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Student President and VP Gear Up for New Term

Grace Bielawski and Dina Shahrokhi, the new Student Government  president and vice president respectively, are preparing to begin yearlong terms after winning their bids for office last month.

Both are political science majors in the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences

Bielawski, a junior, won the race 802-569 against opponent Bryan Thompson.

Bielawski and Shahrokhi, who is a senior, ran on the Student Allies ticket, which called for responsible management of student fees and representation of student issues at the local and state levels.

New Online Ballot System
Improves Voter Turnout

In all, 1,548 votes were counted for this year’s elections, up from 769 votes last year.  The record turnout accounted for approximately 10 percent of the entire current student population and probably was facilitated by the fact that for the first time, students were able to cast their votes online.

“Putting the system online made it easier for students to vote from anywhere,” said Cassini Nazir, Web developer in Student Affairs.  “In the past, students had to go to the Student Union to physically cast a ballot.  Student Government and the candidates did a great job getting the word out about the new online voting system, which I think contributed to the increased turnout.”

To see complete election results, visit utdallas.edu/student/sg.

“As president, I plan to build the relationship between UT Dallas students and the city of Richardson by actively engaging with the City Council,” Bielawski said.  “During spring 2011, we also will have the opportunity to represent students and urge Texas legislators to prioritize higher education in their legislative agendas.”

The duo already have begun an effort to reduce textbook expenses by working with professors and the bookstore to make student cost concerns a priority.  They also plan to work with the Parking and Transportation Committee, seeking maintenance improvements and prompt notifications for parking fee changes.

“We will also hope to work with the University’s administration to bring a community environment to UT Dallas as the beautification project continues,” Shahrokhi added.

As president and vice president, Bielawski and Shahrokhi want to hear from fellow students. They plan to hold scheduled office hours in SU 2.604 (across from the Galaxy Rooms) and will also be available by appointment.

Bielawski and Shahrokhi’s one-year term begins May 1.

Incoming Student Government President Grace Bielawski (left ) and Vice President Dina Shahroki are working even before they formally take office.  The two are pursuing an initiative to reduce textbook expenses.

Media Contact: The Office of Media Relations, UT Dallas, (972) 883-2155, [email protected].

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