Parker Bennett
Class: Junior
Majors: Political Science
After having nearly a year in office as a College of Social and Behavioral Science senator, I am running for a second term with hopes to continue my service to the student body. A lothas happened in the past year here at UNI, and as a result my fellow senators and I have had numerous opportunities to respond in a way that best benefits students. Some of my top priorities for the next year include:
- Continuing to push for Performance Based Funding, which I believe is a strong model
that will help adequately fund the university and thus allow for continued growth in
areas such as nontraditional academic programming, diverse transportation options,
much-needed renovations, and increased sustainability measures (to name just a few). - Work with fellow senators to push against restrictive/unfair policies set forth by the university (such as handling of sexual crimes on campus and the penalization of student organizations through UNI catering). Students need to be aware of such policy changes, form an opinion on them, and voice their opinions knowing that they will be heard and acted upon.
- I personally intend to make my availability as a senator more public, and hope to advertise my personal office hours more effectively in hopes that students will feel comfortable coming to share their concerns with their representatives.
student leader, and as a result I have been able to get increasingly involved on campus in a way that makes a difference. Having served on the External Relations committee, I have learned a great deal about the connections UNI has with the local and state communities and have even made some connections of my own. Through my increased involvement on campus I have been able to serve as a resource for high school, prospective, and current students of UNI. The events I have helped put on through organizations like Honors student Advisory Board and Model United Nations have given me valuable organization and leadership skills that I am able to bring with me to NISG. My time with Student Admissions Ambassadors has also been a time of development. Through giving tours, working Up Close days, and volunteering I have been able to better communicate to prospective students all that UNI and its student body has to offer them.
Heather Applegate
Class: Sophomore
Majors: Sociology
I am running for NISG Senate on behalf of the College of Social and Behavioral
Sciences because I feel I will be able to represent my constituents well and be a voice
for those who do not feel empowered to speak. I have lived a fairly diverse past living in
both very rural areas and in the downtowns and urban neighborhoods of major cities,
which has contributed to my experiences with new and different cultures. I am open-
minded and goal oriented: two things that a representative needs to be in order to
properly work on behalf of those who elected her. I plan to be a part of and associate
with more student organizations in order to hear and understand the perspectives,
needs, and wants of a wide variety of demographics. As a part of the senate, I want my
constituents to recognize that they have the ability to influence their world, including
their scope here on campus. Each and every student has the right to be heard, and I
want to ensure that what is said leads to the best of changes.
Gabriella Ruggiero
Class: Sophomore
Majors: Political Science and Global Studies
My name is Gabriella (Gabbie) Ruggiero, and I am a Political Science and Global Studies double major. I have been involved in Students against a Violent Environment (SAVE), UNIFI, and NISG this past year. As Recording Secretary for NISG I’ve become knowledgeable about issues that directly affect students. I know that by asking questions and gathering information from constituents, we can work together to prioritize issues and implement a plan to efficiently make a change. Below are some issues that I feel need to be addressed in the following year.
Creating a stronger link between the surrounding community and students.
In light of the Cedar Falls City Council’s discussion of a housing ordinance that directly impacts student living situations, it became clear that many residents of Cedar Falls feel distant from students. UNI’s presence should be felt across the community. This means promoting volunteer opportunities in coordination with the Student Leadership Council and contacting locations like Cedar Valley Friends of the Family and Hartman Reserve Nature Center, and finding more opportunities for job experience in the Cedar Valley, including small Main Street businesses.
Investigating the effectiveness of student health services.
I find it unacceptable that pertinent resources like the Counseling Center are understaffed. Waiting weeks to be seen by a counselor can have serious consequences for a student. Although this issue will hopefully be alleviated by a fee increase, there should be some follow-up to see if scheduling problems are solved. I would work with the Health Center and Student Affairs to create a survey similar to those used by the Health Clinic earlier this year.
Meal plans.
Requiring freshman to get an unlimited meal plan and unnecessarily tacking on dining dollars to meal plans makes choosing a cost-effective plan difficult. Students should not feel pressured to pay for a plan they aren’t satisfied with. I would discuss new plan options with the Department of Residence and author legislation opposing restrictive plans. These are some issues that I have encountered—but I realize that there numerous others. If you have any questions, or would like to discuss my platform, please contact me at ruggierg@uni.edu.
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