Yesterday, the polls opened for University-wide student elections, and Managing Board is pleased to announce its final endorsements for Student Council. The Managing Board evaluated these candidates on a number of criteria from basic institutional knowledge to distinct goals for their respective organizations. We were most impressed by candidates who recognized both the successes and shortcomings of Council. Several candidates expressed their enthusiasm for Speak Up UVA and its potential in the future to facilitate conversation between student leaders and their constituents.\nFirst-year College student Joe Riley, an active member of the University's ROTC program, is running to serve as a representative on Council. He intends to improve security across Grounds by promoting self-defense classes for female students and better working with the University Police. Though he does not have direct experience with Council, Riley's experience with First-Year Council demonstrates his ability to work effectively with others in leadership capacities.
First-year College student Charlie Miller is running to be a representative on Council, as well. Miller, the current president of the class of 2013, pledges to factor more student input into Council's proceedings and promises to "talk with, not talk at." He also seeks to improve Council's internal dynamics by delegating more authority to different committees.
Second-year College student Ben Wallace, who is running to be reelected, clearly has the experience necessary. Wallace also acknowledges the dire need to advertise open committee positions to historically underrepresented communities, and he proposes regular sit-downs between representatives and any interested Contracted Independent Organizations.
The Managing Board sought to endorse University Judiciary Committee candidates with a clear understanding of UJC's most significant policy issues and its broader role in preserving justice in the University community. We also valued candidates who offered thoughtful approaches to amending judicial proceedings.
Third-year College student Will Bane's campaign rests upon three core values: efficiency, transparency and equality. He aims to extend educational efforts to both first-year students and Greek organizations, as well as institute mock trials to allow the community to get an inside look at the trial process. Bake seeks to improve the lengthy average case processing time - 45 days - and shorten this time period to about 21 days, making the process less painful for all involved.
Halley Epstein is a second-year College student who has been involved with UJC for the past three semesters. Previously serving as the chair of the First-Year Judiciary Committee, Epstein's keen insight on day-to-day operations will enable her to institute meaningful change. To address UJC's practice of not using precedent to decide cases, she wishes to establish sanctioning guidelines that would allow UJC to deliver more consistent outcomes.
Third-year College student Ruffin Evans is running for UJC representative, as well, and highlights his experience as a counselor. Evans also would like to see judicial rulings become more standardized. He noted that there is a high turnover rate among judges from year to year and argues that an accessible body of case records would help to alleviate this issue.
We hope students will elect these candidates as their next group of UJC leaders.
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