Student Housing Cooperative Elections 2012
Job descriptions & Letters of Intent
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¶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¶YH OHIW EHKLQG D XVHIXO VHW RI UHVRXUFHV WR KHOS LQ WKH QH[W 3UHVLGHQW¶V JURZWK DQG , H[SHFW WKDW WKH\¶OO GR WKH VDPH $V WKH KHDG RI RXU RUJDQL]DWLRQ WKH 3UHVLGHQW LV UHVSRQVLEOH IRU FRQQHFWLQJ ZLWK RWKHU FR RSV DQG 0LFKLJDQ 6WDWH 8QLYHUVLW\ ,¶P UHEXLOGLQJ RXU UHODWLRQVKLSV ZLWK 068 DQG WKHLU UHVRXUFHV DQG KDYH VSHQW WLPH ZLWK RWKHU 0, FR RSV WR SXUVXH PRUH FRRSHUDWLRQ DPRQJ FRRSHUDWLYHV /RQJ WHUP JRDOV Ⴠ :RUN WR VHH DQG IRUHVHH LVVXHV IRU WKH FRUSRUDWLRQ Ⴠ 3DUWQHU ZLWK WKH %RDUG WR FUHDWH DQG HQIRUFH SROLFLHV WKDW SURYLGH VXIILFLHQW VHUYLFHV WR PHPEHUV Ⴠ /HDG WKH (& LQ HQJDJLQJ WKH PHPEHUVKLS DQG LQVSLULQJ RZQHUVKLS Ⴠ 7HDFK FRRSHUDWLRQ E\ H[DPSOH *RDOV WR VHW IRU WKH &RUSRUDWLRQ Ⴠ +HOS WKH %RDUG HVWDEOLVK ILQDQFLDO JXLGHOLQHV WR DLG WKH (& DQG VWDII LQ WKHLU GD\ WR GD\ ZRUNLQJV Ⴠ &UHDWH D EHQFKPDUN V\VWHP IRU (& DQG 6WDII WR SURYLGH PRUH WHFKQLFDO GHVFULSWLRQV RI WKHLU SHUIRUPDQFH WR WKH %RDUG Ⴠ &UHDWH D FXOWXUH RI GHPDQG IRU 6+& KRXVLQJ VR WKDW YDFDQFLHV DUH UDUH Ⴠ +HOS DOO FRPPLWWHHV DQG KRXVHV FUHDWH SURJUDPV RI HGXFDWLRQV UHOHYDQW IRU WKHLU DFWLYLWLHV Ⴠ 'UDIW D PXOWL \HDU SK\VLFDO GHYHORSPHQW SODQ DQG DVVXUH VXIILFLHQW ILQDQFLDO VXSSRUW
President
Ⴠ (QJDJH PXOWLSOH FRRSHUDWLYHV LQ RXU FRPPXQLW\ E\ RSHQLQJ VSDFHV RQ RXU %RDUG IRU WKHP DQG KDYLQJ RXU PHPEHUV VLW RQ WKHLU ERDUGV
0\ H[SHULHQFH RI WKH MRE ZDV GLIILFXOW , IRXQG LW GLIILFXOW WR UHODWH WR WKH VLJQLILFDQWO\ GLIIHUHQW H[SHFWDWLRQV DQG GHILQLWLRQV WKDW RWKHU SHRSOH KDYH IRU WKH ZRUOG :RUNLQJ WR EULGJH WKHVH JDSV DQG ILQG ZD\V WR SRVLWLYHO\ ZRUN WRJHWKHU ZDV UHDOO\ KDUG 1RZ IXUWKHU LQWR WKH SRVLWLRQ WU\LQJ WR KHOS RWKHUV WR IRUJH WKHLU RZQ FRQQHFWLRQV LV D GLIIHUHQW NLQG RI KDUG )LQGLQJ FRQILGHQFH LQ WKH D PLGGOH JURXQG RI LPSHUIHFW FRPSURPLVH DQG WKHQ IROORZLQJ WKURXJK LV KDUG , KDGQ¶W HYHU WKRXJKW DERXW KRZ DPD]LQJO\ VLJQLILFDQWO\ D PHHWLQJ FDQ FKDQJH ZKHQ \RX LQFOXGH RU UHPRYH RQH RU WZR SHRSOH 6RPHWKLQJ UHDOO\ UDQGRP ZLOO KDSSHQ DQG GHDOLQJ ZLWK LW ZLOO EH YHU\ VWUHVVIXO %XW LW ZLOO EH D YHU\ HIIHFWLYH ERQGLQJ H[SHULHQFH IRU WKH (& /LNH DQ\ UHODWLRQVKLS \RXU LQLWLDO FRQQHFWLRQ WR FR RSLQJ HVSHFLDOO\ RQ D FRUSRUDWH VFDOH ZLOO ZRUN WR GHILQH LW ,I \RX VWDUW RXW ZLWKRXW ERXQGDULHV DQG JRRG FRPPXQLFDWLRQ LW ZRQ¶W JHW EHWWHU 'RQ¶W GR WKDW WR \RXUVHOI <RX¶OO PHHW D EXQFK RI JUHDW SHRSOH IURP DOO RYHU WKH SODFH :LVGRP IURP UG IORRU RI 5DIW +LOO ³-XVW EHFDXVH VRPHRQH LV EHLQJ QLFH WR \RX GRHVQ¶W PHDQ WKH\ OLNH \RX´ 5HPHPEHU LW WR EH ZDU\ DQG WR UHDOL]H WKDW \RX GRQ¶W KDYH WR OLNH VRPHRQH WR EH QLFH RU FLYLO RU GHFHQW RU UHVSHFWIXO WR WKHP 0DWWKHZ 'H1LQQR 3UHVLGHQW SUHVLGHQW#PVX FRRS
10 March 2012
