18: LIVE | LEARN LEAD (Part I)

©18 (apparently it's copyrighted*, and I wouldn't want to be getting in trouble just because I had an opinion, heaven forbid!~) is interesting.

So this is going to be different from my previous post about SUMMIT, mainly because there was a lot of content, so I had a lot of questions.

©18 has the same problem as SUMMIT (i.e., vague) but takes it to the next level. A few specific points, yet... something was missing.

Specific things do get done, but they hide a bigger picture.

You might complain, "Hey, aren't you just being nitpicky!? Vague or specific, make up your mind!", to which I would respond, "Hey, I'm trying to think here; be quiet until I finish."

I mean, specific points are good, but what are you going to do after they're achieved? If you already have these points planned out, then putting them in motion should be easy, right (not counting dissenting votes and such in the senate)? Would you really need to be President to implement these ideas?

I stared at ©18's website for a good five minutes and found myself asking, "So what?"

SUMMIT could at least engage me. I felt inspired. I felt fired up. They gave me a bunch to work with, to think about.

I leaned back in my chair, furrowed my brows, and sighed, thinking, "You spent a year in preparation for this election and this is it?"

I feel... cautious.

It's not that I don't feel like these are valid points; I just feel like most are there to give the appearance of substance. Kind of like a dingbat in ye olde tyme newspapers.

So I will try to ask/create questions for ©18.

It's a little hard, though, when it feels like I'm just supposed to just get on the hype train (toot toot!), "put a little faith in a mason jar," and not ask the hard questions (if it's not in a public, controlled environment, or in private).

Seriously, though, how long have you all been planning together? (...not including the chessmaster)

Live:

1. 18% of Exec Salaries given back to student body
2. University Pride
1. Partner with Athletics and the Nest
2. "Hype Team"
3. More Art on Campus
1. Expression Venues for Students

18% of Exec Salaries given back to the student body:

Alright, so at first this sounds like a good deal, as they've already mentioned on their... was it Facespace? Flitter? Pictogram? I've lost track (I probably wouldn't if I didn't have to trawl across ALL the sites just to find any decent information... I feel like that's the point of their campaign, though: "Look at how hip and forward-thinking we are!" Conveniently, it also means that not all of their supporters (or haters) will interact with each other, so if there's bad publicity on one front, not everyone will see it before it gets covered up by other questions (or flames), plus you get to see all of their beautiful, smiling faces, so it's not all bad ;) , but I digress).

Anyway, the point is that on one of their social media sites, it states that their contribution will amount to about $6000 (if you're like me and want to calculate the donation for yourself, go here and scroll down to section 6. Current in-state tuition is $7,698. You're welcome.). Not that it will hurt Mr. CareerTech that much.**

Good on yeh'. I'm proud. People finally willing to give back. But where will it go?

• Back into the SGA budget? A subcategory?
• Is it going to go to the administration? Will it go to the Department of Student Disabilities? Apparently not.
• How will you give it back? You must have some idea. (If you haven't already gathered, I'm very suspicious when it comes to money because of past experiences. If you look at today's government, I think I'm pretty justified in that.)
• If it is going back to SGA, who and what things will determine 'in need,' 'various needs,' or 'student body'?
• Will it go to the fund the "Hyped (or "Hype", I can't figure out which...) Team”? 'Cause if so, I don't really think it benefits the whole student body.
• Will I get a say in where it goes? Will the senate? Will this go to a vote?
• Will it go to fund the smaller organizations?
• Who will be accountable so that this money is spent correctly?
• How will it be distributed to 'the student body'? Am I going to get a check for 29¢ from SGA ($6000/20,655 students)? Apparently not. Dang. I could've used that.
• EDIT: Went and caught the tail end of the debate tonight: lemme tell you; not impressed. Very ambiguous, "Hidden Angels?" If it's gonna be hidden, how will you regulate? Is this really being transparent?

