The ASI Elections Council developed a few questions for our candidates, so that you as the voter may have a bit more insight as to what the candidates can do for you (the CI student body) if elected. Please take a moment to review the questions and answers before casting your vote using your dolphin email April 18 - 20.
PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES
Q: As the campus transitions into a new era with new leadership, how will you work to be a liaison between the new University President and the student body?
A: Karina Hinojosa
"President Beck has finished her first year on campus making parking, listening to students and an increase in graduation rates priorities. I too believe these issues are extremely important on campus and as president of student government, will devote myself to fighting and advocating for students at CI. I plan on attending events, club meetings and going to centers in order to ensure all students know I am an ally for them. In my monthly meetings with President Beck, I will bring students issues straight to her."
A: Nathan Altman
"I will be open-minded and willing to work with as many people as possible. Seeing as how I would be stepping in a new position, I will look for guidance from the people I am working with so I can serve the students better. My plan is to consider every option when trying to make the CI a better community. Furthermore, I plan on being available as I possibly can be so I can be a link between the students and the staff, faculty, and administration."
A: Stephen Hemedes
"As the transition of leadership occurs, I will look for every opportunity to meet with President Beck. I have met her numerous times, and plan to create a strong relationship of communication and trust. Through all social channels I plan on interacting with as wide of an array of students as possible. Through this method, I plan on obtaining crucial information that I will bring to the eyes of the Campus President. She will be made aware of the major problems that might be obscured for any means. My objective is to listen to the student body and inform President Beck of what needs to be done. After taking in student input, my team and I will formulate and execute on plans that make headway towards student interests and issues that will serve as benchmarks for campus participation. Ultimately, I believe that information is power, and I want to provide that to the students of our wonderful university."
Q: If elected, what do you as a leader bring to this position that will help to promote growth in the students around you?
A: Karina Hinojosa
"I bring experience from many different parts of the campus which gives me many insights and an open mind. Being an Orientation Leader helps me to understand issues that incoming freshman and transfer students will encounter. My experience with the Residence Hall Association helps me to understand problems that housing students face. Working with Student Government has given me a sense of a variety of challenges that students have at Channel Islands. And lastly, by attending CSSA (California State Student Association) multiple times has helped me to understand system-wide issues that other CSU campuses are also dealing with."
A: Nathan Altman
"I will bring my listening skills, patience, an open-mind, and hope as a leader to promote personal development in my fellow students. I think that everyone should have the chance to be heard because there are perceptions and ideas I won't think about if I keep to myself and my friends. My fellow students want to change this campus or see some change and most do not know where to go to and talk to. They can talk to their professors and friends but chances are, they won't be able to do much change on their own or within their club so I see this as a chance for me to get out and try to reach these students to see what they want and what I can do for them. By reaching out to these students who wants to change this campus, I give them some sense of hope since I would inform them of issues and rules they didn't know existed or keep us from making the change they want."
A: Stephen Hemedes
"My abilities as a leader have been proven time and again through achievement. I was nominated to the United States Naval Academy by Congressman Cardenas of the 29th district of California on three separate occasions because I displayed integrity, honor, and commitment. Furthermore, I have headed a branch in CI’s Student Government as Chief Justice and have also won multiple business contests here at Channel Islands. These experiences have equipped me with excellent inter-personal communication skills, a stout work ethic, and an unwavering resolve to achieve anything I set my mind to. All this background brings together my ability to encourage my fellow-students towards the development of their talents towards creating a powerful network of talented and high achievers. To promote growth in the students around me I plan on exercising everything at my disposal to increase student participation at California State University- Channel Islands. My firm belief is that great things are not built by a one person; rather they are built by a network of hard working individuals. Therefore, constant collaboration with students is one of my highest priorities along with fighting against the proposed tuition increase. My experience working with budgets in my business along with in-class instruction has more than prepared me to effectively handle any endeavor in student government. In short, as a leader, I will help promote the growth of students around me by helping them coalesce into a strong force and confidently lead them towards the achievement of goals."
Q: How will you increase the awareness of the significance of your position to a wide range of students?
