ASUCI Constitution
ASUCI Candidates
Declared Candidates will show in random order below by office.
ASUCI President
Alondra Arevalo
alondrea@uci.edu
Hi Anteaters! My name is Alondra Arevalo (she/her), and it’s an honor to be running for ASUCI President for the 2025-2026 academic year! Firstly, I want to thank you for taking the time to educate yourself about ASUCI, the candidates, and everything that we stand for. As I have little space but a lot to say, my full platform can be found at bit.ly/alondraforpres, but here are the key points of my background and my campaign that drive me to pursue this role and the opportunity it would provide for me to serve you.
As the oldest daughter of Nicaraguan immigrants, I have been faced with many trials. I know what it’s like to have to face adversity in all aspects of life, from learning English in a predominantly white hometown to knowing I have to give my all in everything I do to gain access to the spaces to make change. I’ve learned to put in the work and fight for the things I believe in and the things I want to achieve. Especially with the current state of our federal government, I understand how vital it is, now more than ever, to defend our rights and protect the resources and privileges that students, especially underrepresented students, so rightfully deserve. If elected, I will be the first Latina ASUCI President, and this is a position that I will not hold lightly. I will use my power and the resources I have to advocate for student needs and uphold UCI’s commitment to students, with the perspective I hold as someone who understands the hardships that students may face during their time at UCI and beyond.
On campus, I’ve been involved with the Student Alumni Association my 1st & 2nd year, and I currently work at the Basic Needs Center as a Financial Wellness Peer Coach. In ASUCI, I started in my freshman year as an organizing staffer with the External Vice President’s Office. I then became an At-Large Senator my 2nd year, a position I have since continued as an At-Large Senator and the Senate President Pro-Tempore.
In the Senate, I have been using my role to be a vocal advocate for student needs in ASUCI, its highest leadership team in the Executive Cabinet, and in the administration I meet with regularly through my work in the Senate. This background has allowed me to understand many of the issues facing students in some of the most critical parts of our lives, and my time so far in ASUCI has given me the foundation necessary to effectively leverage all the resources we have as an organization to efficiently and collaboratively achieve progress for the student body. Even in my current role, I have promoted student interests by listening to student concerns and working across ASUCI to address them. For example, I have collaborated with Registered Campus Organizations (RCOs) in discussions about where ASUCI can improve and any issues they have been facing on campus. A primary issue brought up in discussions was the lack of accessibility through the Student Programming Funding Board (SPFB), an ASUCI operation that is intended to support students and student communities by funding their activities on and around campus in their clubs and other organizations. As SPFB is under the Office of the President, I will act to remedy these concerns by working with the Board to expand opportunities for RCOs.
I want the Office of the President to focus more on advocating for students. As a Senator, I need to know all of our governing documents and UC policies to do my job efficiently. I’ve amended governing documents such as the ASUCI Bylaws (R60-76), and was a part of the Ad-Hoc Constitutional Review Committee, which conducted an analysis and feedback on the current ASUCI constitution. The new constitution that I was a part of drafting and recommending will allow for more student advocacy and will help ASUCI function in its most efficient capacity. ASUCI currently has a reputation of not using our budgets and positions effectively, limiting both the impact of ASUCI’s advocacy and the reach of the staff who work hard day after day to benefit their fellow students. I want to fix this reputation, and it is through the experiences I’ve had within ASUCI and the knowledge I have gained through it that I will place students in the rooms they need to be in to fight for you.
If elected ASUCI President, I will commit to the following:
- Ensuring that UC Irvine is a safe and equitable campus for all, including advocating for initiatives such as the protection of DEI in higher education, student civil rights, immigration rights, access to sexual health resources, and protecting student aid, amongst others. I will remain outspoken about the issues that matter most, working closely with administration at UCI, at the University of California, and in collaboration with local, state, and federal policymakers to ensure that student resources and support are not only being sustained but are being built upon.
- Collaborating closely with the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships to ensure that students’ needs are met and concerns are addressed. This includes relaying student concerns by directly obtaining testimonials from students and bringing them to the table. I plan to regularly meet with the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships to check in on their progress, hold them accountable to student needs, and ensure the availability of transparent information to us, the students impacted by their work.
- Working with UCI Housing & UCI Transportation Services to find equitable and accessible solutions for students. I will build feasible solutions to make housing and transportation more affordable, meeting with administrators in these campus departments to present effective policy changes necessary to support student accessibility in these areas.
- Collaborating with the UCI Basic Needs Center to expand access to their resources. I will create new campaigns alongside them centered on providing new opportunities to connect students to the Center and the resources available to students to increase food security.
- Working with UCI resource centers such as the UCI Dream Center, the UCI LGBT Resource Center, the UCI Latinx Resource Center, and more under Student Life & Leadership, to ensure their stability on campus and the resources they provide to students despite the current political climate.
- Creating new student input initiatives, such as monthly town halls, weekly office hours, tabling on Ring Road, and partnerships with RCOs, to guarantee that I remain accountable in representing and advocating for your needs.
- Creating more funding opportunities for RCOs. As the Student Programming Funding Board (SPFB) is under the Office of the President, I want to create not only more collaboration between SPFB and RCOs, but also more collaboration with RCOs and myself.
- Advocating for academic accommodations and increased support for students experiencing mental health issues. I will work with the UCI Counseling Center to increase student retention efforts while also ensuring that faculty and the UCI Academic Senate are familiar with the ongoing mental health crisis and equipped to support students in the midst of it.
