Josh Shapiro is proposing dramatic changes to ASUA.
"ASUA needs to do a better job of representing the student body," he said.
Economics junior Shapiro, who has no experience in the Associated Students of the University of Arizona, intends to use his outsider status to his advantage.
Shapiro said ASUA officers currently represent the leaders of clubs and not the entire student body. In order to get an accurate representation of the student body, Shapiro would expand the senate to 18 members to represent every UA college.
The plan would require an amendment to the ASUA Constitution, which has not been changed since 1997.
But Shapiro said that is a challenge he is prepared to face.
"This would diversify student ideas and thoughts, which would result in better student representation," he said.
In addition, Shapiro plans to increase student input through online student surveys and office hours on the Mall.
Shapiro, who is pushing for students to get more involved in community service at the UA, said he is no stranger to leadership, philanthropy and passion.
Shapiro's dedication to community service began when he helped his aunt with the Meals on Wheels program at age 5. The nonprofit organization, which Shapiro's aunt is a manager of in Florida, delivers cold and hot meals to those who are disabled, elderly or too ill to purchase food.
Shapiro, who has spent more than 1,200 hours volunteering with Meals on Wheels, said his family always told him the importance of donating time to the community.
Part of Shapiro's platform includes giving students college credit for volunteering.
"College should be a time where you get experience not just in the classroom, but also in the community," Shapiro said.
Shapiro said he knows some students may try to take advantage of the offer; thus, he plans to cap the number of volunteer units a student may take.
Although Shapiro is vice president of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity, he does not want students to categorize him as a drunken frat boy. On the contrary, Shapiro's involvement in DTD has added to his many philanthropic activities, whether with Spring Fling or The Brewster Center.
Shapiro also wants to change the Zona Zoo pass system. He intends to propose a priority point system, which means students who attend more UA athletic events will gain more points. As a result, Shapiro said the good seats for men's basketball games will go to deserving fans.
Shapiro believes he is the perfect candidate to represent the student body because of his candid, outgoing and passionate personality.
"I won't hesitate to speak what's on my mind and stand up for what's right."