A: Karina Hinojosa
"If elected, I would like to serve my office hours around campus in the different centers such as the veteran’s center, dreamer’s center and different parts of the library. By doing this, I will be easily accessible if any students have concerns or feel they need an ally. If elected, I will work and fight for all students. I also plan on introducing myself to the different clubs and organizations on campus to ensure they have my contact information in case they have any issues. I will also keep in contact with clubs and attend their events when possible to show my support and be someone they know they can rely on."
A: Nathan Altman
"I plan on attending club meetings in my free time and seeing how each club does their meetings and what they want to do then offer my help. In my experience with clubs, they don't know the regulations of the school of what they can and can not do when trying to put up events and invite students across campus. Also, in my time in different clubs I hear complaints about the school and I explain to them what I know about the issues and give them ideas on how they can make the changes they want or inform them on why the school can not do certain activities the student's want. Furthermore, in my free time I will spend some time in the different centers on campus and start talking to the students about CI. Many students spend their free time before and after class at the different centers on campus and I see that as a way to get student input and ideas on different issues affecting this campus. I spent a significant amount of time at the Multicultural Dream Center and the Veterans Center and I learned that many students don't know how and why their solutions do not work out the way they want. In response to their complaints and solutions, I tell them of different committees that handle with the issues or give them a name so they can take the initiative and make the changes they want."
A: Stephen Hemedes
"Stretching back to the beginnings of my business endeavors, I had met a network of highly skilled professionals that mentored me in Social Media Advertising. I have consistently met with the owner of Mad Men Marketing Consultants, and a representative from SRAX (formerly Social Reality). Both of these outstanding individuals have given me insight into the field of professional marketing and outreach. Through the knowledge that they have passed on, I can more effectively reach out to a wider array of the student population and help create awareness for any event or issue. Constant collaboration with students, through improved social channels and more face-to-face contact, is one of my highest priorities and a means by which I plant to create awareness of the position. More importantly however, I want to create awareness of the significance of each student. My long-term goal is to allow students to see that they have the power to incite change, have their voice heard, and leave a mark that will stand for new students to model themselves after.
Q: As President, you are responsible for attending meetings of the California State Student Association (CSSA) each month. What are the current important issues at CSSA and how do you plan on informing the student body about these issues?
A: Karina Hinojosa
"Going into the 2017-2018 academic school year, I have already attended three California State Student Association meetings in order to understand system-wide issues. Recently, CSSA has been discussing the proposed tuition increase, a fully funded CSU system, issues with students feeling safe on campus and advocating, as well as fighting, for all CSU students. These issues are very important to me and I know they would be important to the student body as well. I have already talked about these issues with some clubs that too advocate for students and would like to create relationships with all clubs on campus to spread the word. I would also make sure I attend events and am easily available to all students. The more students that understand these important challenges, the more feedback I will receive and the harder I will advocate for CI students."
A: Nathan Altman
"Some current issues at the moment are the potential tuition increase, graduation initiative, and promoting student success. My plan is to write in the CI View about the current issues affecting the CSU system and what Student Government is doing to help disseminate the information to their constituent groups. Another strategy I have planned is to go to each center on campus and inform the workers along with the students about how these issues affect them. I remember asking the Multicultural Dream Center for help with informing the students about the potential tuition increase through filling out postcards about how the potential tuition increase will affect them directly."
A: Stephen Hemedes
There are a number of important issues that the California State Student Association discusses on a regular basis. I will discuss some of the most contemporary issues to provide students with a general understanding of my position:
- AB 214 refers to student hunger and food insecurity, an issue that I truly understand. My family came from the Philippines, and when I was there I saw how hard families, husbands, wives, and children had it. They had to work incredibly hard to put food on the table. I plan to strive for improvements to be made to the food pantry locally, and advocate at CSSA for food insecurity to be dealt with on larger scale.
- AB 393 refers to something I had brought up earlier, tuition and free freeze. CSSA plans to take action on this issue by implementing a moratorium on raising all fees and system wide tuition. I stand with the students always, and for this reason I support the position of temporary prohibition of the increase.
- AB 17 refers to a Transit Pass Program, which the Department of Transportation would implement. The bill would require the allocation of funds to support free or reduced-fare transportation to specified individuals and students. I believe that all students should have access to programs that facilitate effective transportation. With parking becoming a greater concern at the Channel Islands campus, I believe support for alternate means of commuting will also help offset parking situations at the university and state level.
VICE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES
Q: If elected, what do you as a leader bring to this position that will help to promote growth in the students around you?