EDIT: A RESPONSE FROM ©18-

18February 24, 2016 at 7:46 AM

(Based off our website BallState18.com)
LIVE:

“18% back of Exec Salaries given back to the student body.”
Well, the first point that is necessary to address here is WAIT THEY’RE GETTING PAID.
Yes. We are getting paid (if we win). We actually like to tell people that this is the biggest job interview on campus. Here is some information because you seemed confused and had some wrong information:

According to the SGA Bylaws in Article VII Section 6. “Elections, Stipends, and Terms of Office” The Bylaws read:

“Section 6. Officers of the Student Government Association shall receive stipends based upon the current in-state tuition. A. President of the Student Government Association shall receive a stipend equal to full tuition. B. Vice President of the Student Government Association shall receive a stipend equal to five-sixths (5/6) of tuition. C. Secretary of the Student Government Association shall receive a stipend equal to two-thirds (2/3) of tuition. D. Treasurer of the Student Government Association shall receive a stipend equal to two-thirds (2/3) of tuition. E. President Pro Tempore of the Student Senate shall receive a stipend equal to two-thirds (2/3) of tuition.”
So, as a potential slate member who would be paid this stipend from the university, I did some digging. I spoke called the Payroll and Employee Benefits department (770-285-8461) and spoke with Diana Cook, (I am not establishing my credibility off her on this matter because she wanted to remain neutral but I did speak with her about the payroll). Anyway, Mrs. Cook is one of the many payroll reps on campus. When we spoke I just asked her about the whole concept of the stipend. Who gave it? How was it paid? Were there taxes on the stipend? So on and so forth. So as I asked her these questions she filled me in:
• Our earnings would be given in a stipend form (basically a monthly check) from the university
• The money comes from the Student Government Association- she said there are funds in place but didn’t express if they came from our SGA budget
• The payments are on a monthly period (Not sure the exact increments because it is based off our tuition for next year) We will keep the student body posted!
• Taxes ARE taken from the stipend
• The amounts are dictated by the SGA Bylaws (seen above)

As for giving the money back, Let me clarify exactly one point of discussion:

How much are we giving back.

As you can imagine, personal finances have always been a sensitive issue to speak about publicly. And like I have stated, there is no way to figure out how much we would be giving exactly until we know which and how many classes we are taking next year. But, to guestimate, lets look at the numbers of years past. According to the admissions office and the tuition and fees tab on their website (http://cms.bsu.edu/admissions/tuitionandfees/graduate) it shows that the average cost of tuition for a in-state 9 credit hour student is $7,092. And that’s only 9 credit hours.
Seeing how most students (yourself included if you wish to graduate in 4 years) take 15 credit hours a semester, we went off that- because you’re not even considered eligible to run if you’re not taking 12 credit hours shown in the bylaws.
Here’s the math: 9 credit hours is around 7,092, so divide that by the three courses probably taken that is $2,364 for each class. So 5 classes, or 15 credit hours- if following those numbers provided by ball state’s and Indiana’s graduation program- is roughly $11,820 give or take based of different pricing for classes . We rounded down to $10,000 just to explain it without the nitty gritty numbers when speaking to people- we intent on getting the actual %18 when elected. WE WILL KEEP YOU POSTED ON HOW MUCH WE END UP MAKING. Here is the estimated numbers:

President: Matt King- (Full tuition or 100% of $10,00)= $10,000+
Vice President: Greg Carbo- (5/6th of $10,000)= $8,300+
Treasurer: Race Bates- (2/3rd of $10,000)= $6,667+
Secretary: Lexi Williams- (2/3rd of $10,000)=$6,667
Total: $31,634 x .18 = 5,694.12
Rounded up to $6,000.
As for what we will spend this on, we want to see what they’re doing .
I think that’s the beauty of it. We have some great ideas, like helping females buy feminine products if need be (seeing how condoms are provided in the health center and tampons are not)
And other things along the way.
The main point is…
We want the student body to choose.

We will create a committee in charge of our philanthropic donation to the school. This money doesn’t have to jump through any loopholes or paperwork, it is up to us and the students and will help us create a better environment and relationship with the student body. But to address your question of “so what?”

We are the only slate so far to be giving money back to the student body, plus most people didn’t even know this was a paid position- so just the sheer fact of how many students now know we get paid and how many students are now interested in SGA because they realize their money is at stake, is monumental in itself.

This brings me to a related subtopic.