- Preserving multicultural spaces. I will preserve the level of service to multicultural outreach events, such as the Afrikan Black Coalition Conference, through ASUCI’s annual budgeting process.
- Enforcing efficiency and effectiveness in ASUCI. By promoting collaboration both between offices and all the commissioners, directors, aides, and interns who fulfill ASUCI’s important mission, I will work to overcome ASUCI’s historically poor reputation and develop a culture of service and professionalism to better support you – the students we serve.
Thank you for taking the time to read my statement, and I hope to earn your vote. With this platform, I aim to be the candidate who is best prepared to present a reformed, unified vision for ASUCI, using my experience in working with administration and engaging RCOs, including cultural organizations, to drive ASUCI to make meaningful progress in the pressing issues we face as students. Please feel free to reach out to me at alondrea@uci.edu, or DM my campaign Instagram @alondraforpres for any questions, comments, or concerns.
I am also campaigning alongside Harshvardhan Rathore (IVP), Jared Castaneda (EVP), Christopher Tan (AAVP), and Patrick Kendrick Maranon (SSVP), in addition to many Senators as Anteater PACT (Progress, Advocacy, and Campus Transparency). Our primary objective is to increase progress towards new ideas and initiatives, increase advocacy in ASUCI, and build transparency with administrators and offices on campus to increase trust with the student body. For more information, please visit our Instagram: @anteaterpact.
Link to my full platform: bit.ly/alondraforpres
Link to Anteater PACT platform: https://sites.google.com/uci.edu/anteater-pact
Sahil Chekuri
schekur1@uci.edu
When I walked into my first ASUCI meeting as a freshly minted At-Large Senator, I expected a fast-paced arena of passionate debate, bold ideas, and real-time problem-solving—students fighting for their peers, leaders making tough calls, policies being shaped before my very eyes. Instead, I got process. Lots of process.
A motion was made. Then seconded. Then discussed. Then amended… only to be tabled for a future meeting. Sure, procedures were important. Structure kept things running. But as I watched urgency get tangled in red tape and student concerns lost in a maze of formalities, I realized something: government should move at the speed of its people.
Beneath the sluggish motions and bureaucratic procedures, I saw what really mattered—students who refused to back down. They showed up. They demanded funding, fought for resources, and spoke up for those who couldn’t. The fire was there. The passion was real. But the system wasn’t built to move with them. That needs to change.
I aim to create a student government that works for students. One that cuts through stagnation, clears the roadblocks, and turns ASUCI into what it was meant to be—a force for real change.
Because ASUCI isn’t about rules and regulations. It’s about people. It’s about students struggling to pay rent, balancing jobs and school, seeking mental health support, and fighting for a university that actually listens. Change doesn’t happen when we accept empty promises. It happens when we demand more.
That’s why I’m running for ASUCI President. Not to sit in the room but to change what happens inside it.
Hello Anteaters! My name is Sahil Chekuri, I’m a third-year Business Administration major, and I’m thrilled to be running to be your next ASUCI President.
My journey in ASUCI began freshman year as an At-Large Senator, where I quickly learned to navigate—and challenge—the system. I identified inefficiencies, rewrote legislation, streamlined internal election processes, and challenged the status quo to make student government more effective. In my sophomore year, as part of the Office of the President’s Mental Health Commission, I shifted from structure to impact—providing mental health resources that truly reflect student requests and improving access to them. Now, as Mental Health Commissioner, I’ve created platforms for overlooked conversations through therapy workshops or student-athlete mental health panels. I’ve worked to ensure students feel seen, heard, and supported.
Beyond ASUCI, I am a dedicated advocate for financial wellness through my work with the Merage Center for Investment & Wealth Management, expanding financial literacy opportunities across UC Irvine and Orange County. This year alone, I have worked alongside campus departments and student leaders to connect nearly 1,000 UCI undergraduates with financial literacy programs, ensuring students from all backgrounds have the tools to make informed financial decisions. My advocacy extends beyond campus as I support long-standing community programs that serve 300+ high school students from underrepresented communities in Orange County—creating pathways for them to build a more secure future. More than just promoting these programs, I have led efforts to connect the right people and organizations, ensuring financial education reaches those who need it most. Whether working with university departments, student organizations, or external partners, I understand that real impact comes from bringing people together and aligning efforts toward a shared goal.
Financial literacy and other basic needs aren’t just about knowledge—it’s about access. By working with teams, building strong partnerships, and creating new opportunities, I have helped make financial education and mental health resources more inclusive and accessible. Basic needs resources shouldn’t be a privilege reserved for those who can afford it, a mission that would not be lost during my presidency.
But the work isn’t finished.
Every year, students struggle with food and housing insecurity, financial burdens, and inadequate support systems. Every year, resources exist—on paper—but in reality, they’re difficult to access, poorly advertised, or underutilized. Every year, students are left waiting. I refuse to let that be the norm.
As ASUCI President, I want to do more than advocate—I want to act. I want to push for tangible solutions: increased funding for resources, stronger financial aid protections, expanded mental health resources, and a student government that doesn’t just exist in the background but actively shapes campus life. I want ASUCI to be a place where student concerns don’t just get passed along but turned into policy, where the weight of student voices isn’t just acknowledged but felt in every decision.
The role of the President is not to blindly find solutions to every problem that arises. The role of the President is to listen–to their team, but more importantly, the students. As President, I will not have every answer. But I live by the mindset that the answer always exists; you just have to search for it.