A: Marshall Goldman
"If elected, I would be sure to use the skills that I developed as an Orientation Leader and a Resident Assistant to be transparent with the student’s here at CI. I believe that with transparency, I give the students the ability to share with me their true concerns and allow them the opportunity to personally flourish while they work on fixing what they believe needs to be improved."
A: Alexis Mumford
"If elected by students the number one thing I want to bring is community. Many students want to see more interaction on campus, and bringing the student population together. The only way we’re going to have spirit, student involvement, and innovation on campus is if we start building community. I’ve talked to many students who have inspired me to make changes and set goals for future projects just by having small conversations. The moment students come together and share ideas it’s this moment of awe where you realize we can bring change. I want to bring students together to make improvements on this campus because I know I can’t do it alone, and that if students start coming together this campus will grow."
A: Roland McClean
"For the last three years, I’ve made it my personal mission to develop major, lasting relationships with the student body and members within our community. I have also taken the time to broaden my understanding of the goals and aspirations our students strive for here at CI. I am recognized by my peers as someone who has tremendous passion for what I set my mind to. I plan to use my personable and innovative qualities to bring CI’s clubs and organizations together with the student body to create a collective atmosphere."
Q: How will you increase the awareness of the significance of your position to a wide range of students?
A: Marshall Goldman
"As Student Government Vice President, I would make sure to openly discuss my position with student’s who I encounter. I would also be sure to be present in as many on-campus events as possible, discussing my position and views with other student organizations."
A: Alexis Mumford
"Currently right now this is an overall struggle Student Government has with all elected positions. The Vice President is a very significant role as well as the Presidency, but for me personally it’s important that the many positions of Student Government are also made aware of their significance. The Vice President is responsible for helping and guiding senators, supporting the President, and making sure student voices are represented. If elected I want to create more opportunities for all students to get to know all our Student Government members. I want to have Student Government socials with students so that gives them opportunity meet our members, find out what Student government does, and share ideas."
A: Roland McClean
"During the election cycle, my team and I plan on spending at least 15 hours a week reaching out to students and informing them on the importance of our positions, the role of student government and the significance of voting. Outreach won’t stop after the election cycle either, during my time in office I will continue to inform the public on what is happening and where we are headed as a community."
Q: As Student Government Vice President, you often serve in a supportive role to the President. How do you plan on creating a positive working relationship with the President while ensuring effective communication in order to properly represent the student body?
A: Marshall Goldman
"If elected as Student Government Vice President, I would make sure to be a strong support system to the President. I would do this by having open communication constantly and discussing our concerns and our accomplishments within Student Government. Luckily, Karina and I have worked together in leadership positions prior and understand how the other works. With the skills that we have been able to develop as a team, I know that working with Karina will lead to only great things happening for Student Government."
A: Alexis Mumford
"Truthfully, I’ve known my running mate Nathan Altman since I was 8 years old. We’ve attended the same elementary, high school, and now university. We both have worked with each other in Student Government since the fall of 2015. He has been a Senator for 2 terms and I’ve held Director of Events for two terms as well. Together we are a solid team. We are both very supportive of each other goals currently in Student Government, and usually whenever one of us needs help or advice we are both there for each other. That is why we decided to run. We both believe in creating a stronger community, helping the campus grow, and doing more for our students. Our communication is most excellent from a personal to a professional level. Whenever I need to get anything done for my projects the past two years I could count on Nathan. He has come in the office for me on Fridays to do work, helped me with marketing, types my minutes for my events committee, and I could go on with all the stuff he has helped me accomplish. Together there are many things we can achieve given our experience, communication, and working relationship that we will be able to serve the students. I believe Nathan will be a great President because of his willingness to sacrifice his own time and dedicate it to so many people across campus, and as Vice President I will support him."
A: Roland McClean
"I have known my running mate, Stephen Hemedes, for sometime now. The relationship we have has been successful because we are both well-rounded individuals who want to see our peers succeed, and make the most out of their college experience. I have no doubt that our relationship will continue in office. We know what we want, we have the skills necessary to obtain it, and we will do what we need to achieve it. We share an inseparable bond that cannot be broken. We understand our strengths and our weaknesses and are constantly working towards improvement. In closing, our goal is to implement what we have learned and utilize our knowledge and skill sets to enhance and empower our student body."
