Name: Purvag Patel
Year: 3rd Year
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Position: Vice President of Student Life
1. Why are you running for an Executive Board position?
I have always been involved in student bodies that represent students’ voice to an administration; may it be being a floor representative for the dorms or for my fraternity. Being on the executive position of the student government will not only give me a wider recognition to raise students’ voice and convey their issues to the student government but also to the university administration.
2. What relevant experience do you have with student government at IIT or elsewhere?
I have been on the governing board of my fraternity for about 2 years in different capacities ranging from Secretary to the Director of Academic Affairs. While my terms in these offices I have dealt with all those situations that I would be coming across if I get elected to this office (e.g. governing body meetings, heading a committees, working with teams etc.). If elected, assuming this office would be a wider extrapolation of what I have experienced and excelled before.
3. What other extra-curricular experiences do you have?
President, American Odyssey Travel Club
Public Relations Chair, IIT Robotics Club
Innovation and Entrepreneurship Academy
Indian Student Association
Engineers without Borders
Delta Tau Delta
4. How would you best represent the interest of IIT students in your decision making?
While my stay here at IIT I had the opportunity of tasting the dorm life for 2 years before I went greek. Having stayed at both places I have opened up myself to students from both these communities. Over the period of time I have become well aware of the concerns of both these groups of students as well as their concerns regarding the administration. Hence, having seen both sides of the coin I think I will be in a better position to come up with a mutually agreeable solution for the student population in general, Greeks and the administration.
5. What strengths do you have that you consider as important to be an Exec Board Member?
Well connected with students, administration and faculty
Innovative problem solver
Strong leadership background
Good organizing and delegation skills
Experience of working with teams
Experience of being on governing boards
Committed towards positively changing student life
