Hey everyone! My name is Bryce Presser, and I am excited to introduce myself as a candidate for the Board position on the Student Government Board! I am a First-Year majoring in Nursing and pursuing a Spanish minor as well. I am also on the First-Year Council and the Wellness Committee in SGB, as well as Men In Nursing (MIN) and the LatinX Student Nursing Association (LSNA) at the School of Nursing. I have seen firsthand how policies and initiatives have shaped student life. I want to advocate for this change and that is why I am running for the executive board on SGB. The following are goals I hope to achieve within my time this next year as a potential Executive Board Member!
Expanding Mental Health Resources
Mental health should be a priority, not an afterthought. While Pitt has made strides in providing resources, there is still a need for greater accessibility, awareness, and support. Students should not have to wait weeks for counseling appointments, nor should they feel alone in their struggles. If elected, I will push for:
- The creation of more Wellness Rooms across campus to promote well-being.
- Increased funding for mental health services to reduce wait times and expand availability.
- Greater awareness of existing resources through outreach programs. Mental health impacts academic success, relationships, and overall well-being. I will work to ensure Pitt is a place where students can thrive, both inside and outside the classroom.
Strengthening Diversity & Inclusion
In light of recent challenges to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, it is more important than ever to advocate for a campus that values and uplifts all students. DEI programs provide critical support systems and spaces for underrepresented communities, and I strongly oppose efforts to diminish them. If elected, I will:
- Fight to protect and expand DEI programs that provide students with necessary resources and community.
- Advocate for a curriculum that better represents diverse perspectives across all fields of study.
- Promote outreach to student support groups on campus focused on the similarities within each minority space.
A diverse and inclusive campus benefits everyone, and I am committed to making sure Pitt remains a place where all students feel valued.
Increasing Student Civic Engagement
Civic engagement is about more than just volunteering, it’s about ensuring students have a voice in the decisions that impact them. Whether it’s voting in local and national elections, participating in activism, or engaging with community organizations, students should have access to the resources and opportunities that allow them to make a difference. My plans include:
- Expanding voter education and access on campus, making it easier for students to register and participate in elections.
- Encouraging student activism and policy engagement by connecting students with local advocacy groups and city officials.
- Highlighting the key areas of civic engagement beyond volunteering such as political involvement, social activism, philanthropy, and community building.
Students at Pitt are powerful changemakers, and I want to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to use their voice in ways that matter to them. I am running because I want to be an advocate for students who feel unheard and a leader who takes action to improve our campus. Whether it’s pushing for better mental health services, protecting DEI initiatives, or expanding civic engagement opportunities, I am committed to making Pitt a place where all students can thrive.
While these are my personal objectives, Sofia Doval, the other member of the Ignite Slate is also motivated to advance the University. As incoming sophomores we have new perspectives on what can be changed and intend to see our initiatives thrive.
I would be honored to serve as your representative on the Student Government Board. If you have any questions, ideas, or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my email bmp121@pitt.edu. Thank you so much for your time and consideration!