Why are you running for SGA?

Aila:
My time as a Flyer has changed my life forever and for the better. For that reason, I am seeking the opportunity to advocate for the student community as your President. I believe students at UD deserve better. I am running for Student Body President because I believe students should know what their Administration is doing, and what their Government is doing. I believe students deserve to be heard AND heeded by our University. We deserve the opportunity to create the iconic flyer community we're known for. I believe I can substantially improve the student experience as your President.

Stuart:
Because students deserve the best from their government.

Platform

Through their years in Student Government, Aila and Stuart have listened attentively to the needs and concerns of students, and hope to continue that work as President and Vice President of the Student Body. Students deserve transparency, and access to their government. This is why Aila and Stuart plan on live streaming senate for the student body, as well as printing and distributing the SGA newsletter monthly. Students deserve to be heard. By using the anonymous feedback form, getting students into critical spaces like the Board of Trustees, the City of Dayton, and AVIATE, Aila and Stuart will not only connect with students, but connect students to the University, and broader community. Hearing all voices is of the utmost importance to Aila and Stuart. They have worked hard to create sustainable and systemic change for underrepresented and marginalized students over their years in student government, and that work will not slow down. Opening doors for students with accessibility needs, English second language speaking and international students, students of color, and queer-identifying students remains a crucial goal for Aila and Stuart. Aila and Stuart know that making our community better starts with open ears, and collaboration across identities. To ensure that those voices are heard directly on the senate floor means empowering communities with systemic change. Times are changing, and Aila and Stuart make a promise to change and adapt with them. Our campus needs to start an open conversation about safety on campus, between students and UDPD concerning drugs, alcohol and other campus conditions as simple as traffic signs. The Student Body has, and always will be, the central focus for Aila and Stuart. We are dedicated to working to hear concerns that affect our community, and hope to serve you well as your President and Vice President.

What experiences do you have that will help you be successful in this role?

Aila:
I have spent my life at UD thus far seeking ways to make our campus better, and I am proud to say that my work speaks for itself. Being a part of organizations that seek change, including SGA, but also including off-campus non-profits and government organizations has given me the experience I need to create substantial change on campus. My time spent advocating for human rights in Dayton with the Fitz Center and the Human Rights Center have given me experience of connecting with the broader mission of the University, and creating meaningful relationships with people of all backgrounds and experiences. In my time in Student Government, I have worked on projects that connect underrepresented voices directly to Senate and Administration, put menstrual products in academic buildings, contributed to the professional headshot photo booth, and distributed thousands of dollars back to student organizations. I have the experience and familiarity with our University necessary to make it better, and I would be ecstatic at the opportunity to continue doing so as your President.

Stuart:
2 years of previous years of SGA experience. First as a First-Year Senator where I learned how to advocate for students and really make change. Then as Director of Special Programs where I learned how to take those advocating skills and take them to the executive board. I learned how to participate in conversations at the higher level and work both internally within SGA and externally with CSI and AVIATE to make sure programing ran smoothly and voices were heard.