“The UTM index webpage is not regularly updated with campus events, SGA issues, or any other important information relevant to the student body,” reads the resolution.

“The only suitable way to access the SGA index webpage is from a dropdown menu located on the UTM index webpage, which in not easily accessible,” continues the resolution.

A note to our readers

With the semester nearing a close, and the Student Government finished for the current term, we would like to hear your feedback on the past year.

Next week, The Pacer will take an in-depth look at the successes and shortcomings of the 2003-04 SGA Senate and Executive Council.

President

I am seeking the office of President of SGA because I want to have the opportunity to represent my fellow classmates at UTM. The students have a right to have their voice heard; they need someone to listen. I will not only listen to what the students of UTM want, I will work to ensure that the proper steps are taken. The President of SGA needs to be someone who is dependable, responsible, and outgoing. I possess these qualities which will enable me to be an efficient leader for the student body. I also possess leadership, communication, and team working skills. I have served as Secretary General for SGA this past year and have been actively involved for the past three years in SGA. With the characteristics I possess along with my knowledge of the university, I believe I have what it takes to become a successful leader of the SGA.

Dusty Dean Junior, Political Science and English Major

For the past year I have been involved as Senator of the College of Business and Public Affairs and served as the Academic Affairs Chairman. Many students view SGA as an elitist club in which all the over achievers unite together in the "fierce" battle of padding their own resumes. My past experience has taught me that there are two types of student leaders. The passive majority who are content with mediocrity and use positions solely to pad their resumes and then there are those active members who vehemently fight for more student services, the unifying of campus groups, and lower student fees. I proudly consider myself the latter type.

Vice President

I am seeking the position of Vice President of the Student Government Association because this is what I love to do and there is no one more suited for this job than I whose passion, drive, and humor will affect the most people and accomplish the most tasks, all with a dose of laughter. I want to have the opportunity to help guide those who are just coming into college; I wish to have the power to assist my fellow SGA members with the obstacles they are facing in SGA; and I yearn for the chance to represent the students on this campus who all to often fail to realize the awesome power that they can wield.

Secretary General

The Student Government Association helps to make differences across campus and they create a more comfortable relationship between students and faculty. I have served as Chief Justice of Student Court and on the Freshmen Council. I enjoyed working with other students from across campus because I was able to meet people from different backgrounds. My past experiences have prepared me for any leadership position by teaching and building skills that are everlasting. Leaders are able to withstand obstacles and I am prepared for whatever is ahead of me. I know that this position will be yet another steppingstone to further my success, while allowing me to help fellow students.

College of Agriculture & Applied Sciences

I am running for the office of Senator in the College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences because I have a true desire to serve the students of this campus. I believe that being on Freshman Council this year has taught me how to effectively help my fellow students, and to work cooperatively with the staff and professors here at UTM. I also believe that I have acquired the skills necessary to fulfill my duties from being in the Leaders-In-Residence program and the LEAD Academy. Continuing to actively participate in SGA would allow me to help address the concerns and needs of the student body and to make UTM better for both today and tomorrow.

Will Bird Junior, Agriculture Science Major

Jake Dunavant Freshman, Animal Science Major

I am seeking to run for the office of senator in the Student Government Association at the University of Tennessee-Martin. I feel that I would justly represent the College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences and the student body of the university. I have spoken with several students on campus and they strongly encouraged me to run for this position. I have served on several student councils and feel this experience will enable me to better perform the duties of the office of SGA senator. My senior year of high school I was an officer of the FFA chapter, a leadership experience that has helped me understand how things need to be handled when decisions affecting a large number of people are made.

Andrew Jeffers Plant and Soil Science Major

Landon Loveall Senior, Wildlife Biology Major

College of Business and Public Affairs

Laura Harber

My name is Laura Harber and I am running for Senator in the college of Business and Public Affairs. I feel that I would be an asset to the Student Government Association because I have been involved in SGA in high school, and for my two years in college. My past experience in the SGA at UTM includes Freshmen Council and Senator for the College of Business and Public Affairs. I have several good ideas about how SGA could improve our campus and college experience. I will work hard as a Senator to see these ideas become a reality for the students of UTM. I feel that with my past involvement and success, and most importantly my love for SGA makes me an excellent candidate for SGA senator.

Rachel Hammond Freshman, Accounting Major

Richard Hines Junior, Accounting Major

I consider any SGA position from president to senator an immense honor with a lot of on-campus power. However, with great power comes great responsibility. I am running for senator because I feel responsible to give a voice to the people I know here at UT Martin. As far as my past leadership experience is concerned, this is my second year to be on ATO's Executive Council. I have developed a lot of my leadership skills through my fraternity from not only being on the E.C. but also attending leadership workshops such as our Regional Leadership Conference and our Noah's Ark Retreat. ATO is not the only organization I am involved in. I am an SI leader, a member of Phi Chi Theta, a member of Order of Omega, a member of Gamma Sigma Alpha, and I am involved in the Honors Seminar program.

Clarissa Porterfield Junior, MIS Major

Being a senator means that you have to show leadership and have drive to succeed. Also, teamwork and communication is very important. I have been a leader all my life. I have always been involved in numerous activities. In high school I was in student government for three year where I held the positions of vice president, secretary, and sergeant at arms. When I enter college I didn't stop there. My freshmen year I was on freshmen council and a member of black students association. I'm currently a senator for the college of business and public affairs, member of Alpha Kappa Psi, and black student association. Being a senator allows me to help make decision on how to help our campus and the student body.

