WHO I AM

Full Platform: 

Hi friends! My name is Emi Ren, and I am running for USG Treasurer because I want to ensure USG’s expenses accurately reflect its commitments to the student body. USG has a 1.2 million budget that seemingly appears and disappears out of nowhere. But what if there was a better way to incorporate student voices, be truly transparent about expenditures, and ensure student groups are equitably funded? This leads me to my three core goals to create an Undergraduate Student Government FIT to govern: fairness, incorporating student voices, and transparency.

Fairness: I want to hear from student leaders on their perceptions of fairness in funding allocation, and create clear parameters and rules for applying for funding so there is no ambiguity when funding requests are rejected. These initiatives will not just streamline funding requests because there are clear guidelines people can point to, but also ensure student groups feel like they have a fair chance at getting funds no matter their membership, seniority, or frequency of request. This also ensures that newer student groups that are still gaining their footing on campus have an equal opportunity to host events of similar caliber to more established student groups. Given that the USG has a $170,000 budget surplus caused by ODUS mismanagement, the USG has an opportunity to play a vital role in enabling student voices and student engagement on campus. We owe it to the student body.

Incorporating Student Voices: Students directly fund the USG budget by paying dues through their tuition, so they deserve to have a say in how their money is spent. From surveys to the broader student body on what they wish USG would fund around campus to questionnaires given specifically to student group leaders on how we can improve the funding application process, I want to fully utilize USG’s budget to actually work for the people. Especially with budget cuts, USG must be proactive in filling in gaps to maintain a high quality of student life. Every dollar comes from students and should be spent on what students actually need and care about, not what USG thinks they might care about. 

Transparency: Initiatives from former treasurers have taken steps in the right direction, but USG can do better. The student body deserves better. I would publish weekly reports of expenditures that will be publicized at the bottom of weekly USG newsletters, allowing students to see how their money is being spent. Furthermore, I would continue the precedent of presenting treasurer reports during Senate Meetings to ensure your elected officials are aware of USG’s financial health and publish semester budgets on the USG website. So many decisions have been made by Princeton’s administration, and while USG is often blindsided by these decisions, that does not mean we cannot advocate for more student spots at the table and fight against changes that do not represent student sentiment. Whether it is dining plan changes or the decision to get rid of Freshman orientation trips, I stand firm in my position condemning the administration’s choices to make these decisions behind closed doors, and will fight against said decisions to make sure Princeton stays the Princeton we all fell in love with. 

USG has the means to support students more than it does right now, and it is imperative that students feel empowered to come to us to get the support they need to create positive change. Make Princeton’s USG FIT to represent you by voting Emi for Treasurer!