Dear members of the SHC and board representatives: This letter is to inform you of my intent to run for the position of president for the MSU Student Housing Cooperative for the 2012/2013 academic year. I have been a resident of Toad Lane since May of 2010, serving as interim coordinator, board representative, and financial officer for my house. Through my experience with the SHC I have learned a lot about the co-op system, as well as its organizational structure, attending two annual fall board retreats as well as a NASCO conference. In my time here I have come to love the cooperative style of living and the people that this organization represents. I am very passionate about moving this organization forward in the direction that previous executive members have worked so hard to create and continuing to make improvements in the functioning of our cooperative. My personal goals as part of the executive committee are to continue to improve the efficiency of this organization and to work hard in the role of president to afford all SHC residents the great living experience that I have had. When I joined the SHC after my freshman year I did so for economic reasons, but I have renewed my contract three times after that because of the amazing community that I have found in the MSU cooperatives. The relationships that I have formed and my engagement with the cooperative and the neighborhood that I live in have given me the knowledge of what makes a positive living environment and a strong community. I have been very impressed with the improvements that have been made in the past year within the governance of our cooperative and I want to continue this trend of embracing new technologies, streamlining the functioning of our office and board meetings, and investing in our members and houses. Our cooperative is only as strong as its members and if we want to continue to provide an alternative to student housing that actually puts students first education, engagement, and outreach to new and potential members is vital to our success. I feel that one of the most important aspects of leadership is creating an environment where everyone’s talents are and contributions are valued and given the opportunity to shine. My leadership style is inclusive and I want to reveal the leadership qualities that our members have through service, relationships, and action within our cooperative. When thinking about the future, I love the advertisement that the SHC uses that pictures the double pines trees and bears the slogan, ‘One generation plants the tree, and another gets the shade.’ Our present is shaped by the hard work and effort that past members have contributed and our future is shaped by the decisions we currently face. I hope to plant a lot of ‘trees’ in my role as president and create an environment for other members to do so as well. I look forward to the opportunity of working with you as a member of the executive committee. Yours in cooperation, Shelby Couch
Dear Members, If Matt DeNinno were running for reelection, I wouldn’t be putting my name forward. His leadership as President has moved our organization in a positive direction. He has been a thoughtful facilitator of the Board of Directors and I hope to build upon many things he has established and see to it the SHC and its members thrive into the future. I am running because of my established history with our organization and my background as a legislative professional. Before enrolling at MSU, I was a political and legislative staffer, organizing for a Presidential campaign, Co-‐ managing a U.S. House race, and finally managing a legislative office at the Michigan House. In each of these