Student Groups, Sustainability, Retention, Reform.
Vote for Gregory/Flanagan in the 2020 ASUM Election on the UMontana App
April 22nd and 23rd
Why are we running?
The University of Montana, and really all of us, are at a unique point in history. With COVID-19 and the shift to online instruction, as well as the long-term impacts of this pandemic, we are all affected. We are running because we truly want to be a voice for all UM students and work toward creating a cohesive, sustainable and collaborative campus during and after this crisis. Change during this period in time is crucial for our campus, and gives an opportunity for students to create positive change at all levels of government. As well, this period in time requires leaders who are experienced and can handle the challenges in front of us. We believe that we are the most qualified pair to elevate student voices.
Please like our Facebook page and Instagram if you can so we can continue to update you on ideas that we have to address the issues facing us and to provide you all with some more about us. If there is a change you’d like to see on campus, have an idea about addressing an issue posed by COVID-19, or simply want to chat about the campaign, send us a message, write us an email, send a message on Facebook or contact us personally. We are running to represent all of you and to provide student choices for student voices. Together, we can achieve that goal.
Who are we?
Taylor Gregory
I grew up in Lolo, Montana, (right outside of Missoula), so I have been a Griz for as long as I can remember. My mom earned her bachelor’s degree here, my dad recently graduated from West Campus with his associates in machining, and my sister is going to be a freshman here this fall in the elementary education program. Naturally, UM has always been my home as I practically grew up on campus.
After doing debate and MUN in high school, I decided to study international politics (also partially due to the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election but mostly MUN). I have always wanted to leave my ‘American bubble’ and see international issues from a non-US point of view. My semester in Belgium last fall was instrumental to me in my personal and professional development and an experience that I hold close to me. I am grateful for the Global Leadership Initiative, Davidson Honors College, and the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship for allowing me to have that opportunity.
On ASUM, I have been a Senator since my freshman year of college and have served on three separate administrations. I got involved because I wanted to help change the issues that I saw on campus and the problems that UM has been grapplying with for multiple years such as retention and image. These issues, as well as the lack of representation of student groups and the need for more sustainability practices on campus, have given me the drive to run for your ASUM President and I will advocate for all of our griz family.
When I’m not talking about ASUM or international politics, you can often find me watching soccer (avid player/fan since I was 5), going on hikes with my black lab puppy, or binge watching Parks and Recreation. If you ask me my favorite soccer player, to see pictures of my puppy or my favorite Leslie Knope quote, I can guarantee that we’ll get along well. If you have any questions about me, or just want to chat, message me at taylor1.gregory@umontana!
James Flanagan
I was born and raised just off of the Navajo reservation in Gallup, New Mexico. When I first saw Montana, I was only twelve. The state dragged me in immediately. The way horizons seem to expand endlessly when you peer at them, the way that wildlife approach you and allow for an interaction between something more pristine than yourself, the way that some sunsets—when they get just right—turn this orangish pink that you can’t see anywhere else. This place was a natural paradise that towered over the city I had known my whole life. I was excited to move to Montana. My family settled in a town outside of Billings.
Worden has a population of about 500 with a high school that has about 200 kids. At first, I struggled to fit into my new surroundings, however, I found my niche in three distinct areas: Student Council, Business Professionals of America, and Debate. Later I realized that the reason I enjoyed these groups so much was because of an innate passion that I held for public service. After I graduated from Huntley Project High School, I decided to enroll into the University of Montana. My decision came after visiting the campus, it was so welcoming and inviting. I immediately knew that it was a campus that I could call home.
Once I moved to Missoula and began classes as a freshman I looked for the same niche that I had in high school. I found that opportunity in ASUM and Collegiate Debate. To my dismay the debate program was just getting started up again. As such, I took it upon myself to re-establish the program and help it grow to what it once was. During this process I realized the importance of student groups and what they give to our home. This realization would go onto to shape much of my legislation in ASUM.
