JoshArden.com

As Vice President, my role is to make Maxwell more than a school. It should be a community, a network, and a support system. The VP is the connector: someone who listens, communicates clearly, and ensures students are linked to committees, opportunities, and resources that make life here smoother, more enjoyable, and more productive.

Every action I take will aim to:

Solve a problem
Build community
Open opportunities

Here’s how we’ll make that real:

1. Information & Communication

End the “I wish I’d known” problem.
Launch one central hub for events, deadlines, internships, and funding (calendar + Slack channels by topic).
Weekly digest email: short, clear, “what’s mandatory / optional / fun this week.”

2. Committees That Deliver

Focus on student-facing committees:
- Networking & Professional Development
- Cultural Affairs
- Community Service
- Shared Resources & Infrastructure
- Student Wellbeing
- Spring Formal
Flexible participation tracking (rotating members or participation point system) so more students can contribute without overwhelming commitments.
I’ll monitor progress and keep momentum strong.

3. Shared Resources & Money-Saving Initiatives

Group subscriptions (NYT, Adobe, language apps, AI tools).
Bulk grocery runs, pooled delivery orders, and a fully stocked AV kitchen.
“Maxwell Toolshed” for shared gear (tech, kitchen, moving tools).
Clothing library for winter gear + professional attire.
Coordinated travel: carpools, shared airport runs.

4. Community Life & Events

Regular, low-effort events to keep energy up: language tables, cooking nights, socials, peer-led skill workshops, mock interviews with alumni.
Wellness breaks: walks, coffee chats, meditation, happy hours.

5. Advocacy & Feedback

Feedback loops: surveys, polls, quick pulse checks.
Ensure quieter voices and cultural diversity are represented.
Push for more collaboration across IR, MPA, dual-degree, JD, MSOP, etc.
Deliver clear, actionable recommendations to PAIA leadership.

First 30 Days: Quick Wins

Launch the central events calendar and weekly digest.
Set up databases for resource sharing.
Establish first committees and start delivering results.

Letter of Intent:

Dear Maxwell Community,

I’ve always been drawn to connecting people and organizing resources in ways that make daily life easier. At Maxwell, that drive only grew stronger. Too often, classmates said, “I wish I had known earlier,” after an event or opportunity passed without clear communication. What motivates me is reducing those barriers, building systems that keep us informed, and ensuring every student has what they need to succeed.

That’s how I see the role of Vice President: the connector. Someone who listens, communicates clearly, and ensures that committees, opportunities, and resources flow back to students in ways that make Maxwell smoother, more enjoyable, and more productive.

We all face the same challenges: balancing intense classes, tight budgets, and the need for community. Yet, when we share resources through group subscriptions, student-led skills workshops, or coordinated travel, everything becomes easier and more affordable. What unites us is the understanding that Maxwell is where we prepare to lead, collaborate, and build lasting networks.

Now we have the chance to decide what kind of Maxwell we want to be. As Vice President, I will maintain a central calendar, launch a weekly digest, coordinate practical committees, and activate shared resources. In my first 30 days, I’ll deliver the calendar, digest, and shared savings system so results come quickly.

If you place your trust in me, I will represent not just ideas but action. Let’s build a Maxwell that is connected, supportive, and full of opportunities.

Vote for Josh Arden for Vice President.