This year’s requirements had been raised thus the decline in the number of eligible candidates. The GPA requirement was increased from 2.5 to 3.2. The officers are also obligated to maintain a 3.0 average and failing to do so would mean their elimination from the office.
Three senatorial positions were created last spring 2011 making a total of seven.
Many have declined their nominations. “Their other schedules are just too demanding,” said Luis John “LJ” Castro, the Student Center Administrative Manager. “They feel that they won’t be able to fill an officer’s position. Others feel like they’re not the right person for the job. They’re not confident enough. Some are really interested but the GPA requirement is a big factor.”
The unopposed candidates from the upcoming elections set for next week, Monday and Tuesday, are Lawrence Camacho for president, Keolester Buenpacifico for vice president, Lauren Jardinero for secretary, and Eldred Sanchez for senator.
Only one student was qualified for the senatorial position. The seat for the treasurer is currently open for write-in candidates on the day of the election. Other write-in candidates for the other positions will be allowed on election day.
“We expect our future student leaders to participate in the shared governance structure of the college, weighing in student concerns, providing the voice for students on the board of regents,” said Leo Pangelinan, dean of student services.
Pangelinan said the board makes key decisions and discusses major issues facing NMC.
“We also want them to help us look out for the welfare and the needs of the student body,” he said, referring to the student leaders. “They have the potential to create opportunities for students to hone their leadership skills and character. They can also have a perspective and voice that the administration and the faculty need to hear in order to stay attuned to the needs and the wants of the students.”
He described this year’s candidates as a “very diverse group.”
He added, “Some of them have experience working in different departments of the college. They have an understanding of how the college works. I’ve also seen these students in action. I’ve seen them make an impact. I could see them continuing and expanding the services they’ve been providing.”
Castro is coordinating a planning committee for the elections as well as a forum.
It was supposed to be held this Thursday, Sept. 22, but it was canceled due to problems with the schedules of the candidates.
New plans are currently being organized for the students to meet their candidates before the elections.
Another plan is to set up a booth in areas of the college with the most traffic and assign the candidates to sit there during their available time so students can talk to them.
“Leo and I are really hoping that everything will be productive. It’s one of the main goals of our organization to help students develop leadership skills and empower themselves,” added Castro.
