About me:

• Graduating in 2025!
• Business Management & Finance Major
• Vice President of Persian Club
• Vice President of Marketing - Women In Business
• Major initiatives:
• Women’s History Month Panel
  
• Hygiene Drive
• Chief of Staff duties
• Fun Fact: I am running a half marathon!
  

About me:

• Graduating in 2025!
• Criminology Major & Forensic Psychology Minor
• Secretary of COSA
• Major initiatives:
• Gender Inclusive Restrooms
  
• Protestor Safety
• Cultural initiatives
• Fun Fact: I was in a trans rights campaign that amassed over half a million views!
  

Our vision, goals, and values for our platform.

Supporting Heritage Months and Identity Recognitions

Uplifting and recognizing cultural months including but not limited to Black History Month, Native American Heritage Month, National Disability Awareness Month, Pride Month, Women’s History Month, Latin Heritage Month, Asian American and Pacific Islander Month, and more.

finding permanent spaces for religious groups

Religion holds significant importance in the lives of many students, shaping their values, beliefs, and daily practices. For these students, having a dedicated space to pray is not just important but essential. Lobbying administration to push for more efficient progress with the prayer space.

Accessibility awareness Campaign

A campaign serves as a proactive approach to raising awareness about the diverse needs and challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and other marginalized groups within the student body. Organizing with other students and RSO’s to set this campaign up.

COLLABORATING with student organizations to increase education and support on DEI/accessibility initiatives

Collaborating with student organizations to increase support and education on accessibility is a multifaceted and invaluable endeavor that holds the potential to significantly enhance the inclusivity and accessibility of campus environments. Finding ways to implement educational trainings or advocacy within RSO’s, DSO’s, and departments.

Working with University departments/admin to AMPLIFY disabled and international student voices

Collaborating with university departments and administrators provides a strategic platform to elevate the perspectives and experiences of disabled and international students, ensuring that their voices are heard and valued in decision-making processes that directly affect their lives. Pushing for ADA guildelines to be followed more strictly, and checking for locations that may not have accessible resources.

Supporting and expanding resources for undocumented students

Collaborating with organizations such as Undocumason to increase trainings and awareness on the undocumented communities at Mason. Expanding available resources through First Gen+ and look into opportunities that support the undocumented community.

Getting Student Government to participate in events around campus

Taking a step back from creating events, and instead participating in tournaments, international week, cultural nights, and more! We want to expand SG’s role from being purely an administrative body to one that is also involved in the larger Mason community.

Creating a space/Committee with all umbrella organization leaders

Working and crating a space for Umbrella Organization Leaders to meet, support, and collaborate. Allowing for newtworking opportunities, locating funding resources, and providing event aid through Student Government.

Ensuring the accessibility of buildings on campus

By prioritizing accessibility in campus design, renovation, and policy-making processes, educational institutions can create an inclusive environment where every student has the opportunity to participate and thrive in their academic pursuits.

Pushing for more options in dining halls

Offering vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergen-friendly options caters to diverse dietary needs. Providing culturally diverse cuisines ensures students from various backgrounds find satisfying meals. Working with SODEXO, dining services, and culinary council.

Maintain Mason & Mason Stewards

Maintain Mason and Mason Stewards, both previous Student Government initiatives, helps uphold standards of cleanliness, accessibility, and waste across campus, fostering a positive and comfortable atmosphere for everyone.

Expanding Wifi & improving website accessibility

By expanding WiFi expansion and website accessibility, educational institutions create an environment where everyone, regardless of their abilities or technological constraints, can fully participate in the digital aspects of academic life.

Upkeeping of the ‘Grove’

Regular upkeep of "The Grove" is essential to ensure that it remains an inviting and enjoyable space for the campus community.

Improving Housing Training for Residential Assistants

Enhancing the training of Resident Assistants (RAs) enables educational institutions to cultivate a residential community that is more supportive and inclusive, fostering student success, well-being, and engagement.

Waste Management/Food Waste

Continuing and creating programs in collaboration with food waste organizations to encourage waste management. Potentially work on the SODEXO contract to ensure this is managed properly.

SoDEXO transparency

Stepping into the SODEXO contract to ensure transparency of decisions, funding, food intake, and dining hall choices for students.

