With Student Elections just around the corner, Her Campus has decided to give you the lowdown on some of the presidential candidates. Of course, we all love Herbie, but since he’s graduating, it’s time for a new leader to take over. Check out with the eager Joshua Hoffman-Senn ’13 has to say about his candidacy!
Year:2013
Majors:Economics and Chemistry
Hometown:Swampscott, MA
Her Campus: The word around campus is that you are running for the Student Union President. Why did you choose to run for Student Union?
Josh:Through my experiences at Brandeis, I have noticed a lot of potentials to make big changes—lasting changes—on campus. I saw this opportunity through the Student Union. When I leave, I want to know that something has changed, that something improved while I was here. As of yet, I have been trying to accomplish this through the Econ Society. But as President of the Student Union, I can leave behind a lot more.
HC: If you were chosen as the next Student Body President, what are some of the potential goals that you had in mind to implement?
JHS:The first big change, or the first problem that I am going to address, is that the Student Union lacks sufficient funding for chartered clubs. One of our prides on campus is for how easy it is to start a club, but that means that the same budge is distributed throughout more and more groups. The solution, which has been implemented at other universities, is to seek sponsorship. I know how to pursue this, and there is a realistic way to increase the budget.
On a similar note, I have noticed that it is easy to charter a club, but it is very difficult to get the club off the ground and to get support. Also, club leaders often graduate and those left behind don’t know how to continue the legacy. The Student Union could solve this problem by assembling a leadership committee expanding on the Club Support Committee that will help train and manage clubs that are becoming inactive.
A third point is that the student body expresses frustration with the food situation. Every Student Union has attempted to address this through the cafeteria, but it has become obvious that we are not going to solve our problems by this strategy. A solution that other campuses have implemented is food trucks. They have seen tremendous success and popularity in other colleges such as Brown, Babson, and many more. I have already contacted several businesses, and have investigated through the administration to know that this is a realistic possibility.
HC: Aside from running for President, what else are you involved on campus?
JHS: I am the President and Founder of the Econ Society. We expose students to important economic issues and possible career opportunities related to business and economics. We bring in speakers and companies to accomplish this goal. This year we have ten officers overseeing four committees that reach out to over 200 members. I am also a 400m sprinter on the Varsity Track team. Sometimes I play guitar and sing during open mic at Chums. In the past, I have been an Assistant Treasurer in the Student Union and served on the Committee for Endowment Ethics and Responsibility (CEER). Of course, I try to be aware of what is going on campus and try to attend events at other clubs.
HC: What are your future plans after graduating Brandeis?
J:I am pursuing opportunities related to private equity and investment banking. Last summer, I interned with an investment bank in Boston and developed a strong appreciation for the industry. I also see Business School in my future.
HC:What is something quirky about you that people don’t typically know?
J:I am pretty good at windsurfing, but I also love to play music. I play the piano and the guitar. I like to play Ben Folds and similar styles of music.