Bobby McAlpine and Madison Mason are two undergraduates here at the Ohio State University, who were recently elected to serve respectively as the President and Vice President of the U.S.G. (Undergraduate Student Government). They walked away from the election holding 73% of the student body vote. The pair also happen to be students within our very own Political Science Department. The role of President encompasses advocating for Ohio State Students in the local, state, and federal governments in higher-education policy while representing all 53,734 undergraduate students in academic, financial, and policy decisions at the Ohio State University. The role of the Vice President is to advocate on behalf of undergraduate students regarding issues pertaining to all aspects of the student experience. The Vice President regularly meets with administrators to effectively accomplish policy goals. In addition, this position entails serving as a liaison to the General Assembly, and work with the Chair of the Undergraduate Caucus to make appointments for the 90 undergraduate student seats in University Senate and University Senate Committees.
- Can you tell us a little about yourselves?
Bobby began by explaining some of his background, “My hometown is Cincinnati Ohio, currently, I am double majoring in Political Science as well as City and Regional Planning.” Prior to his role as President, Bobby served as the second Black Speaker of Undergraduate Student Government.
Madison continued on the topic, explaining she is as a Political Science Major, who is also minoring in civic engagement and philosophy. Aside from Undergraduate Student Government, Madison takes part in other organizations, such as Morill Scholars, Moral Distinction, and the League of Women Voters.
The pair also share many more distinctive achievements, including both being founding members of an on-campus organization, “We are also founding members of the Undergraduate Society of Black Leaders, a group aiming to equitize, and increase opportunities, for black students across campus.” Additionally, the pair both intern with legal firms to help them in their pre-law efforts.
- What do you plan to do in your newfound position as USG President and Vice President?
In their response to this question, Bobby and Madison explained that they essentially would like to accomplish as many things as possible during their turn, with the primary focus being on outreach and advocacy. They also stated, “We want to give back to students in a physical way, in an attempt to put things back in students' hands.”
Some of the pairs more specific areas of action include:
- Attempting to add a cap for how late professors can require in person exams, as a way to increase safety for students.
- Increasing safety for students both on and off campus through providing physical resources: Bike Locks, Birdies, Safety Alarms.
- Increasing, and improving current, mental health resources.
- Starting an initiative for suicide prevention and mental health training.
- What was the reason you two chose to run for the positions?
Both Bobby and Madison have been taking part in the U.S.G. since their freshman year here on campus, allowing them to become very knowledgeable within the organization. Their peers actually advised them to run for the position, as they explained “Some of the people within the U.S.G. actually approached us the year before we ran and said we would be a great fit, but we were very apprehensive at first. Then around April of 2022 we realized the student body could use a positive shift, and we thought we might be able to help implement that.”
The pair further explained that their leadership style is something that they believe the organization can benefit from. Bobby clarified that, “We know that we are not experts on every issue or problem, so we want to be sure to bring in people who are.”
They finished the question, by saying “We both have our own stories, so we find it crucial to amplify the voices and stories of others. This voice can be channeled into actions and advocacy, which can then lead into tangible solutions to issues.
- What are some of your favorite opportunities that have been presented to you at Ohio State?
Bobby began by telling us that some of his most memorable opportunities actually came from within U.S.G. itself, “I keep coming back to some events we put on within U.S.G., both the homecoming picnic, and the Black History Month Gala which I actually was able to help develop and put on.” The homecoming picnic is an event U.S.G. puts on, where roughly 1,000 students attend, and have lunch. It is used as a way to allow students to meet one another and distress before mid-term season.
The Black History Month Gala has been put on by the Undergraduate Student Government for two years, since it was initially recommended by Bobby. The program focuses on allying all students with minorities, while taking a focus on black students and administrators.
Madison continued this by exclaiming how much she appreciates all of the programs and events that the Political Science Department puts on, making sure to note our email chains which allow administrators to share these upcoming events and opportunities directly with students. She further explained that “I have been able to gain class crediting through working with the League of Women Voters, which has really changed my world view and perception of what I want to do.”
- What recommendations or tips do you have for those who may wish to follow in your footsteps?
Madison began by answering, “Be open to opportunities, so many students are like a horse with blinders on, they run fast and straight but are not aware of what is around them.” She continued by explaining that when students pay attention to the opportunities and resources around them, they can further themselves in their journey down the path to success. Her final and most heartfelt statement included the following, “People might not remember what exactly you said, but they will remember how you made them feel; Uplifting other and yourself is one of the important parts in all of this.”
Bobby continued in their answers to the question, “There is power in your story… I often find myself wondering, how can I share my story and in doing so create an environment for others to share theirs?” He added to this thought by explaining furthering the ideal that student’s personal story and upbringings are crucial to implementing appropriate change.