capacities, I managed budgets and staff. This is especially important because the President of the SHC must also manage budgets and staff, and I am the only candidate that has done this. I first moved into Bowie in 2007, when it was called Elsworth. There, I served as a Maintenance Officer and Board Rep. I used these positions to secure funding to install sustainable wood floors and new, state of the art bathrooms. The renovations at Bowie became a model for renovating every house in our system. I was out for two years but returned in the Fall of 2011, when I was elected Corporate Secretary. In this position, I am both a member of the Board and Executive Committee (E.C.). I have an intimate understanding of how they, along with the general membership, make policy and can shape our system for the better. As President, I will use all the brains I have and all that I can borrow. I intend to find new ways to optimize the talents of the E.C., Board, General Membership, and Staff to move our organization forward and ensure an improved quality of life for members. One of my biggest concerns right now is our expansion. Buying and acquiring new houses has improved our equity, liquidity, and overall solvency. However, we haven’t been filling our houses quite as we would like. As President, I will look for ways we can improve the financial standing of our organization by investing in the houses we already have. That not only means making sure they are up to code but also comfortable places to live and study. In addition, we need to make sure our houses are optimally weatherized and sustainable, from low emission appliances to seeing if any of our houses are good candidates for solar panels or windmills. Because of my experience on the Board & E.C., my background managing budgets and staff, and my history with the organization , I am the best prepared to lead from Day 1. If you have any comments or questions, please get in touch. Otherwise, I hope I have your vote and your support. Best, David Tibergien Corporate Secretary & Candidate for President.
Executive Vice President
Executive Vice President job description The Executive Vice President is one of two new positions created in the recent Bylaws change. The duties that the EVP will have include: ● Chairing the Physical Development Committee (which is still being developed, and may be a committee that meets quarterly instead of bi-weekly). ● Developing, in coordination with the Maintenance Coordinator, Maintenance Committee, Maintenance Vice President, and the Physical Development Committee, a yearly Physical Development budget for the SHC to be reviewed by the Finance Committee and approved by the Board. ● Performing the duties of the President in their absence. ● Having partial responsible for planning, coordinating and implementing maintenance programs within the cooperative households. ● Investigating physical development potential for cooperative facilities, through governmental and private entities. If you want more information, you can direct questions to our previous Executive Vice President, Dan Tooman, at development@msu.coop. You may also wish to speak with the President, Matt DeNinno, as the position’s description is still being finalized!