Does anyone know if SGA has an internal board that audits the budget aside from the Treasury (I might've missed it in the bylaws, but I didn't think I saw one)? Like, one that makes sure the money was spent for what financial statements say and if there are leftover/unopened items, to make sure they're returned, and the money returned to the budget so good ethics are maintained? Or, do we just wait till a there's a complaint/problem and bring it before the Judicial branch of SGA? 'cause personally, I'd prefer it not be the latter.

EDIT: Apparently, Mr. King was on this internal board. See comments below.

Oo! Oooo! One more money question. How much money was actually spent on campaigning for both parties? Personal money included, not just money from the budget. That might be an interesting figure, especially with all the fancy trimmings that seem to be present.

Moving on~

EDIT: The response of Greg Carbo, Vice Presidential Nominee

18February 24, 2016 at 7:47 AM

You had a question of where our money came from for the campaign. Well I first would like to say your comments on the personal success of Mr. King seems somewhat rude- Mr. CareerTeach- works hard for his own money and his own business and to somehow question that his success has helped us in an unfair way or that the generosity of the slate is any less because of his success is like I said- rude. Now I’m sure a man of your stature and a respectful blogger didn’t mean to come off like that but realize that it can be perceived that way. If anything that shows his credibility as someone who can run an organization and handle himself in a professional manner.
I’m also glad you mentioned the SGA internal board that audits the budget aside from the treasury, because Matt was on that board. We know the ins and outs of the budget committee and how it operates and that’s why we wanted to make that fund. As for our morals with the money? We are running for a position to help the people, and are giving back our own salaries to the people. Our morals with shouldn’t even be questioned. Now I know with the presidential elections going on I can see your concern. Don’t be worried friend, we are here to help. ☺

As for the elections budget, it can be a bit confusing! Here:
We as a slate sent hundreds of letters to family and friends to fundraise. Usually each contribution was around $20. Our budget for our slate- for both slates as defined in the elections packet is $2,000. We have been and are well within that limit- not a penny more.

Now...shall we continue?

University Pride:

I enjoy playing sports as much as the next guy (okay, probably significantly less, unless you're talking martial arts sparring, swimming, or skateboarding(?)). I might not really be the go-to guy when it comes to athletics, but I do understand their appeal (sometimes). With that said, I don't really have much to say on this section simply due to lack of knowledge. I will add that I don't get why only athletics-oriented ideas are listed under UNIVERSITY PRIDE.

Can't our University Pride be associated with more than just its teams and athletics?

Partner with athletics and support the Nest (or 'partner and support the Nest,' depends on which material you read):

Okay, so this one confused me; are we talking full-time co-sponsorship from SGA to the Nest? 'Cause if so, I have a few problems with that (well, more than a few, but...).

I ask the sponsorship question because usually when the term 'partner' and [arbitrary organization] are used in tandem, it either means you're giving labor or money. So, is SGA giving such? ©18? Is this just a misuse/misprint on propog—promotional material?

• Who is partnering with whom?
• If money is included in this partnership, how much will be allotted?
• Is it ethical to use SGA budget money to support an organization where it costs extra to become a 'premium' or 'full' member? Isn't that kind going against: "Activities funded by the Student Government Association must be free and open to all Ball State students. Groups cannot charge for any activity SGA is funding." It is charging for membership, not activity (therefore charging for invitations to activities), true, but that's more of a loophole and dishonest (from my point of view).
• Is the Nest suffering in terms of paying members? Why does the Nest need to be supported? Isn't the Nest a private booster organization?
• Is SGA (or ©18) planning on 'partnering' with Athletics at the same time? Is this an all-or-nothing deal? Either-or? To where will all this money or labor (or both) go?
• What benefits do we (the student body) receive from this partnership? Why would we want this? It sounds like a plan, but what are you after for us?
• Couldn't this be construed as a more fancy (behind-the-scenes) way to move some money into another organization?
• Anyway, I'm just confused as to what the end goal of this 'partnership' is.

These are just some ideas/problems I've thought about. I could be way off base, so no need to flip out.