Anastasia Umanets Freshman, Political Science and International Business Major

My name is Anastasia Umanets and I am running for office of senator for the College of Business and Public Affairs because I believe that I can bring my contributions to the SGA and the University as a whole. I would like to act and respond to the problems that may concern students and faculty members. Being enrolled as a student in my second semester at UTM, I've learned and experienced a lot. I had the opportunity to join several active organizations on campus, they are: Political Science Club, Law Society, where I am currently holding the office as a Secretary/Treasurer, Phi Chi Theta Business Fraternity, and College Democrats. I intend to stay as active in these organizations as my schedule permits. Furthermore, I would like to bring some fresh ideas and become more familiar with the Student Government Association.

College of Education and Behaviorial Sciences

I am aspiring to become part of the Student Government Association because I know one opinion matters, but many make a difference. I am involved in the Criminal Justice Society, the NAACP, and the BSA. Being in these organizations I realize it is of the utmost importance that every voice is heard. As Senator I would serve as mediator between the Student Government and the student body. I consider government without student involvement pointless. As a member of the executive counsel of the NAACP, and Chairman of the Program and Research Committee, I have seen the positive results of student body interaction. From experience, I can honestly conclude that it takes compassion to acknowledge others' concerns and opinions, and be a successful leader.

Jack Leonard Sophomore, Criminal Justice

My name is Jack Leonard and I'm from Camden Tennessee. I am running for this office because I feel like I can make a difference on this campus. I enjoy working with others and feel that I can bring some good insight to the Student Government Association. I also feel that I possess the leadership qualities needed to successfully fulfill my duties as a member of SGA. In high school I was a class officer for all four years. My positions ranged from sergeant-at arms to vice-president. I was also one of the co-captains of my football team. I was vice president of the Beta club, and I have served as chair of the parental relations and social service committees for my fraternity.

Eric Rivera Sophomore, Criminal Justice

I Eric Rivera would like to appointed into the position of representing the students of my major and to help voice the opinion of all the students here at UTM, because I would like to help make all of our voices heard. I feel I have the appropriate background to not only do so, but to do it better than the average student would. I have not only served many roles in leadership positions effectively, but I have also enjoyed doing so. I currently am a Pep Leader, and in the past have been a part of Lead Academy, Srow Conference, David Belotes Leaders in Residence class, High School-Student Body President, and am anxiously searching for opportunities to represent our school. I would enjoy the facing the challenges and enjoyable encounters I would be given if selected to represent the opinions and voices of the students here at UTM.

Leah Simpson Junior, Psychology Major

Hello my name is Leah Simpson, I am a junior and seeking the position of senator of the College of Educational and Behavioral Sciences in the Student Government Association. I feel that I could bring a positive insight and new ideas to the SGA. I also want to get involved in the workings of the association. I am a member of Chi Omega, FFA, and Psychology club. I have served in Chi Omega as the lodge director and am involved in various activities throughout the year. In high school in was involved in student council, president of my senior class, and secretary of the National Honor Society, and a member of Interact and Spanish clubs. I would greatly appreciate consideration for the position as Senator in the SGA.

College of Engineering and Natural Sciences

Audrey Smith Freshman, Chemistry Major

I chose to run for Senator of the College of Engineering and Natural Sciences because, as a member of Freshmen Council during the 2003-2004 school year, I have seen the impact that the Student Government Association has on the student body's needs and concerns, and I would like to have a more direct impact on the student's in this college. My goal is to get out there and have students get involved and voice their opinions about what SGA can do to improve the College of Engineering and Natural Sciences and the University of Tennessee at Martin.

Thomas Winters Freshman, Mathematics Major

I am running for Senate because this is the way I believe I can get involved on campus and I really like the work that we do as a government. I am also running because I believe that there is more to be done on UTM campus and after being on Freshman Council, this will be the best way to get the jobs done. College of Humanities and Fine Arts

Rachel Albritton

Over the course of the past year, I have been actively involved in SGA Freshman Council serving as secretary. Serving on Freshman Council has taught me important leadership skills and has given me experience dealing with Student Government issues. During this time, I have become interested in helping improve UTM both academically and socially. I am running for a senate position in the College of Humanities and Fine Arts because I am hoping to be able to address issues that concern students in the college, along with improving the facilities available to students. Furthermore, I would like to serve in Senate so I can work more closely with the administration to help improve the University for current and future students.

Gavin Breeden Freshman, Philosophy Major

I am running for SGA Senate for several reasons. I took part in student government in high school as a representative and Vice-President. It was a great experience and I really enjoyed being involved in making decisions in the school. I feel that SGA would be even more rewarding since they play a bigger role on campus than the student government in high school does. I feel strongly about the importance of people working together to reach a unified goal. I served President of the Christian organization at my high school as well as being selected as a Boys' State delegate. I believe that I have leadership skills and experience to bring to SGA in order to make UTM a better place.

Rachel Mansfield

I am a naturally enthusiastic person and enjoy meeting and assisting others in any way possible. As a member of AOPi, I am currently the Activities Chair and a member of LC. I have held leadership positions such as Vice President of the Student Council and Secretary of DECA. I feel that I am in touch with the way people feel about UTM and the changes they would like to see happen. I feel that SGA sometimes takes slack from the student body and staff alike, and would like to see this change with the next elected officers. If elected, I feel like I am the kind of person people feel like they can approach when they want to see changes.