Why are you running in the ASUO Election?
Brayden Higley (he/him), I am a 2nd year Planning, Public Policy, and Management student. I am running for Senate Seat 09 with UO Student Power. This year I have had the privilege of serving as ASUO Executive Secretary of Basic Needs where we put food directly in the hands of students during the government shutdown, expanded childcare subsidies to the summer months, and fought for better student housing. Through this work I have been able to see how different groups of students can come together to make real change happen on campus. If elected, I will work to empower student voices on campus by giving them multiple platforms to advocate for their beliefs. In the Department Finance Committee, I will work directly with ASUO funded departments on campus to ensure that students are receiving these vital services while student fees are being used efficiently and responsibly. Finally, I will ensure that my door is always open. ASUO has historically had a stigma of being unapproachable, which has in turn affected students. I will ensure that ASUO not only has its door open, but that we actively meet students where they are, whether that’s in the classroom or on 13th Ave.
One of Senate's responsibilities is to interact with student organizations every week during Senate Hearings and makes decisions on their spending requests. As one of the most front facing parts of ASUO, how do you plan on making these interactions as positive as possible for students?
believe that ASUO’s biggest priority is ensuring that every student is welcome and respected when interacting with the organization. I plan to do this by actively listening to campus concerns, meeting students where they are, and making them feel heard. This means being approachable in formal spaces, like the ASUO suite, and informal spaces like campus events and everyday spaces. I also believe that there needs to be follow-through when an issue is brought forward. I plan on doing this by clearly communicating what steps need to be taken, following through on those steps, and following up with students who bring issues to us.
Is there a particular ASUO funded service or organization (or multiple) that you are passionate about and hope to work with? Why?
I would be interested in working with the Basic Needs Program. They are one of the most vital ASUO departments, providing services like housing and textbook subsidies, along with providing assistance with connecting with community resources. They also host great events on campus like the SNAP Fair and the Off-Campus Housing Fair, which provide amazing information for our students. They are one of the most resourceful departments on campus, and working with them would give great insight on one way student fees are being used.