The University Board of Elections announced the 13 elected representatives for the University Judiciary Committee last night in Jefferson Hall on the West Range. Each school is represented by two students, with the exception of the College, which elects three judges.
Three representatives were elected to serve second consecutive terms.
One such representative is University Law student John Pappas, who hopes to continue to represent the Law School by "judging cases reasonably and sensibly," he said in an e-mail. "I do not take this responsibility lightly and [will] try my best to garner all the information I can during a trial to make an informed decision."
Cliff Cutchins, a representative from the School of Medicine, also will return to UJC next year.
"It wasn't really a huge surprise for me since there were only two of us running for positions in the [Medical] School, but I'm thrilled that I get another year to work with the UJC ... we're happy to have some new blood," Cutchins said.
Incoming members expressed common goals for the next term, including increasing awareness of UJC and continuing to serve the University community fairly.
Third-year Engineering student Olivia Rousso, who was elected as one of the Engineering representatives in a more hotly contested election, spoke about expanding student education on UJC matters.
"While in office I hope to ensure that students understand the processes and the importance of student self-governance and the judicial system," Rousso said in an e-mail, adding that she aims to do this by working "closely with the educators to promote the UJC around Grounds."
Third-year Commerce student Nicholas Vallorano also spoke to the significance of his role as representative.
"As a Judiciary Rep for the Commerce school, I am charged to represent the [Commerce] school in the Committee, but to be an impartial advocate for the entire University," Vallorano said in an e-mail. "This position is significant because it ensures the safety and preservation of our community of trust."
The College elected three new representatives: second-year students Emily Forrester and Charity Harrell, and third-year student Victoria Marchetti.
Harrell, who served on UJC last year as a first-year judge, expressed her excitement to stay involved in UJC.
"I was confident throughout the campaign, but it was affirming to know that the University supported me," Harrell said, adding that she is looking forward to continuing to work with the representatives on the executive committee.
Third-year student Halley Epstein, an outgoing College representative, expressed her confidence in the new representatives.
"I'm really excited about all of [the incoming representatives] and I congratulate all of the winners ... I've worked with all of them in the past and I know that whatever role they take on they'll do a great job," Epstein said.
Epstein added that because the majority of the current executive committee will be graduating this year, "their one challenge will be holding on to that institutional memory and the knowledge [of] everyone that's graduating." She advised new members to "get a feel for how we operate and to ask questions ... to make sure they feel comfortable working with us [so] that the transition is as comfortable as possible."
Fourth-year student Nick Donlea, current senior counselor for the Judiciary Committee, evaluated the strengths of the incoming class of representatives.
"They all come from different viewpoints and I think they'll be able to speak to all sides of whatever issues that may face the committee next year," Donlea said.
The remaining new UJC representatives include Jasmine Jefferson and Elizabeth Libertini from the Batten School, Kevin Isaacs of the Commerce School, Amber Williams of the Law School and Sam Kim representing Medical School.
"I think the UJC is a venerable institution that helps serve as a bedrock of our [University] community," Pappas said. "I'm very proud to continue being part of it"
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