College of Engineering Senator Candidate

Papa Abdoul Sene

Papa Abdoul's photos were captured by:

Dylan Kowlessar / The Avion

Papa Abdoul Sene

Junior, BS Aerospace Engineering

"My name is Papa Abdoul, and I am excited to be running for the senator position at the College of Engineering. Born in a French-Senegalese family, I have lived in 11 countries so far, which has given me exposure to various cultures and allowed me to speak French, English, and Spanish fluently. I am committed to improving the college experience for all students, regardless of their background. I believe in promoting sustainability, offering solutions to the college's student retention rate, and providing assistance to low-income students for their textbooks and other important school supplies. I am confident I can fit this position well because of my persistence, critical thinking skills, and problem-solving abilities. I am realistic, pragmatic, and I understand the importance of finding viable solutions. I am dedicated to improving academic advising to ensure all students have the necessary resources to succeed. As a senator, I hope to work with all College of Engineering student body members to make positive changes and create a better future for all."

  • What makes you a qualified candidate for this position?

    "As a multilingual individual who has lived in 11 different countries, I bring a different unique perspective and experience to the position. This exposure to different cultures has allowed me to understand the importance of cultural sensitivity and inclusivity, which I believe is crucial to represent constituents in any leadership position. I believe that my skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication make me a qualified candidate for this position.

    I am dedicated to working collaboratively with all members of the College of Engineering, including students, faculty, and staff, to find effective solutions to the challenges we face. Furthermore, I am a very persistent and determined person. When I set my mind to something, I am committed to seeing it through to the end. I believe that this trait will be primordial in my work as a senator as I work to make positive changes and create a better future for all students. All in all, my unique background, dedication, skills, and passion make me a qualified candidate to be a senator of the College of Engineering."

  • What is the purpose of the SGA Student Senate?

    "The purpose of the SGA senate is to promote the interests and needs of the student body to the administration and faculty. The senate serves as a platform for students to voice their concerns and advocate for change on campus. It works closely with the administration to address issues such as student retention rates, academic advising, and concerns from the student body. The Senate is a liaison between the students and the administration, providing open communication and constructive collaboration. By working closely with faculty and staff, the senate can ensure that student voices are heard and that policies and decisions are made with the student body's best interests in mind. Overall, the Student Gov. Association senate is there to enhance the experience for all students and advocate for their needs. It gives the student body a platform to express their concerns and contribute to positive change for the entire college."

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

    "It will be my responsibility to elevate and communicate the issues that my constituents are concerned about to the Senate. I plan to do this by creating relationships with the student organizations and clubs in the College of Engineering and by being accessible and approachable to all students.

    I intend to: Meet with student leaders and members of different organizations in the College of Engineering to discuss the issues that are affecting their members. Utilize various communication channels to ensure the student body is aware of the issues being brought up and discussed in the Senate. Create a regular newsletter published on the Avion or email list to keep students informed about upcoming Senate meetings, propositions, and decisions made by the Senate. Utilize my office hours to meet with students to discuss their concerns, provide guidance on how they can get involved in the decision-making process, and seek out student feedback through surveys and polls.

    All in All, the goal is to establish strong relationships with the student body, be an accessible representative, and make sure that the voices of all students in the College of Engineering are heard in order to make positive changes on campus."

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

    "I plan to improve my constituent's experience at ERAU by focusing on several key areas that are important to students, including academic advising, student retention, sustainability, and access to essential resources.

    First, I believe that improving academic advising is essential to ensuring that students have a successful experience. I plan to work with the administration and faculty to develop more comprehensive advising that meets the needs of engineering students—advising them on all resources available to their success, from minors to double majors to technical electives that would benefit their career and future job search. I will also take feedback from students on their experiences with academic advising and work to implement changes that address their concerns.

    Second, I plan to focus on improving student retention rates in the College of Engineering. This will involve developing more support systems for students who are struggling academically or personally. Helping would help create a more supportive and inclusive community for all students.

    Third, I am committed to promoting sustainability in all aspects of campus life. This will involve advocating for policies and programs that promote environmentally responsible practices (e.g, electric golf carts). By working to create a more sustainable campus, we can ensure that future generations of students can enjoy a healthy learning environment.

    Finally, I plan to focus on improving access to essential resources for low-income and first-generation students. This may include initiatives to provide free or low-cost textbooks, assistance with transportation and housing, and other forms of support that help to remove barriers to success."