My Fellow Co-opers, I have lived in the MSU Student Housing Cooperative system for almost two years now at David Bowie Memorial Cooperative. Throughout my time within this system I have gained a desire to become more involved and I feel that I can make the most difference in a position where I find myself feeling very passionate and excited. That position is Executive Vice President. Over the past two months I have been undergoing training with my predecessor, Dan Tooman, for this position, which I took up as my own on March the 1st of this year. I was appointed to this position and chosen out of a pool of people by Dan Tooman and our current President Matt DiNinno, and as I stressed to them in my interview, I am in this for the long haul. I plan on living in the system for the next three years and I plan on running for Executive Vice President every year that I live within the system. In a position such as this, consistency is a huge factor in achieving success. Being that I plan to continue in this position for years to come - so long as I am re-elected - I can set more long term goals and work toward achieving these goals by having the benefit of planning far in advance for major projects. As Executive Vice President I will carry out all duties as spelled out in our code and will do my best to adhere to it. My duties will include coordinating with the Maintenance Coordinator. However, I also find that it will be important for me to communicate regularly with the Maintenance Vice President as this is vital in bringing about organization which will lead to more positive physical results within the houses. I plan to hold regular meetings with the Physical Development Committee as to assure that each house has a voice and that all major issues can be dealt with and planned for in a timely manner. I feel that the excitement, energy, and enthusiasm I have for this position will bring about avidity in our Physical Development Officers as well as enable me to keep moving forward positively. If re-elected as Executive Vice President for the next full term I will bring with me the experience I have as a two-year Maintenance Officer at David Bowie Memorial Cooperative as well as the job training I have received from the always efficient and hard-working Dan Tooman. I will use the tools and resources given to me by the SHC to the best of my ability and, perhaps to my surprise, beyond any energy that I thought I could muster. I hope to help the growth of the SHC while in this position in any way I can. Yours in Cooperation, Mel Atkins
Maintenance Vice President
Maintenance Vice President job description The Maintenance Vice President is one of two new positions created in the recent Bylaws change. The duties that the MVP will have include: ● Chairing the Maintenance Committee. ● Working with the Maintenance Coordinator in the development of internal education programs designed to assist members in the care of their households. ● Educating houses on simple, proactive maintenance and energy efficiency increasing measures. ● Overseeing the yearly inspections as stipulated in 7.04. Information from these inspections shall be entered into the maintenance database. ● Developing, in coordination with the Maintenance Coordinator, Maintenance Committee, Executive Vice President, and the Physical Development Committee, a yearly Physical Development budget for the SHC to be reviewed by the Finance Committee and approved by the Board. ● Overseeing the application of the PD Grant Program. ● Inspecting all house common areas on a monthly basis as per 8.02, Article X: Maintenance. ● Monitoring inventory and checkout list for the SHC Tool Library and advertising this service to the general membership. If you want more information, you can direct questions to our previous Executive Vice President, Dan Tooman, at development@msu.coop. You may also wish to speak with the President, Matt DeNinno, as the position’s description is still being finalized!
Dearest SHC, I have a migraine and typing makes me want to cry until the world is over, so I will be brief. I am writing to declare my intent to be Maintenance Vice President (MVP). If you all agree, I will actually be the first MVP ever. With any luck, the code sections defining the position will pass at tonight’s board meeting. Even so, I am sure the position will need fine-tuning, and will require flexibility. Fortunately, I am a flexible and chill lady. I hope to set a stunning legacy for future MVPs. As I see it, the primary goal for the MVP is to empower members to keep their own houses running smoothly. After all, we are member-owners. I hope to put together a resource manual for each house, as well as hold educational workshops for the Maintenance Committee (and any interested members). Guess what, chances are you are going to have to know how to unclog a toilet at some point in your life, you might as well learn while maintaining the house you own! Also, there are fabled “monthly inspections” in the Code of Operations. Did you know that if your house falls below 70 percent on one of those, you could be put on Article X? I will ASAP work with the Maintenance Committee to figure out 70% of what, or is it even necessary? Hint: it is probably necessary. It is our responsibility to make sure our houses are safe and sanitary. The rental inspector is a very nice man, but wouldn’t it be great to make sure he had nothing to fail us on ever? OK, the Matrix is playing outside my room right now. Should go watch it (tell the migraine to suck it) or begin to cry and hope the world ends shortly? Decisions! tl;dr I care about you. I care about our houses. I know how to unclog a toilet. Maria 2012. Sincerely, Maria Brundage Zolton Ferency P.S. Migraine. I am sorry if any of this letter is confusing. If you have any questions, come over to Zolton Ferency and knock on my door until I wake up.
