Senior Stefani Jones will work to enact her vision as this year’s Duke Student Government president. Last year, as DSG vice president of equity and outreach, Jones lead the task force that overturned the University’s sexual misconduct policy. In January 2012, The Office of Student Conduct changed the sexual misconduct policy so that victims of sexual assault had one year, instead of the previous two, to report the incident. After months of student protest and multiple conversations between Jones and administrators, the University overturned the decision. The Chronicle’s Carleigh Stiehm sat down with Jones to discuss what else she hopes to accomplish this year as DSG president.
The Chronicle: If you could say anything to the incoming freshmen, what would it be?
Stefani Jones: It’s easy to be intimidated by college and new classmates, but don’t ever forget that you belong at Duke. I spent a good portion of my freshman year feeling like everyone was smarter and more qualified than me, and I missed out on a lot of opportunities to try new things and get involved. You are incredible and talented, and you’re qualified for more things than you think. Take a foreign language you’re scared of, try out for [Duke University Improv], or run for [a] DSG [position]. Just don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.
TC: What is the first think you want to see done in DSG next year?
SJ: Right away, I want to work to improve the dining options for students on West Campus. A lot of people will be surprised when they come back from summer to a campus under construction, and I think it’s important that DSG does everything it can to make campus life better in the interim. It’s unfair to put the burden of construction on the student dining experience, and that’s why I’ll be pushing for changes like more food trucks, better Great Hall hours and more restaurants on the Merchants on Points program.
TC: What so you see some of the biggest challenges facing DSG being?
SJ: There has been a big push from students in recent years to improve campus alcohol policy, and navigating that process will be a real challenge for DSG. Enforcement of policies has been stricter in recent years, which has led more and more groups to host events off campus. Risky behavior increases as parties go off campus, so DSG will work this year to try and keep drinking regulated, safe and on campus.
TC: What are you most excited about going into the new year?
SJ: There was a ton of great energy during our elections in the spring, and I can’t wait to get back and start working with all of our new Senators and Vice Presidents. I want to hit the ground running, and I’ll be working all summer on projects to make sure next year is a success.
TC: Were there any issues brought up in DSG that you would like to see again next year?
SJ: Last year, my committee focused a lot on addressing sexual assault and harassment on campus. Sexual assault is a huge issue on all college campuses and last year I formed a Gender Equity Task Force to research ways Duke could change policies and norms surrounding sexual misconduct. I’ll be continuing that this year and presenting a plan to the Senate in the fall that addresses the issue at a University level.
TC: What else do you think students should be aware of before we start the new year?
SJ: I’ll be focusing a lot of my efforts this year on improving DSG’s communication and transparency with the student body. I want to make sure that students on campus have a better idea of what DSG is doing and how to voice their concerns. In the works right now are a new DSG website, a Senator blog and much-needed improvements to DSG’s social media strategy.
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