As the second semester of the year begins, students will have a chance to decide who will lead the California Baptist University student body through executive council positions of the Associated Students of CBU.
All five ASCBU executive council positions are open for the 2016-2017 school year, and while applications closed Jan. 21, students who did not apply will have the opportunity to vote for their preferred candidates in February.
“I think ASCBU is so unique from any other student leadership position,” said Makenna Lammons, junior psychology and criminal justice double major and current ASCBU president. “I’m all for student leadership in every other office, but (there’s) something about ASCBU. You’re not selected by staff. You’re elected by your peers, which is awesome in itself.”
The positions offered are executive president, executive vice president, vice president for finance, vice president for communication and the director for office affairs. All candidates complete a packet to submit to the ASCBU office and must meet certain expectations, including a 2.5 GPA, a passing grade in chapel and consistent adherence to policies laid out in the CBU Student Handbook.
“I think one of the most important things to remember is that this is unlike any other student leadership position,” said Chris Hofschroer, assistant dean of students and ASCBU advisor. “There’s incredible potential and power to really do what the students want to do, not what the director of that department really thinks they should do.”
After student packets are validated by Hofschroer, Shelby Moore, Community Life graduate assistant, and Paolo Bilbao, ASCBU vice president for communication, campaigning begins Feb. 1 and runs until Feb. 11.
Students can participate in an election kickoff, which is tentatively scheduled for Feb. 8, where they can listen to those planning on running give their campaign speeches.
In addition, they can also watch videos and gather more information about which candidate they want to vote for.
Lammons said students who make good candidates for executive council positions are ones who are passionate about students and willing to invest their time.
“If you are just on the fence, I don’t think executive (council) would be the perfect position because in exec, you’re trying to lead the senate and get them pumped about what you’re doing,” she said.
Hofschroer said executive council members must be willing to put the needs of the students above their own because they have the power and position to make the change they want to see about CBU happen.
“It takes a special person to care more about the student body than their own personal agenda,” he said.
Voting begins Feb. 9 and will conclude Feb. 11. Students will receive a link through their LancerMail accounts where they can send in their votes for their favorite candidate.
“If someone wants a brand new experience, it’s super fun,” Lammons said. “Don’t be intimidated. Just go for it.”
