At 12:01 a.m. Thursday morning, two teams from each presidential campaign raised their banners along the wall, officially marking the beginning of the race. So now that the race has begun, the Hustler has compiled a list of issues that both candidates address in their platforms. In the chart, we have highlighted the different approaches these candidates have taken on topics like academics, transportation and technology. The staff included the main points in each candidate's platform, but for space reasons, some topics were not included. For a more comprehensive description of each candidate's set of goals, visit their websites, www.fabianianddeno.com and www.wyattandlori.com. Also, for podcasts of interviews with each candidates, go to insidevandy.com.
Wyatt Smith
Year
Junior
Hometown
Reform, Alabama
Major
HOD and Political Science
Minor
Economics
Academics
- Improve OASIS by adding new servers. In the long run, completely replace it.
- Increase the availability and quality of pre-major advisors and add advisor performance evaluation.
- Increase the number of "W" courses.
- Lower textbooks prices at the Vanderbilt Bookstore.
- Host free MCAT, LSAT and GRE practice tests each semester.
- Continue wireless upgrades, especially in Furman, Calhoun and Wilson.
- Increase awareness of campus events by creating a downloadable Undergrad Student Google Calendar.
- Creation of a more interactive VSG website to improve communication with students.
- Renovating Branscomb by improving bathrooms, access to kitchens and adding picnic tables.
- Introducing an online housing ballot system for all suites in Towers, Morgan and Lewis, and Branscomb.
- Allow online submission of campus areas that need additional lighting for safety.
- Create an InformVU notification system sending text messages about non-emergency notices, such as power outages.
- Introduce biodegradable take-out containers at Rand and the Commons.
- Create a VSG Environmental Affairs Committee.
- Publicize better conservation habits by continuing partnerships with eco-groups across campus.
- Expand on-campus social options by hosting recently released movies in Sarratt Cinema.
- Involvement of VSG in student event management by giving additional volunteer support and improve publicity.
- Purchase an additional Vandy Van, post schedule at Van stops and create removable line barriers.
- Give students an opportunity to lobby for Pell Grant funding and Hope scholarships.
- Connect members of the Tennessee Congressional Delegation with campus events.
- Help students seeking career and internship opportunities.
Fabiani Duarte
Year
Junior
Hometown
Huntsville, Alabama
Major
Spanish, French and Italian
Academics
- Modernize OASIS by assuring seniors are not bumped from courses, providing AXLE course information among other changes.
- Promote communication between faculty and VSG to get postings of course syllabi online.
- Improve access to wireless internet across campus, especially Wilson, Calhoun and Furman.
- Improve cell phone service across campus to allow for better access to AlertVU.
- Bring Back Vandy Swap - a service that will allow students to buy and sell textbooks and other items.
- Remobilize Vandy Rides - a service to promote communications between students needing car rides out of Nashville.
- Off-campus living available for seniors.
- Improve on campus dining options by adding restaurants, extending Kissam Varsity Market hours.
- Expand off-campus dining by adding Five Guys, Jimmy Johns, PF Chang's, Logan's, Amerigo's, Jason's Deli, SATCO and Ken's Sushi.
- Continue the addition of blue recycle bins in dorms.
- Improve current pick-up program to prevent overflowing recycle bins.
- Make it easier to recycle on campus.
- Expand dorm energy competitions.
- Improve conservation efforts to save money. The money can be used for grants.
- Host Town Hall Meetings to make communications between VSG and students easier.
- Transform Sarratt Student Center to a real student center by adding commodities such as a pool table and a foosball table.
- Provide more TV channels to the Vandy network.
- Allow the first 100 sheets of printing free.
- Provide on campus DVD rentals.
- Improve Vandy Vans by eliminating long wait times and adding GPS, which can be accessed on student cell phones.
- Provide 24-hour Vandy Vans.
- Make Airport shuttles free.
- Ensure parking spots for students in the new Mayfield parking garage.
- Expand VSG service programs such as Angel Tree and strengthening the Dismas House Project.
- VSG will help pass out applications and volunteer with ASB, Manna Project and other service organizations.
Compiled by Ruth Kinsey and Chrystel Marincich
