Grant Fergusson ’16 said he plans to emphasize how the Undergraduate Organizations Committee can serve as a support network for organizations rather than an administrative unit for funding.
Fergusson, who is one of four candidates running for the position of UOC chair, said he hopes to differentiate himself by not relying on an “aggressive” campaign. Rather, he is concentrating on informing people and ensuring students fully understand his platform.
“I won’t give out cookies and buttons,” Fergusson said. “I like to call those bribes.”
Fergusson said that from his experience with student groups, mainly the Freshman Class Council and Duke’s Men of Yale, he has noticed a large discrepancy between organizations that receive a great deal of funding and support from the administration and others that receive little to none.
As UOC chair, Fergusson said he would both equalize funding and attempt to de-emphasize its importance, highlighting instead the variety of support services the UOC can offer. He said, for instance, that he hopes to design a handbook that will help organizations learn how to increase their campus presence and request funding.
Fergusson added that he will try to increase the transparency and accessibility of UOC services.
“I want to make sure that people who are passionate about something can feel that it’s an accessible thing to do rather than this maze,” Fergusson said.
Fergusson says that as UOC chair, his accessible nature — his commitment to checking email “neurotically,” and always putting students’ needs and time constraints above his own — would be a strength. When asked about a weakness, Fergusson admitted that his willingness “to make everyone happy” could make it difficult for him to say no to students requesting funding and other resources.
Darien Lee ’16, who is helping Fergusson with his campaign, said Fergusson would be “100 percent committed” to his position, adding that the candidate is always willing to help others out. Alex Carrillo ’16, Fergusson’s roommate, said that while Fergusson is an “honest person,” he is also very “diplomatic.”
“He is not the person who will tell you look fat in a dress,” Carrillo said.
Brooke Eastman ’16, who works on the FCC with Fergusson, noted that while the race is competitive, Fergusson has the advantage of being “a great listener” in addition to a “good leader.”
Fergusson is the co-chair of this year’s Freshman Olympics, which will take place on April 13.