GRFXPHQWV WKH &RGH RI 2SHUDWLRQV ROG 3LQH 3UHVVHV FRQWUDFWV HWF <RX¶UH JRLQJ WR QHHG WR NQRZ KRZ WR XVH ,Q'HVLJQ LQ RUGHU WR PDNH 3LQH 3UHVVHV 1HZ 0HPEHU *XLGHV DQG PRUH ,¶P DOVR WU\LQJ WR HQFRXUDJH PRUH PHPEHU GULYHQ HYHQWV DQG DFWLYLWLHV ZKLFK ,¶G OLNH WR VHH JURZ LQ WKH IXWXUH WR EH ZHOO DWWHQGHG DQG XVHIXO HYHQWV 7KHUH¶V EHHQ WDON RI EULQJLQJ LQ VSHDNHUV KRVWLQJ FKDULW\ HYHQWV WKDW LQYROYH PRUH WKDQ MXVW RXU FR RS FRPPXQLW\ DQG HYHQ RIIHULQJ OHFWXUHV RQ FR RSHUDWLYH EXVLQHVV SULQFLSOHV WR 068 $OO FRRO LGHDV WKDW ,¶G OLNH WR VHH KDSSHQ :H¶UH DOVR VORZO\ JHWWLQJ PRUH 6+& VZDJ LQ WKH RIILFH EHFDXVH TXLWH D IHZ PHPEHUV KDYH VXJJHVWHG LW VR VRPHRQH FRPIRUWDEOH ZLWK FUHDWLQJ WDVWHIXO JUDSKLF GHVLJQV ZRXOG URFN 7KH UHVSRQVLELOLWLHV RI WKH 9LFH 3UHVLGHQW RI (GXFDWLRQ RXWOLQHG LQ WKH &RGH DUH Ⴠ &RRUGLQDWLQJ DOO HGXFDWLRQDO WUDLQLQJV DQG DFWLYLWLHV LQFOXGLQJ WKH IROORZLQJ HYHQWV Ⴜ 1HZ 0HPEHU 2ULHQWDWLRQV DW WKH EHJLQQLQJ RI HDFK VHPHVWHU ZLWK WKH 930 Ⴜ 3ODQQLQJ WKH %RDUG¶V 7UDLQLQJ 5HWUHDW LQ WKH IDOO WKH 9LVLRQDU\ 5HWUHDW LQ WKH VSULQJ DQG WKH VXPPHU VHPHVWHU WUDLQLQJ UHWUHDW Ⴜ ([HFXWLYH &RPPLWWHH UHWUHDWV 'HYHORSLQJ SURJUDPV DQG DFWLYLWLHV IRU WKH FRQWLQXLQJ HGXFDWLRQ RI WKH PHPEHUVKLS Ⴠ Ⴠ (QVXULQJ WKDW WKH 3LQH 3UHVV LV SURGXFHG HDFK PRQWK Ⴠ &KDLULQJ WKH (GXFDWLRQ &RPPLWWHH Ⴠ 5HJXODU FRPPXQLFDWLRQ ZLWK VWDQGLQJ FRPPLWWHH FKDLUSHUVRQV DQG UHJXODU DWWHQGDQFH DW HDFK %RDUG PHHWLQJ LQ RUGHU WR UHSRUW RQ WKH SURFHHGLQJV DQG WR GLVVHPLQDWH DQ\ LQIRUPDWLRQ WKDW WKH FRPPLWWHH ZDQWV SXEOLVKHG (QVXULQJ WKDW WKH PHWKRGV RI FRPPXQLFDWLRQ DUH VXFFHVVIXO DQG WR PDNH DQ\ Ⴠ VXJJHVWLRQV RU LPSURYHPHQWV WR WKH 6+& FRPPXQLFDWLRQ V\VWHP Ⴠ $FWLQJ DORQJ ZLWK WKH 3UHVLGHQW DV WKH 6+& OLDLVRQ ZLWK DOO RWKHU FRRSHUDWLYH RUJDQL]DWLRQV Ⴠ &RRUGLQDWLQJ WKH DQQXDO $OO 0HPEHUVKLS 0HHWLQJ RQFH HYHU\ VSULQJ VHPHVWHU ZLWK WKH 3UHVLGHQW Ⴠ &UHDWLQJ DQG RU XSGDWLQJ 6+& KLVWRULHV DQG VFUDSERRNV DV RIWHQ DV QHFHVVDU\ Ⴠ (QVXULQJ WKDW DOO FRUSRUDWH GRFXPHQWV DUH UHYLVHG DQG XSGDWHG ZKHQ QHHGHG ZLWK WKH DVVLVWDQFH RI WKH ([HFXWLYH &RPPLWWHH 7KLV LQFOXGHV EXW LV QRW OLPLWHG WR Ⴜ 7KH $UWLFOHV RI ,QFRUSRUDWLRQ Ⴜ %\ODZV Ⴜ &RGH RI 2SHUDWLRQV Ⴜ +RXVH &RQVWLWXWLRQV Ⴜ %RDUG 0DQXDOV 7KHVH PDQXDOV PXVW EH XSGDWHG DW OHDVW RQFH \HDUO\ SDUWLFXODUO\ EHIRUH WKH 6SULQJ 3ODQQLQJ UHWUHDW ZLWK XSGDWHV HDFK VHPHVWHU DV QHFHVVDU\ DV SHU 0RWLRQ UHFRUGV 7KHVH UHFRUGV PXVW EH XSGDWHG EHIRUH WKH EHJLQQLQJ RI HDFK Ⴜ VHPHVWHU 0RWLRQ UHFRUGV DUH UHFRUGV RI WKH ILQDO ODQJXDJH RI DOO PRWLRQV WKDW JR EHIRUH WKH %RDUG RI 'LUHFWRUV DQG RI WKH %RDUG¶V ILQDO DFWLRQV ZLWK WKDW PRWLRQ H J SDVVHG RU IDLOHG E\ VRPH PDUJLQ SDVVHG RU IDLOHG ZLWK D UROO FDOO UHFRUG UHIHUUHG WR D FRPPLWWHH WDEOHG LQGHILQLWHO\ $OO ELQGLQJ GHFLVLRQV RI WKH %RDUG VKRXOG EH IRXQG LQ WKLV GRFXPHQW
