NY-STUDENT COUNCIL ELECTIONS Open soon

STUDENT COUNCIL ELECTIONS will be open soon at a link posted in ANNOUNCEMENTS

Here are statements from candidates and descriptions of the positions. Write ins are welcome.

CANDIDATE INTRODUCTIONS

ANJUM NADAF

With over 18 years of experience as a holistic practitioner, an Ayurvedic medicine practitioner, and a licensed massage therapist, I bring a unique perspective on integrative health practices and a deep dedication to enhancing our academic community. My journey in the wellness field has been fueled by a strong commitment to compassionate care and an unwavering belief in the power of holistic healing. I am also an active member of the Association of Ayurvedic Professionals of North America (AAPNA), where I serve on the board.

I am particularly interested in running for a Student Council position because I believe my diverse background and passion for collaborative work would be valuable assets in fostering a supportive, engaging, and thriving environment for my peers. Serving as Secretary or Vice President would allow me to work closely with faculty and students to address our community’s needs, promote inclusivity, and organize initiatives that benefit all members. My organizational skills, attention to detail, and genuine enthusiasm for connecting with others equip me well for these roles.

MICHAEL O’MALLEY

Michael O’Malley / mom — Positon Seeking: President for WNTR 25

Before starting at Pacific in the winter semester of 2022 I was a non-profit executive director, middle and high school teacher, and arts administrator. My main focus of working with communities has continued as a through line into my time at Pacific as I have been lucky enough to spend the past 2 semesters interning at NYHRE, an offsite clinic that works with people experiencing addiction and other obstacles. As a student, I have been very engaged in advocating not only for my own education, but also for the LGBTQIA+ community as well as students who need academic accommodations.

I have run teams of teachers, artists, administrators, and other professionals in different countries. I spent 2 years in Shanghai China teaching English to K-12 grade students and was also an organizing member of an art collective that traveled internationally to put on large scale performances. I have a deep investment in bringing community and understand that conflict is a necessary part of the growth process. My intention running for president is only to make the student experience a better one. There is an endless (jing) well of knowledge, experience, and skill within the student body at Pacific and I would do my best to bring all of that into Student Council.

IFEOMA ONWUKA

I am deeply fascinated to submit my application for the presidency position in the student council at Pacific College. With a deep commitment to higher education and a passion for promoting an inclusive learning environment, I am the ideal candidate for the office to lead our esteemed college into a new era of innovation and growth. As a dedicated member of the community, I have actively participated in several community-based projects including managing a group home with people with disability. My key role was to ensure the welfare of the members was catered for like taking them for trips and appointments. During my tenure at the group home, I developed essential leadership and teamwork skills needed to run and manage the student council at Pacific College. The experiences I garnered have enabled me to understand the diverse needs of our students and I am passionate about advocating for the rights of all learners at the institution.

Throughout my time at Pacific College, I have successfully participated in events that promote community cohesion and inclusivity such as building personal relationships with racial/ethnic community. Promoting diversity at Pacific College has equipped me with the skills to advocate for the rights and interests of the learners effectively and partner with administration and faculty. I am confident that if elected the student president, I will develop a more vibrant campus environment by creating programs that support mental health, strengthen our community ties and promote academic resources. I am committed to ensuring that all students feel represented, valued, heard and empowered during my tenure as the president. If elected, I will be honored to serve all students and Pacific College fraternity in this role. Thank you for considering my application.

JULIA REGISTER

Hello! My name is Julia Register and I’m a 2nd year acupuncture student here at PCHS. Many of you may know me as the lady who sent out the emails to get the petition together for fair tuition policies here at PCHS. We got over 350 signatures on that petition, so thank you for your support! I was also one of 3 people who got everyone in motion to get the town hall we recently had – so many of you showed up for that, and I thank you again – we make progress by sticking together and showing up continually over time! I’m also a queer artist and teacher with a special interest in depthy psychology and trauma therapy. This medicine has changed my life (a sentiment I know many of you share) and I feel fiercely protective about maintaining the integrity of its education here at PCHS.  My previous career as a union Project Manager and Coordinator for film/tv has taught me how to effectively communicate within projects containing over 1,000 employees and multi-million dollar budgets. I understand the great detail and effort it takes to make a large system run efficiently to reach a complicated goal. My specialty skills are fostering authentic communication and creating enjoyable, functional, and equitable community spaces.  I would love to represent y’all in any way I can here at PCHS in order to obtain some much needed change! Thanks for your time!

BENJAMIN SPOTT

Hello, my name is Benjamin (Benny) Spott. I am currently in my 2nd year as an Acupuncture student and will be taking Comps 1 this coming December. In this part-time track, I expect to finish my degree sometime in 2028, so I have several years left at Pacific College and my goal is to improve the experience for students who enter the school while I am here, and after I have graduated. I am just completing a term as Sargent-At-Arms and seek to run again for this position and remain involved in the student council for this upcoming year. We had a tumultuous past year, with many elected members quitting or being completely inactive. I’d love to be with an active, cohesive council that can work to communicate well with students, faculty and staff. My goals are simple – to maintain a unified student voice through the student council, and a constructive relationship with the administration to improve the student experience at Pacific College of Health and Science.