Working with University Sustainability

Collaberating with University Sustainability to educate students on what their mission is. We also plan to reach out and see if we can plant more trees on campus in the effort to decrease carbon emissions.

Improve Mason Lobbies (bring outside organizations to ​help train them)

Expanding Mason Lobbies to a federal level, allowing for more opportunities to lobby for Mason funding and important initiatives to the student body.

Improving Voter Turnout at Mason

Our plan to boost voter turnout includes organizing voter awareness events, providing accessible resources to educate students, partnering with organizations to host "Get the Vote Out" events, and hosting Election Watch Parties.

Emphasizing Local and State government

Having a team dedicated to attending local and state committees to bring a student opinion to the table. Advertising opportunities to students and emphasizing the importance of local and state government decisions such as City Town Halls.

Expand relationship with local community (City of ​Fairfax and Alumni)

We aim to expand our relationship with the local community, including the City of Fairfax and our ​alumni network. To achieve this, we're planning a significant community event in collaboration with ​Mason and the City of Fairfax, akin to the Rock the Block event held in the spring. This initiative ​includes expanding business partnerships and hosting more community events in partnership with ​the City of Fairfax.

Getting Student Government more involved with ​decisions

We are actively working to involve Student Government more in decision-making processes, while ​also partnering with local officials to address accessibility issues. Furthermore, we're dedicated to ​expanding relations with local, state, and federal governments and advocating for the broader ​Mason community through lobbying efforts.

Class accessibility/ accessibility in course objectives

We want toprioritize class accessibility and integrate it into course objectives to ensure all studen​ts have equitable access to learning. This proactive approach fosters inclusivity, eliminates barrie​rs, and promotes diverse learning needs within our academic com​munity.

Alumni Engagement

We plan to revive the "Take a Patriot to Work" initiative, previously sponsored by Career Services, ​enabling undergraduates to shadow alumni for a day at career-relevant workplaces. Additionally, ​we aim to collaborate with each academic college to establish formal alumni mentorship ​programs, facilitating connections between alumni mentors who have achieved positive career ​outcomes and undergraduate mentees.

Registration for classes

We​ want to ensure that students are able to register for required classes in a timely manner.

Getting more holidays on the academic calendar

Advocating for more holidays on the academic calendar is crucial for fostering inclusivity of diverse cultural and religious backgrounds of our community. Recognizing additional holidays allows individuals to observe their traditions while promoting student well-being and academic success.

improving destress fest

Destress Fest is a time where we can help students ease their stress about finals. We want to make this a larger event by collaborating with a variety of RSOs and departments across campus and to include things like therapy dogs, activities, and more.

Transparency about students evaluations

Enhancing the prominence of Title IX and student conduct policies involves a holistic effort that necessitates a thorough approach to guarantee that every member of the campus community is well-informed about their rights, obligations, and the resources at their disposal.

Education specifically for GTAs and TAs regarding DS ​accommodations, disabilities, and accessibility

Educating Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) and Teaching Assistants (TAs) on Disability Services (DS) accommodations, disabilities, and accessibility is vital for creating an inclusive learning environment. This training equips them with the knowledge and skills needed to support diverse student needs, ensuring equal access to educational opportunities. By providing GTAs and TAs with this specialized education, we demonstrate our commitment to inclusivity and supporting students of all abilities.

Class accessibility/accessibility in course objectives

Prioritizing class accessibility and incorporating it into course objectives are essential for fostering an inclusive learning environment. By ensuring that course objectives consider the needs of diverse learners, we promote equitable access to educational opportunities for all students, reflecting our commitment to diversity and inclusion within our academic community.

Experiential Learning

Our efforts include advocating for the exemption of up to three internship class credits (e.g., BUS ​492, CRIM 480, GOVT 480, and INTS 490) from billable charges for students benefiting from the ​Federal Pell Grant. We also aim to establish a pathways program, linking undergraduate teaching ​and learning assistants with graduate teaching assistantships to support their ongoing education ​at GMU. Additionally, we're coordinating the creation of an "Adulting 101" class, offering students ​Mason Core-applicable credit for learning essential skills like cooking, personal budgeting, and ​other necessities for adult living.

