Welcome back Wellesley!

I hope you all had restful and energizing breaks and are ready for the last stretch. Though College Government (CG) turnover on April 23 is quickly approaching, there is still much work to be done.

Before we left for break, CG promised to spend Senate on April 2nd discussing eligibility as it relates to CG officer positions, the amendments made in February and any other concerns as they relate to the CG general election. There were many clarifying questions asked regarding Election Committee (EC) procedures, which resulted in the organizing of constituent volunteers to explore constitutional amendments that improve the current process. Among these concerns were making EC a body independent from Cabinet, empowering the Senate Policy and Ethic Committee (SPEC) to engage in oversight of campaigning and implementing turnover policy.

I am fully supportive of these measures that seek to increase the integrity and efficiency of EC and CG. As someone who experienced an election season prior to my election that was absolutely draining, I approached EC this year to make sure that we worked with candidates and did not appear as a policing force that had been so unproductive. My co-chair Sarah Nealon and I led the restructuring of the Violation Tier System so that policy and enforcement were made clearer in the Elections Handbook. However, much work remains, and I am grateful that interest in improving our system continues.

However, I think it is also necessary to ask ourselves that when we discuss what values we bring to CG and consider what values, issues and people we want to see in our coming years, we do so with the understanding that we are speaking about our peers whom we respect, and not just for the labor and efforts that they invest in the months and years leading up to their candidacy. We put ourselves out there to earn your trust and votes to serve. I applaud all those who put themselves forth for consideration and ran honorable campaigns, and I hope that with the changes to come and the special election this next week we will reconsider the ways that we engage in discourse on campus, particularly surrounding elections.

Special Elections will be held Friday, April 6 through Wednesday, April 11 with Election Day on Thursday, April 12. Statements of Intent are due to EC by 10 p.m. on Thursday, April 5. If you are interested on being on ballot for CG President, CG Vice-President or CG Secretary-Treasurer, please reach out to EC if you were unable to make the informational session Monday evening. Thank you to all of you who continue to engage with CG. I am heartened by the desire for change and improving of our procedures, and I look forward to my final weeks with you all.

Best,

Maryam

P.S. Keep an eye on your inboxes for an email on the CG Community Hoops Lending Program this weekend!