The Government of the Student Body currently acts quite independently in its projects and issues. A vast majority of student organizations interact with GSB only to participate in financial processes. Constituency councils interact with GSB only by sending representatives to vote in GSB on behalf of the council. As a result, a majority of students know little of GSB and form their opinions of GSB based on these limited interactions. GSB is perceived by many as an unapproachable group that sees itself as superior to all other organizations. It often seems too busy to work with other groups on their projects, even projects that would benefit the student body as a whole. This apparent attitude of superiority annoys and frustrates many Iowa State students, and casts a negative light on many GSB actions.
Nate and I seek to end the image of a GSB that puts itself above other students and groups. We plan on developing personal relationships with the leaders of college councils, residency councils, and interested student organizations. By meeting personally with the leadership of these groups, we can dispel the notion that GSB appears too important to work along with others. Nate and I are excited at the numerous opportunities for potential projects formed through collaboration between GSB and other organizations. Unprecedented student events open to everyone can be planned jointly by GSB and other groups. I am personally interested in arranging regular meetings between the leaders of college councils, residency councils, and GSB to start conversations that can lead to successes. In addition to forming GSB-council relationships, these meetings can promote other teamwork opportunities between councils that exist only minimally at present.
The new Events Account that has been created for next year provides a financial backing for partnerships between GSB and other organizations. $50,000 will be available from GSB for any organization to plan entertaining events open to all students. Nate and I are willing to provide the manpower and determination necessary to make such projects happen. We're truly excited at the opportunity to reshape GSB's image and make it far more willing to work with student groups. With our initiative and positive enthusiasm, Nate and I are truly committed to creating a team atmosphere to improve the Iowa State experience for all.
GSB Teamwork
The Roling/Dobbels campaign places a great importance on teamwork, and developing effective teams within GSB is the first step towards larger goals. Nate and I realize that we are only two people. Though our skill sets are well-rounded, there are areas in which we are not experts. We are committed to selecting a team of experts in various fields around campus to maximize the effectiveness of Cabinet. Nate and I are not top authorities in every campus issue, but we realize our ability to inspire and organize others multiplies the overall effectiveness of the executive branch. The current executives often fail to work as a team, and therefore miss out on many valuable opportunities to accomplish goals. Nate and I are team players who will place a great deal of trust and confidence in our staff to make Iowa State better for all students.
A strong executive branch is only the first step towards improving internal GSB relations. The executive branch is quite small compared to the numbers of the legislative branch. Nate and I want to enhance partnerships between the executive and legislative branches to improve our ability to reach out to the student body. Effective two-way communication of goals and initiatives between the executive and legislative branches is essential to the success of GSB as a whole.
One specific way Nate and I are looking to improve executive and legislative relations is to expand on this year's attempt to bring personality to GSB. We often notice GSB acts as an extremely formal and impersonal organization. Nate and I recognize that encouraging individuals to put their personality and passion into their GSB work will greatly improve the group dynamic. We are both individually committed to establishing a positive, enthusiastic environment. We are looking at ways we can reinstate and redevelop the "Director of Human Resources" position from this past fall to host internal fun events and make members of GSB comfortable working with each other. By working towards developing leaders who are engaged in their work with GSB, Nate and I can help improve GSB retention and continuity to maximize its effectiveness as a student organization.
A strong executive branch is only the first step towards improving internal GSB relations. The executive branch is quite small compared to the numbers of the legislative branch. Nate and I want to enhance partnerships between the executive and legislative branches to improve our ability to reach out to the student body. Effective two-way communication of goals and initiatives between the executive and legislative branches is essential to the success of GSB as a whole.
One specific way Nate and I are looking to improve executive and legislative relations is to expand on this year's attempt to bring personality to GSB. We often notice GSB acts as an extremely formal and impersonal organization. Nate and I recognize that encouraging individuals to put their personality and passion into their GSB work will greatly improve the group dynamic. We are both individually committed to establishing a positive, enthusiastic environment. We are looking at ways we can reinstate and redevelop the "Director of Human Resources" position from this past fall to host internal fun events and make members of GSB comfortable working with each other. By working towards developing leaders who are engaged in their work with GSB, Nate and I can help improve GSB retention and continuity to maximize its effectiveness as a student organization.
Cabinet - Developing an Effective Team
The GSB President and Vice President are able to select a group of individuals known as "Cabinet" to aid them in accomplishing their goals. GSB Cabinet is the primary set of student advisers to the executives. Their roles are many and diverse, and are critical to the success of the executive branch and to GSB as a whole.
