By Felix Alarcon —
Jersey City, NJ – Amid the backdrop of the national election, New Jersey City University held its own local election for student government class officers on October 11, 2012.
NJCU student candidates were vying for thirteen class officer positions including WKGR General Manager and Graduate Representative.
Many of the current SGO officers and students cited a positive voter turnout despite the university’s large commuter demographic.
“A lot of students came out to vote. I could tell by the numbers,” said Elizabeth De La Soto, 22, of West New York and an Elementary Education/English major.
Jonathan Cabrera, 19, of Jersey City, Secondary English and Sophomore Class Vice President said, “We had a pretty good amount of voters in this election. I’m very satisfied with those that went out to vote.”
The WGKR manager, Jeffrey Genao, 20, of Jersey City, and marketing major said, “In general, over 400 people turned out to vote in this election. Our main purpose is to get our community involved and we did that.”
According to U.S. News College Rankings and Data, commuters make up 96% percent of the students at NJCU. The enrollment number provided by their website lists the enrollment for NJCU at 6,639.
“I’ve worked with SGO leadership for the past decade or so and I have noticed at least some changes. The organization as a whole has gotten much more ‘professional’ in terms of the constitution and in terms of trying to follow rules of procedure. The level of engagement from the campus at large has probably been about the same; which is not enough students are involved and engaged with SGO. But that can be expected at a commuter institution like this,” said Political Science Professor and Associate Dean of William J. Maxwell of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Fran Moran.
Some students didn’t have the opportunity to vote. “I didn’t vote in the SGO election because I was very busy. I did vote last year and remember seeing them campaign around this time [of year],” said Anthony Bianco, 19, Scotch Plains, Music/Jazz major.
Other students took a strong stance against voting like Jessica Campbell, 21, from Hoboken and Sociology major, said, “I chose not to vote in this election. I voted last year but there’s a lot of fluff. Not too many changes have taken place. There’s a lot that can’t be done by us. The SGO is more or less something to put on your resume.”
When pressed further on what could SGO do to reach out to Campbell, she said, “Transportation is an important issue [for me]. Only one bus goes to Journal Square and that doesn’t start running until after nine in the evening. Why aren’t we accommodating? I’d like to see an outline and their time frame of their goals.”
Providing a contrasting voice, “I hear a lot of complaints on campus, whether it’s about the food or pace of construction, but this is a way to elect people who have the same values and concerns. SGO is supposed to be the bridge between the students and the administration,” said Jan Aguilos, 25, Kinnelon, Poli Sci/Media Arts, and V.P. of Internal Affairs.
Aguilos stresses, “There is power in having a platform. We have people power and that says a lot about the students getting things done. I voted for good people.”
Many of the newly elected officers have large challenges ahead, along with keeping their promises to their constituents.
Genao has the task of reviving a defunct radio station. He says, “I’m officially managing it but we’re starting from scratch. We’re going to have to figure out what’s working and what isn’t. This will take time. Ninety-nine percent of the students didn’t know we had a radio. We’re trying to get as much students involved as possible. I’m getting applications ready for anyone interested to get their own show.”
A former NJCU undergrad, Antonio Talamo, 22, North Bergen, Graduate Representative, with a concentration in Counseling, says, “This position allows me to be part of the decision making process and represent the graduate students in how the money is spent. I’d like to raise awareness about NJCU’s master’s program.” He hopes to have events where undergrads interact with graduates to foster a preparedness that most undergrads lack when applying to graduate school.
Cabrera is steadfast to his commitment on increasing the budget for his class through fundraising, while promoting scholarships through various mediums. He says, “Getting more fliers or maybe using the gothic alert system as a means to get the message out to students.” One of his co-sponsored events is with the Campus Crusade for Christ, where Cabrera holds the position of secretary, aims to bring motivational speaker Gian-Paul Gonzalez on campus.
Aside from all the campaigning, fliers, and bullhorned messages, a large part of ensuring the elections ran efficiently and preparing the candidates for office fell on the responsibility of Jennifer Pena, 22, North Bergen, Criminal Justice, and Executive V.P. for SGO. She says, “My role in the election involved a lot of planning and organizing. This fall semester the officer positions had a lot of people. One student almost received 400 votes.” Pena helped prepare the candidates and reminded them of the level of commitment that was expected. She credits her E-board and advisor James for helping her. She wanted to set a proper precedent should the candidates one day run for a higher position in SGO. She says, “We are here to help.”
“I was speechless that I won,” said Kevin Grullon, 18, Psychology, and V.P. of Freshman Class. Grullon said he arrived at eight a.m. to the NJCU campus and campaigned all day. He stayed until midnight to await the results. Grullon admits that, “A lot of freshman don’t know what’s going on. They’re outside the fence. I want to be there voice.” He hopes to co-sponsor events like advisement workshops and coffee stations for exam week.
Amadou Lack, 18, from Bayonne, Media Arts major, ran for Freshman Class Treasurer but lost by a close margin of six points. He says, “I was looking forward to managing the money for the freshman class. I’ll likely run again but for a different position.” He says, “It was a good experience socializing with people and it taught me a lot about the competiveness of such positions.” When asked what he would do differently, he said, “I’d campaign differently. I never went to the dorm students and that’s probably why I lost.”
One student remained above the fray of the collegial politics. Emma Santiago, Jersey City, Counseling, said, “NJCU has come a long way with its technology, transportation, and security. I’m very pleased to be here.”
Dr. Moran says, “SGO, like any democratic body, will be as effective as its membership chooses it to be. If the students don’t care or don’t get involved, then SGO won’t really be able to meet the needs and interests of the students. The real upside to democracy is that it allows for popular participation in setting the rules, policies, and programs under which we live. The downside is that it only works when the populace is engaged in the process.”
To the students that didn’t vote Genao said, “In all honesty, this is a commuter school. A lot of students are stuck in what I call the triangle. They go to class, the library and go home. I was one of those students until I became active. Those students aren’t getting their money’s worth or the college experience.”
Cabrera shared similar sentiments, “Do something with your life. The last thing you want to feel is regret. It may not put you in a position of presidency but you should be able to express yourself. It might trigger something inside you to get involved in the future.”