Student government has the power to create real change, but too often, its impact feels distant—discussions happen, resolutions are passed, and emails are sent, yet students don’t always see the direct results. That is not my vision for ASUCI. My presidency will focus on five key areas that directly impact students:
Advocating for Basic Needs
Relevant Commissions | Food Security, Housing Security, Financial Wellness, Mental Health, Sexual Health
In economics, we learn about tradeoffs: in essence, this means that to have more of one thing, you must have less of another. Why should a student experience a tradeoff when deciding between buying extra groceries or paying rent? Or how about when paying that rent requires someone to limit their savings that month, reducing financial wellness? Access to these basic needs is not a privilege but a right, right? Unfortunately, nearly 4 out of 10 undergraduates at UC Irvine face food insecurity, according to the 2023 UCI National College Health Assessment. This year, we also faced tremendous uncertainty with financial aid–a problem whose solution lies in the hands of the administration. As President, my largest priority is ensuring students have every resource they need, especially in a time when access to essential support systems, including mental health care, is becoming increasingly limited nationwide. As President, I would:
- Advocate to expand awareness of CALFresh benefits, providing eligible students with greater flexibility in accessing healthy and nutritious foods and other emergency resources.
- Push for greater visibility of the Basic Needs Center, establishing a greater presence of the mobile food pantry as well as Zot Out Hunger initiatives.
- Work with UCI Dining to reduce prominent food waste and promote sustainable operations on campus.
- Liaise with UCI Housing and UCI Transportation to address housing-related challenges with a strategic, business-minded approach—ensuring university decisions are practical and sustainable while always prioritizing student needs and quality of life.
- Fostering collaboration between departments on campus offering similar resources, especially for financial wellness.
- Advocate for greater integration for mental health in all parts of campus, honing in on UCI’s adoption of the Okanagan Charter and our status as a Health Promoting University.
- Advocate for greater subsidization for various menstrual and essential hygiene products.
- Expand the Anteater Safety Net Grant to distribute more in aid while increasing marketing efforts to ensure that the students who need it most are aware of and applying for the grant.
Ensuring Campus Safety & Student Support
Relevant Commissions | Campus Climate, Student Programming Funding Board
Safety and support are the foundation of a thriving student experience. No one should have to second-guess their safety when walking home at night or attending campus events. Yet, students continue to express concerns about inadequate lighting, emergency response times, and the effectiveness of campus safety measures. A lack of clear communication also leaves students feeling unprotected. Ensuring a secure campus means addressing these concerns head-on. Further, all students, regardless of their race, gender, identity, or documentation status should have equal opportunities on campus. As President, I would:
- Support free speech and expression by advocating for UCIPD to provide and publish reports relating to hate crimes and discrimination cases.
- Ensure that Public Safety Advisory Committee meetings start early in the academic year, so advocacy starts sooner rather than later while also promoting greater awareness about the committee to the entire Anteater community.
- Represent various undergraduate concerns to faculty and administration.
- Implement workflows to consistently review data to identify student sentiment on campus climate as well as regular check-ins with UCIPD to ensure they are serving students as intended without bias. I would also look to identify trends for cases of sexual assault and burglary, aiming to increase safety personnel for those areas.
- Advocate for the safety of our marginalized communities at UC Irvine when public policy (at the UC, state, or federal level) directly and negatively impacts them on- or off-campus.
- Integrate campus safety liaisons from relevant campus departments to regularly advise and inform the Campus Climate Commissioner(s) of issues on campus pertaining to safety.
- Collaborate with the Office of the Academic Affairs Vice President to advocate for undocumented students to have the opportunity to work on-campus, creating opportunities and aiding in their professional development.
- Enhance SPFB visibility to RCOs, focusing on early summer outreach to ensure that all clubs know what SPFB is and can start planning events that correlate to their missions.
- Explore possibilities of moving Be Well OC, a mental health crisis service currently housed under UCIPD, to the UCI Counseling Center, making students more comfortable to reach out for help when needed.
Transparency for All
Relevant Commissions | Office Outreach, Chiefs of Staff
Few students truly understand ASUCI’s operations—decisions happen behind closed doors, and students are left questioning where their fees go and why change feels slow. That needs to end. As ASUCI President, I will push for full transparency: clearer budgets, accessible meeting summaries, and direct student involvement in decision-making. No hidden agendas. No wasted time. Just real accountability and real results. Here’s how I’ll make that happen:
- Monthly President Town Halls – A direct space for students to voice concerns, ask questions, and stay informed on key issues like public safety, resource access, and administrative decisions. ASUCI should work with you, not just for you—and that starts with open conversations.
- ASUCI Transparency Dashboard – Budgets, legislation, and rulings are public, but they’re buried in hard-to-navigate documents. I will simplify access and actively promote this information, ensuring students can easily track ASUCI’s initiatives and spending in one centralized space.
Intentional Outreach
Relevant Commissions | Office Outreach
Student organizations (RCOs) are the heart of our campus, representing diverse passions, professions, and advocacy efforts. As President, I will prioritize listening to them, gathering feedback on ASUCI, collaborating on campus issues, and amplifying their voices in administrative spaces to drive real change. Here’s how I’ll make that happen:
- RCO Council of Presidents – Regular meetings with student leaders to create an open forum for concerns, foster collaboration across clubs, and bring together diverse perspectives.
- Office Outreach to RCOs – Consistent engagement to collect feedback and maintain transparency on how RCO issues are addressed.
- Accessible Office Hours – Ensuring every RCO and student knows they are not only welcome but encouraged to attend ASUCI office hours, cutting through scheduling barriers to provide direct access to leadership.
