Why are you running in the ASUO Election?
Hi! My name is Zuha Murad (she/her) and I'm a first year student from Portland, Oregon. At UO, I'm pursuing a double major in Economics and Political Science with a minor in Legal Studies. Beyond academia, I am passionate about political advocacy, economic justice, and the legal system. Currently, I'm a member of Women in Law, Undergraduates in Law, and a programming intern for the Muslim Student Association. Through these roles, I took an active part in our community, expanding my leadership and connecting with others. As a student, I believe it is important to facilitate the creation of programs that enhance each individual’s college experience. As a senator in the PFC, I hope to advocate for student organizations, creating spaces for each subcommunity to build connections, gain invaluable skills and have meaningful experiences. When the importance of representation and diversity in higher education is being undermined, it is crucial to provide resources for the preservation of our school’s student groups. As a senator, I will fight for minority representation and uphold the belief in the vitality of student organization. Vote UOSP!!
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?
As a senator, I hope to embody the purpose of ASUO: to represent students and advocate for their needs. I plan on making these interactions as positive as possible for students by holding this value forefront, serving as a bridge between them and administration. I hope to represent a student government that works as a tool for the students, not as a separate entity. I plan to ensure that we work as a team with student organizations, prioritizing their needs, requests, and desires. I want to create a platform for them to voice their concerns without fear of judgement, creating a space of active listening with tangible and pragmatic solutions for their requests.
Is there a particular ASUO funded service or organization (or multiple) that you are passionate about and hope to work with? Why?
An ASUO funded organization I am passionate about is the Muslim Student Association (MSA). As a member of a minority community at UO, I had reservations and worries about my ability to build connections during college. However, joining the MSA altered the course of my college experience, enabling me to connect with fellow Muslims and expand my leadership roles in the larger UO community. This opportunity has allowed me to meet many outside of our organization as well, and work on multiple events that were open to the entirety of UO and beyond. I am passionate about the necessity of organizations that enable POC and other minority students to feel represented and find their respective communities at this institution. Furthermore, ASUO allocated funding has enabled these groups to work effectively, providing resources for their members and creating change at UO. At MSA, we were able to receive adequate funding to provide students with halal food during our events, accommodating and supporting their religious obligations. Similar funding has been given to organizations that serve students with specific needs; and I hope to continue this work with student organizations that promote and preserve diversity at our school.