David Carlson

Oberlin is an amazing place. It is also expensive and often frustrating. Even though tuition is rapidly approaching $50,000, the college is plagued by poor communications and between students and the administration. ResEd, Student Health and other College entities intended to serve students continue to be viewed as ineffective or incompetent by the very people they are supposed to be helping. This situation is unacceptable.

    In addition to issues of College governance and administration, I am also deeply interested in ecological sustainability, maintaining Oberlin’s diversity and finding ways to address Oberlin’s lack of space for student performances. I despise the ‘Fearless’ campaign.

    As a senior majoring in mathematics and East Asian Studies with minors in history and economics, I have well-developed analytical, reasoning and communications skills. In addition, my seven semesters of experience on The Oberlin Review have given me a strong appreciation of Oberlin’s complexity.

Vanessa Coleman

My name is Vanessa Coleman and I’m from Fresno, California. I am running for Student Senate because I want to provide a voice within student government for underrepresented groups such as students of color and women. I am dedicated to making sure that the decisions of student government are transparent and reflect the needs and views of Oberlin’s student body. As a member of Oberlin’s community I am invested in the progress of Oberlin College and devoted to being an active participant in deciphering and solving Oberlin’s evolving concerns and issues. Vote for Vanessa, you‘ll be making a valuable decision!

Nick Ferrara

Hi, my name is Nick Ferrara and I’m running for REELECTION to Student Senate!

I have worked hard to make Senate more accountable and effective over the last year. As Secretary, I have kept detailed minutes and made them available to the student body for the first time in years.  My proposed changes to Senate bylaws have made Senate more efficient and effective.

I introduced resolutions to protect students’ privacy on the Oberlin website that would also cut back on amount of spam they receive.  Most importantly, I have been very involved in bringing reform and effectiveness to the Student Finance Committee.

I plan to continue my efforts to clean up Senate bylaws, work on website issues and reform SFC to ensure it works well for the student body. For more information, visit my Facebook group, “Reelect Nick Ferrara for Student Senate!”

Vote to reelect Nick Ferrara to Student Senate!

David Levin

Beer in the water fountains.

Brendan Morris

In my time at Oberlin I have helped to bring about change as a student senator, a student representative to the Education Plans and Policies Committee and Chair of the Task Force to Increase RA Compensation.  Rather than running for the Student Senate with an agenda of policies I want to change, I plan to help the organization accomplish its goals by improving its policy-making process.  If elected, I’ll help the Senate to negotiate consensus-based decisions so that it speaks with a unified voice, encourage it to seek changes that represent the will of the student body and not the opinion of a small group of students and encourage the organization to dialog with administrators throughout the policy-making process.  An inclusive process is the most effective.  Yeyah.  

George Oma

Hey, I’m George Oma and I’m originally from Olney, Maryland. During the time I’ve spent in Oberlin I made sure I was completely involved and committed to whatever I was a part of. I have been involved in such groups as the African Students Association and ABUSUA (of which this semester I am a co-chair), and am a Bonner Scholar (shout out to mama Donna and the sophomore Bonners). I enjoy being active in the Oberlin Community and in light of that, I would like to be given the opportunity to work administratively in order to edify Oberlin’s campus in any way I can.

I feel it is of great importance that a student of color who is willing to represent those who are underrepresented on Oberlin’s campus be a part of the Student Senate. I feel I would be an asset to the Student Senate and hope to be.

Leah Pine

The biggest limitation of Student Senate is the turnover rate of senators. I have already served one productive term on Student Senate and would like to carry that momentum into my next term. In the ongoing process of college governance, it is vital that YOU, STUDENTS, have your voices brought forth ASSERTIVELY. I will do that.

I have:

• placed students on college governance committees (incl. Pres. Search Committee)
• conducted department review
• prioritized Senate over important parts of my own life

I know why things are the way they are, and how to effect positive change for the betterment and continuing enrichment of Oberlin. We has a unique position in the arena of progressive thinking in the U.S., and it is important to me to have the privilege of ushering Oberlin forward so that it may continue to take precedence.

Amber Walker

Student Senate needs a representative that has a fresh perspective on what the students at Oberlin need. As a first-year, I see Oberlin for what it is and what it has the potential to become. If I am elected, I will try my best to represent the needs of the community and express candidly and honestly the important issues concerning the student body.

My involvement as vice president of the YMCA City Youth and Government Program in Chicago has equipped me with the leadership skills necessary to be an effective and dynamic representative in our Senate. I will be approachable by any student on campus who wants to discuss issues that are important to them, no matter how big or small.

Andrew Watiker

I’m Andrew Watiker and I’m running for reelection to Student Senate because I love the Oberlin community and there’s much work still to do.

With a new term I will work to have Senate play a larger role in nonpartisan voter registration and voter protection in advance of the November election. I also, as a member of the OSCA Board, will make sure the needs of the Co-Ops are voiced to the administration. I oppose closing any co-ops, including Old Barrows. I also support a climate-neutral Oberlin and closer relations with the City.

While on Senate I’ve worked with members of the administration on voting rights, implemented reforms for more accountable Senate committees and helped lead the effort opposing competitive Latin Honors at Oberlin.

I’m proud to have the endorsements of fellow senators and look forward to continuing to work for the student body.

Remember, Andrew Watiker for Student Senate.

Kwame Webster

For those who don’t know me, hopefully, by the end of this statement, you will. For those who do, just check off my name. JK! My name is Kwame Ammon Webster, and I’m from New Orleans and a second year. Being a second-year student places me in a unique position of knowing many of the in’s and out’s of Oberlin. My status as an underclassman won’t hinder my ability to service, but in fact strengthen my desire to accomplish goals for the future and present. One of my areas of interest is promoting discussion among students with different views. One of the drawbacks of having a majority of like-minded students is that we push others with different, legitimate arguments away. This breeds less critically thinking students. I believe in the notion of “iron sharpening iron,” where there is constant refining of skills on both sides of the aisle.

Shayne Wells

Dedicated, responsible, and efficient are a few adjectives I would use to describe myself. A rising freshman and intended politics major, I am actively involved in Afrikan Heritage House, primarily as a program assistant and member of the Hall Council. As a member of the Student Senate, I will do my best to be an effective advocate for all students at Oberlin. Serving in several leadership roles throughout my high school career has given me extensive experience in being a representative for students with a variety of issues. With your support, together we can make a difference in issues that directly affect us all. Thank you.