Building On Existing Efforts
Efficiency isn’t just about change—it’s about strengthening what already works. The Office of the President has made great strides this year, and rather than reinvent the wheel, I would conduct a full internal audit to assess each initiative’s effectiveness and build from a solid foundation.With two years in this office, I understand its operations and the challenges our Commissioners (myself included) face. As President, I would:
- Shape the Office to meet the full scope of its responsibilities.
- Build a stable, passionate team to drive impact in their focus areas while maintaining direct communication with me—ensuring I can effectively advocate for students at the administrative level.
Change doesn’t happen by waiting—it happens by acting. It happens when we challenge inefficiencies, demand better, and refuse to accept the status quo. ASUCI should be a vehicle for real impact, not just a bureaucratic checkpoint. Together, we can make it a student government that listens, responds, and delivers.
This election is about more than one candidate or one position. It’s about the future we build together. It’s about students knowing their voices matter and their struggles are seen. It’s about ensuring no one has to fight alone for the resources, safety, and transparency they deserve.
I’m ready to fight for that future. I hope you’ll stand with me.
Thank you for your support and your commitment to making change happen. It is an honor to be running for your next ASUCI President.
Vote Sahil Chekuri for ASUCI President because we don’t just deserve a seat in the room. We deserve to have a say in what happens inside.
Thank you,
Sahil Chekuri
Connect with me!
Instagram (Campaign) | @sahil4president
Instagram (Personal) | @sahilchekuri
LinkedIn | linkedin.com/in/sahilchekuri
Email | schekur1@uci.edu
Austin Pierce
austinlp@uci.edu
Hi UCI! I hope you have all been having a splendid school year so far. My name is Austin Pierce (刘泽霖), he/him. I’m a third-year Political Science major, and I’m elated for the opportunity to run as your next ASUCI Student Body President!
During my time at this school, I have heard and seen the struggles of my classmates and friends. Whether it be the nightmare that comes with having your financial aid delayed, the frustration of being charged exorbitant parking fees, or the pain of losing the trust and confidence of your student government, students like us, more than ever, feel a pressing need for proper and effective representation.
Right now, I believe our student government has failed to speak up for us. If I am elected, I will be your first line of defense between you and mistreatment from the administration. That is why I am running for Student Body President.
My priorities are straightforward:
1) Fix the Financial Aid Crisis
2) Make Parking Affordable
3) Reform and Empower Our Student Government
You have a right to demand more from your Student Government. My name is Austin Pierce, and I ask for your vote. It would be an honor to serve as your president.
My Platform in a Nutshell
As your president, I plan to (1) improve the efficiency and accessibility of our Financial Aid system, (2) introduce and advocate for more affordable parking options for students, and (3) implement meaningful reforms, in addition to the new constitution, to give our Student Government new transparency, vitality, and purpose. As your president, I will be given the awesome duty of being the primary representative for our student body and will be given a direct ear to the Chancellor, UC President, and the Administration of UC Irvine. Since I’ve been a student at UC Irvine, I have been heavily involved in student government, studying and learning every facet of our government system, how it works, and what needs reform. Working as an advocate in local politics with Californian representatives and senators, I have gained a profound appreciation for the power and importance of having a voice in your government.
While at this university, it has felt like being on a dizzying, insane, and unforgettable adventure. Whether it be the 3 am anime binges with friends, Gateway Library yap sessions with classmates, or praying with my Christian brothers and sisters during weekend cabin getaways, this school has carved a place for itself in my heart. Coming to UCI, I knew what it felt like to feel lost without support. I was raised by a single mom, who had immigrated here from China. Living in a first-generation immigrant home, I learned firsthand the power of strength, resilience, and grit. Her sacrifices inspire me to this day, and I am running for office because I know how important it is to advocate for those who don’t have a voice.
I plan, day one of my administration, to represent and safeguard the interests of all Anteaters. I would also like to thank my amazing and impressive classmates who have worked with me under our unofficial slate, Anteater Rising. They have been with me in developing and refining our platform, and meeting with students, faculty and professional staff. We are excited for the chance to share with you all our plans for how we can improve our school. Feel free to skip to the sections of the platform that resonate with you the most.
Here is a link to my full platform, where I discuss my plans for reform much more thoroughly than I can here. Feel free to reach out to me or my campaign for any questions or clarifications. Thank you so much for your support.
I. Financial Aid Reform
This year, a crisis struck our campus when Financial Aid was delayed, denied, and suddenly reduced for thousands of students. Beginning in fall quarter, students have been forced to rely on a financial aid system that has proven inaccessible, unpredictable and flighty. The pervasive delays and systemic lack of communication has caused uncertainty, anxiety and pain for thousands of students and their families. Many of our friends and classmates rely on the financial aid they receive in order to attend university. I am one of those students, and my family is one of those families, and I know, firsthand, the frustration, distress, and torment that comes with not knowing when the aid you need will come through.
The Financial Aid Crisis is formidable, but it can be solved, and you can play a role in the solution.
My campaign believes there are constructive solutions to resolving this crisis, and in making sure something like it never happens again. I, along with several members of Anteater Rising, have been in consistent contact with Crystal Madaule, the Director of the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships, Petty Morales, the Vice Provost, and Edgar Dominco, the Vice Chancellor of UC Irvine, and have come to the conclusion that the main drivers of OFAS’s underperformance is due to them being
(1) Understaffed, (2) Underequipped, and (3) Under-connected.