ANDREA SAMSON

Andrea Samson has been part of the PCHS student body since 2023. Her lifelong passion for the health field has led her to obtain a certification as an EMT, and she has now served in this capacity for over 10 years. A strong advocate for education, Andrea also teaches children and teenagers, helping them to succeed in biosciences topics. Andrea Samson is attuned to both part-time and full-time students’ concerns at PCHS and is interested in helping to make our learning environment one that is truly accommodating, seamless to navigate and empowering to all types of students.

Description of The Executive Board

The Executive Board is separate from the general membership which is open to all registered students without any discrimination.

Members of the Executive Board Officers include:

President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Program Reps from each of the colleges programs (MsAc, MSTOM, Massage, Nursing etc.).

Program Representatives can also hold other positions on the Executive board along with being a program representative.

DESCRIPTION OF JOBS AND REQUIREMENTS

 President Is the chairperson of the General Business meeting with full student body as well as the Executive Board Meetings. The President has general control and supervision, oversees the business of the  Student Council and has full administrative power to implement the functioning of the Bylaws.  President must be aware of all sections of the Bylaws and should be able to run meetings using Robert’s Rules of Order.  The President should be able to spend time working with all members of the Board and must be available for meetings of the general membership, Town Halls with Administration, monthly mee

tings with administrative liaison and be available generally to oversee all aspects of the Student Council. Students cannot run for President if they are leaving or graduating before next elections at end of Fall Term.

Recommended prior experience: Previous experience on a board of directors.  Head or manager of a business of any type.  Administrative experience.  Can use Microsoft Teams. Must be organized.

 Vice President shall assist the President as required.  The Vice President will act in the absence, incapacity, resignation or removal of the President and will be granted all powers and responsibilities of the President.  They will be responsible for coordination of all committees within the SC. They shall hold the calendar and coordinate all events including Town Halls, Parties, meetings, Labs and more.   Students cannot run for VicePresident if they are leaving or graduating before next elections at end of Fall Term except Massage students who disclose their status in the program.

Recommended prior experience: Previous experience on a board of directors, Manager of a business of any type.  Some Administrative experience including scheduling. Can use Microsoft Teams. Must be organized and able to handle calendars.

Treasurer is the Chief Financial Officer of the SC and is responsible for handling and accounting for all funds designated for SC.  The Treasurer will prepare a report for each meeting regarding the financial state of the SC and they will also be responsible to create a budget for the full term of newly elected executive board.  The SC is responsible for spending as much of the funds collected in any given term to benefit the students who contributed during that term.  Students cannot run for Treasurer  if they are leaving or graduating before next elections at end of Fall Term except in a Massage student who discloses their status in the program.

Recommended prior experience: Previous experience on a board of directors, financial manager of any type of business organization, accounting experience, bookkeeping experience.  Can use Microsoft Teams. Must be able to balance budgets, work well with financial officers of PCHS as well as bank deposits, check ordering and do payroll and use checks.  Must be organized and able to balance check books, understand statements and make reports in a timely manner.

Secretary will be responsible for keeping the minutes of each meeting, handle all correspondence and records for the SC and shall be responsible for sharing information to the student body including newsletters and social media. The Secretary is the standing chair of the Media and Communications committee.  The Secretary will be responsible for setting up all recordings for meetings and ensuring all minutes of meetings are given to the administrative liaison and placed in Teams.  Students cannot run for Secretary if they are leaving or graduating before next elections at end of Fall Term unless a Massage student who discloses their status in the program.

Recommended prior experience: Previous experience on a board of directors.  Adept at creating newsletter, handling correspondence, keeping notes and using e mail and have some experience with Microsoft Teams. Being organized is important.

Floating Representatives will replace any officer in the case of their absence, incapacity, removal or resignation and will gain all working knowledge of the functions and responsibilities of all jobs within. The Floating Representatives are also responsible to oversee all clubs, their budgets and meetings.

Recommended prior experience: Should be able to learn quickly and have experience in many if not all of the above jobs. They may have worked on Executive Boards previously.

Sergeant At Arms must be well versed in Robert’s Rules of Order and will assist the President in the creation of agendas for all meetings. They will run the “time” of meetings and maintain proper voting protocol and discussion process.

Recommended prior experience: Should have worked on executive boards or similar previously.  Have an even temper, be secure and confident and understand personalities and needs students may have to express themselves.  They must be able to work closely with all on the Executive Board. Students cannot run for Sergeant at Arms  if they are leaving or graduating before next elections at end of Fall Term unless a Massage student who discloses their status.

Program Representatives:

Must be enrolled within the program they represent.  Must have general meetings with some members of the program they represent at least once a month in a common area of the school and report back to the full board with findings. They are responsible for assuring all students have a voice within the executive board of the SC by bringing problems, suggestions and ideas from students within their program to the board.  They are required to attend all SC board meetings as well as general meetings.

Recommended prior experience: Experience as a volunteer.  Able to be available to hear student grievances.  Organized and personable.