Why are you running in the ASUO Elections?

I am Taliek Lopez-DuBoff, a second year student studying PPPM from Portland Oregon. After serving on the ASUO Senate for two years, I’ve seen ASUO at both its best and worst. Through it all, I’ve had the opportunity to meet incredible students org leaders, researchers, and student workers who care deeply about our school and work tirelessly to improve it. With so much division in the world, I want to do my part in bringing people together. We won’t always agree, but we can foster a campus where respect and collaboration come first. ASUO should be a force for unity and action, not bureaucracy and infighting. That’s why I’m running to continue advocating for students, listening to their needs, and ensuring ASUO is truly working for them. My team, Unite UO, understands that ASUO officers serve the students, not themselves. Together, we can build a student government that represents, supports, and empowers every student.

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

Proactively Engaging with Student Organizations: ASUO has historically struggled to build strong relationships with student organizations, often acting reactively rather than proactively. Unite UO is committed to changing this by engaging with student orgs early learning about their needs, collaborating on events, and ensuring they feel supported. By fostering relationships before conflicts arise, we can create a more inclusive and effective student government. We will prioritize accessibility by regularly meeting with org leaders, making ASUO a true partner rather than just a funding body. Protecting and Strengthening ASUO-Funded Programs: With uncertainty at the federal level, it’s more important than ever to protect spaces that provide vital resources for students. The Multicultural Center (MCC), Women’s Center (WC), and Men’s Resource Center (MRC) play crucial roles in fostering community and ensuring safety. As members of the Departments Finance Committee, we’ve seen firsthand their impact, and we’re committed to advocating for their continued funding and growth. We will work closely with these centers to amplify their voices, increase visibility, and ensure they have the resources they need. Making ASUO More Accessible to Students: ASUO can often seem isolated and unapproachable. We want to change that by hosting events outside the ASUO office, keeping our door office open to students, increasing tabling efforts, and improving our social media presence. Students should feel comfortable bringing concerns, ideas, and feedback to ASUO because student government should work for them, not the other way around.