Philosophy

The primary functions of the USG at Princeton are to evaluate the needs and wants of the student body, to serve as a conduit of information between the administration and the undergraduate community, and to effectively fight for student interests in the most efficient manner possible. I promise to challenge administrative positions which are inconsistent with the interests and desires of the student body. I will do everything in my power to improve the quality of student life and ensure that the administration hears our concerns and considers our points of view.

In doing so, I will approach important issues thoughtfully and strategically in hopes of maximizing the USG’s chances for enacting real policy change. I will strive to work closely with the administration, using diplomacy and compromise while also representing the voice of the student body plainly and directly. An effective USG President must approach the position with humility, passion, and practicality. It is important to avoid overinflating the capabilities of the USG or its role in undergraduate life while also continuously pushing to effect as much far-reaching change as possible.

In order to maintain an active and effective USG, it is important to provide ongoing support, encouragement, and guidance to those involved in the USG and to facilitate communication between the student body and administration In addition, it is vital that the system remain as transparent and simple as possible without compromising the integrity or effectiveness of the body as a whole. Similarly, those involved in the USG must have a clear understanding of the scope and purpose of their positions while not being afraid to stretch the expectations of their position to its limits.

The USG’s involvement with various student groups on campus should be geared toward directing student attention to pre-existing programs and initiatives rather than toward the replication of existing programs. I don’t believe the USG should feel pressured to create new program after new program when, in most cases, the foundation for these initiatives already exists. Rather, faster and more effective change can be implemented through channeling focus and attention to current student groups and services.

One of the most important and challenging goals of the USG is to continually evaluate the best way to elicit and evaluate student concerns and communicate with the student body as whole. While email and online surveys are the most efficient way to gather student input, it is also important to provide engaged students with 1:1 interaction with the administrators and student leaders who have the ability to address the students’ areas of interests. I believe this can be accomplished by regular, well-organized focus groups that gather students and key administrators from all corners of campus an environment that encourages open, constructive discourse.

I do not believe the USG is effective as a reactive organization: waiting for policy to created, collecting student opinions of said policy, and then acting accordingly is an inefficient process. Instead, the most efficient way to integrate student concerns into University policy is to proactively affect Undergraduate life by influencing the policy-making at its source. This is primarily accomplished by on-going solicitation of University officials for opportunities for students to communicate openly and honestly with administrators about pertinent undergraduate issues.