I promise to continue to work with OFAS in the onboarding process of significantly more counselors, faculty and interns to help work with students through the financial aid processes. I also plan to work to expand the OFAS work-study program, which will give more opportunities to students while helping their crippling manpower shortage. In addition to addressing the crippling manpower shortage, my office will lead efforts to equip OFAS with the proper resources, technologies, and tools to effectively communicate with students. In my talks with the OFAS director, we have advocated for a new, high-tech phone and computer system that is able to utilize cloud support and new processing technologies to better connect students with Admin. Finally, OFAS must update its outreach strategy to meet students where they are. I promise to work with OFAS to develop new strategies and language to communicate with students in a way that is more accessible and universal.
II. Parking Reform.
Over 50% of students at our school are commuters. The vast majority of these students rely on their cars as their only means of transportation, meaning the office of transportation is able to take advantage of students who have no other choice but to pay these exorbitant fees. Furthermore, commuters are also more likely to be lower income, meaning that these onerous costs are being heaped onto the students who can least afford it. Students who rely on their cars to commute to school, and who wish to avoid the onerous citation fees, are forced to pay between 230 and 405 dollars per quarter, or 700 to 1215 dollars per school year, to have the right to park on this campus. These costs are also more than any college in Orange County and is one of the highest in the UC system. We pay more than 12% more than UCLA, 65% more than USC, and 265% more than Chapman! *
The current parking system at UC Irvine is cruel, regressive, exploitative, and needs desperate reform.
As president of your student body, I plan to:
- Pressure the administration to offer programs that discount the cost of parking for low-income students. Similar programs have already been implemented in other schools like UCLA. Adopting one here will make our parking system more equitable and humane.
- Offer students without permits the chance to have their citations forgiven if they pay for an official permit that quarter, which will give students more options in paying for parking, while also giving many commuter students an incentive to buy parking permits in the middle of the quarter.
- Offer discounted options for students who carpool, giving students more affordable options. A program like this would reduce the number of vehicles on campus, freeing up spaces and reducing costs for everyone. We are one of the only schools in California that does not offer some kind of carpool option, with USC even offering free parking for carpoolers.
III. Governmental Reform
For years, our student government has been defined by its chronic lack of engagement, representation, and vitality. As students, all we have ever known is a government that is feeble, timid, and unconnected from the priorities of the student body. Our government has been unsuccessful in achieving real, enduring progress, and has fallen short of representing the interests and demands of students.
As a consequence, ASUCI has lost the confidence from much of the undergraduate population, resulting in the worst engagement and turnout of any University in the UC system. This indifference manifests as a voter turnout of 4% of the undergraduate population voting. The structural weaknesses of our student government bleed into every problem on our campus. Because no one was equipped to stand up for students, financial aid delays continued unabated. Because we have been weak in our representation of you, the Office of Transportation has been left unhindered as they continue to take advantage of students. And because of pervasive apathy and under-engagement, the administration is able to ignore the voices of students like you and me.
My presidency plans to change this
Currently, our student government is organized through the Commission System. The commissioner role, however, has been weakened through structural shortcomings. We have robbed our commissioners of their ability to advocate for meaningful change. Lacking the resources, mandate, and freedom to push for real change, their remit has largely been limited to hosting pizza parties and making brochures. Yet, our entire government is almost entirely structured on top of this network of enfeebled, incohesive, and disconnected commissions. Let me be clear: It is not the commissioners that have failed our government, but our government that has failed our commissioners.
My administration plans to implement major structural reforms aimed at restructuring the way student government is run at this school. The Commissions System will be overhauled, as most commissions will be reorganized into a cohesive, powerful and streamlined body aimed at improving all students’ lives. (Commissions with a strong impact, such as the Housing Security Commission and Basic Needs Commission will be untouched in their composition.) These restructuring programs, by simplifying and streamlining the commission network, will, according to estimates from ASUCI, free up 200,000 to 300,000 dollars from the budget.
Furthermore, these reforms will focus the powers of your student government to advocating for meaningful reform. The current duties of the ASUCI Senate and Executive branch has been almost entirely dedicated to micromanaging these diffuse and handicapped commissions. Through these reforms, clarity and focus will be brought to our government.
The Office of the President, the position I hope to fill next year, will be free and empowered to focus the entirety of its resources on demanding substantive reform and defending the interests of students like me and you. The Internal Vice President will also be reformed dramatically. They will now be in charge of supervising a series of offices dedicated to maintaining the transparency, efficiency, and accountability of student government, which will help students regain their faith in their government.
You have a right to demand more from your student government. You have a right to want more than a Pizza Party Government. You have a right to expect a student government that dedicates itself to enacting real, enduring change. And I promise to provide, with every element of my ability, a government that we can be proud to call our own.
Closing thoughts:
This election, I am calling on you all to work and fight for a better UCI. No matter who you end up voting for, or who wins this election, what’s important is making your voice heard, and voting for the candidate you believe best captures the change you want to see for our school.
I believe that our student body has lost its voice. I am running to be your megaphone. I am asking for your vote for Student Body President, and together we can build a campus we can all believe in.
Thank you so much for your time, and see you on the campaign trail!
Austin Pierce (刘泽霖), he/him
ASUCI Presidential Candidate
Slate: Anteater Rising
Campaign IG: @austinp_for_pres
Slate IG: @Anteater_Rising
Platform link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/17SGm8DPS5yBV89ZkZNRI_ofUVESsjPXJjGsLiB8Q0Hg/edit?usp=sharing
* all sources are available on my platform document
External Vice President
Jared Castaneda
jaredc5@uci.edu
This year, students faced financial aid delays, housing and resource shortages, student speech suppression, discriminatory state and federal legislative outcomes, and further adversity. Simultaneously, UCI boasted a record amount of fundraising for different university programs.
