Citing her perseverance and passion, Trinity junior Sheri Shepherd explained her qualifications for the position of Duke Student Government vice president for student affairs.
"Once there's something I feel strongly about, I don't stop until the goal is accomplished," she said. "I could add a lot to DSG and to the University."
On campus, she would like to work toward ensuring that sororities have adequate meeting space. Shepherd, who is not in a sorority, pointed out that the current system is unfair because it does not guarantee space for such a large women's group.
Shepherd also calls for some changes to the newly proposed residential plan. For example, she said that the administration should further review the implications of dividing selective houses.
"A lot of time, selective houses foster interaction," said Shepherd, who is a member of the Mirecourt selective living group. "I think it could have a detrimental effect on selective houses and the greater University community."
Shepherd would also like to explore the possibility of having a controlled, celebratory bonfire. "I just really don't think that we need to have the same police, student confrontation that we had Saturday night," she said.
To improve student safety on campus, Shepherd said she would be interested in working with other DSG committees to support such initiatives as improved lighting. Shepherd said she would also like to see an off-campus shuttle service and an increase in patrols by Campus Police. In sum, she would work "to make sure that students are protected as much as possible."
Shepherd said she would also play an active role in the Bryan Center renovations, advocating the construction of a late-night eatery and a social venue.
Her ability to affect change in student life, she said, is demonstrated by her experience as chair of the DSG financial-aid car policy subcommittee. Although the committee and the administration have recently come to an agreement to revise the policy, Shepherd said she still considers it inherently unfair. "I'd like to continue to work for its total elimination," she said.
Last year, Shepherd was a West Campus legislator and was a member of the student affairs committee. She was not part of DSG this year, as she studied abroad in London last semester. "I think from studying at King's [College] it also gives me a different perspective on Duke life," she said.
Shepherd also serves on the student education committee that was established to encourage student appreciation of the University's history and to coordinate events such as senior week.
Shepherd said that her experience in these leadership roles has allowed her contact with both administrators and the student body. "The vice president of student affairs needs to be in touch with the needs of all students on campus," she said. "It's a position of serving the students."
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