Student Fee Committee Chair Candidates
Tracey Earll
Q. What is your major, year in school, what do you want to do when you graduate (or grow up, whatever comes first)?
Major: accounting, with communications minor.
Year: Will be a senior next year.
Future career: Possibly a financial planner or consultant.
Q. The SFC Chair is responsible for a lot of student-contributed money. Why do you want the responsibility?
I have sat on the committee for two years, under two different chairs. Each of them made some significant accomplishments and laid the groundwork for some substantial changes. I would like to continue these projects and ensure that the students’ voices are heard when decisions involving their money are made.
Q. What qualifies you (what experience) and what characteristics would you bring to the senate that will make you a vital part of the student senate?
Since I have two years of SFC experience, I know a lot about its processes and guidelines, therefore, I can answer questions the senators may have regarding the SFC. In addition, during my first year as an SFC member, I had the opportunity to sit on the senate, so I am already familiar with how it works.
Q. Are there aspects of the SFC that you would like to see changed? Would you advocate any reforms or revisions of the system? Why or why not?
Stipends: The current stipend system is outdated. The current chair has been working on updating the stipend levels, and I plan to take over where he left off.
Travel: The SFC’s current policy on travel per diems is under controversy. I plan to work with next year’s committee to settle on a policy that everyone feels is fair, and hold every group to that policy, whereas there have been groups that have slipped in the past two years.
Liaisons: Currently, the liaisons are underutilized. I hope to get each group more involved with their liaison and confirm that the group is aware of the SFC process.
Q. What do you see as the most important aspect of the position you are applying for?
Accountability: This year, we really started to hold groups more accountable to their budgets. I plan to continue this to ensure that the groups who are responsible and spend their money to further the group’s mission will continue to get the money they deserve.
Byong Yoo
Q. What is your major, year in school, what do you want to do when you graduate (or grow up, whatever comes first)?
My major is information systems and supply logistics management. I’m a senior. I am planning to go MBA school after working at SF-based company. I also plan to take some other languages like Chinese and Spanish.
Q. The SFC Chair is responsible for a lot of student-contributed money. Why do you want the responsibility?
I want to give back something to the school. I have been here almost 3 years, andI have experienced lots of things that I would like to improve so I decided to run for office. I want student government to be more visible and accessible to students.
Q. What qualifies you (what experience) and what characteristics would you bringto the senate that will make you a vital part of the student senate?
I used to serve as student coordinator at Portland Community College. I was young and inexperienced at that time. But now that I am turning 26, I have learned considerable things since then. I have organized numerous activities, and my majoris relating to business. Of course, I have more things to learn. I am hardworking, sincere and honest. Working together, we can make difference.
Q. Are there aspects of the SFC that you would like to see changed? Would youadvocate any reforms or revisions of the system? Why or why not?
Before, I had never even heard that this organization existed at Portland State. I just paid the student fee of $50. I want to make students more aware of where their money goes. I would like to see some changes on the parking system and
cafeteria. In addition, I would like to change how the school runs the daycarefacility as well as health care. Often, the bookstore charges too much for textbooks, and many times we look elsewhere for the book. We know that the water tastes like lead.
Q. What do you see as the most important aspect of the position you are applying for?
I am an open-minded person. I like hearing suggestions from everyone from everywhere. You are paying your hard-earned tuition, and you need to get what you are paying for. I cannot change everything, but I can certainly work for you. At least, I am open and willing to listen to you.
