Giving Back to the Community: Student Government and MUN President Courtney Smith
Born in North Carolina, Courtney Smith grew up in a military-based family and has lived in the Netherlands, Nigeria, U.A.E., Russia, Canada, the UK, and Italy. She is majoring in International Affairs and is the president of both the Student Government and the Model United Nations society.
Why did you choose to major in International Affairs?
I originally wanted to go into law, but I love history and decided to pursue International Affairs when I realized that JCU has that option. I grew up around a lot of diplomat kids whose parents were always involved in diplomatic conversations. I always knew that I wanted to live abroad later in life, and this major gives you that opportunity.
Courtney Smith
What inspired you to join MUN and Student Government? What challenges have there been as president of the two organizations?
I chose to join Student Government because I went to six different high schools in the span of four years. I was always very involved in every school that I went to, and I would always be the one speaking out on issues and going to the administration to suggest how to address them. When I came to JCU, I first thought I would not get involved in clubs and organizations and that I would take a step back. After my first semester, I had already been looped into the Student Government General Council, which was a group of students that did not have a position but wanted to be involved. After that, I slowly started to get more and more involved in Student Government. I became secretary and then was presented the opportunity to become President. I figured, “Why not?”
When COVID-19 hit, I took a forefront position with the former president concerning COVID-19 policies and procedures. I believe in the concept of giving back to a community and making an impression that is positive not only for your own experience, but the experiences of those around you.
The story with MUN is similar, but also goes along with my love of politics.
When I saw that JCU had an MUN society, I decided to join. MUN is about building the community and the knowledge of those around you, as well as sharing passions with fellow students who are interested in International Affairs. I have a wonderful vice president who helps with all the academically focused content while I deal more with the organizational and structural components.
The major challenge is having enough time in the day to have the conversations you need and want. That applies to both organizations, and I have to say that the biggest reward is knowing I am making a difference in the community. After months of effort and behind-the-scenes work, it is wonderful to be able to tell students about an event that has been approved, a change in the Student Handbook that will occur, or a new scholarship that will be offered.
What has been your biggest achievement as president of both organizations?
With Student Government, something that we have been working on very hard for the past two years is a relief fund for students who are experiencing financial difficulties and might need extra support. My team and I, along with previous Student Government cabinets, have developed something called the Affordability Act that then turned into the Affordability Campaign, which is a relief fund for incoming students to use if they need to reduce economic stress.
We changed the rules of how clubs and organizations can fundraise, donate, and operate. We realize there are so many different gray areas within the procedures of clubs, and we were not only able to create this campaign and act, but also to make it easier to create better events in the future.
For MUN, one of the most rewarding things we have done is maintain the society and see post-Covid how many people want to join our mock sessions, represent countries, and travel with us. At the end of April, we have ten members traveling to Mannheim, Germany for our conference, the biggest delegation we have sent in almost three years.
What projects are you currently working on with both organizations?
A lot! In Student Government, we are working on revising the Student Handbook. We recently had a big revision that discusses policies regarding Title IX, which prohibits sex discrimination in any educational setting. To address issues regarding sexual harassment, we have introduced procedures on how you can go to local clinics to obtain proper rape kits and report incidents. That was a very big project for us because we had to have constant conversations with the Dean of Students’ Office.
We also have been doing more things related to academics, one of them being a push for more transparent grading systems with professors. We are also working on projects regarding mental health awareness. We have what is called a Study Break event, where we stand right outside of the Frohring Library and offer vouchers to get a coffee at a nearby cafe for a €1 donation. This is a way for us to connect with people. Covid brought a lot of stress and anxiety, so we are trying to support students and build up the community.
With MUN, we are looking at partnering with other universities that have MUN societies and trying to expand where we can travel to. Currently, we have partnerships with conferences in Spain, Switzerland, and Israel. We are also looking at how we can travel more in the future and what that means for our budget; how we can help support students, because if you are an MUN society member and attend our meetings, you receive points that allow you to qualify for scholarships. When you travel for these conferences, the MUN society can reimburse a part of your funds for lodging or flight expenses.
What is one JCU class and/or professor that has impacted you?
Associate Dean Pamela Harris is advisor to MUN and Professor Isabella Clough Marinaro is advisor to Student Government. I have not yet had a class with these two professors, but outside of the classroom, they have been very impactful. I have never felt so much support from professors and have heard the same from students in their classes as well as those who are in these two clubs.
What would you say to students who want to learn more about politics, but have no idea where to start?
Do not be afraid to ask questions or to be curious, because the worst thing you can do is be silent. The last thing you are going to find, especially with the JCU community and club leaders, is judgment. We would rather someone ask a million questions than for something to go unspoken. With politics, I also feel that if you never start asking questions, then you are left with nothing to even think about on your own. You must start somewhere.
What are your plans for the future, academic and otherwise?
I plan on going to law school at some point in time, probably in Washington D.C. I want to pursue a legal career in the United States in International or Humanitarian Law, likely in the Foreign Service with the U.S. State Department. I definitely see a desire in myself to once again maintain an impact on the communities that I am in and I know that I can do it, especially as a representative of the United States abroad. I have Georgetown Law School in mind since they have a program where you can get a J.D. and a master’s degree. I am working with Professor Harris right now to explore the many possible ways in which we can provide greater opportunities for legal studies students, expanded course offerings, and the development of a joint law degree with Italian universities.
