Haynes Mixes Experience and Perspective

Elizabeth A. Haynes '98 is both a familiar face and a stranger to Undergraduate Council observers.

In 1995, at the start of her second term on the council, Haynes was elected chair of the Student Affairs Committee, where she pushed hot-botton issues like campus safety and Core reform.

But Haynes resigned her chairship after several months, after drawing fire from committee members over her relationship with fellow councillor Justin C. Label '97.

"There was a group of individuals who were actively working against my ability to facilitate student change on the committee, and their weapon was my personal life. I removed myself from that situation because my resume isn't as important as achieving student change," Haynes says. "But I didn't want to step down at all because being chair of the Student Affairs Committee was the job I'd always wanted."

Haynes remained on the council for the rest of the year, pushing several major issues. Because of her urging, dozens of additional blue phones were installed in Harvard Yard this year. She also started a "Pinch the Grinch" charity drive, which collected toys and food at Christmas for needy children.

And she was instrumental in supporting the Levenson's Awards Banquet, which honors teachers for excellence in teaching undergraduates.

Haynes did not campaign for the council this year. If elected president, she would become the first woman to head the organization.

Haynes says it's time to change the council's leadership. "I feel the current leadership of the council is disrespectful of opinions different than their own," she says.

"It is not productive, and I don't want to be in fights like the one Rudd Coffey has been in with Rob Hyman because it doesn't get anything accomplished," she says.

Haynes has some differences with the leadership style of council Vice President Lamelle D. Rawlins '99, who is also campaigning for the presidency.

"I think Lamelle and I have a lot in common in that we both think changes have to be made on campus. However, we have different ideas of going about this," she says.

Haynes supports increasing the percentage of funds distributed to student groups and backs a move to give more block grants to house committees--a move she opposed last year.

Haynes has close ties to Dean of Students Archie C. Epps III, with whom she has worked closely in writing an administrative/student publication about the Core Curriculum.

Haynes was defeated in this spring's election for council vice president. She says she's learned a lot over the past seven months.

"I'm running a stronger campaign this year," she says. "I'm running with an individual who makes a clear leadership option. This year, I'm part of a team, not just an individual option."