Vice President of Education
k
l
Fellow co-opers,
I live in Zolton Ferency Co-op, and this year, I’ve acted as Vice President of Education for the SHC. Even though the job isn’t what I’ve expected, I’ve seriously loved the position. Hopefully I’ll get reelected and will have a chance to take suggestions to heart and will be able to expand the position and Education Committee more in the next year (when I won’t have to back-burner the SHC during midterms and finals). In the coming year, I want to continue my crusade for a better, sleeker, and more useful Code of Operations. I’d also like to solicit more and more member input toward everything we do as a corporation, to increase every member’s sense of ownership and decrease member apathy. I want to know what events the membership wants to put on, what kind of swag we should buy, and more.
~ GPOY with my housemates
Last year, I wrote that I’d like to expand what the Education Committee offers. My goals were to facilitate members putting on monthly (non-party) events (), doing volunteer or charity work in the community ( - blood drive and bone marrow registry drive), spreading the cooperative word ( - but I mean, who doesn’t talk everyone’s ear off about the splendor of co-ops?), making sure the bulk ordering system continues (). But there’s always more to do and I look forward to another year. Hopefully, we’ll all push each other to be more constructive and enterprising members in the next twelve months! Live, Laugh, Love, Brendan LaCroix
m
h my c GPOY wit
at ~
n
Vice President of Membership Vice President of Membership job description Interested in running for Vice President of Membership? Here is what you need to know! Your primary responsibilities include but are not limited to: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
Signing new member contracts—your hand will get tired, however you will perfect your signature. Chairing the membership committee—coordinating room picks, discussing conflicts, keeping up to date on current and following year occupancy. Planning multiple new member orientations with the Vice President of Education. Enforcing the pet policy. Chairing the Grievance Committee—this can be a big (or small) job depending on how many and what kind of grievances come up. Advertising—A big part of the job is figuring out where/how to advertise and making sure you’re not over-spending! Provide trainings—conflict/mediation/interim coordinator AMPOs—theming/planning/organizing Summer, Fall, and Spring All-Member Party and Orientations with the help of your membership committee.