The GSB Bylaws outline the roles of six members serving on Cabinet. The Treasurer is required to aid in managing internal GSB finances, such as creating executive budgets, and to serve as a member of GSB's Finance Committee. The GSB Secretary records and organizes data from executive meetings, as well as authors executive branch news releases and press materials. The Director of ISU Ambassadors serves as a bridge between GSB and the state government and coordinates lobbying efforts on behalf of the students. The Director of Information Technology is responsible for maintaining the GSB web page and all GSB technology, such as office computers and files. The Director of Student Diversity links the executive branch and multicultural students by promoting multicultural events and diversity throughout the university. Finally, the Ex-Officio City Council Liaison is a non-voting member of the Ames City Council who promotes cooperation between the City of Ames and GSB through participating in discussions and meetings of both groups.
The GSB President may also create further Cabinet positions at his or her discretion through executive orders. One such position often created by the President is the Chief of Staff, who aids in administrative aspects of Cabinet in addition to serving as a primary advisor. Another such position is the Director of Student Affairs, who places a special focus on a broad range of issues important to all students as well as works with GSB's University Affairs Committee. The Director of Sustainability focuses on student-driven projects in Iowa State's larger goals of sustainability in the Live Green initiative. The Director of Public Relations seeks to share the progress of the executive branch with the larger Iowa State community. The Director of New Student Outreach seeks to reach out to students beginning their educational journey at Iowa State through participating in programs such as Destination Iowa State. Finally, positions like the Director of Human Resources seek to improve internal GSB morale and keep the GSB experience fun, interesting, and dynamic for all involved.
GSB Cabinet is an extremely important group of individuals, and it is important that they remain in a close relationship with the President and Vice President. Check back tomorrow as we begin to dive into our first major goal for the upcoming election: "Partnerships Within the Executive Branch"
The GSB Bylaws outline the roles of six members serving on Cabinet. The Treasurer is required to aid in managing internal GSB finances, such as creating executive budgets, and to serve as a member of GSB's Finance Committee. The GSB Secretary records and organizes data from executive meetings, as well as authors executive branch news releases and press materials. The Director of ISU Ambassadors serves as a bridge between GSB and the state government and coordinates lobbying efforts on behalf of the students. The Director of Information Technology is responsible for maintaining the GSB web page and all GSB technology, such as office computers and files. The Director of Student Diversity links the executive branch and multicultural students by promoting multicultural events and diversity throughout the university. Finally, the Ex-Officio City Council Liaison is a non-voting member of the Ames City Council who promotes cooperation between the City of Ames and GSB through participating in discussions and meetings of both groups.
The GSB President may also create further Cabinet positions at his or her discretion through executive orders. One such position often created by the President is the Chief of Staff, who aids in administrative aspects of Cabinet in addition to serving as a primary advisor. Another such position is the Director of Student Affairs, who places a special focus on a broad range of issues important to all students as well as works with GSB's University Affairs Committee. The Director of Sustainability focuses on student-driven projects in Iowa State's larger goals of sustainability in the Live Green initiative. The Director of Public Relations seeks to share the progress of the executive branch with the larger Iowa State community. The Director of New Student Outreach seeks to reach out to students beginning their educational journey at Iowa State through participating in programs such as Destination Iowa State. Finally, positions like the Director of Human Resources seek to improve internal GSB morale and keep the GSB experience fun, interesting, and dynamic for all involved.
GSB Cabinet is an extremely important group of individuals, and it is important that they remain in a close relationship with the President and Vice President. Check back tomorrow as we begin to dive into our first major goal for the upcoming election: "Partnerships Within the Executive Branch"
Executives - What Do They Do?
The GSB President and Vice President have the most visible and important leadership roles in student government. These individuals work to establish government policies and goals, assemble an executive leadership team in the form of a Cabinet, and represent all students in interactions with university, city, and state officials. The President and Vice President provide the drive and direction for new initiatives around campus.
The GSB President is the primary representative of Iowa State students. He or she works directly with university, city, and state officials to help make student goals a reality. The GSB President is also a representative of Iowa State students to the Board of Regents, who set policies and ordinances such as tuition for students of Iowa State University, the University of Northern Iowa, and the University of Iowa. He or she appoints a Cabinet to aid in accomplishing executive goals. (See tomorrow's post for roles of Cabinet!) The President also appoints a Finance Director, who oversees the entire financial process for GSB, as well as the GSB Supreme Court members. The President has the authority to sign (or veto) all bills passed by GSB Senate, as well as the ability to issue Executive Orders. Finally, the GSB President serves on numerous university committees and has a direct voice in the creation and modification of university policies.
