On April 9th, China Standard Time, the student government election of Spring 2020 kicked off after an announcement email was sent out.

The election of this year is the first total virtual election ever held at NYU Shanghai. Candidates are running for their positions in this challenging semester.

The impact of global pandemic of COVID-19 hasn’t prevented the passion of NYU Shanghai students from serving their community. Four pairs of students, three of which composed by one Chinese and one international student, are competing for the next student body president and vice president. Compared to two pairs of students, the presidential position of this year seems more competitive.

However, the rest of the student government positions don’t seem to be as attractive. Each committee only has one candidate running for the director. No one has yet even signed up to running for Director for Student Organizations Committee, Events Committee, and Health and Student Wellness Committee. These positions will be open for competence next semester at the same time of the election of class representative.

Among the initiatives came up by the candidates, the most striking ones include integration between Chinese and international students, preparation for students to return after the coronavirus outbreak, more flexible textbook policy, and feedback system for cafeteria.

The deadline of the preliminary round of the election is by the end of April 14th, China Standard Time.

OCA will be closely following the election of this year.

This article was written by Sicheng Fan. Contact via email at [email protected].Photo Credit: https://shanghai.nyu.edu/news/campus-lounges-get-makeovers