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Liberal Arts Job Interview: Some Comments

Update: Be sure to check out the photos of the candidates here, courtesy of the Interwebs and the Google.

Tomorrow the Senate will pick someone to fill the vacancy that exists in the Senate. Last week we blogged about the dynamics of filling a vacant seat. Tonight we blog about our impressions of the candidates. We take the candidates in the order of their materials (here and here)


Eric Thornley
Mr. Thornley is a freshman Rebel loving thorn in people's side, making him a traitor to the University of Nevada. Sorry man, it's nothing personal, but the fact you bleed Rebel red instead of true Nevada Blue colors your chances, which is a shame because you obviously put some time and effort into your application. He does seem to have his head in the right place, that college is about getting an education first, and partying second.

He seems very clear about what he wants to do as a senator and has already given thought to which committees he wants to sit on (the only candidate who appears to have done so), and that demonstrates he has done his homework. The fact that he sought out letters of recommendation further demonstrates his seriousness in wanting the seat. He did not run in the election, and that's a point that could use some explanation.

One weakness is his apparent lack of connection to the campus. Is he involved in any clubs, organizations, etc., or is his only hobby trolling the Sagebrush website, upsetting the readers who are incapable of conceiving that Nevada isn't everything? It's noble that you want to get involved, but elected office usually isn't the best starting point.

Just a friendly tip, it's pronounced A-S-U-N (not A-SUN).


Alejandra Melgarejo
Ms. Melgarejo is also a freshman but seems able to keep her Rebel lovin' (if she is a Rebel fan, that is) to herself. Just teasing. Although she was a part of student council in high school, we do not believe that should carry much weight. Being a member of the ASUN Senate carries with it real responsibilities and real consequences if you mess up. In high school, the worst thing you'll do is have a lousy assembly.

One odd thing in her application material is the letter of recommendation dated "10 March 2009." Before the election even happened. We assume no improper motives, but it was a little strange considering the letter is not signed, either.

One weakness of her application is her lack of explaining what she would like to do if appointed. She does seem to be involved on campus in several clubs.


Jacob Neely
Mr. Neely is a freshman who is very well connected to the campus, being a res hall student. He holds a leadership position in his residence hall (in fact, he claims to be the first person in 4 years to commit to the full year of service as Whipple Hall president). He is also currently the RHA secretary.

His leadership qualifications appear quite strong, aside from his college leadership experience. In high school, he was JROTC commanding officer and was his school's salutatorian. One thing of particular note is he was a participant in Boys' State, which could be of some value to the Senate--he's already been exposed to the legislative process. He also has a black belt in Kempo Karate, which could be good for fending off troublemakers (or intimidating senators into voting for him).

Like Thorn-in-the-Side, Mr. Neely has given a great deal of thought to his application. He gives a good explanation for why he did not run in the election and even points out that he would not have applied had Daniel Clark decided to go for what arguably was his seat. (He is the only candidate to offer an explanation for why he did not run during the election.) His platform is clear and concise, with several actionable points.

One concern his his membership in a fraternity, as Greek senators tend not to be the hardest of workers. Also, he is going to be an RA next year. Finding enough time to devote to the Senate could be a problem.

He says he wants to be a civil servant in his career, and being a senator would be good experience for that--after all, this is a student government, so why shouldn't it be a proving ground of sorts.


Erin Gelmstedt
Ms. Gelmstedt has the highest class standing of the candidates, a junior. Right off the top we notice in her letter of interest that she has worked full time jobs during college. This could be a liability. Being a good senator practically is a full time job, but the pay is shit. She, too, was involved in student government in high school and has remained involved on campus.

Other than a resume, Ms. Gelmstedt makes little mention of what she would like to accomplish as a senator. She takes a paragraph in her letter to discuss the diversity of the College of Liberal Arts but makes nary mention of what she would specifically like to do if appointed. For that reason, we feel her application is among the weakest in the pool.


Leissan Sadykova
Ms. Sadykova is another freshman, but she ran during the election. She is well involved on campus and has good community service credentials. She shares the same Greek liability that Mr. Neely does. She speaks fluent Russian, which will come in quite handy if ASUN and the United States turns into communist governments, as the crazy libertarians are convinced is going to happen.

One weakness is she doesn't really mention what she wants to do as a senator. She, too, has sought out letters of recommendation, but one in particular needs special note. She sought out the recommendation of fellow Kappa Alpha Theta sister and former 76th Session senator Jennifer Richards. A questionable move considering the notorious reputation of the 76th Senate.


Christopher Day
Mr. Day also ran during the election, failing to be elected by only 5 votes. Unfortunately, the tone his application conveys is one of entitlement. He makes no mention of his goals, sets out only 4 empty bullet points about having a voice and making the University better. His resume reveals he has no connection to the campus other than this is where he goes to school. Of all of the applications, this one is the most lacking, and therefore should be placed in the reject pile.

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Advice to the Hiring Committee (aka the Senate)
Some of these candidates may be very charismatic in their pitch to the Senate tomorrow. We hope the Senate isn't unduly influenced by a Hollywood presentation. The written material should be foundation on which to base a decision.

If I was a senator, I'd want to find out which candidates did their homework. Having read the ASUN Constitution should be considered an informal prerequisite for holding the job. Whoever gets the job will, immediately after being appointed, take an oath to support it. The least that could be done in advance is to have read it. A qualified candidate should demonstrate a basic understanding of ASUN--its structure, its successes, its problems, etc. Not having done your homework demonstrates a lack of interest in the job.

I'd also want to know, from the candidates who did not run in the election, why they did not run.

Examining a candidate's priorities and time commitments is also important. Being a good senator requires at least 20 hours a week of dedication. Last session of the Senate didn't get this, but being a senator is pretty much like having a job. Overextended individuals will just become dead weight.

Finally, I'd want to know what they plan to do to remain involved in ASUN if they do not receive the seat. Those who show a willingness to stay involved show a respect and interest for the organization that should be considered.

We wish the candidates luck and may the best candidate be appointed.