The GSB Vice President serves to aid the President in accomplishing executive goals and initiatives. He or she serves as chair for GSB Senate meetings. The Vice President is another important representative for Iowa State students on the university, local, and state levels, and represents GSB on many committees. The Vice President is also charged with assisting in the selection of Cabinet and other executive appointments.
The above duties are those established as minimum levels by the GSB Bylaws. The Roling/Dobbels administration is committed to extending these responsibilities, especially as they relate to interactions with students and student organizations. (Stay tuned for a discussion on these issues coming on Saturday!)
The GSB President is the primary representative of Iowa State students. He or she works directly with university, city, and state officials to help make student goals a reality. The GSB President is also a representative of Iowa State students to the Board of Regents, who set policies and ordinances such as tuition for students of Iowa State University, the University of Northern Iowa, and the University of Iowa. He or she appoints a Cabinet to aid in accomplishing executive goals. (See tomorrow's post for roles of Cabinet!) The President also appoints a Finance Director, who oversees the entire financial process for GSB, as well as the GSB Supreme Court members. The President has the authority to sign (or veto) all bills passed by GSB Senate, as well as the ability to issue Executive Orders. Finally, the GSB President serves on numerous university committees and has a direct voice in the creation and modification of university policies.
The GSB Vice President serves to aid the President in accomplishing executive goals and initiatives. He or she serves as chair for GSB Senate meetings. The Vice President is another important representative for Iowa State students on the university, local, and state levels, and represents GSB on many committees. The Vice President is also charged with assisting in the selection of Cabinet and other executive appointments.
The above duties are those established as minimum levels by the GSB Bylaws. The Roling/Dobbels administration is committed to extending these responsibilities, especially as they relate to interactions with students and student organizations. (Stay tuned for a discussion on these issues coming on Saturday!)
Election Process
Welcome back! Each spring, GSB officials are elected by the students of Iowa State University. Every student may vote in the election, which is held online at www.vote.iastate.edu. Officials elected in each cycle include Senate members and the President/Vice President slate. Senate members are elected by the individuals they represent. Each student may vote for senators based on their primary academic college (LAS, Business, etc.) and based on where they live (residence halls, Campustown, Greek community, off-campus, etc.). The number of representatives for each area is determined by the number of students living in that area. (1 representative is granted per 1500 students.)
The GSB Election Commission is tasked with overseeing the election process to ensure fair, impartial procedures for all involved in the election process. The Election Commissioner is responsible for oversight and leadership, while six other members aid in the process. Individuals running for election are required to attend a seminar with Election Commission representatives, where they learn about campaign rules and regulations. Upon completing this meeting, candidates are free to begin the campaign process. Candidates for the executive slate must collect 1,500 petition signatures by February 12 to be placed on the ballot, while Senate candidates must collect 100. The Election Commission holds two debates for executive candidates each year in the weeks preceding the election. A debate is also held for highly contested Senate races.
Referendum questions may be placed on the ballot, either by GSB legislation or through a petition of 2,000 signatures collected by students. These items typically include GSB constitutional amendments or large-scale projects (such as the recent Recreation Renovation project).
This year's election will be held on March 1-2. It is a quick and easy process, so all students are encouraged to take 5 minutes out of their day to vote online!
The GSB Election Commission is tasked with overseeing the election process to ensure fair, impartial procedures for all involved in the election process. The Election Commissioner is responsible for oversight and leadership, while six other members aid in the process. Individuals running for election are required to attend a seminar with Election Commission representatives, where they learn about campaign rules and regulations. Upon completing this meeting, candidates are free to begin the campaign process. Candidates for the executive slate must collect 1,500 petition signatures by February 12 to be placed on the ballot, while Senate candidates must collect 100. The Election Commission holds two debates for executive candidates each year in the weeks preceding the election. A debate is also held for highly contested Senate races.
Referendum questions may be placed on the ballot, either by GSB legislation or through a petition of 2,000 signatures collected by students. These items typically include GSB constitutional amendments or large-scale projects (such as the recent Recreation Renovation project).
This year's election will be held on March 1-2. It is a quick and easy process, so all students are encouraged to take 5 minutes out of their day to vote online!
Getting to Know GSB
While you've probably heard of GSB, you may be wondering what exactly the Government of the Student Body does. GSB is composed of three branches, much like our federal government. The executive branch leads the organization by establishing policies and giving direction to GSB initiatives. The President, Vice President, and Executive Cabinet all collaborate on issues affecting students by working directly with university administration. The legislative branch is composed of representatives from each college and residency area. Every student at Iowa State is represented by at least two members of GSB Senate. Senate is responsible for approving major expenditures by GSB as well as representing the student body through legislation. The judicial branch is composed of nine justices appointed by the executive branch and confirmed by the legislative branch. It is charged with settling disputes between and ruling on cases involving student organizations.
