Jesse Miller
What position are you running for?
Vice President
How do you plan to enhance student life at UAS?
I’ve been working on being a voice for students so when issues comes up, we can make a direct appeal and work on making changes happen.
Why are you running for student government?
I’ve seen things that I wanted to change. And if those things are going to be changed, I’ll have to do it myself.
Why do you think you are qualified to run for student government?
I was a senator last spring so I have some experience in student government. But what makes me believe why I qualify is because I want to pass bills that will benefit students.
What is something that would make UAS a better institution?
UAS is trying to hard to be a true college and is forgetting that it was a fun school with outdoor programs, fun classes and skills that students could apply out of their major.
Molly Prysunka
What position are you running for?
Vice President
How do you plan to enhance student life at UAS?
I want to fight for student employees who work on campus. I believe service industry jobs should have a tipping policy in place, or offer a living wage for Alaska.
Why are you running for student government?
I believe I show great leadership, and I care about the success and experience of the people around me.
Why do you think you are qualified to run for student government?
I was the captain of my debate team in high school. I learned a great deal about how I can help others become successful on a personal, extracurricular, and academic level. My passion for politics has always been a huge influence on my life, and I am excited to try my hand at student government.
What is something that would make UAS a better institution?
I believe UAS would be a better institution if we focused on providing more structure to the transportation system. A schedule should be set and stuck to so students without smart phones can reliably get to class on time.
Bre Walker
What position are you running for?
Vice President
How do you plan to enhance student life at UAS?
I would like to create more opportunities and experiences for all students and community members. I want to help students create projects and events that foster our relationships with each other as peers, our relationships with faculty and staff, and relationship to this place.
Why are you running for student government?
I am running for Vice President because I love the UAS community and I see this as an opportunity to give my time back in a powerful way before I graduate. This campus feels like home to me, and I want to ensure it feels that way for everyone.
Why do you think you are qualified to run for student government?
I am qualified for this position because I have a lot of experience working with others and organizing. I am an active member of Sustainability Club and have been involved with local organizations as well.
What is something that would make UAS a better institution?
I think that creating more opportunities for students to connect with one another and this place would greatly benefit our campus. Specifically, a campus garden would provide a unique way for students to grow and learn together. I also feel strongly that our campus would benefit from more connections to local foods. UAS would also benefit from improving our sustainability. This can take many forms from tackling issues of food waste, providing students with resources to make more sustainable decisions in their own lives. Finally, I think all students would benefit frommore stress and anxiety tackling resources.
Haley Shervey
What position are you running for?
Senator
How do you plan to enhance student life at UAS?
As an artist myself, I would love to enhance student life at UAS by advocating for the arts and for self-expression. More opportunities for student showcases both at school and in the community, as well as the use of art and other media to communicate research and ideas, are important topics that I support as a candidate.
Why are you running for student government?
I want to be involved in the UAS community, so I am running for student government to represent the students and advocate for important values like safety, equality, and inclusivity. As an artist and a member of the LGBT community, I also strongly advocate for representing the views and interests of those groups.
Why do you think you are qualified to run for student government?
As a student at Mt. Edgecumbe High School, I was captain of the Debate team, co-leader of the Gender and Sexuality Alliance, and head video editor for our student news program. I have dynamic experience working with other students, as well as administration, on both complex social issues and engaging activities. Though I’m new to University of Alaska, I bring solid leadership experience with me as a senate candidate.
What is something that would make UAS a better institution?
UAS has made important strides to creating a safe and inclusive environment, but maintaining and building on that work is vital. I strongly support any initiative to increase understanding and compassion for social issues while ensuring respect and safety for all students.
Theses questions were recorded and transcribed by Managing Editor Erin Lauglin at the Sep. 8 mandatory candidate meeting for students planning on running for election.
Voting will take place Sep. 18 -20. Results will be posted Sep. 21 at noon.
For more information email juneau.studentgov@alaska.edu.
Whalesong 