A new group of students is ready to take on exciting leadership roles as part of the Undergraduate Student Government (USG). These leaders are dedicated to making experiences at IUPUI the best they can be by developing strong relationships with university staff and faculty, being a voice for students and initiating change — like the Menstrual Product Initiative, which was inspired by students' needs and ideas.
Before voting in the USG elections March 29–30, learn more about the candidates in this Q&A.
Kartikay Gulia, candidate for USG president
Tell us about yourself.
When I first came to the U.S. as an international student, I did not know anyone and was thousands of miles away from my family. It can be a harrowing experience for an 18-year-old to be thrown into a completely new culture with completely unknown people, but I was filled with excitement and motivation. Three years later, I’ve had amazing experiences and been surrounded by inspirational people that have led to my personal growth.
I am currently a junior majoring in computer science with minors in mathematics and business. I love to participate in Model UN and am currently serving as one of the directors of the Indianapolis Model UN. In my free time I like to read books, swim and go to the gym.
Why do you want to be elected as the next president of USG?
I am confident in my abilities and extremely passionate about bringing change for good, which is why I am running for the position of the Undergraduate Student Government’s president. I believe that all of my experiences have added up to make me a strong and deserving candidate.
How else have you been involved on campus?
Over the last three years, I have been part of multiple co-curricular, academic and service-learning positions. I served for the Honors College Student Council as the freshman rep, marketing director and then as vice president. I was president of the ALD/PES Honors Society and a member of the Student’s Developing Funding Committee (SDFC). I have also served on the Undergraduate Student Government’s Initiatives Committee and worked on the Menstrual Product Initiative (one of USG’s most successful campaigns).
Currently, I’m the president of the Senate (POS) for USG. Being the POS, I serve as the chief officer of USG’s Legislative Branch, lead the Senate and ensure that the Senate is able to articulate the voice of the students — making this the most enriching and educational position that I have been a part of. These positions have provided me with an opportunity to build my decision making, problem solving, managerial, communication and leadership skills.
If elected, what are your plans for IUPUI?
Being the president of USG would provide me a platform to advocate for and empower others to stand up and take action on IUPUI’s campus. Some of my main goals are to work with my team, build a strong rapport and understand the workings of campus. This will allow me to better understand IUPUI and lead my team in an effective manner.
This year, I want to better use my resources and give every on-campus organization and each student an opportunity to innovate and work forward. Apart from this, I want to collaborate with the director of initiatives and director of equity and inclusion to bring on even bigger initiatives — like working with the Indiana University Police Department, O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs and the Multicultural Center to promote a safe, sustainable and inclusive campus.
As I have moved towards the goals in my life, I have always tried to maintain a guided structure to achieve my tasks. My core values that I strive for are diversity, innovation, sustainability, collaboration and confidence. Being aware of the injustices that multiple communities experience motivates me to initiate change and take the right steps to end these injustices, promote diversity, push forward on sustainable initiatives and, most importantly, prioritize student needs.
I do believe leadership is not about the position, but about the passion. It’s not about image, but rather impact. Through my determination, passion and motivation, this position would allow me to continue enhancing the welfare and growth of campus and its students, and make IUPUI even better than what it is today.
Zach Wilson, candidate for USG vice president
Tell us about yourself.
I’m a junior double majoring in computer science and political science. I’m currently the president of Gamers Hall, diamond outreach chair for the National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH) and coordinating officer for marketing for Great Lakes Affiliate of College and University Residence Halls (GLACURH). I also work as a technical support specialist and assistant web developer for the IU School of Informatics and Computing.
Why do you want to be elected as the next vice president of USG?
I want to be elected USG vice president so that I can continue advocating for IUPUI students and help improve our undergraduate student experience.
What skills and strengths can you bring to the position?
I have a lot of experience with parliamentary procedure, both in USG and GLACURH, so that gives me insight into how organizations work. With all my leadership experience, I’ve learned valuable communication skills — particularly with administrators, faculty and staff. This will be helpful communicating the needs of the undergraduate student body to those administrators.
What other roles have you had within USG? Why did you originally get involved with the organization?
I currently serve as the Senate clerk for USG. Last year I was the election chair and senator for Residence Hall Association. I originally got involved with USG to advocate for the on-campus resident population.
If elected, what are your plans for IUPUI?
That our administration will value a set of ideals we like to call DISCO: Diversity, Innovation, Sustainability, Creativity, Opportunity. We seek to encourage diverse environments, bring innovative solutions, advocate for sustainability, empower creativity and create opportunity.
Important dates:
PUBLIC DEBATE
March 23, 6–8 p.m., via Zoom
*To access the Zoom link, head to USG's page on The Spot.
Meet the candidates, ask questions and hear about their future plans for IUPUI.
ELECTIONS
March 29 and 30, all day, vote via The Spot
Cast your vote for the future student body president and vice president.
To learn more about USG and how they are making a difference on campus, visit usg.iupui.edu.