Why are you running in the ASUO Elections?

Hello! I am a second-year, studying Business Administration and Journalism from Beaverton, Oregon. If you had told me a few years ago that I would be running for Vice President of the student body I wouldn’t believe you… But, I think that’s the point! I am not a politician but, ASUO doesn’t need to be political. I want to make ASUO a collaborative space where students feel comfortable seeking help for on-campus issues, organizations are comfortable coming in to discuss difficulties with their budget, and anyone can reach out knowing that they will be heard and supported by their student government. ASUO serves students, the students don’t serve us. I want ASUO to be proactive, going to students rather than waiting for students to come to us. While each and every person in ASUO brings their own opinion, we are unified by the foundation of simply serving students. ASUO officers should facilitate an environment of collaboration, where we work with students to plan events, advocate on campus, speak with administration about key issues among students, etc. ASUO should work for all students, not against them.

What are three key student issues that you hope to focus on during your term?

Relationships with Student Organizations I want to be proactive with student organizations. I want to go to you, email you, go to your events, go to your meetings, see you face to face and talk to you student to student. ASUO cannot claim to support student organizations if we stay in our office, waiting for orgs to come to us, that’s not what we are elected to do. Supporting student organizations means being there, readily available through any form of communication, and allowing open ears for all their issues to be heard. I want to foster an environment where student organization leaders and members feel confident to speak freely about their wants and needs from ASUO. ASUO Accessibility ASUO has garnered the reputation of being difficult, complicated, and unsupportive. I want to change that by streamlining our communication processes, rather than relying on a single email, let's direct message, let’s meet for coffee, let’s go to you. I want to make a guidebook detailing every “how to” when it comes to requesting surplus for the first time, meeting the senator of your school, working with SOFS for the first time, etc. The creation of these go-to guidelines will help both parties achieve their desired outcome quicker and more effectively. Let’s open our office door, host events outside of the suite, any way to see you, talk to you, and collaborate with you to make your experience with ASUO better. Maintaining ASUO Funded Programs It’s more important than ever that we continue to fund and show support for our spaces that foster and strengthen the UO community. The Multicultural Center, Men’s Resource Center, and Women’s Center are just some of the programs in need of protection. The community and protection they provide to students is invaluable, and I will advocate for their funding to ensure their doors stay open to all students, at all times.