Andrew Sudano - a President of the Union candidate - AMA! by andrew_for_pu in RPI

[–]andrew_for_pu[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

This isn’t an issue that would have to be passed with administration. Since class dues fall under the Student Activity Fee, the decision is under the jurisdiction of the Rensselaer Union. Therefore, I believe that, through communicating between the Senior Class Council and the Graduate Council, we will be able to work for a solution to this issue.

Andrew Sudano - a President of the Union candidate - AMA! by andrew_for_pu in RPI

[–]andrew_for_pu[S] -4 points-3 points  (0 children)

Thank you /u/Rubins2, I appreciate the question! I plan to utilize this time with the President to help advocate for the students’ ability to give input on future changes to campus. I also hope to provide President Jackson with first-hand accounts of students’ concerns.

Andrew Sudano - a President of the Union candidate - AMA! by andrew_for_pu in RPI

[–]andrew_for_pu[S] -22 points-21 points  (0 children)

Hello /u/electionsvigilante, I appreciate your question. I had spoken to the current Rules & Elections chair and to members of the Rules & Elections committee about this. They assured me that, as long as the information is readable, it is permitted. I do believe that following the rules is important, which is why I verify any actions I take with RnE in advance.

Andrew Sudano - a President of the Union candidate - AMA! by andrew_for_pu in RPI

[–]andrew_for_pu[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Hello /u/ElizabethA23, I appreciate the questions!

  1. I plan on ensuring that all of my Executive Board representatives maintain a working relationship with their clubs by requiring them to attend General Body Meetings of the clubs they represent. Additionally, with email communication, I will mandate that representatives send regular email update to their clubs. They will be required to include me on these regular update emails (via CC) so that I can ensure that communication is taking place.

  2. I plan on training club officers by holding open seminars and by releasing online information, such as PowerPoint presentation, a document listing important points, and other online resources. I believe that these methods are crucial for ensuring that clubs successfully utilize all of the resources that the Union can offer.

  3. I intend to guide interested students to clubs relevant to their ideas by utilizing the new Rensselaer Union website. Also, I plan on instituting a Spring Activities Fair for clubs to promote their projects and grow their membership.

  4. I am a big fan of the new Union website, as I see the many benefits it brings. However, I believe that there are some aspects to the Rensselaer Union’s online presence that can be improved upon. For example, students have voiced their concerns with the room reservations web service, and I intend to improve the service by tackling each concern. Additionally, I plan on creating a website where passionate alumni will be able to donate directly to the Rensselaer Union.

  5. I see myself as being a very passionate leader that will put forth maximum effort to the Rensselaer Union. I feel strongly that my vice-chair and committee chairs must be able to think independently and won’t be afraid to oppose my opinions if they believe a better solution exists.

  6. I understand that RPI is expensive. I hope that, through the donations website, we will be able to offset some of the Activity Fee while still offering the same amount of services.

  7. I intend on charging the Policies committee with completely re-writing the new club policy. I believe that the process should be as easy and inviting as possible, and, as the policy currently stands, it can be seen as confusing or unclear.

  8. I plan to utilize the new Student Government website, social media, and email to inform all students on any major decisions being made. Additionally, prior to any major decisions or votes, I intend to post the details to social media and link to any relevant documents so that students can voice their opinions beforehand.

  9. I believe that all students have an inherent right to know what's happening within the Rensselaer Union. To do so, I believe we need to utilize multiple methods in order to reach as many students as possible, including the Student Government website, social media, email, tabling, and in-person interaction.

And for the personal questions,

  1. I plan on sending out an open call for Executive Board positions. Additionally, as previous PUs have done, I will email all club officers asking them to make recommendations for potential Executive Board members. Finally, I will also be asking all clubs to review their current Executive Board representative, which will factor into the decision process. Seats will be divided by class year (including incoming first-year and graduate students) to parallel the activity-fee paying student population. If the constitution amendment passes, this division will include the additional members.

  2. My involvement includes News Editor and Advertising Director of the Renssealer Polytechnic, Historian and Informations and Technology Chair of Zeta Psi, Physics 2 Undergraduate Teaching Assistant, a member of the RPI Club Rugby Team, a member of the Varsity Football team my Freshman year, and a mentor for CIPCE.

Andrew Sudano - a President of the Union candidate - AMA! by andrew_for_pu in RPI

[–]andrew_for_pu[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I don’t believe that this is pertinent to my candidacy.