SENATE CANDIDATES
Q: What are some contemporary issues within the CI student body that you feel need to be addressed?
A: Mia Fernandez
"I think that CI has done a wonderful job with introducing all-gender restrooms on campus, but I feel that this is a contemporary issue that will continue to be prevalent among our students that don't neatly fall into the two dichotic genders of "man" or "woman". I am excited that our Multicultural Dream Center is growing to cater to our underrepresented and marginalized students, but we will need to continue to talk about and address LGBTQIA+ issues as we grow as a student body."
A: Raul Perez
"I feel one of the biggest issues that currently faces the student body, is that many of our students within campus feel as if their voices and concerns are not heard nor respected. I feel that this issue alone is one if not the biggest issue that needs to be addressed. Student Government is an organization whose mission is to serve, represent and advocate for the students of CI, and I feel that if the students are not feeling well addressed. It is the responsibility of us Student Government to work as a collective whole to uphold our mission."
A: Elizabeth Heim
"One contemporary issue within the CI student body that I find very apparent is the fact that, as a whole, there is a lack of attendance among CI students to campus events. I believe this has to do with lack of awareness. One way that I think this can be fixed is through the use of creative marketing techniques."
A: Nöelle Ewing
"I wish we could have food trucks and music out by the rec center after 9 pm, because the gym would attract more students. In addition, CI also needs a way better communication system to keep students in the loop. People always say they don’t know what is happening on campus and there is nothing to do at night. All of which, I agree with. Most importantly we need to be stop the tuition increase. Students do not realize they have a strong voice and they are not using it. We need to lower tuition fees, not increase them."
A: Matthew Federis
- Parking: seems to be a recurring issue with students so I will keep it in mind
- Registering for classes/Priority Registration
- Food options on campus
- Greek Life
Q: If elected, what do you as a leader bring to this position that will help to promote growth in the students around you?
A: Mia Fernandez
"If elected, I plan on going to as many club and committee meetings pertinent to the senator position that I am appointed to. As the current Senator of Social Justice, I have tried my best to attend club meetings as frequently as I can, such as Generation Action's and Spectrum's, as well as hang out in the Multicultural Dream Center where I talk to DREAMer and DACA students to best figure out what is needed to promote growth in these student communities."
A: Raul Perez
"If re-elected as a leader I would bring to my position first rate communication skills both orally and written as well as integrity, selflessness and engagement on issues campus-wide, CSU wide and legislatively. As well as vowing to put into place the student’s needs before all else."
A: Elizabeth Heim
"If elected, one thing I bring to this position is brand new ideas in terms of promotion of events along with other new ideas that can help bring awareness of certain issues and events that affect the CI campus, students, and surrounding communities. This can in turn be used to promote positive change among the campus community and surrounding communities by fixing issues that directly affect these groups."
A: Nöelle Ewing
"I always try to encourage those around me to ask questions. If they need help getting answers I work with them to find the answers. I work on campus which has given me the opportunity to know where to go if a problems arises. I have also told my friends, here at CI we need a lot more students to get involved because nothing will change until more people speak up. I think we all need to have more fun, and when I can get someone to laugh or feel better..It’s all good.."
A: Matthew Federis
"Confidence. I’ve met many people in my life, especially on campus who have plenty of intellect and passion for what they do. I want to be able to empower students to self-actualize and be the best student they can be while they’re hear and become better citizens when they leave. It takes a leader who understands how to lead by example and sometimes that means being the best follower."
Q: How will you increase the awareness of the significance of your position to a wide range of students?
A: Mia Fernandez
"I believe that CI, in general, struggles when it comes to marketing and letting our students know about the different resources, events, and centers that are offered to them on campus. I plan on working closely with our future Director of Events and Director of Operations to make sure we have more interactive marketing, tabling, social media presence, and general relationship with our student body because Student Government can seem disjointed from the student body at times--there needs to be a close relationship to ensure we are doing things that the student body actually wants."
A: Raul Perez
"In currently holding the position of the Sustainability and Technology Senator, I have been able to bring awareness to an environmentally conscious lifestyle in many ways. Within my time in office I have been able to accomplish the start of a community garden, good-will bins within housing, and a resolution of sustainability vowing Student Government as an entity would follow. If elected again I vow to continue this track by considering ways to incorporate alternative energy sources and technology into a harmonious marriage that would continue to promote sustainability. As well as consider ways in which the school could gain more funding for eco-friendly projects."
