StuCo Presidential Candidate Q&A: Alejandro Arango, Webster Hall

Why do you want to be StuCo president?

I’m running for president because I believe in Mental Health reform. For too long Student Council has tossed aside worrying about Mental Health and trying to combat the breaking point that some Exonians reach in their time here. The bigger issues of Mental Health are difficult to solve, but we have to start with preventative policies. Both of my proposals are straight from the health center and focus on bringing relief to the rigor of Exeter.

What policies do you hope to implement? Why?

My policies are simple:

First, a scheduled mental health day for students to use in times of stress or when they need relief. Sometimes Exonians just need one day to recharge their batteries, get back into the swing of things and perform at their fullest. This would be available once a year for every student at Exeter. This could be time for you to spend how you see fit, but ultimately a day of rest when you absolutely need it.

Second, a pass/fail course that could be a science, history or any elective you wanted. The idea behind this would be to support Exonians who may want to take a harder course without the fear of what it may do to their GPA. This is already available at some colleges and should have a place at Exeter. This could also be used as relief to a harder term like your upper spring or senior fall when Exonians find their schedules so full and cluttered.

Do you have any comments about the outgoing administration?

My proposals are partly inspired by the last administration. Mental Health took the stage last year, but it’s almost the end of the year now and we’re still discussing V’s policy. I want to get back to what president Ju campaigned on: A happier, healthier Exeter.

What distinguishes you from the other candidates?

I’ve been on the Student Council’s policy committee for three years and this would be incredibly difficult to pass without the faculty. I’ve talked to the health center and they’ve told me that there’s precedence to pass these policies. No other candidate can say that.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I would like to finish by saying that Student Council is only as relevant as the students make it. I’ve worked with Policy on successfully changing the decades old dress code and I’ve worked on trying to get V’s passed three years ago. Both had drastically different results and it just goes to show that Student Council is what you make of it.