Editor’s Note: The Daily News reached out to all three slates running for election during the 2019 Student Government Association (SGA) elections and offered them the opportunity to write a Letter to the Editor addressing The Daily News’ readers. These letters were received prior to the evidence of copyright violation being submitted against Empower and Elevate. The Daily News publishes Letters to the Editor with minimal copy edits and provides a headline only if the author does not provide one. We reserve the right to withhold submitted letters depending on the content. Letters should be approximately 500 words and sent to editor@bsudailynews.com.
As we participate in Ball State University’s Centennial Celebration, we are reminded of how much good Ball State has done for its students. From the first students who stepped on campus 100 years ago to the students who will be attending here in the fall, the campus has always been geared to the students’ needs. Empower is redefining the role of Student Government Association at Ball State University. With revolutionary platform points and a slate that is chalk-full [sic] of leadership experience, we want to provide Ball State with a better campus experience for all.
Our Executive Slate is made up of Julian Simmerman as our President, Joel Johnson as Vice President, Erin Byrne as Secretary, and Nate Woods as Treasurer. Besides our slate having leadership roles in Greek Life and on-campus organizations, our slate is personable, reliable and honest. We know what’s feasible and will tell you when something isn’t.
We’re excited to have the opportunity to run for these positions and do not take it lightly. We recognize the importance and prestige of these positions and plan to utilize them properly and efficiently. Our goal is to empower our students on campus and include them in the essential decision-making process at Ball State. That’s what students deserve – transparency, whole-hearted honesty and inclusion. We’re not just working hard for our campaign points but working hard for the student body.
One of our big points that we want to implement is our Self-Protection Objective, where we plan to implement a course into the Ball State curriculum, specifically as a PFW credit, to help combat sexual assault on and off campus. Sexual assault is not something we have the answer to, but this class has been proven to be effective. The class teaches students how to physically protect themselves from those that wish to hurt them. If we are unable to get the class on the Ball State curriculum, we plan to weave it within current PFW classes.
Another platform point close to our heart is our Safe Ride Home Program. We’re working hard to provide Ball State with free or discounted rides home on Thursdays through Sunday nights. Everyone loves a good time – but it’s important to have a safe ride home. We’re in contact with ride-sharing company Lyft to possibly partner and grow the network of safe rides across Ball State’s campus and the Muncie community.
Empower has the passion and drive to be your next Executive Slate at Ball State University. Our experience in management outside of and within Ball State has provided us a unique voice and perspective that will recharge Student Government Association. For any slate, stepping into this high leadership role will be no cake walk, but we are confident that we will get things done, for you. We look forward to the upcoming Monday and Tuesday election and ask you to vote “EMPOWER!”
- Empower, 2019 Student Government Association Slate
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