Lots of meetings! Executive Committee meetings weekly, Board Meetings bi-weekly, and Membership meetings bi-weekly. Situations come up that you will need to deal with (usually they come up when you have 3 exams and a paper due). The job is what you make of it. It is important to have good communication skills, openmindedness, and neutrality. Time management and punctuality are also very important. Some things I would like to see in the future: ● ● ●
MSU SHC informative video for the website—interviews, “tours” of houses, etc. More community outreach—I think we can always improve in this area New forms of advertising
You will learn A LOT and meet A TON of great people. There will be awkward situations that you have to deal with or awkward conversations that you are forced to have. These are all part of the learning process. Being Vice President of Membership is time consuming—you can’t do it all and you can’t please everyone! Just remember to enjoy it because it goes by fast! If you are interested in running, talk to me! <3 <3 <3
Dear Members of the MSU SHC, I am writing to you to express my interest in the Vice President of Membership position for the 2012-2013 academic year. I feel that my personal and professional experiences as well as my passion for cooperative living make me a highly qualified candidate. Having grown up in Leningrad, USSR (currently St. Petersburg, Russia), I am intimately familiar with the many pitfalls of a cooperative organization gone wrong. My childhood memories will incessantly motivate me to prevent the MSU SHC from becoming of a mostly anarchist, xenophobic kleptocracy that my homeland was (or is). There is nothing I fear more than waking up one morning to discover that many (or all) of the 15 houses have seceded, alcoholism is rampant and the East Lansing area is submerged in snow for 6 months out of the year. Members, I vow to do everything in my power to keep that from happening. In addition, I have had extensive experience in helping build a live-in student community, as I served as a Resident Mentor for 2 academic years. I have successfully handled stressful situations, such as Welcome Week, March Madness and St. Patrick’s Day. I was able to connect with residents from all walks of life and all levels of bro-iness, disinhibition and hipsteritude. Lastly, the 8 highly cooperative months that I have spent living in Raft Hill have been both instructive and inspiring. As house Facilitator and Membership Officer, I have learned to facilitate meetings ensuring that each member has an equal voice, to mediate house conflicts in an unbiased and professional manner, to advertise and recruit new tenants, and to stop being a little sissy about my house jobs. Most importantly, I have had the honor and privilege to learn from some of the best members of the SHC. Corporate President Matt DeNinno has led by example in his glamorous, yet task-oriented leadership style and strong commitment to baking. Corporate Treasurer Aaron Hoffer has demonstrated the importance of attention to detail and that bowties are an appropriate accessory for any occasion. Lastly, our Board Representative Isaiah Wunsch has taught me to go big, or go home. Members, I feel that the MSU SHC has become a second or perhaps a first home to me. I would be honored to succeed current VPM Maureen Van de Water and to follow her footsteps towards a harmonious co-existence for all. I thank you for your consideration. Yours cooperatively, Liya M. Rakhkovskaya
VOTE FOR VICKI Hey dudes, I hope everyone enjoyed their spring break. My name is Vicki Zou, and I’m running for the Vice President of Membership. I currently live in outrageous Orion and I’m a junior studying Creative Advertising. My hobbies include krumping, which is detrimental to be a successful VP of Membership. I would be an ideal candidate for this postion because: •
As an Advertising major, I can successfully develop a creative and cohesive advertising
campaign to bring the right people to the right houses. Being involved in numerous organizations and competitions, I have been a crucial asset to my team. •
I was a high school mentor and mediator. I’ve been formally trained in conflict resolutions,
which will be a useful skill when resolving conflicts and grievances. •
I believe in the co-op. Becoming a member of this community has changed my life. Howev-
er there are flaws in the system, and I would like to better represent our members’ interests. In the past, the SHC and executive board has failed to meet the needs of its members. I will work hard to clearly communicate and represent the residents. •
I have a healthy sense of humor and I don’t take myself too seriously.
