Hello Oakland. If you missed last month’s paper, this article is part of a new column which is the result of a new partnership between the Post and Student Congress. As the Student Body President, it is my direct responsibility (see Article II, Section B, subsection 1) to keep you informed and updated on what your student government is doing. I will write this column, The President’s Report, every month, talking about our current activities and future plans.

I’d like to devote this issue to a brief discussion of each of the eboard members, what they do, and why they are here.

My job is fairly straightforward: as the Student Body President, I serve as your chief spokesperson, advocate, and representative, communicating the desires of the student body and representing both Student Congress and the student body as a whole to the administration here at OU as well as the rest of the world. I also appoint Senate and other committee positions, execute bills and resolutions passed by the Legislators on Student Congress, and perform several other tasks.

As the Vice-President, Madison Kubinski assists me with the previously-mentioned tasks, runs Student Congress Meetings, and steps into the role of President if I am unable to perform my duties (which, to be blunt, means that I have a. gone insane or b. dropped dead).

There are nine Executive Board members with a wide array of tasks. I’ve listed each member’s most basic duties below; for a more detailed version, refer to the Constitution and Bylaws, which are found on our website: Oakland.edu/ousc.

The Student Activities Funding Board Chair, Jorge Garcia, is responsible for ensuring that the Student Activities Funding Board operates fairly and within budget. He also assists students with funding requests and answers questions regarding funding policies.

The Administrative Assistant, Bridgette Liebeau, is responsible for ensuring that the office runs smoothly. She also plans, sets up, and runs the entire election from beginning to end and is the final authority on elections matters.

The Marketing Director, Josh Kuruvilla, is responsible for ensuring that you, the student body, knows what Student Congress is doing. He markets every event, program, and initiative that we create or co-sponsor.

The Environmental Health and Wellness Director, Katie Rose, is responsible for ensuring that Student Congress operates with concern for our natural resources and remains environmentally responsible. She also organizes environment- and health-centered initiatives on campus.

The Legislative Affairs Director, Andrew Laux, is responsible for ensuring that you, the student body, are kept informed and aware of political happenings at the local as well as the state and federal level. He also organizes voter registration drives and events.

The Visual Communications Director, Taihea Hurst, is responsible for ensuring that all Student Congress marketing materials have graphics. She designs, from scratch, every brochure, pamphlet, poster, and flyer that we put out.

The Financial Affairs Director, Tay Anderson, is responsible for ensuring that Student Congress stays within our budget. He checks our payroll reports for accuracy and also orders all Student Congress materials.

The Student Services Director, Sam Abbott, is responsible for ensuring that students’ concerns are met. He figures out, through a variety of means, what you are concerned about and what students need and coordinates with myself and Madison to ensure that those concerns are met.

The Diversity and Inclusion Director, Anders Engnell, is responsible for ensuring that Student Congress remains fair and open to all students, regardless of background, biology, or beliefs. He also creates events highlighting different cultures and worldviews to inform you, the student body.

So, there you have it: the dedicated, hard-working, energetic team that has committed to working on your behalf this semester. I am not exaggerating when I say that the caliber of the people who applied and whom Madison and I eventually chose to be our Executive Board was absolutely unparalleled. I am deeply humbled and honored to have the chance to lead this awesome team, and I can’t wait to see what this year holds. As always, if you have any questions or concerns about this article or Student Congress in general, shoot me an email ([email protected]) or stop by the office in the basement of the OC. Until next time, enjoy your summer, OU!