Despite his current role as a Durham and regional affairs senator, freshman Chris Brown hopes to start addressing issues pertaining to another part of the University.
Brown is the only candidate running for Duke Student Government’s vice president for athletics and campus services.
“Athletics and campus services is, to me, what affects the day-to-day life of Duke students,” Brown said. “And in my opinion, when I go about my day, the ideas and what I am passionate about changing fall under the athletics and campus services bubble.”
Although junior Metty Fisseha, a Chronicle columnist, and sophomore Yingyi Shen submitted campaign packets to run for the position, they were among 13 candidates whose campaigns were nullified April 9. These candidates had submitted their packets after Attorney General Var Shankar, a senior, had extended the campaign packet deadline—an action that the DSG Judiciary deemed unconstitutional.
Brown said dining and transportation will be the two biggest issues facing the Athletics and Campus Services committee. He added that he hopes to represent students in upcoming discussions about changing dining policies.
“We have the power in these negotiations, we just need to use it,” Brown said. “[Vendors] want to be on campus and it’s a matter of what’s appropriate for the University.”
Because transportation is a “crucial” part of the Duke experience, Brown said he wants to re-evaluate bus routes, increase student accessibility to ZipCars and consider replacing the bus fleet. In addition, Brown will pursue a GPS-based bus tracking system and a text message notification program for parking tickets.
Brown said he also intends to preserve the Tailgate traditions but also provide options for students desiring a more traditional college tailgating environment. He added that he hopes to make tenting manageable, possibly by adding an ePrint station in Wilson Gym.
Although Brown is running unopposed, he said he wants to hear Shen and Fisseha’s ideas.
“They are two people that have great ideas and there is a place for them to work towards those goals,” Brown said.
Junior Will Passo, vice president for Durham and regional affairs, said Brown was an active member of the cabinet this year. Passo added that Brown worked with Steve Nowicki, vice provost and dean of undergraduate education, on a faculty interaction program that is still being developed.
“He showed a lot of initiative just as a freshman weeks into his job, which is pretty impressive,” Passo said.
Brown’s responsibilities next year will include sitting on the Facilities and Environment Committee of the Board of Trustees. Passo said Brown will be a productive member on that committee.
“He will be able to solicit a lot of student input,” Passo said. “He’s just a freshman but he’s very impressive.”
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