Jeffrey Yohan Ko and Carrie Haney for Student Body President
Platform
Bridging CMU's Past, Present, & Future
These are the positions that are of utmost importance to my Candidacy. I encourage you to read them and reach out to me should you have comments on a particular position or have suggestions for others.
Title IX
Long-Term Project
A little over a year ago, when the Department of Education introduced its proposed changes to the Title IX guidelines, I worked hard as the Chair of the Senate Committee on Advocacy to submit a public comment highlighting our strong disagreement with the direction of the Department. As President, I would work diligently to not only bolster resources available to students, but also work with the University to expand the Office of Title IX and establish student liaisons to the Office.
Diversity and Inclusion in All Spaces
Long-Term Project
During my time as the Chair, I worked hard to foster a more diverse and inclusive campus, understanding that neither could exist without the other. We must strive to attract and retain diverse talent and be a University which others strive to follow. As President, I would set aside funding so that Student Ambassadors visit historically underserved regions and groups of people to attract the talent and minds for a more representative community. We must also strive to ensure that the commitment to a diverse and inclusive campus extends into academia and the professional setting. We shall work together to ensure that all faculty, staff, and professionals uphold this commitment and I will negotiate with the administration to enact a mandatory written submission for tenure-track candidates that highlights their understanding of the barriers that underserved groups experience and their dedication in addressing these barriers in all capacities. lusive campus, neither existing without the other. We must strive to attract and retain diverse talent and be a University which others strive to follow. We must address inclusion at the same level of importance, as diversity is sustained by inclusivity and vice versa. I would also use the Presidential Budget to fund high-school visits to CMU for low-income students. And lastly, I would address unconscious bias and cross-cultural sensitivity.
Increase Student Wages
Today's student balances the need to develop academically and professionally, but rising cost of living on campus necessitates an increase of student wages. The student body at our neighboring University of Pittsburgh approved such measure. It's time that we do the same!
Long-Term Project
Mental Health POWER (Provide, Online , Wellness, Empowerment, Reciprocate)
Mental health is inherently a personal balance, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t care for one another. Our strongest moments are those we live through together. As a community, we come from different backgrounds, live under different expectations, view the world differently, but we can work together to Provide resources, create an Online portal for events, sessions, and publications, emphasize Wellness beyond the classroom and professional setting, Empower students, and Reciprocate kindness, empathy, and compassion to our fellow students.
Long-Term Project
International Student Services
International students are integral to the CMU campus and contribute so much, but non-international students may not understand their stories and struggles. I would establish full time liaison from cabinet to OIE to make sure services and. Support for int students are amplified.
Long-Term Project
Alumni Focus (Professional Development)
Alumni have valuable experiences, insight, and love for CMU that can really help students understand where they want to go. I would set up weekly spotlights with alumni in either written or video testimonies and encourage them to share their contact information to further professional development opportunities for all students.
High Priority
Leadership Training Transparency
Long-Term Project
Every student has the right to be a part of change on campus. That change, however, can be slowed down by both internal and external dynamics, and navigating the student government process may be too complicated and time consuming. To encourage the leaders of tomorrow, I would make workshops to explain the student government process of each branch and help publicize vacancies in student government.
Collaborative Art Spaces
As a community, it should be our goal to express ourselves, opinions, beliefs, and talent through collaborative spaces similar in function to The Fence.
High Priority
Work-Life Balance
A lot is expected of every CMU student, but that shouldn’t take away from our efforts to balance our personal, academic, and professional lives. Finding the right approach would be one of the most important aspects of my presidency.
High Priority
Semesterly Forum
High Priority
As the medium for the representation of all students on campus, the President must not unilaterally determine what the wishes of the body are. Therefore, it is necessary for the establishment of a semesterly forum so that all students may express content/discontent with the state of affairs and to contribute ideas for the overall improvement of the community. Additionally, I would establish a virtual discord so that any student may submit comments, concerns, and inquiry for rapid response.
Transparency in the Student Government Process
As President, I would immediately move so that the website of the SBP houses all information and status of introduced, ongoing, and potential initiatives and projects. All students have the right to know what goals and objectives are being set and determine if they are in their interest. I would also create open communication so that feedback and comments can be addressed as soon as possible.
High Priority
Inter-disciplinary Approach
Our campus is made complete by the tremendous diversity of academic fields. As part of my cabinet, I would work with faculty and administrators to encourage more inter-disciplinary learning and instruction.
High Priority
Collaborative Approach
I would establish a platform to allow all students to provide commentary on any initiatives that we work on.
High Priority
More to Come!
There are so many areas that can be improved to better the lives of CMU students. Together, we can make that happen. If you have a pressing concern, please let me know at jko2@andrew.cmu.edu