College of Engineering Senator Candidate

Teshome S. Teshome

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Erin Dillman / The Avion

Teshome S. Teshome

Senior, BS Aerospace Engineering

"As a student senator, one must be able to represent and advocate for the needs and interests of the student body. My qualifications for running for student senator run through the following: In terms of leadership experience, I have held various positions in student organizations, including president and secretary. These experiences have taught me the importance of collaboration, communication, and accountability, which are essential qualities for a student senator. Additionally, I have been actively involved in campus RSOs, such as AIAA DBF, ERFSEDS, and ERPL, which has helped me develop a deep understanding of the concerns and needs of the student body. Last but not least, I am committed to ensuring that all students have a voice and are represented in decision-making processes that impact their education and overall well-being on campus."

  • What makes you a qualified candidate for this position?

    "The student senator position requires an individual who is committed to serving the student body and has the skills and experience necessary to advocate for their interests.

    The following are the reasons why an individual may consider themselves a qualified candidate for the position: Firstly, I believe I possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills. That would enable me to effectively communicate with other constituents, build relationships, and collaborate with other members of the Senate. Secondly, I have experience in leadership roles and demonstrate a track record of effective decision-making, problem-solving, and teamwork. I have had leadership positions in RSOs on campus, such as EAL and DBF. Thirdly, I believe I have a good understanding of the issues affecting students and have the ability to research and analyze data to modify or implement policy decisions. Lastly, I have a strong work ethic to be committed to their role as a student body representative. I will be dedicated to fulfilling the responsibilities and ensuring that the needs and concerns of other constituents are addressed."

  • What is the purpose of the SGA Student Senate?

    "The purpose of the SGA Senate, or Student Government Association Senate, is to represent and serve the student body of a university or college. The Senate comprises elected representatives who work to identify and address issues affecting students and advocate for their interests and needs. One of the main functions of the SGA Senate is to allocate funds to student organizations and initiatives. They review budget proposals and determine which activities and programs will receive funding, with the goal of enhancing the campus experience for students. In addition, the SGA Senate serves as a liaison between students and the university administration. They provide a platform for students to voice their concerns and suggest changes to university policies, procedures, and practices. They also work to improve campus life and promote a sense of community through organizing events and activities. Overall, the SGA Senate plays an important role in ensuring that the student body is represented and their needs are met, making the university experience as positive and fulfilling as possible for students."

  • How do you plan to elevate and communicate issues that your constituents are concerned about to the Senate?

    "As an elected representative, the individual plans to prioritize the concerns and interests of their constituents and ensure that their voices are heard in the SGA Senate. To achieve this, they need to outline several strategies.

    Firstly, they plan to establish a feedback mechanism to regularly gather input from their constituents. This could be in the form of an online platform or town hall meetings, providing students with a direct channel to communicate their grievances.

    Secondly, they plan to conduct research and gather data to support the concerns raised by their constituents. This information would be used to present a compelling case to the Senate and advocate for necessary changes.

    Thirdly, the individual plans to collaborate with other student leaders and representatives to build coalitions around shared concerns. By working together, they can leverage collective voices to make a stronger impact in communicating the issues to the Senate.

    Finally, the individual intends to use various communication channels to ensure that their constituents are informed of any progress or developments in addressing their concerns. This could include email updates, social media posts, or newsletters."

  • How will you improve the ERAU experience for your constituents?

    "If elected as a student senator, I would undertake several actions to improve the engineering experience for my constituents. Firstly, I would advocate for more funding for engineering programs and RSOs. This would enable the engineering department to invest in new equipment and resources, providing students with more opportunities to learn and grow. Secondly, I would work with the engineering faculty to address any issues students may face in their coursework. This could include increasing access to tutoring services, streamlining the curriculum, or improving lab facilities. Thirdly, I would organize events and activities to promote a sense of community among engineering students. This could include networking events, workshops, and guest speaker series. Lastly, I would gather feedback from my constituents and use this information to inform my decisions and actions. By prioritizing the needs and concerns of my constituents, I can ensure that my efforts are targeted toward improving the engineering experience for all students."