Of UIC’s student government, that is! Abhinav Reddy is this years newly elected president. He’s here to tell us what the undergraduate student government is all about and the changes they are trying make for students on campus this year.
Name: Abhinav Reddy
Year in school: Sophomore
Major: BioEngineering
Hometown: Naperville
Hobbies/Interests: Photography, Reading Modern Fiction
What motivated you to get involved with USG?
As a Freshman I felt that just going to classes was not fulfilling my desires of my college experience. I wanted to find a way to address certain issues that I saw in the community from vegan options in Campus Dining and the lack of legislative connections with students. With that in mind, I found USG and was captivated by the influence and various projects that the Assembly worked on. I have not regretted that choice, as I have had classes where my work in USG directly overlapped with the things being discussed and it gave me insights that I could not have gotten otherwise.
Tell us a little bit about USG and what you guys to do help UIC students:
USG is the Undergraduate Student Government and we are the governing body that serves and represents the entire undergraduate student population at UIC. We serve on various committees with administration and faculty on topics from educational policy to student success. We also raise student concerns to a higher level so that administration takes note of the problems facing students. In order to do this, we also take regular lobbying trips to Washington DC and Springfield to meet with our UIC legislators. At campus, we also host a variety of town halls and events to help educate students. In the past, we have helped implement the Green Fee and lobbied for MAP grant funding among numerous other projects.
What powers do you have as president to make changes at UIC and what changes would you like to see that would benefit students?
As President, I serve on many high level committees and task forces that decide everything from designs for new buildings to the policies regarding CampusCare. With that great influence in groups that are usually filled with faculty, I can bring the essential student opinion to these important decisions. Throughout the next year I hope to see UIC become a more disability friendly campus through making classrooms and learning centers more accessible. At the same time, I hope to continue to fight to keep college as affordable and accessible as possible for students (regardless of the barriers that face them). I will also hope to see UIC become a more active campus through involvement in periodical events that educate the student body on everything from our new Tobacco Policy to the impact that concealed carry will have on the Chicago community.
What can UIC students expect from the USG?
UIC students can expect USG to be the one-stop shop for any concern that they have with their college experience. While we may not be able to directly aid with every issue, we can always direct students to the best place to go. At the same time, students can expect to see USG educating the student body on issues that are important to them.
What are your plans after you graduate?
My plan is to go to medical school (hopefully in an MD/PhD program) after I graduate in line with my goal of one day becoming practicing surgeon and researcher.
What is your favorite thing about UIC or the Chicago area?
My favorite thing is the diversity of the various neighborhoods in the city. I love that within a short bus ride you can go from a Greektown eatery to a Pilsen candy shop.