Click here for photos of the senate candidates for the Arts & Sciences College
Christina Baraty, second-year biology student from Greenville, S.C.
"I am running to be more involved in student government, and bring my perspectives into the Senate," Baraty said. She said that as someone who has not been a part of student government, she provides a unique perspective.
Baraty said that if elected, she wants to:
-make student government less intimidating and more open to the student body
-find more ways to help students with academics and to increase participation in existing academic services
-get student needs on the table and have the Senate "become more action-oriented about them"
Baraty is a member of the Upperclassmen Pre-Med Community, Community Service Council and a Supplemental Instructor.
Andrew Bullard, third-year political science student from Greenville, S.C.
A member of the Senate Finance Committee and chairman of the Powers and Responsibilities Committee, Bullard said his goal as a Senator is to "do (his) best to make sure the student body has a more efficient, more comfortable classroom atmosphere as well as making student life more convenient for everyone."
Bullard said, "helping others is the only reason anyone should be running," and added that he does not view Senate service as a "resume filler."
His campaign focuses on:
-working to improve parking
-lowering textbook costs
-reforming student government internally
Bullard is a current West Quad Senator for RHA, a member of the Student Gamecock Club and Campus Crusade for Christ, and serves as page for Rep. Bruce Bannister at the State House.
Gregory Lee Cole, a first-year political science student from Williamston, S.C.
Cole was involved in high school student government, serving as his student body president for a year, and is a current member of the RHA Senate. Cole is also a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity and the College Republicans.
"I think people should vote for me because Student Government controls the students' money, and I'll cast my votes to ensure that money is used wisely," Cole said.
His biggest issue is stopping fee raises because "the university and other organizations should work within their own means," he said.
He also supports affordable parking solutions and the RHA's overhaul of the visitation policy.
Andrew Collins, first-year history student from Cairo, Egypt
A one-year Senate veteran, Collins was Chairman of the Minority Affairs Committee. Collins is also involved in the Congressional Advisory Board and was a student representative for three university committees.
"I am running because I believe in the power of the student," Collins said. "I want to participate in Student Government to help establish a larger resource for students seeking help."
His goals for the next Senate term include:
-creating a bigger voice for the students as a whole?- having better representation for minority students?- making better living conditions and eating facilities for?students?-improving parking
Dru Dickert, first-year political science and chemistry student from Irmo, S.C.
Dickert served as student body president at his high school and said that he "sees student government as an effective means to come to a resolution to problems (he) sees on campus."
"So far I've really enjoyed being at USC and I feel (being a Senator) is one of the best ways for me to give back, to tackle problems from a student vantage point."
If elected, Dickert will focus on school spirit and unity.
David Ensor, first-year undeclared student from Middletown, N.J.
Ensor served on his high school executive council and interned with the Senate through his position on Freshman Council.
"I have always enjoyed being involved with student government," Ensor said. "My experiences at USC have only increased my desire to continue such involvement."
Ensor wants to serve on the finance committee and said that, if elected, he would support:
-not using social security numbers as student identification numbers
-expanding the use of the Carolina Card to off-campus locations
-installing a bank system in the Russell House
-lowering textbook prices
-creating a grade forgiveness policy.
Ensor is also the creator of USC's Model United Nations club, a Maxcy hall government floor representative and a volunteer at the Waverly Center. He is a member of Carolina Productions, Honors Council, Maxcy Ambassadors and the South Carolina Public Interest Research Group.
Randel (Scott) Hudson, first-year political science student from Beaufort, S.C.
As current chair of student services for freshman council and chair of community service for the freshman pre-law community, Hudson is used to getting things done, he said.
"I know with my personal way that I handle things that I can make a difference," he said. "The problems (on campus) will end with me. Any problem that comes to me will be resolved while I'm in office."
Hudson said some things he wants to improve at USC are:
-addressing customer service across campus, from "the way the administration treats the students" to cashiers at the Grand Marketplace
-continuing to work on lowering textbook prices
-addressing environmental concerns
Claire Hughes, first-year international relations and Spanish student from Carmel, Indiana
As a member of Freshman Council and a Senate intern, Hughes has seen firsthand how student government works, and she wants to be a part of it.
