Kyle Shishkin Liaison to the Board of Trustees

d tragedies like the Las Vegas Shooting scarring the nation — to stay as civically involved as possible. Global citizenry is more vital today than it ever was before and committing to it is but one way to seek the change we wish to see in the world. That’s why I believe not only in raising awareness, but taking direct action to help those currently in need of our help. International Students
As an international student myself I realize the struggles that come with being a non-American. I stand for inclusion and support of students coming from all over the globe and their transition to their new environment. I have already engaged with the International Students Advisory Board and am looking forward to collaborating with them in pursuit of this goal. Furthermore, I find it particularly ridiculous that coming from a different region of the world students are unable to claim full credit for their work in high school whether that is through IB, A-levels, or other foreign means of accreditation. I believe in giving fair credit for work done in high school and intend to pursue this goal as Representative. Sexual Assault
Across the United States universities approach sexual assault in a post-fact punitive sense. But here, at the University of Chicago I stand for combatting all forms of sexual misconduct not only through penalty, but through prevention, as to ensure that the tragedies of the recent years are not repeated ever again. I look forward to collaborating with the fraternities on campus to help reinforce their recent anti-sexual assault pledge. I further believe that where speaking is hard, writing may be easier and a reporting system based on writing could be a great enhancement to our community. Student Mental Health
Student Mental Health services handle more than 12,000 appointments in a single academic year and 20% of the college students will have had at least one appointment before graduation. It’s important to find time to recover as the rigor keeps mounting and stress keeps multiplying. That’s why I believe in awareness and availability of such services and their logistical digitalization in the near future. Accommodation of Disabilities
My commitment to accommodating the disabled and is unwavering, as I have once been among them. However, not all facilities on campus are easily accessible to students with physical challenges. That is why I believe in ensuring equal access to all facilities and intend to actively pursue such accommodations. Transparency
I am also particularly curious as to what our tuition, endowments, and other donations actually pay for. I believe that the university administration should take action to inform our community as to what exactly happens with these $7 billion. And on the other hand, I believe that transparency should also apply to student government, in every decision, policy, and meeting. That is why I intend to work actively to ensure student council’s resolutions and deliberations are available for public feedback because that, to me, is what representation is all about. I believe that my love for this university, combined with an unyielding enthusiasm and prior experience in student government will enable me to have a positive impact on our community. I envision a college experience that combines diversity of background with a diversity of thought where students both feel comfortable and intellectually challenged whether that is in the classroom or outside. Vote at: https://blueprint.uchicago.edu/submitter/election/start/142660

Vote Kyle Shishkin
College Council Representative 2021