michael chapman

What relevant experience would you bring to the position you are seeking?

Over the past several years, I have been provided the amazing opportunity to serve the UMBC undergraduate community by being a Finance Board Representative twice. During this time, I have had the privilege to be part of two Finance Boards that worked tirelessly to improve both the allocation process and the overall student organizations relationship with the board. Implementing changes such as a fully electronic allocation request process, increasing the Finance Board’s allottable fund from $250,000 to $313,000, as well as assigning each organization a Finance Board liaison; it is my belief student organizations overall have benefited from the changes previous Finance Boards have made. By voting for me as Treasurer, it is my goal to continue this improvement by interfacing with other Finance Board members as well as your student organization to collaboratively find solutions that will allow your organization to hold successful events.

How do you intend on fulfilling your role while working alongside other members of SGA? What strategies do you use to address conflict?

While working alongside other members of SGA, it is inevitable that differences in opinions will occur. However, rest assured whenever possible, I will make my position on the situation known while also being fully open to other individual’s views on the situation. Whenever a decision needs to be made regarding a difference of opinion, it will be my position to find a compromise which will benefit all individuals involved as well as the student body.

What is your vision for maintaining good relationships with all the people who have a stake in how SGA spends and allocates the Student Activity Fee?

In my opinion, the key to any successful relationship is having great communication. By voting for me as Treasurer, it is my hope to forge productive relationships with all SGA stakeholder through the fostering of great communication. Although I am sure there will be many instances where multiple stakeholders disagree on the best way forward, it is my belief productive communication will allow compromises that benefit all stakeholders involved.

How do you plan to be a resource to student organizations?

I would like to start by saying that as a fellow UMBC engineering student, I am aware of the strain and burden balancing schoolwork with extracurricular activities can cause. In my opinion, when the process of planning an event becomes more work than fun, the purpose of that event is lost. By voting for me as Treasurer, I can NOT promise your organization that every request will be easy or even approved. Rather, by voting for me as Treasurer, I promise to make every attempt to make a painless process by being plain-spoken and supportive of all your organization’s event needs. Whether that means personally holding midnight meetings to discuss next steps for your request or providing additional resources to help your event be a success, it is my sincere hope that you will trust me as the treasurer that will help your organization achieve their ultimate event goals.