My name is Allison Montgomery, and I am seeking election to the office of vice president for academic affairs. I am a sophomore majoring in biology and minoring in chemistry. I am so excited to be pursuing this position. Academics play an important role in my life, and it is a commitment that I pride myself on.

As vice president for academic affairs, I will be fully invested in the betterment of academic affairs at The University of Alabama. I would continue to support the programs that have been implemented in the past, such as the Registration Hotline, and incorporate new ideas, initiatives and programs. The University of Alabama should not only be known for its football; it should also be recognized as a worthy institution that challenges and enlightens its students.

I have learned a great deal about the workings of the Student Government Association as the assistant chief of staff, as well as the director of the Sunday Service Initiative and Ideas to Actions. These experiences, along with my leadership skills, will allow me to take full advantage of the position’s potential. As a student committed to academic excellence, I would like to help provide other students with resources and opportunities to achieve their own academic goals.

If elected, I would listen to students’ concerns about the registration and advising processes and work with the registrar and other administration to improve these. I aim to start an in-house advising program where students could easily access academic advisers at a convenient time in a central location. This would be similar to the in-house resume critiques that Denzel Evans-Bell, our current vice president for academic affairs, planned this year.

Additionally, I have many ideas to further develop a sense of academia on our campus. I would like to explore implementing an academic mentoring program in which upperclassmen would mentor freshmen in their same course of study. Many smaller schools, and even some of our independent colleges here on campus, have small-scale programs similar to this. The University has so many opportunities for scholarships and study-abroad funding that are not fully taken advantage of. I would like to make students more aware of the resources that are available.

I would also work with honor societies, as well as the Honors College, to enhance the environment of learning and academia on campus. For example, I have been involved in the Emerging Scholars Undergraduate Research Program, and I firmly believe that students should have the opportunity to work in research as an undergraduate.

As a member of the Academic Honor Council, I plan to continue to support and uphold the ideals of honesty in the classroom, working with the Academic Honor Council to implement new initiatives and events that promote integrity. Events at Bama Bound orientation and at the different libraries will provide students with valuable and pertinent information concerning academic resources and opportunities across campus.

I believe my passion, dedication and willingness to serve the student body will make me an effective vice president within the Student Government Association. If elected vice president for academic affairs, I hope that all students will feel comfortable coming to me with concerns, questions and ideas. I firmly believe that the ideas of students are the best resources for SGA, and I want to make life better for UA students. I promise that I will work hard to make a positive impact on this campus. Although I am running unopposed on March 12, I would still appreciate your support and your vote.

Allison Montgomery is running for the SGA position of vice president for academic affairs. She currently serves as the SGA assistant chief of staff.