Why are you running in the ASUO Elections?

Hi, my name is Piper (she/her), and I’m from Beaverton, Oregon! I’m a freshman majoring in Public Relations at the SOJC with minors in History and Planning, Public Policy, and Management. I’m running for Seat 6 of the Contracts Finance Committee because I believe that the money each student pays for Incidental fees should support their interests, aspirations, and wellbeing. My involvement in various student organizations and research on campus, as well as off campus, has brought my attention to the general lack of accessibility and support for working-class and marginalized students. As a Contracts Finance Committee member, which oversees child care, legal services, public transportation access, and other campus-wide contracted services, I would make it a priority to maintain support for non-traditional students, working students, and all students facing systemic barriers to their education and overall well-being. Further, I would commit to transparency and proactive involvement of students in Senate hearings and decision-making processes. Often, students feel frustrated by their lack of power in and knowledge of university decisions that directly affect their lives. The $10 million yearly budget that ASUO manages is the students’ money, and I will help ensure that this money reflects all students’ needs.

As one of the most front facing parts of ASUO, how do you plan on making these interactions as positive as possible for students?

As I’ve learned through various past leadership roles, if those in positions of power truly want to serve the communities they’re acting for, they must listen, accept criticism, and make decisions that represent the needs of those communities. Primarily, I plan to make these Senate Hearings accessible not only to the few leaders of student organizations but to the many members that fuel these student organizations. I will welcome and encourage students of UO to participate in these Senate Hearings by inviting their contributions, communicating with respect and transparency, and actively listening to their needs, concerns, and ideas. Beyond these Senate Hearings, I will build positive interactions between ASUO and the student body by advocating for more education on ASUO’s role, frequent service-based and informational events, and direct involvement with student organizations by meeting with them outside of Senate Hearings. Unfortunately, in my time here I have witnessed a barrier between students and the ASUO, and I hope to deconstruct this barrier through open communication and involvement. Everyone at this university deserves to feel heard and supported by ASUO, and I believe this requires constant collaboration beyond the traditional barriers of current government structures.

Is there a particular ASUO funded service or organization (or multiple) that you are passionate about and hope to work with? Why?

While the various services and organizations funded by the ASUO Contract Finance Committee are significant to our student body, I am particularly passionate about Childcare Services at Spencer View Family Housing, LTD Student Transit Passes, the Oregon Student Association, and the Oregon Student Public Interest Research Group. Access to housing, transportation, food, and health resources can be difficult to navigate as a university student with numerous demands. Particularly, I’m interested in working with parents and families at UO to increase the resources provided to them through Spencer View Family Housing and beyond. This is especially important to me given my mom’s educational journey as a single mother and the barriers she faced from a lack of financial support. Additionally, I recognize the OSA and OSPIRG as two vital student and citizen-led organizations that represent and organize for the betterment of the residents of Eugene. By involving myself with these services and organizations, I can better support their work in representing, serving, and empowering UO students and Eugene residents. By working with LTD and other transportation services, I hope to reduce obstacles affecting students regarding affordable parking, transportation to campus and work, and safe nighttime transportation. Funding these services is crucial!