EDIT: A response from ©18-

18February 24, 2016 at 7:48 AM

University Pride:

I see you listened to the debate! I’m glad. I can see why you weren’t too impressed, seeing figures like trump and Bernie on stage can lead to some pretty high expectations when compared to an SGA debate for our school in Muncie, Indiana. However, if you listened closely to the debate I actually spoke about what University Pride meant. It means changing the culture. The culture we speak of is a culture focused around fun, friendship, school pride, and learning. We want people invested into sports not just for each and every student on this campus that enjoys sports, but also for the players. They wear our school proudly on their chest and we want to know we support them.

So why SGA? What would we do?

We want to partner with the nest, or in terms that are black and white- work hand in hand for the same mission. After speaking with the president of the nest, Ryan McCormick, we realized that The Nest is an organization with many people passionate about sports. If elected, we would use our many connections with other organizations to connect it with the nest- like a possible Humans vs. Zombies game within the arena (If its possible) through UGL. We definitely love themes like camo, neo, etc. But the possibilities are endless and that’s what we want to express. We are the people that will pick up the phone; we are the people that get things going. You have great ideas, and we are approachable and accepting- two characteristics that’ll help you, the nest, and everyone to work with the SGA together

"Hyped/Hype team":

Okay, so this is another one of those vague statements I'm so fond of /s...

• Is this just going to be another organization?
• Under SGA?
• Under the Nest?
• What is its purpose?

I don't want to have to go through ALLLLLLLLllllll of your social media sites to find out what you mean, why can't I find it on your main website? That's just bad campaigning (or brilliant, depending on what you're trying to accomplish/hide).

• What is it going to Hype/[be] Hyped? Our school? Our Pride? Our ambition?
• Is it gonna advertise as well?
• If it's so 'hype,' is it gonna have its own budget as well, or will it depend on its members for sustenance?
• Is it gonna go around like the Happy Friday Guy getting people pumped on specific days?
• How is this any different from what we have going already?

EDIT: A Response from ©18:
18February 24, 2016 at 7:48 AM

The ‘Hype Team’ would be prominent figures that we would have try outs for- that want to be in the nest and have the responsibility to get ALL the students involved, not just nest attendees. If you’re in a game you see 20-30 students super involved and the rest sitting down enjoying the game. We want everyone to be pumped up to watch these games! People love people and we want to give the hype team the opportunity to get the students more involved. See it as a more personable Charlie Cardinal that actually can go into the crowd. Over time- more people would want to try out for it, and thus the nest- along with sports attendance- will increase (be an optimist with us for a minute).

As for funding- all your points are valid. We will work with any sports program with whatever power we as an exec slate can through SGA. But again, you’re not just hiring the position. You’re hiring the people.

I hope I answered all your questions. If I didn’t, feel free to ask more.

Next platform point of LIVE:

Themed Games:

Okay, so I'm gonna be real for a sec. I love this idea. Maybe, if it's what I think. If it's not, I'm done and any dregs of my remaining Pride is shot.

So if this is gonna be like the Urban Games League (UGL), I'm so pumped. But then we have the question of what happens to UGL if it is? And what would sponsoring a themed game be like? Would it even get done?

If we're talking 'themed games' like, people going to the home games with a specific theme of dress or whatever, then I am significantly less pumped. Doesn't the Nest already do this? (Excuse me for not being an avid sports fan/game attendee.) So if the Nest doesn't, does it really need an executive order to start doing it? What does SGA sponsoring 'themed games' entail? Or does this entail sponsorship at all? What is the rationale behind saying, "We want to have 'Themed Games’"?

EDIT: Soooooo... yeah, my pride has been shot by the firing squad after tonight's debate.

More Art on Campus:

I love the idea of more art on campus. I do like aesthetically appealing things, as do my eyes, so I can understand this point.

Expression venues for students:

'kay, so I'm not exactly sure on this one because I'm not particularly keen on the art scene proper, but I'll give it my best shot.

Are we talking about creating new venues? Adapting under- or unused buildings? Taking down classrooms to create more room? I take it from the verbage that "expression" means that people will 'express' themselves on the sides of this 'venue,' and you intend for there to be more than one, so what will be the rules for these venues?

