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Renee Rathjen
Prior experience: SGA involvement since Fall 2005 (currently SGA Vice-President), Queer-Straight Alliance Chair of Finance, Clover Court Resident Assistant
“After years of governance experience at the UIS level I feel that I can best serve the interests of UIS students at the U-I level. Through my involvement on Campus Senate and keeping up-to-date on the actions of the Board of Trustees over the past few years I have developed an understanding of the operations of the U-I system and the unique needs of UIS within the system.”
“I am most concerned about effectively and efficiently using tuition and fee revenues to create the support systems, services, and general atmosphere where UIS students can thrive. Growing a healthy Center For First Year programs and accessible student services to work hand in hand are key.”
LaTrice Nettles
Prior experience: Two years SGA, SAC, ICCB, Athletics.
“In the spring of ’06, I formed the UIS Disaster Relief Volunteer Group, where a diverse group of more than 30 students, came together to cleanup Springfield and surrounding cities, when an influx of tornados struck during spring break. Last semester, I initiated the emergency I-Card money program, where 23 students were provided funds for campus food, during finals week… I plan to endorse and work to see implemented: Campus Services [after-school and weekend programming for children living on/off campus], Admissions, Academics, and Campus Development… So join me in this endeavor: Taking our University to Another Level!”
“I would like to see every student be represented and have their needs brought to surface and addressed. I would advocate for after-school and weekend programming for the children of students.”
D. Craig McFarland
Prior experience: SGA Transfer Senator, Vice-President College Democrats
“I transferred to UIS from Black Hawk College, where I served for one year as Student Government President. I was required to report to the Board of Trustees at BHC and ensure a working relationship to allow the students’ voice to be heard… I will work to address the recent acts of violence on campus by community building between the campus police and safety program initiatives… This past year I was one of two SGA members to vote against a raise in student fees… we cannot continue to place the burden solely on the backs of the students.”
"Three major issues that must be addressed are the recent acts of violence on campus, the retention problems and the increases of student fees without additional services. I would advocate for a change from the "plus/minus" system of grading that puts graduating students at a disadvantage; moving the campus to "green technology;" and making sidewals more accessible."
Ashley Rook
Prior experience: SGA Parliamentarian, Women’s Issues Caucus Chair, McGuireWoods Consulting Legislative Intern, Office of U.S. Senator Barack Obama Intern
“As UIS continues to grow, we must ensure that our achievements and expansion as a university are combined with attention to student needs and adequate support services and resources for a diverse student population…If elected as your President, I plan to improve constituent outreach by increasing communication with students and creating more open forums on student issues.”
“I am most concerned with ensuring that our student services and resources will expand with the size of our student body to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse population... I am also concerned about this year’s problematic retention rates and hope to address issues of retention and academic advising to make sure that students have the support and guidance they need to succeed academically at this university.”
Brandon Guiliano
Prior experience: 4 years in the Navy, SGA Senator at Large
“I am a 22 year old freshman here at UIS after having spent 4 years in the U.S. Navy. In the last SGA election, I sought the position of Senator At Large on the basis that my real world experience and leadership abilities would be a quality fit for the job. After having been your Senator At Large during the last semester I have only gained more experience and I have grown as a student who now a vested interest in this University. My experience and leadership abilities remain as a strong basis for why I am the best candidate to be your SGA Vice-President.”
“I think that the school should more aggressively pursue small business to come to our campus to expand our food choices and accessibility to goods.”
Yolanda Beamon
Prior experience: Black Student Union President, Model Illinois Government Delegate Judiciary Committee Chair
“Being a proud senior at the University of Illinois at Springfield is a status that did not come easy… I made the decision to become involved in extracurricular and leadership opportunities [after] complaining about what needed to be changed on various college campuses… During my time here at the University of Illinois at Springfield, I found out early that networking and involvement on the campus was critical to my success… motivation pushes me to continue on this journey to a realistic representation of all students on campus. “
[The candidate declined to respond to the Journal’s questions]
Charles Olivier
Prior experience: M3C Volunteer, Student Life Assistant, Student Advisory Board, Multi-Cultural Advisory Board, Capital Scholars Honor Freshman, Service Learning Wing Coordinator, Accounting Chair of Relay For Life,Black Student Union Social Chairperson, Student Member to Committee of Student Life, Student Member to Committee of Student Discipline, Student Activities Committee Marketing Coordinator
“Being a part of the Student Government Association, personally, means more than holding an important position. To be the voice for the students, brings social responsibility…As Treasurer I will help prepare our school for the inevitable growth over the years to come. I am honestly excited about making this school year successful and more enjoyable for everyone. Once again, let’s make it happen UIS!” [The candidate declined to respond to the Journal’s questions]
Amy Quarton
Prior experience: Intern in the Governor’s Office, Big Brothers Big Sisters mentor for three years, volunteer with the Southern Illinois Humane Society, research assistant at SIU’s Integrative Neuroscience Laboratory
“I want to be a part of the SGA for one reason: to help you…get answers to your questions…communicate your concerns to the appropriate people, and…voice your suggestions. Yes, I have great ideas, but you have better ones…lines of communication must be opened and maintained. You need to know who your representatives are, how to contact them, and what they are doing to improve the university and your education. One of the ways I would like to [do this] is by taking advantage of the organization’s website. It needs to be updated on a regular basis and used to facilitate more on-line communication between students and the SGA.”
“My main concern is the lack of academic programs. I am also concerned about textbook prices.”
Bret Tate
Prior experience: Vice-chair of the Queer-Straight Alliance, member of the Inter-Club Council Board
“There are several issues that I see at UIS that need to be addressed. These issues include lack of a campus life, lack of an adequate bus service and constantly rising text book prices. I would push to have these issues brought to the table so that solutions can be found rather than these issues just being complained about year after year.”
“An issue at UIS that is of most concern to me is the lack of campus life. During the weekends, UIS seems to shut down. Most services on campus close, leaving those who stay on campus with little to keep them occupied. It is for this reason that most students go home on the weekends. I think the lack of a campus life oftentimes prevents the student body at UIS from becoming a true community.”
Matt Van Vossen
Prior experience: SGA Senator for Public Affairs and Administration
“As Senator of Public Affairs and Administration it has been an honor representing the student body on SGA…hopefully, with your vote of approval on April 16th, I will be trusted to serve another term as your Senator…I am currently working with the Student Government to pass a resolution stating that the current regulations regarding Capital Scholars Honors Students and General Education Students, when it comes to partitioning the two programs, should be disregarded, if both an Honors student and a Gen. Ed. Student request to dorm with each other.”
“The most recent policy change I am working on is a resolution to allow for students who are in different academic programs (Cap Honors or Gen Ed.) to be able to have the option of rooming together, if they request each other.”
Derek Felix
Prior experience: SGA Sabbatical and Awards Committee
“One of the largest disadvantages that students have here at UIS is our GPA scale [which is based on a system of pluses and minuses]…This makes for an unfair advantage in favor of students at other schools when trying to apply for graduate school. I believe that all letter grades should weigh the same amount when our GPA is calculated.”
“We need more businesses around campus and more of an on-campus night life for our increasing population so we can keep students here instead of them transferring... I also would like the change the GPA scale on our campus to stop using pluses and minuses. All letter grades should be worth the same amount like at most other schools so we have the same advantage that they have to be competitive at the graduate school level.”
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