President

Justin Caplan

Right now you are probably saying to yourself either: "Crap, there's no more toilet paper, will this News-Letter leave a rash?" or "What's Justin Caplan going to do as Class President?" Hopefully it's the second question. If not, good luck with the rash. Any president can basically either plan social events or work on policy issues. Most of my attention will go to policy. There'll still be parties, but they'll be planned by an appointed social board, giving my full attention to policy. What do I mean by policy? If you want aspects of Hopkins changed (academic, campus life, etc.) I'm the guy to talk to. As President, I am your voice to the appropriate bodies, ensuring that your concerns are addressed. For example, serving on the Homewood Student Affairs Committee, I, along with the Co-Chair, am handling issues with MSE, to make it more student friendly. Furthermore, as a member of the Student Council Reform Committee I'm acting as an underclassman voice to ensure that the changes being made in student government are in the best interests of our class, as we'll be the students around to actually see these changes take effect. For more info e-mail JCaplan@jhu.edu.

Michael Cho

My name is Michael Cho and I am running to be your next Freshman Class President. I strongly believe that I am well qualified for the position for many reasons. I'm from Palos Verdes Peninsula High School in California, where I held several leadership positions throughout high school. I was our Associate Student Body Vice-President of a student body of more than 3300 students. Currently, I believe I am making my mark here by being part of JHU's Varsity football team.

My reason for running for President is simple. I want to make my own freshman experience here as enjoyable and memorable as possible. Like many freshman here, I came into this school as new as everyone else is. The objective I hope to accomplish as President is very realistic and is only probable if you become involved. Improvement to the university is only possible through your concerns. Everyone's voice is equal to one another, and opinions and concerns should be heard and acted upon. As President, I would like to establish a form of direct communication between the student council officers and yourselves. By getting involved, you are helping the student council recognize the concerns of this campus.

Ben Deitchman

NUDITY, SEX, PORNOGRAPHY! In this campaign, candidates are going to try to do many things to grab your attention, such as starting their candidate statements the way I just did. We're all freshmen and we all know very few people; that's why I hope to coordinate events that allow us to meet the 700 people we missed during Orientation. Other plans include a shuttle to DC on weekends, a sexy-legs and lip-sync contest, Freshman Day of Service II, and events in conjunction with other local college freshman classes. I also want to address such concerns as the fact that we can't get most combo meals at MegaBYTES without paying extra, the tedious process of adding and dropping courses, the lack of left-handed desks in many classrooms, the grass in our quad, the lack of a clear explanation from the administration about the alcohol policy and first semester grade policy and many other things that will continue to bother us. My only promise to you is that I will work many hours each week (screw my classes) so that we all can get the most out of our first year here. Please VOTE BEN DEITCHMAN CLASS PRESIDENT! (My email: BHD@jhu.edu)

Sean Kelly

Considering that seniors' experience at JHU has given them the best perspective of this campus, I find their knowledge most valuable when assessing student-life at the university. The overall consensus among these upperclassmen is that Johns Hopkins University is an institution is willing and driven to promote positive change. Whether one speaks of the quality of food, the attractiveness of the campus/people or simply the overall benefits that JHU students enjoy, all aspects of Hopkins have improved over the past four years.

What? Terrace is actually better than it used to be? Though we all love Hopkins and are proud to be at this elite university, it is recognizable to the entire student body that there is still vast room for improvement. Rolling over meals, extended shuttle services to Baltimore's main points of interest, lengthened Eisenhower Library hours, meal equivalency at the Jay Store and Levering, the creation of a thriving student union, better attendance at JHU sporting events and enhanced AC facilities (God help us) . all of these advancements can and will be made. I'm proud to be at Hopkins and I'd be proud to represent the incredible class of 2005. Thanks; I love you all.

Kestrel Linder

As class President, I will focus on encouraging student participation, improving the quality of Homewood dining, and increasing student communication. I will work with an open mind to best represent the interests of the freshman class.

My concern with student participation comprises participation both on- and off-campus. Students need to become active in campus organizations to heighten awareness of university-wide issues and make administrators aware of our presence. We should help enrich the Baltimore community by playing an active role in its development. It is also important that the administration be pressed to facilitate student recycling.

The dining program needs revision: Meal equivalency is a good idea but its current rates are abominable, Wolman's hours need to be expanded, the quality and selection at all eating facilities must be improved, and the acceptance of J-CASH needs to be spread further into Baltimore.

Communication at Homewood must be cultivated. Greater communication lends to greater student participation and greater accountability of the administration to the students. Communication with the community boosts student opportunities off-campus. One way to promote communication is to establish a true student union at Levering.

I will work hard to achieve these goals if elected your freshman class President.

Ben Radel

Ladies and Gentlemen of the freshman class, I am Ben Radel and I am running for you class president. I'd like to thank the cool cats who signed my petition. You rock! I'd also like to invite anyone who hasn't already met me to come to the AMRII courtyard from 9 -10 p.m. each night until the election. I'll be there, ready for questions. (I'm the guy with yellow glasses)

Getting down to business, student government's job should be to make college fun. Members should direct funds toward activities that are representative of things students actually want to do. Additionally it should work to make student life easier. By giving feedback to the administration, we can streamline the academic and residential processes to increase convenience for students. Specifically I'm talking about things like on-line registration and meal equiv at the Jay Store. As president I will actively work toward these goals. At this institution, everyone has challenging coursework. We don't need the added frustration of inconvenient academics or residential life. I will work to coordinate the student council and the administration into listening to the students. Because you know what you want. Thanks and Peace On.

Toliy Samoylov

My fellow freshmen,

My name is Toliy Samoylov and I want to represent you as President. Originally I'm from Russia need I say more? Just kidding. There is more to say - I live in the great state of New Jersey.

Some changes should be done to the meal program. Meals should be issued on a semester basis instead of a weekly plan and unused meals should carry over the next cycle. In addition, students should have the ability of withdrawing funds from their J-CASH accounts.

Many of you noticed that Levering and the Jay Store don't accept the meal plan, which is really inconvenient. So as your President I plan to petition to the Dean of Student Life to change this problematic policy. Also the dinning halls need to be open longer for all of us who have labs and classes from 6 - 9 p.m.

Last but not least, there are very few desks for left-handed students, making note taking very uncomfortable for left-handed students. In my opinion the University needs to take steps to accommodate such students. I plan to have more left handed desks added to each classroom and lecture halls.

As your President I plan to make these changes to make life at Hopkins the best experience of our lives.

Respectfully Yours,

-Toliy