Xiaorong (Sherry) Shan, Candidate for Executive Vice President

Xiaorong (Sherry) Shan, Candidate for Executive Vice President

Graduate Degree Program: Doctoral student, Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering and Computing (full-time student)

Expected Date of Graduation: May 2026

Campus of Academic Department: Fairfax, Mason Square (Arlington)

Campus(es) of Classes, Work, and/or Residence: Fairfax, Mason Square (Arlington)

Biography and Candidate Statement

Xiaorong (Sherry) Shan is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Infrastructure Engineering. She is running for the position of Executive Vice President of the GAPSA for the 2025–2026 academic year. Sherry has been actively involved with GAPSA since 2022. She served as Vice President for the Fairfax campus from 2022 to 2024 and currently holds the position of Executive Vice President for the 2024–2025 term. As a passionate and dedicated student leader, Sherry seeks to ensure that all graduate and professional students—regardless of their background—have a positive and enriching experience during their time at the university. Throughout her years of service, she has made significant contributions to the student community, including: 1. Transportation and Parking Advocacy: Sherry has engaged in proactive dialogue with Mason’s Transportation Committee to negotiate enhancements to the university shuttle and CUE bus schedules, and to address persistent parking challenges. 2. Support for International Students: In collaboration with the Office of International Programs and Services (OIPS), Sherry has helped organize events tailored specifically to international students. She has also represented the graduate international student body on multiple panels, advocating for their unique needs and perspectives across various university forums. 3. Graduate Student Representation: Sherry has served on several key committees, including the President-Student Advisory Group and the Graduate Student Council, where she has consistently voiced the concerns of graduate students at monthly Graduate Assembly meetings. Her advocacy has focused on important issues such as academic funding opportunities, the doctoral hooding ceremony, and campus facilities and transportation. Through these experiences, Sherry has developed a deep understanding of the issues that matter most to graduate and professional students. If re-elected as Executive Vice President, she intends to continue this work with renewed energy and purpose. Her proposed initiatives include: 1. Doctoral Hooding Ceremony: Sherry plans to advocate for a dedicated and dignified doctoral hooding ceremony. By conducting surveys, drafting open letters to the administration, and engaging with the graduate community, she hopes to ensure that this important milestone receives the recognition and respect it deserves. 2. Enhanced Academic Support: She will expand advocacy efforts for increased funding opportunities, including fellowships and academic scholarships, to ensure students are well-supported in their academic pursuits. 3. Improved Transportation Solutions: Sherry will continue working with Mason’s Transportation Committee to refine shuttle services and parking policies, particularly addressing ongoing challenges between the Fairfax, Mason Square, and SciTech campuses. 4. Transparent Communication and Engagement: She aims to implement regular feedback sessions following Graduate Assembly meetings to collect input directly from students across all departments. Sherry is enthusiastic about the opportunity to continue serving the graduate and professional student community. She is committed to working collaboratively with students, administrators, and university stakeholders to foster a more supportive, connected, and empowering academic environment. She humbly asks for your support in the upcoming election. Sherry looks forward to connecting with fellow students, listening to their ideas, and working together to elevate the graduate experience for all.

Availability and Commitment to the Time and Expectations of the position