A: Elizabeth Heim
"I can increase awareness of the significance of my position to a wide range of students by attending various campus events and talking to students and faculty and making my presence known in a positive way, but not in a way that detracts from the significance of the event."
A: Nöelle Ewing
"Hmmm...I’ll try and think of something totally outrageous that won’t get me kicked out of school, just yet (:"
A: Matthew Federis
"I’ve learned in life that listening is one of the most important skills you’ll ever learn. The ability to communicate to others that what they have to say matters and that you’re willing to listen to what they have to say attentively. The way I would increase the awareness and significance is by simply having an open ear. Students should have the confidence to walk up to me and talk to me about any issues they have at CSUCI."
BOARD DIRECTOR CANDIDATES
Q: What do you believe is the main mission of ASI is and how will you spread that mission to students?
A: Matthew Federis
"The student experience at CSUCI is not purely academic. Extracurricular activities outside the classroom provide students with opportunities to enrich their skill sets and create lasting relationships during their time here. Our mission here at ASI is to create this environment. Again, I don’t have all the answers or will claim to know what is going on at all times, but I am willing to be a vehicle to which new avenues of student involvement can be built."
A: Matt Fennell
"The ASI mission is to “facilitate learning and development through integrative and co-curricular approaches and identify and respond to major student issues and initiatives” (ASI Statement of Purpose). My platform coexists within this message as it aims to create a better learning environment for the student body. This mission ultimately seeks to engage students with opportunity, motivation, and assistance wherever it’s needed for them succeed."
A: Felix Julian Pambuena
"It is no surprise that the main mission of the Associated Students Incorporated is to set communal standards for students, to help the students feel more welcomed and that there are no limits to achieving their academic dreams once they are enrolled at CI. How I would spread that mission is that I will go beyond my role with my current students, and address the needs of our campus that will help enhance the students learning capabilities, as well as expose them to the many opportunities for them to grow in an academic, and possibly career sense, as well as introduce the many resources our campus offers to ensure that our campus is here to focus on the students’ growth."
Q: If elected, what do you as a leader bring to this position that will help to promote growth in the students around you?
A: Matthew Federis
"Confidence. I’ve met many people in my life, especially on campus who have plenty of intellect and passion for what they do. I want to be able to empower students to self-actualize and be the best student they can be while they’re hear and become better citizens when they leave. It takes a leader who understands how to lead by example and sometimes that means being the best follower."
A: Matt Fennell
"I intend to find every avenue possible to create awareness and open doors of opportunity for students. CSU Channel Islands is home to solid student services created to help the community progress and succeed."
A: Felix Julian Pambuena
"If elected, I will use my experience in leadership from my occupation to not only show the initiative needed to become a Board Member, but to spread awareness and insight on what our campus offers to its current, former, and prospective students. To promote growth, there needs to be an understanding that our campus will grow above and beyond it’s set standards, which I fully believe by being more involved on campus, such as taking part in various committees and touching base with different student organizations to delegate the needs our campus can provide, as well as what those committees and student organizations do to help make our campus grow."
Q: How will you increase the awareness of the significance of your position to a wide range of students?
A: Matthew Federis
"I’ve learned in life that listening is one of the most important skills you’ll ever learn. The ability to communicate to others that what they have to say matters and that you’re willing to listen to what they have to say attentively. The way I would increase the awareness and significance is by simply having an open ear. Students should have the confidence to walk up to me and talk to me about any issues they have at CSUCI."
A: Matt Fennell
"As a business major, I intend to exercise social media skills, graphic design and marketing tools to reach out to the community, while always keeping in mind the platform I stand with. My concerns are the concerns of the students. We want to succeed in school, so we can succeed in life. We want to graduate with an education that will help find or build our careers. I also believe the vast amount of support I will raise will be from word of mouth; meeting with students and faculty in person initiating conversation and dialogue about important issues on campus that need to be addressed."
A: Felix Julian Pambuena
"I currently hold a position on campus that lets me help numerous students to achieve their academic goals, as well as keeping in touch with numerous faculty on campus. With any awareness that’s needed to be brought up to our campus, I will personally let my students know, and that staff will receive any word on what they can contribute to our campus."