With an overall population of 15,939 -- both graduate and undergraduate -- students roaming the pavements of Kean University, many strive each day in hopes of creating an enhanced future for themselves and others. While undergraduates have their own student government, full and part-time graduates look to their own government, known as the Graduate and Part-Time Student Council [GPSC

Potential president, Giselle Torres, a graduate school counseling with LPC

For Torres, becoming an active undergraduate and a current graduate student has helped her see what areas need improvement within the graduate community. Most importantly she has noticed the "lack of involvement" amongst graduate students. "In order to increase those [student involvement] numbers we must think outside of the box," explains Torres. "And expand as an organization by collaborating with other departments, adhering  to more academic programming, and having family day events."

Torres believes that having academic programs will "attract new members from a variety of masters programs in the University." Considering that a decent amount of graduate students are returning to school and/or have a family to look after, Torres hopes to create family day events. "Numerous graduate and part-time students would like to participate in our events, however, many of them have families," states Torres. "Events opened to families is necessary in order to attract new students and to show that we cater to the student's needs." The creation of events not only enhances school spirit, but will also work for networking among the students. Torres also believes that collaborating with other departments will raise awareness on GPSCGPSC

With her involvement and practice within the active community of Kean University, Torres believes that she can make a difference, not only for the university, but most importantly, its graduate students.

"I have been a very active student within Kean University since I was an undergraduate in 2005 and I'm familiar with how to effectively plan and promote events throughout the University," says Torres. "I have been in numerous leadership roles and have learned how to work in a collaborative team in order for success to arise. I am motivated, driven, and will be the voice the students need!"

Running for re-election Ruth Ma, a graduate student with an occupational therapy major, aspires to become reinstated once again in order to guide and assist graduate students as she has been doing thus far. Not only is she the current president of GPSC, but also a proud vice-president of Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society; a member of the Student Occupational Therapy Club; a graduate assistant in the College of Natural, Health, and Applied Sciences; and a part-time physical therapy assistant. With hard work and determination, Ma hopes to one day become an occupational therapist for pediatric and adolescent clients with multiple disabilities.

Involvement has caused Ma to comprehend that there are some issues that she does not wish to overlook. She explains that some students have voiced their disagreements on improved computer equipment, as well as numerous computer labs, not only in East Campus but also throughout the University. She does not plan to let go of her goals by any means. "I am currently collaborating with OCIS, Phyllis Duke [director of campus planning and facilities], and Phil Connelly [executive vice president of operations]," explains Ma. "I hope to further address these student concerns directly for the remainder of my term."

With re-election, Ma hopes to increase the number of graduate students within the GPSC in order to help the office of student organization.  With the effort of both the council and Student Organization, both groups will catch graduate's attention and hopefully increase graduate members within the GSPC. "Thus far this year, we have recruited over 13 council representatives," says Ma. "I am looking to reach the maximum capacity of 22 council representatives from a variety of majors to provide diverse programs on and off campus." Ma strives to encourage students to become leaders so that one day they may become student liaisons to the students.  Her ears are open to any opinion or concern graduate students may have. "Their feedback will promote active changes, exciting programs, educational workshops, and notable trips," says Ma.

Ma's activism at Kean University has motivated her even more to run for a second presidential term. "I am re-running for the GPSC President position because I enjoy the great learning experiences that I have encountered and being able to help other students. "  Exposing herself to unforeseen occasions, Ma networks and listens to issues that affect the students. "One of the many experiences that I had encountered was building a relationship with fellow students, administrators, staff, and faculty," says Ma. "This makes me highly qualified for the position to address student concerns directly and efficiently." Through care and attentiveness to the graduate students, Ma feels as though, "These [my] experiences will further develop me personally and professionally; this in turn gives me the highest satisfaction of helping others with quality services."

Ma points out that Kean University is blessed to have a GSPC, considering that not all universities can say the same. "We are so lucky to have a student governing body for graduate and part-time students because their concerns are very valid, but are very unique compared to the undergraduate students," says Ma. "I think with our continued strength, enthusiasm, and motivation, GPSC will continue to grow and diversify.  In five years, I think GPSC will reach its full capacity of members and thus will provide great programs to our diverse student body."

With Ma's prior experience as a liaison and student leader, she believed that she can transmit student's concerns into positive actions in efforts to create a decent change for graduate students.  "I have always been attentive, open, and responsive to student concerns, questions, and ideas.  My main goal is to reach out to all graduate and part-time students to make them aware that they have a voice," explains Ma, "And the ability to make changes within their institution. This in turn will help further them to become advocates for their society." Ma hopes that through involvement, students will be able to benefit from programs, trips, and workshops the graduate council has to offer.  Ma acknowledges that graduate students keep the GSPC running effectively and knows that will her contribution as president will enhance the council's greatness in involving graduate students, on positive and negative matters of the graduate community. "Without the students, we wouldn't exist.  I hope to further achieve and accomplish these goals for the next year if re-elected."

Want to know more about the graduate presidential candidates? The GPSC candidates will be having interviews on Friday, March 22, 2013 at 6 p.m. in the University Center room 228. If students are unable to attend, the interviews will be posted on the Kean Xchange website http://www.keanxchange.com/.

Online elections will take place on Cougar Link starting Tuesday, April 2, 2013 at 9 a.m. and ending Wednesday, April 3, 2013 at 6 p.m. For voting instructions, feel free to visithttp://kean.edu/KU/Cougar-Link-Elections. Good luck to both presidential candidates!