Trustee Platforms

Fritz Hypollite

Public higher education is facing one of its greatest challenges to date and thus a critical time is approaching for the UMB community. In the face of a proposed overhaul and restructuring of the University system in Massachusetts and reductions in the education budget now is the time to take control of our future. Our administrators and executives at each University and the Board of Trustees are preparing to handle some of the most difficult and important decisions for UMB in the next few months/years and it is so vital now more than ever to hear the voice of the students. We are going to be affected by any change, therefore we have the right to be involved in the decision-making process. Our involvement is through the Student Trustee who is responsible for helping to shape the university, plan for its future and set long-range policy.

The charge and expectation of the Student Trustee is to provide information to the Board so they can make the most well informed decisions, with the best interests of the University upheld.

William Roach, Jr.

My name is Will Roach, and I am running for the position of UMB Student Trustee. I am currently on the Campus and Community Affairs committee (C.C.A.) as vice-chair, and I have enjoyed my time with the team thus far. I have worked amicably with all members of the senate while being vocal about my concerns as they pertain to student activities and funding requests.

I am committed to the student body here at UMB, and I am a very accessible senator.

As the Student Trustee, I would be committed to voting against future fee and tuition hikes as well as striving to make sure that services at the university are maintained. I am willing to work with the student centers, clubs, and administration in devising ways to maintain high quality services, classes, and community here at UMB. In tough times this university needs strong leadership and I know that I will have the students’ support and votes in becoming your next Student Trustee.

Senate Platforms

Robert Nappier

The student senate is an important forum for our school. It provides a vehicle where students can voice their concerns, affect the school structure and gain access to resources for the overall betterment of student life. This “student trust” has been in question however. Reports of infighting in the senate by The Mass Media show that we need a change. As president of UMass Nation on campus I understand the diverse needs of our community. I will represent the student body in the senate as a true voice for your needs. I will work to provide an environment for a strong UMass community on campus. I promise to bring increased transparency to Student Senate actions. The Student Senate will again answer to our constituents: the students. I promise to work on your behalf and in your interest.

Sophia Wong

How important is it to be involved in the community? Extremely. I believe that being involved with clubs, organizations, and activities helps initiate interaction between students and faculty. I believe that participation encourages people to come together– a crucial step in forming and sustaining personal and social relationships.

Bryan Smith

My name is Bryan Smith and I am a current Junior, holding a senatorial seat for the College of Management. If reelected, I will continue to work and represent the ideas and desires of the student body. I will also strive to maintain the meaning and goals of a public Higher Education.

Reuben Urmeneta

It’s time for us to rejuvenate the Student Senate. If elected as your Senator, I will take the necessary steps to make the Student Senate a truly representative entity of the students. I will encourage more student activity involvement and be very attentive to the concerns of the student body.

William Roach, Jr.

My name is Will Roach, and I am running to remain on the Student Senate. I am currently on the Campus and Community Affairs committee (C.C.A.) as vice-chair, and I have enjoyed my time with the team thus far. I have worked amicably with all members of the senate while being vocal about my concerns as they pertain to student activities and funding requests. I am committed to the student body here at UMB, and I am a very accessible senator. I am also committed to voting against future fee and tuition hikes as well as striving to make sure that services at the university are maintained. In tough times this university needs strong leadership and I know that I will have the students’ support and votes to remain on the senate.

Sada Haubourg

My name is Sada Haubourg and I am a Nursing student. I am introducing myself to you in order to let you know that I am willing to represent you in the Student Senate. I have been at this University for a number of semesters, I have talked to students, I have observed, and thus, I do really know you need. We do have common interests or common concerns as students, to learn and be confident. As a senator, I will work hard and bring those interests forward. I will make sure that your voice will be heard, your academic goals will be met, and your safety will be taken seriously. Please vote on April 8, 9 and 10; in advance, I am urging you to vote for me. You deserve a responsible representative, and I am the one.

Omar Bukhari

This is my third year here at UMass and my entire educational experience has been great. The high standard of education and friendly atmosphere has molded me into a better person and I appreciate the fact that the administration, faculty, and student body has been highly encouraging and motivating. Even though I am an International student I feel confident enough to run for the Student Senate because of the equal opportunities provided to us.

My goals are very simple and straightforward. My belief is “United we stand, divided we fall.” If we stand united as a Student body, the stronger of an institution we will build, and if we stand united on different issues, the more powerful the impact we will make. Being a Senator, I will try my utmost efforts in establishing a link between the administration, faculty, and my peers and I am sure that with time I will be instrumental in strengthening this bond. This by far is the most important aspect of my campaign. In order to thrive as an institution I will leave no stone unturned in order to bring in policies that are beneficial to everyone and reflect our core values. Apart from working with students individually in trying to resolve their disputes and grievances I am looking forward to working with all the Student organizations at UMass Boston. My past two years as a Senator have been very successful and I have learned a lot by working with a diverse student body. Currently I am the Chairman of the Budget and Finance Committee and in the year before that I was part of the Campus and Community Affairs committee and the Budget and Finance Committee. As Senator I want to continue to help students reach out to one another and to the administration. Apart from that as a representative of the Arab/South- Asian students I would encourage other students to get involved in campus activities since it is a good way of integrating ourselves into the campus environment. To me what matters the most is the fact is that all of us (students) constitute UMass Boston and no matter who we are, or where we come from, everyone’s opinion matters and keeping race, religion or creed aside we can achieve whatever we desire. peace 🙂

Fritz Hyppolite

I’ve worked hard this semester to place student input at various stages of the decision-making process involving student interests. I have been directly involved with a number of student organizations on and off campus, assisting them in many capacities, and I have helped many students and faculty promote both academic and non-academic issues. I hope to continue this work next year.

Jesse Solomon

I wish to be a part of the Undergraduate Student Senate.

It’s of the utmost importance that students be given a voice, and are represented in all facets of campus life: from academic curriculum, key administrative decisions, to other more trivial quality of life issues, such as food quality, physical safety and affordability of parking and other resources.

So many students truly want to be involved in these, and other related issues, but for one reason or another lack the time and commitment it takes to become and remain active players. This is where I feel the Student Government Association can play a pivotal role.

In its most basic sense, SGA representatives serve first and foremost as advocates to their fellow students. That is my primary motivation and desire in wanting to be a part of the Student Senate, so that I might play a role in advocating for my fellow students.

This campus is only an adequate one in comparison to our four sister campuses. The state’s so-called “fiscal crisis” can only be used to blame for so much of the wasteful spending practices, inadequate resources and inconsistent services. The truth is, some funding does exist at UMB, which could improve much of the resources and services directly effecting students.

I’m optimistic that ours can be an even better campus– one in which students feel that they’re getting there true money’s worth. Yet currently, this is NOT the case. Too many times, administrative policies are put in place without the consideration nor impute of students or their elected student leaders in SGA. While the obligation of demanding accountability of university staff and officials should ideally come from students themselves, the unfortunate reality at UMB is that most students are too uninformed, apathetic, or hindered by time constraints to be involved in on-campus events or concerns. Again this is where SGA must play an active role.

In closing, the philosophy I’ll bring to the Undergrad Student Senate as a student senator, should I become elected, is the same one that I have as a student: I believe in a Umass Boston that is not “first if” or “first when” but is first PERIOD.