Andrew Ducharme

Photograph of Andrew Ducharme
Student Senate: Seat 22 Graduate 1 (2-Year)
Academic Area
Physics Major
My Hometown
Michigan
My Pronouns
He, Him, His
Campaign or Slate you are associated with
UO Student Power

Tell us about yourself.

I'm Andrew (he/him), a 4th year graduate student and GTFF member in the Physics Department. I grew up in rural Michigan and went to Loyola University Chicago for undergrad. My research pushes the boundaries of electron microscopy to unlock atomic resolution imaging for biological samples. I led elected official outreach during the GTFF bargaining cycle and was a 2024 AFT-Oregon Legislative Fellow. 

What are the three key issues that you've noticed on campus that you hope to improve for students as an elected official? Please list each issue and briefly explain how you hope to improve it.

My three main issues are increasing funding for cultural student organizations, bringing a food pantry to campus, and backing UO Student Workers. The Black and Native American Student Unions have had their budgets slashed by current ASUO leadership. I will only vote for budgets which return Multicultural Center Student Union funding to the higher levels they deserve. 40% of UO students report food insecurity, but the nearest food pantry is off-campus and partially open two days a week. I will work to get a food pantry with accessible hours on campus. UOSW needs solidarity during their first bargaining cycle. Student Senate refused to pass a pro-UOSW resolution like they did for the GTFF. I will reintroduce this resolution and investigate material methods of assistance.

Why are you running?

I want ASUO to think bigger. The organization has a long history of leading, not following, university administration: the first ASUO President was the eponymous McArthur of McArthur Court, and ASUO led decades-long fundraising efforts for both McArthur Court and the EMU. But in recent years, the ASUO has been in retreat, voluntarily surrendering control of the EMU and letting itself be circumscribed by the administration. I will fight for ASUO strength and sovereignty.