GISA Autumn Election 2024 Candidate Profiles: Archit Kandula for Administrative Director

In conversation with Archit Kandula, second year, MINT (Conflict, Peace and Security)

Q. What makes you the ideal candidate for the role of Administrative Director, and how do you believe your background will help you succeed in this position?

With both hands-on experience in GISA committees and a strong foundation in administration and advocacy from past leadership roles, I am well-prepared to excel as Administrative Director. Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege of actively contributing as the Event Coordinator within the GISA Welfare Committee and the Gender, Peace, and Security Coalition. These roles have helped me understand GISA’s inner workings and the diverse needs of our student body. My extensive involvement in organising around 15 events for these committees has given me valuable insights into GISA’s operations and strengthened my commitment to student engagement and well-being. I am dedicated to making GISA a supportive, approachable, and well-organized association that serves as a trusted resource for all students. With a collaborative approach and a commitment to transparency, I am confident in my ability to make GISA both accessible and effective in addressing student challenges.

Q. How do you plan to approach the role of Administrative Director in a way that ensures the smooth running of GISA’s operations and fosters a collaborative atmosphere?

As the Administrative Director, I plan to create a structured, supportive environment that prioritises efficiency and open communication within GISA. My approach includes implementing a shared tracker system to streamline administrative tasks and foster coordination among committees and student initiatives. This system will enhance resource allocation, minimise overlap in activities, and allow each committee to function optimally while promoting a collaborative spirit. Moreover, I want to establish regular dialogue with both students and GISA members to ensure we address current needs and opportunities. By building trust through transparency and open communication, I hope to cultivate a culture of collaboration where students feel that GISA is actively working for their interests.

Q. What past experiences have prepared you for the challenges of this role, and how will you use these experiences to improve GISA’s administrative efficiency?

My leadership experience in student organisations, both at the University of Delhi and the Graduate Institute, has prepared me well for the challenges of this role. As President of the Global Youth SVC Chapter, I gained practical skills in administration, project coordination, and advocacy – skills that I’ve continued to refine as Event Coordinator for GISA’s Welfare Committee and the Gender, Peace, and Security Coalition. These roles have shown me the importance of structured workflows, clear communication, and effective time management, all essential for enhancing GISA’s administrative efficiency. Once elected, I would implement structured workflows and streamlined procedures within GISA. By establishing clear processes, we can ensure efficiency in our efforts and stay responsive to the evolving needs of the student community.

Q. If elected, what would be your primary goal as Administrative Director, and how would you ensure its successful implementation during your tenure?

My primary goal as Administrative Director would be to increase GISA’s transparency and accessibility, improving its visibility and engagement with the larger student community. To achieve this, my first priority will be developing a public dashboard that displays critical updates on GISA’s functions, including events, financial allocations, and ongoing initiatives. This dashboard will allow students to stay connected with GISA’s work and easily access relevant information. By prioritising these steps, I am committed to creating a GISA that is transparent, responsive, and accessible to everyone in our student community.

Q. How do you plan to make GISA more accessible and transparent for students, particularly when it comes to administrative processes and decision-making?

Enhancing GISA’s accessibility and transparency is central to my vision for this role. I plan to establish clear, user-friendly communication channels that keep students informed about GISA’s activities while allowing them to provide input on important matters. A public dashboard will serve as a one-stop resource where students can track GISA’s events, financial updates, and committee projects in real-time. Additionally, I aim to publish concise summaries of GISA meeting minutes, offering students insight into our decision-making processes and encouraging greater involvement. Regular surveys and feedback channels will further ensure that GISA remains aligned with student needs and expectations.

Q. What are three core values you bring to the role of Administrative Director?

The three core values I bring to this role are Inclusivity, Transparency, and Efficiency. Inclusivity is about fostering a welcoming environment where every student feels valued and has access to resources tailored to their unique needs. Transparency is critical for building trust within our community, and I plan to maintain it through open communication channels. Lastly, Efficiency is key to maximising GISA’s impact. By implementing organized workflows and clear processes, I aspire to make GISA’s operations smoother and more responsive to the needs of students, ensuring that every initiative and resource is used effectively to benefit our community.

Editor’s Note: Responses have been edited for clarity.

Voting is open now and will close on October 10 at 10:30 a.m. We encourage all students to participate and cast their votes