Plato says "only those who do not seek power are qualified to hold it." I acknowledge my inadequacy, as I agree with Plato. 

With my preferred candidate (righteously) unwilling to take on this position, I will nominate myself. My name is Thomas, but I go by Thom. I seek the position of Class President. 

My platform is simple - 

1. Ensure that the needs of the OJD Cohort are represented within the SBA and the University. 

We are the inaugural online Cohort and we have all shared in the collective struggle regarding unclear communications and expectations.  I have strived to keep our group apprised of such information that I have gleaned through my coursework experience and contact with professors, through communication within the GroupMe. 

I will meet with SBA and University personnel to present our grievances, as appropriate, and verify that they are being addressed. 

2. Achieve greater integration of the OJD Cohort within the University. 

The University elected to begin an online program, so the University must be willing to further adapt its peripheral practices and material to reflect our existence. From the CLSSC course material not being updated to reflect the Online JD, to student activities not including options for online attendance, we have not been accounted for in many instances. 

I will lobby for the accounting for and inclusion of the OJD Cohort beyond its present level through liasing with the SBA and greater University powers. 

Alas, I am just one. My platform's success is contingent on collaboration with the entire OJD class board, and, even more importantly, of all of us within the cohort. To be successful, we must present a unified front and everyone must provide their input to the Board regarding any structural issues that plague us.  

But to be clear: I will not promise to be the "one-stop-shop" to take ALL issues the Cohort presents to the University and/or SBA. Each of us possesses a duty to work diligently in proactive problem solving, and in being self-sufficient in our coursework such that the issues that we DO raise through the Class Board are universal, well-reasoned, and have a high probability of affecting change. 

I live in Berkley, MI, and frequently work in Detroit, where I have in-person access to the law school. I am a five-year civil engineering consultant who understands the general world of business outside of the legal realm, where in being a consultant, I take into account the client's interest, and work in furtherance of that interest on a daily basis. As President, the entire Cohort will be my clients, and I will represent you with the candor, reason, and knowledge that I do the clients within my career. 

I will thus additionally provide direct representation to the SBA for those of us who are not as familiar (yet) with this world, and will add to the cross-industry health of the Class Board. I will learn from my peers of all backgrounds and industries, and will do my best to ensure that the Online JD Cohort's needs are well-met. 

Please reach out to me via the GroupMe or via my UDM email with any questions. 

Thank you.
-Thom 

Thomas R. Acord