"I think I have a lot of enthusiasm and a lot to offer student government," she said.
If elected, Hughes wants to increase communication between the student body and student government, and supports the bill that would stop social security numbers from being used as identification numbers.
Hughes is also a photographer for The Gamecock, a member of Gamma Phi Beta sorority, plays intramural sports and volunteers with Habitat for Humanity.
Eryn Hutchison, second-year political science student from Irmo, S.C.
A one-year veteran Senator, Hutchison served on the Judicial Committee.
"I have a genuine interest in the lives of students and how to make the university as good as I can," she said of why she is running for re-election.
If elected, Hutchison will focus on :
-ensuring that the Senate is fiscally responsible
-campus safety
-improving parking and lowering its cost
-raising the standard of food services
Hutchison is also a University Ambassador and a Presidential Ambassador, a member of Students Defending Democracy, FCA and the Emerging Leader Program.
Alex Kinlaw, first-year political science student from Greenville, S.C.
Kinlaw said that being a Senator would help him "get things done on campus."
"I think I can make USC better," Kinlaw said, adding that he is excited about serving, despite his lack of experience.
Kinlaw said he will focus on improving residential learning communities if elected. He also said that he wants to make the university a better place for the faculty and staff.
"I want to bring strong unity between faculty and students," he said.
Kinlaw is also a member of AAAS and MAPP.
Chris McNamee, first-year political science student from Parsippany, N.J.
McNamee has been involved in student government since middle school and said his years of experience make him an ideal Senate candidate.
"I really want to help and change USC in any way that I can," McNamee said. "I'm really good at listening to what people actually want done and good at getting things done."
McNamee cited "good communication" as the key to serving his constituents and said that if elected he would regularly survey students. From the surveys, McNamee would identify the problems students want to see fixed, he said.
One issue McNamee is already looking into is trying to establish "flex time" for meal plans, so that students can have leeway when buying food.
McNamee also plays intramural sports and plans to join Carolina Productions and Alpha Lambda Delta.
Haley Mottel, first-year political science major from North Augusta, S.C.
Mottel is the current public relations chairman for Freshman Council, and said that she has the leadership experience necessary to be a Senator.
"Through Freshman Council I've learned the proceedings of the Senate, and I really appreciate the work and accomplishments they have made on behalf of the whole student body," Mottel said.
If elected, Mottel said she plans to be "very receptive and open-minded to new ideas, and respectful to the opinions of others."
Mottel also wants to improve communication between the student body and student Senate and said that "finding a common ground" will help resolve issues that come before the Senate.
John Rabon, fourth-year English student from Easley, S.C.
Rabon served as the student services committee chair last year, and has served as an RHA senator and on Preston's hall government. Rabon is also a member of the South Carolina State Student Association, South Carolina Student Legislature, Carolina Action Network and the USC Student Congressional Advisory Board.
"We've done a lot of good things this past year and I want to see that continue," Rabon said of why he is seeking re-election. Rabon cited Senate promotion of healthier food choices from Sodexho as an issue that has already been somewhat successful, and one he plans to continue working on.
If elected, Rabon will make healthy dining options available to students a low cost, lower textbook prices, and work on school spirit initiatives.
Jonathan Ross, second-year political science student from Spartanburg
Ross served as a senator for the College of Arts and Sciences in 2005. He was the delegation committee chair, and said he is running again to "continue (his) service to the College of Arts and Sciences by representing (his) constituents in all the new challenges the coming Senate term presents."
If re-elected, Ross will focus on:
-making student government more accountable to students through election reform
-supporting the grade forgiveness program
-fighting all student-initiated tuition increases
Ross also serves as the vice president of RHA, works at the State House, is a member of the Presbyterian Student Association and enjoys running in his free time.
Cordell Simmons, first-year political science student from Piedmont, S.C.
Simmons interned with the Senate this year as part of his membership in Freshman Council. He said that he is running because he "would like to continue the diversity within student government."
"Not necessarily the racial diversity," he said, "but the diversity of ideas and experiences."
Simmons said he would work on common ideas and concerns if elected.
Simmons is also the social committee chair man for the Pre-Law community and worked in student government in high school.
