By Edward Jennings, Staff Writer

Published in print Jan. 28, 2015

With former Student Government Association vice president, Joseph Graham, taking over as the new SGA president this semester, a vacancy has opened for his old position.

Campaigning has already begun for candidates Krishnaveni Balakrishnan and Brittany Hudson.

Balakrishnan, a senior who is set to graduate this upcoming fall, is excited about the opportunity to run for vice president.

Balakrishnan first got involved in school politics while in SGA at her community college.

Starting off as the SGA secretary, she was later elected as SGA president during the 2012-2013 year.

Upon transferring to UNCG, Balakrishnan ran for junior senator and won in the run-off elections.

Due to the transitions in SGA this semester, the elections-chair contacted her for the opening as vice president.

With the applications due the next day, Balakrishnan had to decide quickly if she wanted to run for vice president.

Balakrishnan started campaigning last Friday.

“I already have flyers posted at the main hubs on campus: the Jackson library, and the Fountain View Restaurant,” Balakrishnan said.

Along with flyers, Balakrishnan is using word of mouth to publicize her campaign. 

As for her platform, Balakrishnan said, “My plan of action includes getting SGA more involved with our community on campus,” stated Balakrishnan.

“I feel like we’re almost a separate entity, and I want to change that, ” she argued.

Balakrishnan is involved with multiple organizations on campus such as: Bollywood dance club and UNCG Jalwa.

She is also vice president of Jefferson Suites Hall Council, which is part of the Residence Hall Association, and she is part of the National Residence Hall Honorary.

“I like to think of all the organizations on campus as one big family, and because of that, we need to be collaborating more, we need to interact more, and stop being so closed off from each other,” Balakrishnan said.

As to her feelings about budget issues, Balakrishnan believes school pride can help solve the probelm.

“Falling enrollment is one of the factors regarding the budget,” Balakrishnan said.

Students supporting UNCG athletics and showing more Spartan pride could possibly attract potential students.

Balakrishnan believes this would help increase UNCG enrollment.

With the search of a new chancellor for UNCG, Balakrishnan hopes the new chancellor can continue the great leadership that she believes Chancellor Brady has provided so far.

Balakrishnan wants students to know that she is a student just like they are.

“I stress out about homework, and worry about papers and exams just like they do,” Balakrishnan continued, “I want students to know that I’m not just doing this to have a name on campus. I care deeply for UNCG.”

“Students need to know that they do have a voice on this campus and that SGA is a major resource to them,” Balakrishnan concluded.”