By Valentina Caval

Editor-in-Chief

Justin Amann knew he could make a difference at East Stroudsburg University.

While most freshman might spend their first year figuring out who they are, Amann knew where he wanted to be.

In just the fourth week of classes, Amann was serving on the Academic Affairs Committee on ESU’s Student Senate — the committee that reviews both existing and new academic programs, policies, and procedures to ensure the University provides an appropriate education for the student body.

The climb to the top was quick for Amann as he became chair of Academic affairs his sophomore year, and President of the Student Senate his junior year — a position he hopes to hold on to.

Student Senate President Justin Amann announced last night that he will be running for reelection for the 2014-2015 academic year.

Why be the person responsible for representing 6,282 students? Advocacy.

“There are students who have thoughts and strong feelings but do not think there is a place to express them,” said Amann. “I want to be the person to empower them to do it, or to speak on their behalf.”

As the incumbent, Amann ensured students have two seats on the President’s Strategic Planning Committee — the committee that provides framework for the University’s future.

By the end of this year, Senate will have played a role in revamping the student code of conduct under Amann’s leadership.

Amann and the Senate were responsible for new parking regulations — a concern that he had since his sophomore year.

He sat on several enrollment management committees, including the task force that oversaw the implementation of the Nemo-Q ticketing system — the electronic queuing system.

Amann is responsible for the extinction of the Add-Drop card for majors — now students add or drop their major electronically rather than handing them in at Enrollment Services.

“His passion for his job and ESU is reflected in the work that he does,” junior Jacqueline Schaefer said.

If reelected, he plans to have a comprehensive review of ESU’s academic curriculum.

“We must evaluate what courses and programs are relevant to students in today’s world,” he said.

Amann said he wants to work with University leadership to advocate for the student body.

Part of the reason Amann wants to rerun is because he has some unfinished business in the Student Senate.

“We’ve accomplished a lot, but the cause endures and there is a lot left to be done,” he said.

Amann will have some help with his reelection.

His sitting Vice President Kwaku Adjei-Bohyen will serve as his campaign manager.

He will be running against sophomore Drew Johnson, who is a senator on the Student Senate.

Elections will be held April 21-23. Students will receive an email to cast their votes on Monday, April 21.

Approximately 600 students voted in the Student Senate election last year.

Email Valentina at:

vc7521@live.esu.edu