Meet the Candidates: Andrew Menard and Rini Sampath

Andrew Menard, a junior who currently serves as Director of University of Affairs, is one of three candidates running for President of the Undergraduate Student Government.

Menard has three years of USG experience and works as social chair of his fraternity, Sigma Chi.

"I've worked with so many different people on campus and have built close relationships with administrators, especially in USC Housing, Hospitality and Transportation," said Menard. "I know how the system works and how to push for the changes I want."

Those changes include providing students with gender-neutral housing options and expanding tuition to cover a maximum of 20 units, rather than 18. Menard also plans to protect students who report crimes or medical emergencies from excessive punishment by establishing an "amnesty policy."

"I know it's ambitious, but these are goals that are entirely feasible," said Menard. "I'm already working on many of these plans with my contacts in administration."

Rini Sampath, Menard's running mate and Vice Presidential candidate, is a sophomore and USG's Co-Director of External Relations. She describes herself as an "avid slam poet and writer" and used to work as Editorial Director of The Daily Trojan. 

"Andrew and I are a perfect team because we're so balanced," said Sampath. "We come from different backgrounds, we've been involved with different organizations on campus and we work with different parts of USG."

She said celebrating these differences and promoting campus-wide diversity is an important part of their platform. If elected, she and Menard plan to hold a week-long "Cultural Fair" at USC.

"We truly appreciate diversity because we are a diverse ticket," said Menard. "We want everyone on campus to feel that appreciation." 

More information about Menard and Sampath's campaign can be found on their website.

Voting begins on February 10. Students can vote online at http://elections.usc.edu/ until February 13.