I distinctly remember applying to ASUM and being asked why I wanted to join. The question provided great inspiration and self actualization as I answered that I wanted to become a medium through which the student body may enact its will through. This sentiment is shared today as I only want what is best for ASUM and the student body that I share a home with. I believe that as Vice-President I can help ASUM reach a better understanding with student groups through improved communication and processes. I believe that as Vice-President I can make strides in holding the University accountable for its commitment to sustainability by enacting progressive environmental projects on campus. I believe that as Vice-President I can work with UM Administration to improve retention by addressing financial and mental health concerns all across campus. I believe that as Vice-President I can accomplish ground-breaking reform for the Senate as I lead the team with incomparable experience and knowledge of our body. Gregory and Flanagan for ASUM President and Vice-President is what is undoubtedly the best for the University of Montana, the place we call home.
Why should you vote for Gregory/Flanagan?
Student Groups
Student Groups are the backbone of campus, and it is ASUM’s responsibility to keep it that way. There has been a long standing disconnect between ASUM and the student groups of which it governs. That’s why we are working to better facilitate communication between student groups and ASUM in order to gain a better mutual understanding and positive relationship. We are committed to bettering Senate practices to work with student groups on group recognition. We intend to work closely with the ASUM Business Manager to enhance the recognition process, and provide a fair budgeting process for all student groups. We will also work with the Student Group Resource Coordinator to present workshops on budget planning and student leadership. Student groups deserve better, and we promise to deliver better communication and resources.
Sustainability
Better sustainability practices are achievable at UM by creating change through policy. ASUM has a great impact on sustainability issues that directly regard the student body. That’s why we are committed to moving to a paperless Senate to decrease ASUM’s overall carbon footprint, and to hold ASUM accountable to their own core value of Sustainability. We are advocating for a plastic ban, starting with a University wide plastic bag ban. We are supporting legislation that will provide composting for paper towels in every restroom of the 64 buildings on campus. It is time to do more than just small changes towards a more sustainable campus, and we are the team with a solution.
Retention
Student retention rates are one of the University’s greatest concerns, and we have solutions. Advocating for student access to financial aid is a necessity. Recently the University proposed shifting the registration bill payment deadline to an earlier date. We are opposed to this change, as it may prevent returning study abroad students, students paying with a GI bill, or students with financial insecurity from paying for school on time, resulting in extra charges. We are advocating for student’s mental health by supporting the Mental Health Ad Hoc committee and working with Curry Health Center to ensure they are effectively meeting students’ unique mental health needs. It is critical to us that freshmen voices are represented on campus. We strive to make this happen through freshmen outreach events so that they are included in the ASUM’s conversation.
Reform
In order to thrive, student groups must have a strong Senate supporting them. We strive to set up a good infrastructure to reform the culture in the Senate to transition it from individual ideas into a more cohesive team. Only then can it truly represent student groups. ASUM Senator turn-over rate is high which leads to less student representation for the University. We plan to implement make-upable absences for Senators, and push for internship credit opportunities to counteract that possibility. We place value on all of ASUM’s committees and what they achieve for students. This is why we want to consolidate committee responsibilities so they can perform more efficiently to better service University of Montana students.
How will Gregory/Flanagan address the COVID-19 situation?
We are humbled to announce our plans to address Covid-19 on our campus and how we will work to ensure that reforms created are truly student driven. While there are a plethora of problems posed by this crisis and it is impossible to list all of them here, we have decided to highlight 6 areas of campus to focus on with policies underneath.
A Gregory-Flanagan administration will work to increase student financial accessibility, protect student employment, bolster digital education, improve student communication, expand mental health services on campus, and support our student groups during this difficult time. Please take a look at the graphic for specific, tangible proposals under each of those categories.
We are here to support you and lift up your voices. UM might be down right now, but we will certainly get through this together.
days
hours minutes seconds
until
ASUM Election
Taylor Gregory & James Flanagan: ASUM President/VP 2020 