I spoke to this year’s AUSA Executive Vice president, Andrew Rappette (senior, information systems), who has been a member of our student government for years. He is extremely passionate about the senate, and has plans for furthering the role it plays at Andrews University this year working with the rest of the AUSA team.
Why did you decide to run for AUSA executive vice president this year?
I have been an AUSA Senator since freshman year. I have always loved the institution that is AUSA Senate and to be able to head it will allow me to work with some amazing people and bring changes to this campus for the students.
What is your job as the Executive Vice?
I have two main responsibilities. I assist the AUSA President in her duties and chair AUSA Senate. As Chair of AUSA Senate, I will lead the AUSA Senators in meetings where we will discuss issues on campus and the needs of the students. Then we will come up with solutions in the form of Senator Projects. These projects range from getting a much-needed printer in a dorm hall to representing the student body are large issues like housing and campus safety. The AUSA Senate is the student's best voice and it is the EVP’s responsibility to ensure that the senators have the resources they need to succeed.
What are your plans for the student body this year?
I want to work with the AUSA Senate on some reforms to AUSA to make it a better representation of the student body on campus. We can’t do this without projects, spirit grants, and general reform of the AUSA Constitution. My personal project will be to create more awareness of AUSA and especially AUSA Senate. So few students understand the great responsibility these organizations have and the influence they have and the change on campus they can create. Currently, student involvement with AUSA is at an all-time low. Voter participation is extremely low, applications for positions are low, and people running for office are low. AUSA has not done a good job of communicating its value to the student body. Many students either don’t understand what AUSA does or even know of the existence of the AUSA Senate.
Is there a specific event you are excited about this year, and why?
I am excited about the AUSA Assemblies which will allow all AUSA members to come together and discuss our concerns and bring about change on campus. This will also allow AUSA to communicate what it has been doing and allow the students to communicate any concerns they may have.
What are some favorite memories you have from being a part of AUSA (even as an attendant of AUSA events)?
As an AUSA senator, my favorite part was always seeing Senator projects coming to life. Sometimes big projects, sometimes small, but they always made a positive impact on the students. This year I hope to support as many senator projects as possible to come to fruition and benefit the student body and their constituents.
What are some of the unique qualities you are bringing to the position of executive vice?
Being a senator for many years and working on multiple successful projects, I hope to be able to work with senators to help them achieve their goals. I also have always taken an interest in student government and have a passion for AUSA. I really believe in the institution and its mission and value.
Do you have any goals for the club this year? What is your vision for AUSA?
My main goal is to bring about change to the AUSA organization itself to better represent the student body. This includes financial and organizational transparency. Most importantly I want this year’s senate to be well equipped for any issues they come across and be able to best represent the student body on those issues.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.