•
However, I do take event and party planning very seriously. (AMPO)
•
I’m passionate, enthusiastic and I am caring of others, sometimes to a flaw...
•
If I were in a Hogwarts house, I would be a Hufflepuff. I believe in fairness, hard work and
badgers. So when it comes time to vote, I hope that you will vote for me. I be lieve I am the best candidate, and I can do a lot for the houses. Here is a picture of my beautiful baby brother to brighten up your brunch.
Love,
Vicki Zou, Orion
140 COLLINGWOOD DR EAST LANSING, MI 48823 TEL 5 1 7 9 3 7 4 6 1 0 EMAIL G R I F F 3 9 2 @ M S U . E D U
MOLLY GRIFFIN March 12, 2012 MSU Student Housing Cooperative 541 E. Grand River Avenue East Lansing, MI Re: Letter of Intent for Vice President of Membership Dear MSU Student Housing Cooperative, My name is Molly Griffin and I am interested in the opening for Vice President of Membership. I believe that I am qualified for the position because I have been part of the membership committee for the past two semesters, as well as other sub committees within it. Some of the sub committees that I have been a part of this school year include grievance committee, recolonization of Avalon House (Walrus Farm) and Howland House committee, where we selected the future housemates. Besides being a part of the committees listed, I have also been a member of Hedrick House for 2 years and will be going on my third next school year. By being a member of the SHC I have strengthened my communication skills and gained a lot of important perspectives from working with the diverse community within both Hedrick House and the SHC. Being a member of Hedrick House and the MSU SHC has been an amazing experience for me and I would like to give back to both during my last year as a cooperative member. I believe that being the Vice President of Membership will give me this opportunity because I will be given the chance to be on the executive committee and be a part of making executive decisions for the well-being of the SHC. Thank you for this opportunity of applying for this position and I look forward to hearing from you. I can be contacted via the email or phone number listed below. Sincerely yours,
Molly Griffin Molly Eileen Griffin Lyman Briggs College Michigan State University Email: griff392@msu.edu (517) 937-4610
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
, ZRXOG EH PRUH WKDQ KDSS\ WR WDON WR DQ\ RI \RX DERXW ZK\ , ZRXOG EH JUHDW DV 93 RI 0HPEHUVKLS )HHO IUHH WR VHQG PH DQ HPDLO RU FDOO $OVR , DP LQYLWLQJ $// RI \RX WR %RZHU¶V 7KXUVGD\ 1LJKW 3RWOXFNV &RPH RQ RYHU DQ\ 7KXUVGD\ WKDW ZRUNV IRU \RX DQG , ZLOO EH WKHUH , UHDOO\ GR UHVSHFW DQG ORYH \¶DOO , ZDQW WR VKRZ WKDW ORYH WKURXJK WKLV HOHFWHG SRVLWLRQ 6R SOHDVH KHOS D ERWKHU RXW <RXU 'DG =DFN )HDON 3 6 , ZDQQD PHHW WKDW 'DG
Student Housing Cooperative Elections 2012 timeline Letters of Intent due: Friday, March 9 Letters distributed to membership: Monday, March 12 at the Board meeting Ballots distributed: Monday, March 19 Ballots collected: Monday, March 26 at the Board meeting Winners announced Tuesday, March 27.