As far as platforms go, it doesn’t get any more risky or sweeping than Matthijs van Gaalen’s, which addresses big picture ideas — not T-shirts or toilet paper.

While the chances of his lobbying being successful are slim, van Gaalen’s academic advocacy is a fresh and innovative idea that separates him from the pack — no other candidate explores how the USC can influence academic policy.

His pass/fail interest credit idea might inspire students to learn about subjects outside their primary studies, thus encouraging a more diverse and vibrant campus. It is refreshing to see a candidate who is interested in lobbying for pedagogical causes.

Van Gaalen deserves praise for presenting a directional shift for the USC; however, convincing administration to apply these changes will be an up-hill and most likely fruitless struggle.

He has also hurt his cause by not focusing on more tangible points that are relatable to the average student. Van Gaalen should have augmented his big picture ideas with more concrete changes and improvements to student life. A new website and promoting environmentalism are pedestrian ideas.

Furthermore, van Gaalen’s welcome week for upper-year students is an extraordinarily trivial idea. Most upper-years — who live off campus and are already familiar with campus and London — will be going to Richmond Row during the first week of school — not wet/dry programming on campus.