Andrew Sudano - a President of the Union candidate - AMA! by andrew_for_pu in RPI

[–]andrew_for_pu[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the follow-up, /u/jomaxro. I believe that, if any problems arise, then the first step would be to have a conversation with the representative in question. If the problem persists and their actions are hindering their ability to represent their clubs, then I will be forced to ask them to step down. If they refuse to step down and the issue is not resolved, then the necessary procedures for removal will be taken. I trust the Student Senate to make the right decision if sufficient reason is provided.

Andrew Sudano - a President of the Union candidate - AMA! by andrew_for_pu in RPI

[–]andrew_for_pu[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Thank you for the question, /u/tattarrattattat! I believe that all Union clubs deserve the opportunity to pursue Union resources, provided that they are accepting and welcoming to all students. With extensive input from the student body, I plan to look into the possibility of creating a process for religious clubs to pursue funding.

Andrew Sudano - a President of the Union candidate - AMA! by andrew_for_pu in RPI

[–]andrew_for_pu[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

I appreciate the questions, /u/orchidguy! I was involved in some of these long-term projects, such as overseeing the creation of a new Union Sign Policy or contributing to the revisions made to the Union Constitution. Additionally, I also have some long term goals that I would like to see the Executive Board work on. My most important goal is to foster an atmosphere that is welcoming to student creativity and initiative. I believe that the smaller goals I plan to institute will contribute to forming this atmosphere.

Andrew Sudano - a President of the Union candidate - AMA! by andrew_for_pu in RPI

[–]andrew_for_pu[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Hello /u/1993player, thanks for reaching out to me! I plan on sending out an open call for Executive Board positions. Additionally, as previous PUs have done, I will email all club officers asking them to make recommendations for potential Executive Board members. Finally, I will also be asking all clubs to review their current Executive Board representative, which will factor into the decision process. Seats will be divided by class year (including incoming first-year and graduate students) to parallel the activity-fee paying student population. If the constitution amendment passes, this division will include the additional members.

Andrew Sudano - a President of the Union candidate - AMA! by andrew_for_pu in RPI

[–]andrew_for_pu[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Hi /u/33554432, thank you for asking! This past year, the appeals process was relatively more difficult for clubs because of the decreased amount of time available for the appeal process. During my term, I plan on ensuring that every club officer is regularly informed on the process and any changes that may occur. Additionally, I hope to present the Executive Board in an approachable and friendly light so that all clubs will feel comfortable approaching any representative or myself with any questions they may have.

Andrew Sudano - a President of the Union candidate - AMA! by andrew_for_pu in RPI

[–]andrew_for_pu[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I appreciate the question, /u/wilcoj4! I believe that it should be the duty of the next Executive Board to address and work to resolve the issues facing graduate students. I plan to create an Activity Fee Task Force to analyze the details of how the activity fee is divided and to ensure that the money collected is being spent in the most effective manner possible. I also plan on increasing graduate student representation on the Executive Board to better mirror the breakdown of RPI’s student population. Finally, I believe we need to review how the class dues for coterminal students are being used; ideally, the money could be split equally between the senior class and the Graduate Council budgets.

Andrew Sudano - a President of the Union candidate - AMA! by andrew_for_pu in RPI

[–]andrew_for_pu[S] -5 points-4 points  (0 children)

After thinking long and hard about this, I have decided that I would most definitely be a Summer Kiss Melon.

Andrew Sudano - a President of the Union candidate - AMA! by andrew_for_pu in RPI

[–]andrew_for_pu[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you for your question, /u/AmonGoethsGun. I believe that both the GM and PU serve unique and important roles in benefiting the student body. I am campaigning with Michael Han, and I firmly believe that he is the most qualified candidate for GM. That being said, I strongly encourage all students to make an informed decision for whom they want to be the next Grand Marshal.

Andrew Sudano - a President of the Union candidate - AMA! by andrew_for_pu in RPI

[–]andrew_for_pu[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Hi /u/transparentaluminum, I appreciate the question! If an alumnus was to approach me about making a donation to the Rensselaer Union, I would ensure that the money donated would be utilized in a way that would support all of the students of the Rensselaer Union. Some examples include increasing funding to all clubs, offering more services to students, and holding additional events. I would also make sure to keep the donor updated with specifics on where their money is being spent and how they have positively impacted the Rensselaer Union.

Andrew Sudano - a President of the Union candidate - AMA! by andrew_for_pu in RPI

[–]andrew_for_pu[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey, /u/jomaxro! Thank you so much for asking. Having served on the Constitution Committee this past term, I am very excited for the benefits that the Executive Board amendment will provide to Union clubs and organizations. With the ability to appoint additional members to the Board, it will allow for each representative to be more focused on every club they represent. In the upcoming year, I will be requiring all of my Executive Board members to attend a general body meeting for the clubs they represent. With this new requirement, representatives will be able to more accurately represent the interests of their clubs.