This year, UC Irvine will pride its commitment to student diversity and its designations as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution, and Minority-Serving Institution, as minorities disproportionately drop out amidst the UC’s perpetuation of a massive financial aid and housing crisis.
This year, every undergraduate student at UCI will pay $153.94 in mandatory ASUCI fees. Many students like myself continuously demand accountability from administrators, legislators, and representatives, and it is yet to be seen. Moreover, UC Irvine – the same institution powered by students – boasts its rich student movement history, yet concurrently silences student voices, demonstrating its clear mission of placing profits over its students.
During the past few years, many of our community members have demonstrated resilience while our most vulnerable communities have faced institutional marginalization. Students continuously challenged the status quo, rallying across campus to combat the institutional funding of genocide, supporting union workers and immigrant rights, and advocating against adjacent interconnected struggles. As a candidate for the next External Vice President, I aspire to equip my three years of experience under the Office of External Vice President, knowledge obtained through community organizing, and my insights through public service to work together with my peers to reinvest in our campus. Students have, and will continue to be at the forefront of civil rights movements in the pursuit of liberation.
Throughout the past three years, I have eagerly taken on the role of a learner in these spaces, attending workshops, community teach-ins, panels, conferences, and actively seeking out student voices and listening to their struggles in higher education. Parallel to these learning experiences, my research role under the Office of Vice Provost for Teaching and Learning has allowed me to closely examine the intersection between social justice, curricula, and policy. Discussions through community-based learning opportunities alongside my role in MEChA have provided me with thoughts and concepts often not traditionally represented and incorporated into many higher education classrooms.
Going into my fourth year in the EVP Office, I sincerely hope to grasp from these unique, learned experiences and draw strength from my mentors and put these lessons into application and force. As a son to immigrant parents, I understand the struggles of navigating through college and feeling lost, and hope to leverage my identity and experiences to shape campus discussions, contribute to academia, and assist and advocate for the next cohort of students. With this being said, I’m eager to present my External Vice President Platform to increase student success and support for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year. May I introduce my three main outlets for change under the EVP Office: Solidarity & Mobilization, Transparency & Accountability, and Reinvestment.
Solidarity & Mobilization:
Student organizations and the general student body deserve coordinated allyship and support from ASUCI. As EVP, I will coordinate efforts to incorporate and encourage AAVP, SSVP, IVP, SSVP, Senate, and relevant branches to stand in solidarity with student-led, regional, and national movements. Through my role, I hope to use my voice as EVP to supplement student efforts in voicing their concerns and demands, being in solidarity with campaigns in the organizing space at UCI.
Monumental UCI student turnout in the 2024 General Elections further emphasized the need to continue mobilizing the student body to channel this increasing momentum into the 2026 Midterm Elections. I will expand on our current efforts to increase civic engagement and maintain a steady system of streamlined election information into the next election, providing students with necessary details to make informed decisions through multiple avenues.
Under the current administration, reclaiming our civic power will be essential to electing officials who truly represent our stories, concerns, and needs. This is why I will firmly dedicate my efforts into establishing a formal student-led Vote Coalition, encompassing various RCO’s as a broader effort to redirect the EVP Office into a bottom-up approach and delegate decision-making powers from other levels of governance to the local level. The Vote Coalition would serve as a non-partisan extension of the Office; overseeing civic engagement programming, bringing in workshops and panelists, and formally setting a larger push in voter registration efforts. Establishing the coalition would prioritize voter education initiatives, bridge RCO’s and the EVP office, and underscore the importance of communal power at the polls. Additionally, it would set precedent for an interlinked student government aimed at generating further support for multicultural organizations and RCO’s.
As a complement to efforts in dismantling voting barriers, I will aim to designate a second on-campus voting center in preparation for upcoming elections, setting the groundwork for shorter wait times, increasing voting access to undergrads, and providing efficient and supportive voting processes. To supplement this, I’d like to introduce the local affairs position in our office for focused targeting on local campaigns, politics, and issues.
Transparency & Accountability:
Many of my peers and friends have voiced being uninformed on the work ASUCI executes and each branches’ respective roles within our campus’s student government. To address this, increase student outreach within our office, and incorporate the literal student voices we are being paid to represent, I will aim to establish Quarterly Town Halls intended to link students to campus administrators. These recurring town halls would provide administration with concrete opportunities to engage with students and address student uncertainty in various areas and deliver transparency to students and accountability for administration. To effectively represent current student needs, these town halls would provide us with real student feedback and provide a deeper understanding of our campus climate. They would allow us to accurately identify current barriers in student lives and therefore allow us to more effectively advocate for these issues at the campus, regional, state, and federal levels.
As EVP, I would reaffirm my commitment to keeping the student body up-to-date on our work and priorities. Throughout the year, the External Vice President’s Office advocates for students and increases civic engagement through a variety of methods, such as lobbying legislators and applying pressure to increase support for the passage of equitable higher education legislation in the state legislature and Congress. Other methods include leading voter registration drives, hosting candidate debates during election seasons, crafting election and community resources, etc. Improving student outreach efforts through reintroducing quarterly campus-wide email updates would significantly improve the information gap between students and the office. Also, expanding our presence would greatly provide transparency and recognition of our current work, allowing students to be engaged and help us have our work remain student-centered.
