The Signal: What makes you a good candidate?
Andrew Whyte: I think it takes someone who is passionate about Georgia State and who understand students and their needs, to be a good candidate. I am very interested in advocacy in both its most complex and rudimentary form— I also believe that advocacy is at it’s best when we add transparency and servitude, this is what SGA presidency adds to advocacy and this is why I am a good candidate to be SGA President; I am a leader who serves and is transparent.
TS: What is your platform (issues you plan on addressing) for this election?
AW: My platform includes but is not limited to; taking a new multidimensional approach to campus security that includes GSUPD, students and our administrative body, addressing parking issues, expanding library hours, creating a sense of pride for GSU (not only through the Athletics department but also including different organizations), Making sure that students’ voices are being heard and their issues are being addressed in an effective manner, streamlining SGA internal processes, increasing transparency, and ultimately changing rhetoric as it pertains to SGA (creating a strong and positive SGA presence).
TS: Based on the previous position holder, how do you think you will improve the position?
AW: The past administration had a Town Hall meeting, which most people said was the only time they have heard about SGA. As President it would be my duty to make sure students know about SGA and its purpose. SGA has to start actively involving students in decision-making, thus student have to know about SGA. This will allow students the opportunity to hold SGA accountable and question our actions, as we do represent the student body. If we can improve in his department then everything else will be done the right way or be questioned.
TS: What was your motivation to run?
AW: A tremendous part of SGA requires people who are involved to put their personal bias aside to work in the best interest of the student body. I am and have always been a strong proponent of change and a person who is willing to promote positive change— I love Georgia State and I believe there needs to be someone in SGA who wants to make our university better. We have the resources and we should start using them in a manner that is productive. We have the potential to be the best, and we can get there, all that is needed is someone who is willing to do the work to make us prominent. My motivation to run is my need to work and create a better GSU as I have seen the potential and I will not let it stay latent.
TS: What has been your involvement in SGA? What have you done?
AW: I have volunteered with SGA since my freshman year here a GSU; I became an Election commissioner during my second semester because I wanted to get more people involved in SGA. I understood during my first semester working in SGA as a volunteer how important the organization was. As an Election commissioner I helped in the organization of one of the biggest election effort on campus for two consecutive years. I have also worked in various capacities outside of SGA from Vice president of Alpha Lambda Delta Honors Society, RA, Mentor (to senators in SGA), SAA member, POLS honors Society member, Senior Resident Assistant and Sociology club member— all the while maintaining a 3.95 GPA by utilizing various resources on campus.
TS: What is an issue that you see being overlooked that you plan on fixing or approaching?
AW: There are numerous issues that could and should be addressed on campus, from school pride, to parking and students with disabilities being excluded. SGA, as the official voice of the students need to speak up both to and for the students (all students). Speaking “to” students create transparency for the organization, while speaking “for” the students allow policies to be created and modified in the interest of the students that we represent. These two ideas I believe has evaded SGA and now they need to be realized and carried out effectively.