Ivey Simmons, third-year political science student from Orangeburg, S.C.
Simmons served as the student Senate clerk from 2004-2005 but took the past year off from student government to focus on schoolwork and her volunteer commitments.
"I heard from a lot of Senators that they needed people," Simmons said. "Basically, I want to be involved in making things more effective around campus.
Simmons said that her biggest issue is creating "more student involvement around campus." She also wants the various student organizations at USC to get to know each other and to work together.
Simmons volunteers at the after-school program Hope Worldwide.
Chase Stoudenmire, second-year history student from Greenville, S.C.
The current chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, Stoudenmire said he would like to continue his work with that committee if re-elected to Senate.
"I feel like we have a great group of students who are involved right now that are getting things done," he said. "I want to continue to contribute to those initiatives."
Stoudenmire said he wants the next Senate term to "establish tradition at the university."
He also said that he will work to establish a dining location open 24 hours a day.
Stoudenmire also writes for The Gamecock, served as Commissioner of Cinematic Arts for Carolina Productions and was a member of the Freshman Council. He also enjoys Skittles, he said.
Ian Sutton, second-year international studies student from Pacolet, S.C.
Sutton is a member of the Air Force ROTC, Arnold Air Society, Model United Nations, Aviation Club, Professional Society for International Studies, Student Alumni Association and Sigma Iota Rho.
Sutton said he is running for Senate "to vocalize concerns students may have."
"Most of the great stuff here at USC happens because of the actions of individual students and organizations. I will use my position to help you realize your own goals and ideas about how to make campus life better here at USC."
If elected, Sutton will address textbook price relief, strengthening student organizations, universal posting of grades on Blackboard and posting class syllabi before registration.
Connor Tapp, second-year political science student from West Columbia, S.C.
"Though I have no experience in SG Senate, I have been an active member of several similar bodies," Tapp said. "As SG Senator, I would use these experiences to represent the interests of Arts and Sciences students and the student body at large."
Tapp said he does not have any legislation in mind, but that he would "support and draft legislation that expands and improves choices for students."
Tapp is President of the Horseshoe Community Council, Vice-Chair of the USC delegation of the South Carolina Student Legislature, an RHA Senator and member of Students Defending Democracy.
Aaron Von Miles, second-year economics student from Valdosta, Ga.
"It's something I've always wanted to do," Von Miles said of serving in the Senate. "I love the parliamentary system and I think it's a fun way to make a positive difference on campus."
Von Miles transferred to USC from Valdosta State University, where he served as the treasurer for a political party and worked closely with the Senate in that capacity.
Von Miles is a tuba player in the marching band and a member of the Methodist Student Network.
Rob Watts, third-year criminal justice student from Lancaster, S.C.
Watts said his lack of previous experience in the Senate will be an advantage for him because he will be a "new voice, a fresh perspective to the Senate."
Watts is also a member of the American Criminal Justice Association.
He views Senate candidacy as "a good opportunity to try and help the students of USC" and a way to "develop teamwork and leadership skills."
If elected, Watts will work to improve campus safety and allow students to take extra credit hours at no extra cost.
Kelly Wilkinson, a second-year international studies student from Louisville, Ky.
Wilksonson is running for student Senate because he's "seen things at the university that (he) hasn't been satisfied with," and wants to make changes, he said.
"I've got a couple friends in the Senate, and just from talking with them about things that go on, it seems like there could be a lot more that we could get done," he said.
One key issue for Wilkinson is lowering textbook prices.
"I just want to make a positive impact on the university and see how government works," he said.
Wilkinson is also an honors college student, a WUSC DJ, former Carolina Caller and lifeguard at the Strom, and an active member of Alpha Lambda Delta.
Sharena Wright, a second-year criminal justice student from Columbia, S.C.
Wright's reasons for Senate candidacy run deeper than just being upset about parking.
"I feel that my race is underrepresented (in the Senate)," Wright said. "I want to alleviate that problem by running (for Senate)."
Though Wright did not have any specific issues she was concerned about, she said that she thought she would do a good job as Senator.
Wright is also a member of A Touch of Faith gospel choir and AAAS.
Colby Kirk
Kirk has yet to provide information to The Gamecock.
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