Fi​nancial aid

We are advocating for an appeals process for Stay Mason Emergency Fund rejections, ensuring students have due process in their financial support appeals. We're pushing for students registered with Disability Services to receive subsidized tuition insurance through GradGuard.

Looking for ways to increase tutoring/mentoring for ​niche majors

Finding ways to increase tutoring and mentoring opportunities for niche majors is crucial. Tailored ​programs, involving faculty, alumni, and industry experts, can provide specialized support for ​students in these disciplines. Utilizing technology can expand access to tutoring and mentoring ​services, ensuring students receive the guidance they need to succeed in their studies.

Improve the chemistry department

Amplifying Student voices with current issues surrounding the Chemistry departmnet, ranging from accessibility to course-work management

Help title ix/student conduct become more visible

Enhancing the prominence of Title IX and student conduct policies involves a holistic effort that necessitates a thorough approach to guarantee that every member of the campus community is well-informed about their rights, obligations, and the resources at their disposal.

Fall & Spring Farmer’s Market

These markets not only support small-scale farmers and entrepreneurs but also promote food ​security, celebrate cultural diversity, and foster a deeper connection between consumers and the ​sources of their food. The Fall Farmer’s Market would highligh Hispanic-Owned businesses and ​RSOs.​

Increasing Tailgates and other inclusive events

Tailgating events provide students with opportunities to de-stress, unwind, and enjoy recreational activities in a relaxed and festive setting. We are looking to also create events that are inclusionary to all students and communities on campus such as cook outs, field days, or cultural shows.

Expanding Student Resources and DEI access

This involves increasing funding for counseling centers, mental health workshops, and peer support groups to address the growing demand for mental health support among students

Creating Greek life connections

Establishing a Greek Month presents a unique opportunity for all Greek organizations, including NPHC, IFC, UGC, and Panhellenic chapters, to come together and showcase the diverse aspects of Greek life on campus.

Mason Recreational activities

Work in affiliation with Mason Recreation to ensure accessibility of facilities, expansion of intramural sports, and work towards more inclusive participation.

Undersecretaries/positions for other campuses

Creating or appointing a position that is dedicated to representing other GMU campuses that are not in Fairfax: Mason Korea, Mason Square, Mason Smithsonian Conservation Campus, and Sci Tech Campus.

Field Day

Creating an event that caters towards all students, RSO’s, and Greek Life. Including games that are competitive and accessible to all Mason students, and having teams compete and have fun!

Supporting Commuter Students

Making events and opportunities for commuter students more visible to allow equal access and inclusion. Using media, newsletters, and other tools to expand the outreach to commuter students. Also advocating for lounge spaces and other areas that create an inviting space for commuters.

University Budget Transparency

By providing clear information about budget constraints, revenue sources, and long-term financial goals, universities empower decision-makers to make informed choices that support students.

Fundraising within Student Government

Through strategic fundraising efforts, student government organizations can generate resources to support students, campus events, community service projects, advocacy campaigns, and more.

Increased administrative support towards ADA regulations

This enhanced support involves various measures aimed at improving compliance with ADA standards, enhancing accessibility infrastructure, and providing necessary accommodations to students, faculty, staff, and visitors with disabilities.

Keeping records of student government

Having organized documentation of transition binders, past initiatives, current initiatives, and more activity for the student body to easily access.

Increased communication between Rso’s and sfb

Improving communication between RSOs and SFB entails facilitating ongoing support and guidance for RSOs throughout the funding application and allocation process. We want to take an approach that allows for more opportunities to engage with SFB.

Student advocacy representatives on committees

Including student advocacy representatives on committees within educational institutions is a proactive step to ensure that student perspectives are valued and considered. We would encourage and find students to be those voices on various committees at Mason.

Introducing a new code bill - structure of resolutions and bills

Creating a code bill that creates a dedicated section for student organization sponsorships and links to resources that corelate to the resolution/bill. Student Organizations comprise a large sector of the student body and represent many different student groups, their endorsements to resolutions/bills act as a student voice in our overarching decision-making processes.

pAUNEEZ fARIS

PFARIS@GMU.EDU

bAS rAWAT

KRAWAT@GMU.EDU