As EVP, in an effort to increase interdepartmental collaboration, I will also be working alongside the Office of the President to further advocate for students in the light of a changing administration, safeguarding our important resources. Through collaboration with OP, I hope to push for and secure more funding for RCO’s through SPFB and work to conduct greater outreach to campus organizations to ensure greater transparency in the funding process. Additionally, in a campus isolated from the city, public transportation remains more vital to improve than ever. To advocate for transit, I will ensure our work with OP and UCI Housing & Transportation services to present effective policy changes that allow for greater mobility within students.
Reinvestment:
Oftentimes, students express the need for community reinvestment and its translation into tangible systemic, career, and personal outcomes. Through reinvestment, I hope to reintroduce and strategize to redirect advocacy efforts in ways that are more accessible and inclusive to people outside the EVP space – reflective of a redirection towards a more community-based approach which effectively incorporates the voices of the student body.
Aside from traditional definitions of reinvestments, I will push towards securing base funding for different forms of advocacy that encompass a larger grassroots focus. I aspire to expand and branch on the office’s current advocacy strategies, including funding mobilization efforts in UC Regents meeting visits. These meetings serve as important targets, as the Regents hold decisions that affect student outcomes across all 9 UC Campuses. Furthermore, this approach encourages and develops larger student awareness and civic engagement through a variety of systemic issues across the University of California system. I additionally aspire to assist with funding to trips to Sacramento to support student-led organizations that would like to mobilize at the Capitol.
In determination to uplift student career preparation, I will aim to maintain the current Pathways to Power event, a networking and conversation-based event bridging employers in advocacy, public service, and non-profit spaces with students, gearing them for post-graduate success. By establishing a consistent relationship with like-minded employers, students can gain exposure to civil justice initiatives, break into these fields of work, and gear recruitment towards UCI undergraduates.
I am also campaigning alongside Alondra Arevalo (OP) Harshvardhan Rathore (IVP), , Christopher Tan (AAVP), and Patrick Kendrick Maranon (SSVP), in addition many Senators as Anteater PACT (Progress, Advocacy, and Campus Transparency). Our primary objective is to increase progress towards new ideas and initiatives, increase advocacy in ASUCI, and build transparency with administrators and offices on campus, to increase trust with the student body. For more information, please visit our Instagram: @anteaterpact.
As I will fervently take on the role of a student representative, I hope to reinforce a bottom-up system in these decision-making processes, giving autonomy to students to shape the work of the Office of the External Vice President. Through different initiatives and fresh ideas, I aspire to not only contribute but expand on my role, setting the foundation for a more informed and civically engaged student body. With your vote, I hope to continue building a shared vision of communal support, progress, and love here at UC Irvine.
Yours Truly,
Jared Castaneda
Adam Weinberg
apweinbe@uci.edu
Renew UCI: A Plan for 25-26
As a third-year engineering student here at UCI, I’ve had the time to get familiar with this university we all know and love. It’s got a lot going for it, including strong academic programs, a driven and ambitious student body, and a beautiful campus, but there’s a lot of room to improve, too. Over the last three years, a number of problems have consistently come up that I believe that I can address with the powers of the position of the External Vice President. The most pertinent issue by far is financial aid. Many students here have been affected by the changes to financial aid in the last year, and the university’s blatant disregard for the academic careers and financial health of their own students has been flatly unacceptable. Students have a right to a fair and transparent financial aid process. They should be worried about studying for their classes and projects, not whether or not their financial aid will come in or if they’ll be dropped. Using the opportunity that the External VP has to lobby the UC Regents and California State government, I will push for increased transparency in the financial aid process as well as increased funding so that such cuts do not derail students’ academic careers again.
This is far from the only thing at UCI that needs changing, however. Another point of friction in many students’ daily lives is parking. With the housing crisis as it is, more and more students are pushed into off-campus housing each year, which means more and more students are driving to class. The current system, where floors of AR and Preferred parking go nearly empty while the spots for ordinary student parking, (which is still exorbitantly expensive), fill to the brim is untenable. Likewise, the parking situation at the ACC and Irvine Company apartments off campus is also terrible. The current parking regime fails to acknowledge the fact that most students in their second year or later don’t have much of a choice as to where they will stay, and is unnecessarily punitive in its treatment of students. We need a parking and transportation system designed around supporting students’ needs, not extracting the maximum number of parking permit revenues and violation fees. Using the External VPs lobbying capabilities, I will push for changes to the parking and transportation system to be fairer to students forced into off-campus housing through reductions in permit fees and increases in public transportation options. There are three main parties here with the power to alleviate this issue. One, I will lobby for the university to relax its parking restrictions, allowing more students to purchase permits at a reasonable price. Two, I will push for the Irvine Company to expand parking opportunities for housing locations off-campus, particularly those that are not within walking distance of the university. And three, I will push for both UCI and the Orange County Transportation Authority to expand their bus systems, reducing commute times for students that are not able to afford a car.
There are many other issues that face the students at our university, but I feel that focusing on these issues, that hit students in the pocketbook and severely affect their ability to succeed, are the most important and need the most immediate addressing. Ultimately, UCI is a great university, but it can and should do better by its students. Financial aid failures and an unfair parking system are not just minor inconveniences—they’re barriers that make it harder for students to focus on their education and succeed. As External Vice President, I will use every tool available to advocate for a more student-centered approach, one that prioritizes financial security, affordable transportation, and transparency. Our university should work for us, not against us. Together, we can push for meaningful change and make UCI a place where students don’t just get by, but truly thrive.
