Chaudhary is a senior studying supply chain management and global politics who launched the project this year to introduce small programs that make daily life easier for ASU students.

The idea is to implement practical initiatives that improve daily life on campus, whether that means free flu shots, sunscreen dispensers or free letters students can send home, Chaudhary said.

“I don’t think you can change the trajectory of what a Sun Devil’s day looks like overnight,” Chaudhary said. “But what you can do is make small steps to make their day a little bit better.”

Chaudhary, who grew up in the Phoenix area, said one of the biggest challenges students face at ASU is finding a sense of connection as they adjust to college life.

“You’re immersing yourself in a new environment and meeting new people,” Chaudhary said. “Being able to find your niche, your community, your people is one of the most difficult parts for students.”

The project is funded through the student service fee that ASU students pay each semester. According to student government officials, the $35 fee generates about $3.6 million annually, which the Undergraduate Student Government returns to student programs and services.

Ryan Cantrell, Chaudhary’s chief of staff, said the goal is to ensure students see a return on their contributions.

“Students pay a $35 student service fee each semester,” Cantrell said. “The goal that I have in mind is how I can put $35 back into your pocket each semester.”

One of the initiatives Chaudhary said he is most proud of is a program offering free flu shots to students through ASU Health Services. The student government collected about $40,000 to fund the program, allowing students to schedule an appointment and receive the vaccine at no cost.

“Students can go to health services, book a free flu shot, and get that through the student government completely paid for,” Chaudhary said.

For many students, small programs like this help make campus life a little easier. Arizona State University junior Anna Calkins said services funded by the student government feel meaningful because they directly benefit students who already pay fees.

“We are already paying so much for tuition, so when there are small ways that money comes back to help us, it definitely feels appreciated,” Calkins said. 

Cantrell said the project includes about 20 initiatives, each designed to improve campus life in a small way.

“He’s implemented a really unique project where with 20 ideas we can make a Sun Devil’s day 1% better for each idea,” Cantrell said. “The hope is that at the end of the school year, each Sun Devil’s day was made 20% better through his work.”

Other ideas being explored include programs for bike safety equipment, personal safety alarms and expanded health resources for students.

Cantrell said working alongside Chaudhary has shown him how committed the student body president is to improving the student experience.

“Rishik is the true charisma aspect of our team,” Cantrell said. “He’s practically connected to everyone and full of really good ideas.”

For Chaudhary, who is finishing his senior year, the presidency has been both a leadership challenge and a personal milestone.

As he looks ahead to graduation, Chaudhary said he hopes his work leaves a lasting impact on campus.

“Success looks like outreach and putting student dollars back into students’ pockets,” Chaudhary said.