Kyle Navarro / The Avion
Freshman, BS Mechanical Engineering
"Hello Eagles!! I am Sidney, and I am devoted to serving you, the student body on the Treasury Board. I am known for my work ethic and dedication in everything I do. I approach tasks with utmost diligence, whether it is volunteering my time at student organizations, contributing to various projects, or succeeding in academics. My unwavering commitment stems from a desire to make a meaningful and positive impact here on campus. I am driven by my passion for helping others and advocating for the underrepresented. As such, I am honored to serve as a Resident Advisor for the upcoming academic year. However, I assure you that I am equally honored to serve on the Treasury. I have prior experience being trusted with and distributing funds accordingly. Additionally, I am committed to fairness and inclusivity in all aspects, I am confident in my ability to effectively allocate funds and ensure that all RSO voices are heard. My goal is to foster a campus environment where every RSO feels equally represented and supported by the SGA."
What makes you a qualified candidate for this position?
"My qualifications for the Student Treasury Board position stem from a blend of academic excellence, leadership experience, and a commitment to fiscal responsibility. As a diligent student pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering, I possess a solid understanding of the principles of budget management and restrictions. Moreover, my leadership roles in various student organizations have honed my organizational skills and ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams. I have a proven track record of responsibly managing funds as a treasurer for my rover project group, where I successfully allocated resources to support the design of the project while ensuring financial transparency and accountability. Additionally, my work experience at a retail company has provided me with practical insights into risk management and financial analysis, further enhancing my qualifications for this role. During my time there, I was entrusted with depositing end-of-day funds at the company's bank. With my expertise and dedication, I am confident in my ability to contribute positively to the Student Treasury Board and serve the student body with diligence."
What is the purpose of the Student Treasury?
"The treasury of an organization, such as a Student Government Association (SGA), serves to manage and oversee financial matters crucial for the university's operations. Its primary purpose is to ensure the responsible allocation and utilization of university financial resources in alignment with the student organization's goals and objectives. This involves tasks such as budgeting, financial planning, and monitoring expenditures. The treasury is also responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, providing transparency regarding financial matters to all involved, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations and policies. Additionally, it may play a role in fundraising efforts and evaluating financial risks and opportunities to safeguard the organization's financial health. Ultimately, the treasury functions as a steward of the university's financial well-being, aiming to optimize resource utilization, promote financial stability, and support the organization's mission and initiatives. It is also responsible for equitable dispersing funds to each student organization with fairness taking into consideration not only the size of the group but their importance."
How would you define risk management, and how would you relate this skill to your position as Student Treasury Board Member?
"Risk management involves identifying, assessing, and mitigating potential threats or uncertainties that could impact an organization's objectives. As a Student Treasury Board Member, risk management is essential in safeguarding the financial health and reputation of the Student Government Association (SGA) and the university. This skill involves recognizing potential financial risks like overspending on RSOs or ineffective allocations, such as budgetary overspending, revenue fluctuations, or inadequate financial controls. By conducting thorough risk assessments and implementing appropriate strategies like reviewing expenditures, I would strive to minimize these risks and ensure the prudent management of SGA funds. Additionally, I would prioritize transparency and accountability in financial decision-making processes, fostering a culture of risk awareness and proactive risk mitigation within the Treasury Board. By effectively managing risks, I aim to uphold the trust of the student body, optimize financial performance, and contribute to the long-term success and sustainability of the Student Government Association."
How do you plan to ensure the organizations you represent receive the funding they need without putting others at a disadvantage?
"I plan to ensure equitable funding distribution among the organizations I represent by implementing a transparent and objective allocation process. Firstly, I will establish clear criteria for evaluating funding requests, considering factors such as past performance, reports of the organization's previous out-of-pocket spending, how the lack of funding hindered their goals and their proposed initiatives' and their proposed impact on the student body. Through open communication and collaboration with organization leaders, I will gather comprehensive information to inform budgetary decisions. Additionally, I will prioritize flexibility in budgeting to accommodate diverse needs and unforeseen circumstances. By maintaining a balanced approach and adhering to fair and consistent criteria, I aim to mitigate biases and ensure that all organizations have the opportunity to receive the funding they need. Moreover, I will foster a culture of inclusivity and cooperation within the Student Treasury Board, encouraging dialogue and constructive feedback to collectively address funding challenges and optimize resource allocation for the benefit of the entire student community."
