Michelle Balatbat

Although she has the qualifications to hold the position of transfer representative, this board does not endorse Michelle Balatbat. Her vision for the position is shortsighted and her platforms lack long-term goals.

Although we do not support her for the position, we do applaud her platform to consolidate transfers who cannot be housed in Gardenia onto themed floors in other residence halls to foster a sense of community. We highly suggest that the elected transfer representative or any other councilmember who wants to serve the transfer community take on this project.

Her other platforms consist of one-time events with a transfer focus, like a transfer alumni mixer, but those goals would fail to serve the transfer community in a lasting way after this year’s term. Balatbat’s platforms seem to focus on traditional transfer students and overlook opportunities to serve nontraditional transfers who commute, have children or come from other nontraditional backgrounds.