The future Creighton Students Union president and vice president promoted their agenda of diversity, health, safety and sustainability during a question and answer session on Monday night at the Skutt fireplace.
Patrick Marta, a junior in the College of Arts and Sciences and Maddie Tagaloa, College of Arts and Sciences sophomore are running unopposed for the respective positions of CSU president and vice president.
“I’m so proud to represent my fellow peers and be a voice for them,” said Tagaloa.
The pair gave Creighton students a preview of their plans for the remainder of the school year.
One goal is fostering respectful discussion and dialogue on campus.
“Considering Jesuit values creates agents of change,” said Marta, “Preparing students outside of class is good for real life education.”
The pair spoke of working with the Creighton Intercultural Center to create a student representative positon to advocate for diversity and inclusion amongst student organizations.
“It’s cool to hear them bring diversity into the Board of Representatives,” said College of Nursing freshman Cailyn Olson. “They’re really addressing students of all different religions and races.”
Education about mental and sexual health is also an important factor in the upcoming agenda. Marta and Tagaloa hope to pair the CSU with student organizations to spread the importance of mental health issues and increase resources for students, such as more access to the campus counseling center.
Sexual consent will also be a focus. Tagaloa said it is Creighton’s duty to emphasize the importance of sexual consent and use Creighton’s values to “not only watch out for others, but be men and women for and with others.”
Multiple ways to increase sustainability on campus were discussed, including promoting recycling and adjusting the shuttle service.
Telling students what the school recycles and increasing the number of recycling bins around campus is a “good first step” in becoming greener, said Marta.
Modifying the shuttle route is also a goal that will promote sustainability. Extending the operating hours of the Bluejay Shuttle and expanding the reach of the route may encourage more students to use the service, potentially reducing the number of cars driving to and from campus daily.
Marta and Tagaloa’s positive experiences within the CSU have spurred their love for Creighton and their desire to implement these changes.
“I found my way easily because of the accepting community,” said Marta. “I want others to have that experience, and I want to leave Creighton better than I found it.”