobby.
The elections, held through Bengal Connect last year, will take place in the lobby where students will be
able to vote in booths. This year, students will not only be voting for USG positions, but also whether or
not to keep the mandatory student activity fee.
The mandatory student activity fee contributes to the cost of copying, printing and faxing, as well as the
child care center, dental clinic and others.
Applications became available for all registered undergraduate students interested in running for a USG
position on Feb. 11 and close Feb. 25.
“Students can go onto Bengal connect and submit an application,” said rules and regulations chair
Miguel Pereira. “After submitting that application, applicants will be checked for good standing with the
college.
“I think this election will be better because USG has taken steps to make the students more aware by
getting the word out, putting it on Bengal connect, posting flyers around campus and utilizing social
media.”
Executive positions open for running are USG president, executive vice president, treasurer, vice
president for academic affairs, vice president for campus affairs and government relations, vice
president for public relations, and vice president for Student Life.
Other open positions are Faculty Student Association board member, grant allocation committee, seats
on the College Senate, College Council, Students Assembly, Intercollegiate Athletics Board and Auxiliary
Services Advisory Committee.
“I want the biggest turn out possible. I want every position to at least have two candidates. I think that
would make for a healthy competition between candidates,” said Director of Orientation and New
Student Programs Robert Mead-Colegrove. “It’s a vote for the students by the students.”
Students running for executive positions should have a 2.50 grade point average while students seeking
senator positions should have a 2.00.
A USG elections committee is in place to oversee the proper handling of the election and to make sure
it follows the constitution. Some responsibilities of this committee are to run the election, put rules
in place on campaigning and handle any grievances that may arise and report to the senate after the
election ends.
Director of Orientation and New Student Programs Robert Mead-Colegrove will be the chair of the USG
Elections Committee.
The USG Elections committee members are USG advisor Dr. Catherine Ansuini, Assistant Director of
Student Life Kristen Catalano, Rules and Regulations chair Miguel Pereira, Chief Justice Edward J. Bryant
and three other students not affiliated with USG.
Chief Justice Edward Bryant said he wants the judicial council to be more visible this semester and the
coming academic year and to be more open to students’ questions and concerns.
“I will do my best to assist the next president and legislature with any information that is needed and
help in any way possible for them to get acclimated to this process.”
Outgoing USG President Sara Garafinkle said she is very optimistic that the next legislature will do well
representing the student body.
“I would like to wish the 2013-2014 USG executive board lots of luck. I know that they will do great
and keep carrying out the work of USG and keep representing students to the best of their abilities,”
Garafinkle said. “Good luck to the 37th legislature.”
Sashana Campbell can be reached by email at campbell.record@live.com.