“We create leadership environments and hands on experience providing students opportunities to have a voice, get involved, find their place, and shape moments of inspiration.” This is the mission statement of SLCC’s Student Life and Leadership.
The Student Body President is an important position at SLCC. The mission statement of the Presidents Board is:
“Our mission as the SLCCSA President’s Cabinet is to inspire, assist, guide, and serve all Student Life and Leadership to better represent students of all cultures, abilities, and ages.”
Duties of the Student Body President:
• Serves as a member of committees as requested by the President of the College or designee,
• Serves as chief executive officer of the Salt Lake Community College Student Association,
• Serves as a fee-paying member of the Utah Council of Student Body Presidents (UCSP) and the Utah Student Association (USA) as approved by the current Executive Council,
• Vetoes any legislation received from the Executive Vice President within seven days. Any legislation that remains unsigned after 15 days will become effective,
• Calls and presides at meetings of the Executive Council,
• Calls and conducts meetings with the SLCCSA President’s Board,
• Authorizes Policies & Procedures for President’s Board as long as it upholds the Constitution and Bylaws, and SLL Policies and Procedures.
The Student Body President election are March 30 – April 1, 2010. SLCC student can vote at vote.slcc.edu from any computer. Students will need their student number and birth date.
The Globe is committed to providing an independent voice of Salt Lake Community College students and its candidates. The Globe offered each candidate the opportunity to submit 300 words and a picture.
The Candidates
Mike Bird
Being part of SLCC Senate for this last semester has taught me not only the good that Student Government has to offer, but also areas in which Student Government can be improved. The Student Body President has a variety of responsibilities including; student representation, the primary voice for all Students, the allocation of student fees, keeping tuition to a minimum, and ensuring the satisfaction and well being of all students attending SLCC. I will not only fulfill all responsibilities listed, but will with the help of faculty and students accomplish much more. I am for Accountability and Representation. I feel those in positions of leadership and or act as representatives for students need to be held accountable for their responsibilities. While talking with hundreds of students before the campaign even started I have come to learn that students who are not affiliated in some sort of club or organization of SLCC are very unaware of situations that have happened or will happen in the near future. Not only are they unaware of situations but most of them didn’t know SLCC has a Student Government. With a variety of students come a variety of different situations in people’s lives. I understand that not all students can be as involved in things primarily because of, Jobs, families, lack of interest, and or other obligations. I do understand that all students regardless of their situations are entitled to not only their voices being heard and acted upon, but also informed and represented fairly. If elected as your Student Body President I will ensure that students will not only have a comfortable and meaningful learning experience here at SLCC, but will have a better understanding of the impact that one voice can have on this College.
Statement and photo provided by Mike Bird.
Nicholas J. Ferré
Hello, my name is Nicholas J. Ferré and I look forward to serving you as President of the Student Association. I have worked this year with a variety of college clubs and organizations in numerous leadership positions advocating for our students. These experiences, coupled with my passion for SLCC, qualify me to serve as your next Student Body President. These core beliefs form my strong leadership style: individual accountability, honesty, and educated representation. I aspire to increase student participation and awareness at SLCC. Progress toward a quality college experience for each student and representational advocacy are my goals. Focused leadership is the instrument in achieving these goals. I adamantly believe trust, communication and respect are the foundations of great working relationships. Therefore, Peter Moosman and I are running together to be your Student Association President and Executive Vice President. Vote for us this year of strong student advocacy and representation.
Statement provided by Nicholas Ferré.
Emelli Gonzalez
My name is Emelli Gonzalez. I was born in California, and have lived in Utah for a number of years. I come from an ethnically, economically, religiously, and educationally diverse background. I am extremely motivated, very persistent, and I have a personable nature about myself that allows any one to comfortably converse a given topic with me. I have held a nationally ranked position with the National Association of Parliamentarians, who’s focus is mastering the rules of conduct which govern our Country, and also our school. In all of my experience I have gained the qualifications that are essential to fulfilling the role of Student Body President. If elected, I will strengthen the accountability of our leaders, increase the ability of student leaders to serve you more fully, and ensure that you are getting the absolute best value for your money and time here at Salt Lake Community College.
Provided by vote.slcc.edu
William Schneider
Dear SLCC Students, my name is William Schneider and I’m running for Student Body President. My running mate, Cody Williams, is a write-in for Vice President. Our main focuses for the coming year will be first, to ensure that tuition goes up as little as possible the coming year, and second to start a rental system for textbooks at the bookstore. With this system, you will still have option to purchase your books if you so desire, or you can rent the books by the semester. This is aimed to save students time and money. Along with these focuses will be a push for students to be more involved and to share their voice. Some good ways are joining clubs, student government, or attending sporting events. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Character and intelligence are the true goals of education.” We want to support all students in developing their character and intellect by being involved, and sharing their ideas on how SLCC can improve. Our goal will be to help everyone see and become involved in the change taking place in the college.
Statement provided by William Schneider.
Liuaki Vakapuna
HELLO, ALOHA, TALOFA, MALO ELELEI, MUCHO GUSTO!!!
My name is Liu Fo’oumeimuli Vakapuna and I am the current Student Body President for Salt Lake Community College. I was born and raised in Utah as the second generation living in the United States. I was blessed with a beautiful cultured family of seven, from both the Samoan and Tongan islands. I was raised in a single-parent home by my mother, who is my mentor and has a lot to do with where I stand today. I am a Rose Park Resident and graduated from West High School, served a full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Honduras, Central America. After returning, I enrolled at Salt Lake Community College as an International Business Major and plans to complete my Associates here, and keeping Criminal Justice as an option. During my first few semesters as a student at SLCC, I was involved with Student Relations as an SLCC Ambassador and was challenged to continue using the Spanish language to help out with the large Latino community here at the College. Being the current Student Body President, experience in representing students and student involvement is what I have to bring to the table. Thanks for reading my bio and if you have any questions or concerns, please come talk to me personally. Peace!!!
Provided by vote.slcc.edu
Jose “Joey” Valtierra
Competitive, determination and hard working are just a few words that can describe me. I always follow through and do my best to get both a positive and creative feedback. My willingness to try new things and push myself to my limits make me a strong person and a stronger leader. I promise that if elected student body president that not only will you see the school grow progressively but all the students that go to Salt Lake City Community College as well. A successful school can old be successful with outstanding students and I believe in every one of the students that go to this school are just that. I hope you see the potential strengths in me as a leader as I see the strengths in you everyday that I am here at school. Thank you.
Photo and statement provided by Jose Valtierra.