For Chris Hoover, being on Student Senate stretches far beyond the bylaws and budget presentations.
Hoover, a third-year accounting major from northern Connecticut, has been on Student Senate since his first year at the University of Rhode Island, serving as the director of treasury for the past two years.
“I actually started out as a civil engineering major, and this kind of got me over to accounting,” Hoover said. “It really helped me excel, not only as a student senator but as a student and professional.”
According to Hoover, his largest role under the director of treasury position is conducting budget presentations which helps determine how to allocate the $1.3 million budget among all 150 student organizations. In addition to budget presentations, Hoover is responsible for financial counseling, finance training for clubs and organizations and supporting legislation.
Hoover works from experience to target issues he sees at the University. Some of the current legislation Hoover supports includes a deeper inquiry into ChatGPT.
“We had a problem in one of my classes where ChatGPT accused over half the class of cheating,” Hoover said. “I took it up with the teacher and said you can’t rely on that. That is why I am making it a point to work on it.”
Coming into the Senate under COVID-19, Hoover saw firsthand how much clubs were affected. Current Senate President, Grace Kiernan, had been working with Hoover since her first year and gave further insight into his ability to support students on campus.
“He recently put past two grants for SAWA and CVSA, so they can begin to get back in the swing of things and do more of what they did pre-COVID,” Kiernan said.
Outside of the Senate office, Hoover works hard to be a friendly face around campus.
“He is a great support system,” Kiernan said. “He always has a smile on his face, I think he is a really good representation of a student here.”
Hoover is currently running for Student Senate Vice President and, if elected, he hopes to continue supporting students both on and off campus.
One goal Hoover has for his next year in the Senate “is to go to all 150 clubs and organizations and at least one of each of their events.”
Hoover urges students to get involved on campus, whether that be with the Senate or whatever clubs and organizations interest them.
“If there is something holding you back just take the step, the jump, the leap because you never know when an opportunity is going to arise,” Hoover said.
Outside of the Senate, Hoover is heavily involved with the College of Business.
“I am constantly in touch with the dean and head of accounting,” Hoover said. “Another initiative I’m supporting is revamping the College of Business to educate students on the past and the new world of finances and accounting.”
While Hoover is currently a third-year, he has a firm idea of his plans post-graduation. According to Hoover, he hopes to work in public accounting doing audit work.