My name is Nick Vargas, and I am running for Student Government Association executive president.

Since arriving at Emerson, I have felt a personal investment in the future of our school and what it stands for: a haven for creative, intelligent and driven individuals.

In the past few years I have seen a lack of communication between the SGA executive president, student organizations, the student body and the elected and appointed members of the SGA.

Currently the executive president, Scott Fisher, does not meet outside of joint session meetings with the SGA adviser, vice president or treasurer, although meetings have been requested numerous times. By not holding meetings, the president continues to foster poor communication with his fellow executive officers. This not only proves his inability to effectively communicate but also his unwillingness to collaborate.

Although a new amnesty policy has been enacted, and the exploration of gender-neutral housing has begun, these changes have happened under false pretenses, and sometimes without the support of the SGA.

Polls created by the president along with the Commissioner’s Council on the issue of gender-neutral housing only reached a small portion of the student body, the questions were vague and the data compiled was not relevant enough to the Office of Housing and Residence Life’s exploration of this issue. Through suggestions from the rest of joint session, myself included, we brought in members of the office and spoke with them about the necessary data they need to move forward.

I know I have the tools to create a cohesive community within the SGA and across the entire student body. Through my involvement with student events and organizations-Kidding Around, Rareworks, Orientation, Hand Me Down Night and the Class of 2010-I understand the importance of working together. I will bring my strong leadership skills, creativity and personality to the position of SGA president in hopes of creating the strongest possible team of student leaders ready to tackle any and all student initiatives, problems and goals that exist or may arise in the next year.

We will continue to work, through collaboration with the appropriate offices and departments-the Office of Housing and Residence Life and Dean of Students Ronald Ludman’s office-to establish gender-neutral housing as soon as possible.

We will work to make this coming year’s transition into the Colonial and Paramount buildings smooth and productive-and to encourage student input on the process.

We will create a solid SGA treasury, one that requires less paperwork from student organizations, and provides greater support in the processes of appeals, Financial Advisory Board and in day-to-day transactions.

We will be conscious of our world’s current economic status when examining financial matters at Emerson.

We will re-examine the constitution and bylaws that govern SGA to make them pertinent to the student body’s needs.

We will work to make the commuter meal plan more useful for off-campus students.

We will create opportunities for greater collaboration between all organizations and individuals on our campus by providing a more user-friendly student event calendar, and increase support of co-sponsorship between organizations and individuals.

We will always be open and available to hear the concerns of all students and then take the appropriate next step.

I am an extremely open leader, and I will continue to strive to go above and beyond to support the excellence, achievements and accomplishments of the student body. I welcome all students to come out and vote in this coming election. By casting a vote for Nick Vargas, you will be casting your vote for proven leadership.

Together we can make Emerson a place for all students to come and be themselves.

iNick Vargas is a junior theater education major and a canidate for SGA president./i