• As much as I love free speech laws, this is still a campus of a state university. What defines 'expression'?
• Are these 'venues' going to be out-of-the-way, so more sensitive viewers won't get upset (by others 'free expression') because you blocked their fastest way to class?
• DISSENTING VIEWPOINT:"Oh, but you don't have to look," "If you don't like it, don't look at it," "I'm just 'expressing' myself," "It's just art. I don't get why you're persecuting me," "It's not art if it doesn't offend someone," etc.
• ANOTHER DISSENTING VIEWPOINT: What is 'free expression' and 'liberation' to some, can be equally, if not more, disturbing to another. If you say otherwise, you're somewhat propagating the same problem of which you're accusing others.***
• How many will there be in the works?
• How much of the budget will you initially plan to allocate for this?

'Expression tunnel':

I don't really get why this is a separate point, but because it was on promotional material separately, it's separate here.

• What is an 'Expression Tunnel,' and what is it doing?
• Where will we dig this tunnel?
• Is it gonna be like the forbidden service tunnels running throughout the University? Are we gonna be using them?
• Is this just a fancy way of saying, "Yes, you may graffiti this wall"?
• Is this an event? A thing? A Place?

Artist Students' expression:

M'kay. What about it? Why are the 'Artist Students' singled out? Are regular non-'Arteest' student not allowed to express themselves on the venues? Or, is this something that means 'all students who want to express themselves in art'? 'Cause if that's the case, wouldn't we follow the Incredibles logic, "And when everyone's super... No one will be"?

So, this is what I have till I finish the second part, which should either be finished tomorrow or tonight. Depends on what I feel/inspiration I get.

EDIT: A Response from ©18-
18February 24, 2016 at 7:49 AM

“More Art on Campus”

We came up with this platform point because we feel the campus is lacking the beauty that many other campus’s have. We would describe this as Lexi’s project because she remembers many freshmen coming to her describing the campus as dull with no expression. Ball State University has an amazing Arts Department that needs its presence to be more prominent on campus. Lexi met with Dr. Flaten, the Director of the School of Art, about this matter. They had great conversations about reaching to get more expression and color on campus through student artwork.

There are many ideas to be thought about such as the expenses and the hardship bringing large artwork on campus, but they have found it to be possible and achievable! One idea that was mentioned was the implementation of a 5-year plan. This 5-year plan would include adding a piece of large student artwork, sculptures etc., and each year as well as smaller projects each year around campus. The 5-year project would be efficient and also exciting.

The smaller projects would be inexpensive and not permanent. This 5-year plan would allow the School of Art as well other art clubs and organizations to show off their skills. This project is allowing Ball State to be even more immersive than it already is. We are excited and ready to continue to bring more expression and student work on to this campus

Students will make them, and more information about pricing and everything will be handled with the art department and the SGA –if we were to be elected.

As for the term “Expressions tunnel” I came up with the term, however my updated version of this point was lost in translation with the ones on the cards. Let me explain:

I got the idea for the “expressions tunnel” From my sister who goes to Appalachian State. At App State there are tunnels that help cross under streets that students are allowed to spray paint and decorate. (check this : http://policy.appstate.edu/Tunnel_Painting) The decorations usually follow the theme of football games, self-expression, etc. I wrote “expression tunnel” because it represented a theme. This theme is self-expression through a venue where students can express themselves, and show their ideas. Now I know what you’re thinking, what if someone writes “long live the kkk” or “f$%& Purdue” on it or something? Well my friend, racism and profanity lives everywhere. There are always going to be people that write that and other things- but if this were to be implemented we would combat that with every fiber in our being if need be and cross that road with the help of the administration and fellow students.

Just an idea, for students to get creative. The 5 year plan is a much more concrete concept but the venue for expression is there.

Signing off.

*Not that I can find the copyright anywhere in the public domain...

**Seeing as I included a dig on the other presidential candidate in a previous post, I thought this would be fair. :D Let me be frank, I don't really think donating 18% (I can already hear the cries of "but it has a lot of seeg-niff-eecant meaning behind it!" Thank you for telling me, because I didn't already get that from the time I spent looking up the connotations '18' has) shows how much it means to him; to show how much it means would be to have it hurt. Not that I know his personal financial situation, so I could be totally wrong. We all know what assuming does...

***which brings into question, "Where do I stop, and you begin?"