Candidate Statement

Thank you for settling in with a copy of Nota Bene’s Election Issue to learn more about the candidates running for SBA positions.

First, the introductions! I am a 2L, Deputy Chief of Staff in the SBA, a captain of the GW Law Softball Team, and a humble Chicago Cubs fan. GW Law has provided me with the opportunity to challenge myself intellectually, build relationships with friends, faculty, and the administration, and take advantage of the amazing city that surrounds our campus.

My contributions to the SBA this year have ranged from volunteering at orientation and attending senate meetings in my capacity as Deputy Chief of Staff, to leading a committee to draft a new alcohol policy specifically tailored to our unique needs as law students. After garnering and receiving support from our administration, we are currently developing a pilot program that implements the new policy, which includes registration of events through the SBA and Student Affairs, and reformation of the alcohol manager training program to focus on the consequences of alcohol on the legal profession and overall student wellness.

I made the decision to run for SBA President because I want to take affirmative steps to enhance the value of our education. As SBA President, I will work to achieve three goals:

1. Increase funding for student organizations by ensuring that the SBA receives a 100% return on its financial contribution to the university-wide GW Student Association;

2. Strengthen the GW Law community by encouraging communication and collaboration among diverse student organizations; and,

3. Coordinate with both Alumni Relations and the Career Development Office to provide valuable opportunities for students to network and secure jobs.

Not only will I bring my own ideas on how to improve the SBA, but I will also seek feedback from fellow students, and maintain the essential connections required to make realistic change happen. A clear example occurred recently. While I was tabling in the hard lounge, a fellow student suggested that the CDO should have online appointment registration. Later, I discussed her suggestion with Dean Berman and he is now pursuing an online registration system with the CDO. By facilitating these types of interactions, I hope to build better connections with the administration to continue making student ideas a reality.

Based on the network I have already built at GW Law, I am aware of significant challenges students face and how those differ between our Day, Evening, Transfer, and LLM divisions. I plan to work with each of these groups and objectively listen to their needs to determine how best to address the unique challenges they face.

If you have any questions, feel free to stop me in the hall, email me at mjlueptow@law.gwu.edu, or visit my campaign website: vote4mike.blogspot.com.

I hope you will “Vote 4 Mike” for SBA President on Wednesday, February 22!