John Michael Chandash is a sophomore majoring in political science and a senator for the College of Arts & Sciences. He is running uncontested to be the next SGA vice president for student affairs.
Q: What are two specific initiatives you want to accomplish in this position, and in what time frames do you want to accomplish them?
A: First off, my biggest initiative is that I want to convert Barnwell Hall to a recreation center. In the past, there have been conversations between the Board of Trustees and the heads of VP of student affairs, but they have not manifested yet. I plan to restart these conversations because this side of campus, which is mostly housed by women, is a recreational desert. Another initiative is the Crimson Life Skills Series, which is a paneling series to make sure that students are not just set up professionally but set up to have better-informed personal lives after they graduate.
Q: How would you ensure effective communication between the administration and Crimson Tide students?
A: One of my biggest initiatives would be to bring the student body closer to the administration. I plan to do this by tabling firsthand and providing effective information initiatives for students. I want to expand High Tide Day and pass out exclusive JNJ High Tide shirts. I also want to pass out brochures that make students aware of all the initiatives that we are going to produce to help better the experience here at the Capstone. In addition to this, I’m also a first-generation student, so I understand how stressful the college experience can be. This gives me the ability to help bring the students closer to SGA so we can have a much better future together.
Q: What has motivated you to run for this position?
A: Simply put, because I truly care. Again, I am a first-generation student, so I have experienced navigating the college experience for the first time by myself. I want to use the things I have learned to give back to students and make sure they feel served.
Q: What are the key parts of your platform?
A: My platform is the REACH program. This program plans to reform block seating, expand past student initiatives, and achieve great success with new ideas such as the Crimson Life Skills Series, which is a paneling series where different specialists showcase students how to succeed not just at the Capstone but postgrad as well. I also plan to connect the student body to SGA professionally. I plan to do this by providing them with business entrepreneurship and tabling firsthand.
Q: Your position this year is uncontested. Knowing this, how will student voters be able to hold you to your campaign promises?
A: Student voters will be better able to hold me to my campaign promises because being uncontested means that I am working on building up all those points within my platform right now. While competition is also good, I am glad that I am able to redirect my energy towards my platform next year as we speak.
Q: My final question is: What do you want voters to know about you?
A: That I plan to uphold SGA’s motto of “Students Serving Students” to the highest and fullest potential that I possibly can. I will spend every day and every hour making sure that they feel heard by SGA.
