Why are you running in the ASUO Elections?

Hi, I’m Elise Kennedy (she/her), a sophomore here at the University of Oregon. I am currently undeclared but plan to pursue a degree in Journalism. I am running for a senate seat because I want to become a more active participant on campus and ensure that the student body has a strong voice—especially at a school with such a large and diverse student population. I have always been passionate about student government, serving all four years of my high school education. At the heart of my campaign, my goal is to make college students—who may sometimes feel unheard, overwhelmed, or overlooked—know that they have someone in their corner

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

I want student organizations to feel that the ASUO has everyone’s best interests in mind. In my own experience as a student, I have sometimes felt let down by certain decisions, and I want to ensure that no other students have to feel that way. I believe the key to fostering positive interactions between student organizations and the ASUO is building trust and mutual understanding. Both groups ultimately want what is best for the student body, and part of the ASUO’s role is to balance this with what is logistically best for everyone. Transparency is also crucial to creating positive relationships. By clearly sharing our goals and how we plan to achieve them (such as through a five-year plan), students can better understand the roles we play in campus and school life. This approach can help the ASUO transition from being just an organization that people know of to one that students truly understand and trust.

How are you connected to the academic programs you represent? How will you utilize these connections to best represent students?

I am excited about the opportunity to represent the Journalism major. I believe in my ability to foster stronger connections within the SOJC, the ASUO, and the broader student body. My goal is to advocate for students to feel comfortable sharing their ideas and concerns. As someone who has never been a traditional student, I am committed to working hard to represent a diverse range of student needs. I am passionate about maintaining transparency and building meaningful connections with faculty to improve our program.