CAD Senator

Hi everyone! I am Ashton Pennington, a first-year Film Production major from Maryland. I am in Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, where I have served as our Assistant New Member Coordinator, and I work at the Performing Arts Center as well. In my free time, I love to crochet and embroider, and really do anything where I can create!

As the CAD senator, I would work to ensure that creative student voices are actively represented in student government decisions while strengthening communication between students, faculty, and campus leadership. My primary goal would be to advocate for resources that directly support art and design students’ academic and professional development, such as improved access to studio spaces, extended lab hours, updated equipment, and funding opportunities for exhibitions, conferences, and portfolio-building experiences. I would prioritize gathering consistent feedback through open forums, surveys, and informal conversations so that students feel heard and see their concerns translated into tangible action. Supporting student well-being would also be central to my role, particularly by advocating for deadlines that wouldn't affect each other, and inclusive campus programming that recognizes the intensive and often time-consuming nature of creative coursework. I would aim to highlight student artwork across campus through partnerships with university organizations, helping elevate the visibility and value of creative disciplines within the broader RIT community. Ultimately, I would serve as a reliable liaison who not only brings concerns forward but also actively works toward solutions that enhance academic success, community connection, and professional preparedness for every student within CAD.