The biggest, most visible role of GSB is the allocation of over one and a half million dollars each year to student organizations around campus. GSB directly funds student resources such as CyRide and the Iowa State Daily, as well as many clubs and organizations students participate in around campus. GSB funds are also used for large-scale projects benefiting the student body, such as the replacement of Memorial Union bowling equipment or assisting in the purchase of the Memorial Union display sign.
Behind the scenes, GSB spends a considerable amount of time focusing on issues affecting the student body. GSB officials work directly with university administration to improve the educational experience for Iowa State students. GSB is involved in revising many student policies, such as the university's dead week policy. GSB directly expresses the support of the student body for beneficial projects and voices concerns that students have about their experience. GSB is also the student body's direct link to state legislators and the Ames City Council.
The roles of GSB are many and diverse. However, the Roling/Dobbels campaign sees many opportunities for immediate improvement through enhanced cooperation between GSB and other student organizations. Stay tuned for specific plans regarding these partnerships at the end of this week.
Coming tomorrow: The GSB Election Process
The biggest, most visible role of GSB is the allocation of over one and a half million dollars each year to student organizations around campus. GSB directly funds student resources such as CyRide and the Iowa State Daily, as well as many clubs and organizations students participate in around campus. GSB funds are also used for large-scale projects benefiting the student body, such as the replacement of Memorial Union bowling equipment or assisting in the purchase of the Memorial Union display sign.
Behind the scenes, GSB spends a considerable amount of time focusing on issues affecting the student body. GSB officials work directly with university administration to improve the educational experience for Iowa State students. GSB is involved in revising many student policies, such as the university's dead week policy. GSB directly expresses the support of the student body for beneficial projects and voices concerns that students have about their experience. GSB is also the student body's direct link to state legislators and the Ames City Council.
The roles of GSB are many and diverse. However, the Roling/Dobbels campaign sees many opportunities for immediate improvement through enhanced cooperation between GSB and other student organizations. Stay tuned for specific plans regarding these partnerships at the end of this week.
Coming tomorrow: The GSB Election Process
Welcome!
Hey everyone! Welcome to our site! Over the next few weeks, we'll be posting daily updates including information on campaign issues and platforms. We'll also provide some personal content to help you get to know us better.
Following is a list of issues we'll be covering on our way to the upcoming election. Many of you have already been able to hear various levels of detail about our campaign through meetings with organizations or through personal conversations. This list is just a brief outline of the issues Nate and I will be discussing online over the next few weeks. We're breaking it up so you have time to digest the information in small bits rather than being overwhelmed all at once. However, if you'd like more information on any topic at any time, feel free to give us a call or shoot us an email and we'll be happy to elaborate.
You'll notice the following three major themes throughout all our work in our campaign and in our potential time as GSB executives:
- Focus on one-year steps towards long-term goals
- Development of a team-oriented atmosphere
- Maximizing potential
Come back tomorrow for "Getting to Know GSB."
List of issues and tentative schedule:
- GSB General Information
- GSB Overview (Feb 1)
- The Election Process (Feb 2)
- Roles of the President and Vice-President (Feb 3)
- Roles of the Executive Cabinet (Feb 4)
- Developing Lasting Partnerships
- GSB Internal Relations (Feb 5)
- Working to improve relationships between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches
- Student Organization Relationships (Feb 6)
- Working directly with academic and residency councils on projects and events open to the student body
- City of Ames (Feb 7)
- Collaborating with the city to make concrete progress in areas with high student populations, such as the DZ Triangle project and Campustown revitalization
- Making the College Experience Affordable (Feb 8 - 10)
- Working with university administration and students to voice opinions on the proper use of student fee money in the face of budget cuts
- Lobbying legislators in a timely manner to increase funding for higher learning in Iowa
- Developing and leading a peer-to-peer mentoring group promoting financial literacy and fiscal responsibility for Iowa State students
- Recognizing Leadership (Feb 11 - 13)
- Enhancing and uniting leadership programs across campus to recognize the leadership accomplishments of students of any academic major through a leadership certificate
- Promoting Diversity (Feb 14 - 15)
- Continuing the work of the Mind the Gap campaign
- Working with student organizations on a collaborative diversity event
- Enhancing the Experience (Feb 16 -17)
- Promoting policies of openness between university administration, faculty, and students
- Work to ensure course evaluation feedback is taken seriously by administrators
- Push for more student representation on Faculty Senate
- Maximize efficient uses of GSB funds, especially in the regular allocations process
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