Local College Speak Outs Draw Large Crowds and Answer Burning Questions

Election season has arrived at the Mecca! The annual speak-outs give each candidate and slate the chance to explain to the student body the changes and policies they wish to implement to make the next school year better and more successful.

The main themes that revolved around Tuesday night's CNAHS, CEACS, and COAS speak-outs involved increasing the recognition of the respective schools, addressing issues such as study abroad programs and scholarships, maintaining community service and mentorship opportunities, and instituting and distributing newsletters and communication pertinent to each college.

Junior clinical laboratory sciences major Imani Finn, who is in the running for executive treasurer for the College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, had a lot to say about her current slate, FUSION.

"We have very big plans for this next year. By the time I graduate next year, everyone will know about CNAHS," Finn said.

In addition to community service, FUSION wants to strengthen internal mentoring programs within the school and increase visibility for freshman, specifically starting early with freshman week.

Candidates from the College of Engineering, Architecture, and Computer Sciences had similar agendas, stating that visibility, involvement, and organization would greatly increase the performance of the school. By providing monthly reports and devising a distribution plan for a newsletter, all those in positions would be truly passionate about their duties as well as bettering the college.

Another issue addressed included an honors program.

Taylor Valencia, a sophomore civil engineering major and Miss CEACS, said, "When I return to campus 10 years after graduating, I want CEACS to be one of the first shout outs in Cramton Auditorium."

Determined to get answers to lingering questions, a larger crowd attended to hear the candidates at the COAS speak-out.

Danielle Scott, freshman political science major, said that she "would like to see more opportunities presented to all students."

COAS, in competition with the Schools of Communication and Business would like to institute a career fair geared toward students in their respective fields. The reasoning behind the idea was that many students in the schools do not enter into the work force immediately, but they instead go on to medical and law schools and bringing graduate school recruiters would be of much interest.

"Whether it is scholarships, internships, or just connections with future job opportunities, I feel hopeful and confident that the next administration will work for the betterment of COAS as a whole, keeping in mind what is really needed for the students to succeed," Scott said.

The individual candidates and the group slates fully expressed to all students and their colleges the importance of progress and a fresh start. Having many common ideals, the right platforms and installation of policies could better unite the individual colleges and the university as a whole.