Adam
Internal Vice President
Harshvardhan Rathore
harshvar@uci.edu
Please find my full Candidacy Statement here – Harshvardhan Rathore – Full Campaign Statement (https://docs.google.com/document/d/17rdq-JqFZDl-FEGfq-1TS00bXxm8E2ZwWIq_KAcZjXw/edit?usp=sharing)
Hello Fellow Anteaters,
I am Harshvardhan Rathore, a second-year Computer Science major who has grown and learned alongside you at UCI. My journey began as an intern in the International Student Advocacy Commission, where I worked on programming for the international student population. However, I quickly realized that I wanted to do more. This drive led me to become the International Senator, where I focused on expanding resources and addressing critical issues such as visa policies, community integration, and student support. My commitment to student advocacy pushed me further, and I was elected At-Large Senator and later Senate President.
In these roles, I worked closely with campus clubs, gathering their feedback and advocating for their needs with the administration – securing funding, improving access to space, and enhancing support for student organizations. Additionally, as a member of the Bren Advisory Board, I pushed for greater accessibility for clubs to host events and for more affordable ticket pricing. My role on the Student Fee Advisory Committee further allowed me to oversee campus fees, ensuring that student tuition is used effectively, not mismanaged, and questioning every decision. All these roles have made me gain a lot of administrative experience.
As Senate President, I have gained a comprehensive understanding of ASUCI — how each office functions and how the association operates as a whole. Leading one of ASUCI’s most powerful branches, I’ve worked closely with every office and branch to ensure accountability, transparency, and collaboration in decision-making. As a part of this, I served on this year’s Ad-Hoc Constitutional Review Committee, directly analyzing aspects of our current Constitution and contributing to the proposed Constitution on the ballot this year that would create a more effective and representative ASUCI for you, the students.
These experiences have strengthened my commitment to student advocacy and deepened my understanding of ASUCI’s inner workings. My deep understanding of the governing documents, insight into each office’s role, and knowledge of the association’s structure ultimately inspired me to run for Internal Vice President — to make ASUCI more transparent, inclusive, and impactful for every student.
Each of these experiences has deepened my understanding of student concerns, campus policies, and effective advocacy, equipping me with the skills and knowledge to continue making a meaningful impact. These experiences have equipped me with the motivation and passion to do more for you and every member of the student community at UCI. It is for these reasons that I humbly ask for your vote as your Internal Vice President.
I am running for Internal Vice President (IVP) because I believe in the power of student advocacy. As a Senator for the past two years, I have witnessed firsthand the impact of our efforts in driving real change. Advocacy and policy work, while transformative, require persistence, strategy, and long-term commitment. I am dedicated to continuing these efforts while also spearheading new initiatives to better serve and empower our student body.
Our efforts take time, persistence, and collaboration, and I am committed to strengthening our impact. As IVP, I will focus on the following having short and long term development goals:
Strengthening Advocacy & Policy Initiatives
- Expanding Campus Partnerships – Work with the Transfer Student Center, International Center, LGBT Resource Center, CBCRR, and other offices to develop programs that directly support students and close resource gaps.
- Enhancing Housing Advocacy – Work with the ASUCI President to push UCI Housing and ACC for better housing access and support for students transitioning off-campus, with a focus on international, transfer, and out-of-state students.
- Supporting Undocumented Students – Advocate for expanded legal aid resources and stronger campus safety measures to protect and empower Undocumented Students in collaboration with the DREAM Center.
- Improving Healthcare Accessibility – Use my role on the Student Health Insurance Advisory Committee (SHIAC) to push for better, more affordable health insurance options that meet students’ diverse needs.
- Expanding Transportation Services – Address the shortage of drivers and advocate for increased incentives to improve bus routes, weekend service, and accessibility for off-campus students through the Bus Love Advisory Committee and work with the President to collaborate with Transportation & Distribution Services.
Fostering Inclusion & Student Engagement
- Supporting Marginalized Communities – Ensure ASUCI actively amplifies the voices of historically underrepresented students, including Black, Latine, Indigenous, Asian, Pacific Islander, SWANA, and other ethnic groups. This also includes advocating for Undocumented Students.
- Increasing Financial Support for Clubs & Advocacy Efforts – Advocate for increased funding for SPFB, conferences, and student-led advocacy events to better support cultural and identity-based organizations.
- Strengthening Club & Organization Collaboration – Create more opportunities for ASUCI to directly support and co-host events with student-led organizations, ensuring their advocacy efforts reach a larger audience.
- Enhancing Campus Accessibility – Push for greater accessibility in campus spaces, such as the Registrar’s Office, to ensure all students, especially students with disabilities, can easily access critical resources.
- Promote Sustainability: Expand the Arroyo Vista Garden, support eco-friendly projects, and increase student involvement through The Green Initiative Fund (TGIF) to drive meaningful environmental change.
Enhancing Transparency & Student Communication
- Providing Regular Updates – Implement monthly public reports detailing ASUCI’s advocacy efforts, funding allocations, and upcoming projects.
- Hosting Town Halls & Feedback Sessions – Hold regular town halls, office hours in resource centers, and online feedback sessions to keep your concerns at the forefront of ASUCI’s actions.
- Increasing Representation in Decision-Making – Ensure advisory boards, task forces, and staff within ASUCI reflect UCI’s diverse student body, ensuring all communities have a voice in decision-making.
Increasing Collaboration & Leadership Development
- Building a Stronger ASUCI – Establish a structured division for onboarding, training, and retaining interns and personnel, ensuring ASUCI remains efficient and impactful.
- Improving Cross-Branch Engagement – Foster greater collaboration between ASUCI offices by aligning advocacy efforts, combining resources, and supporting each other’s initiatives.
- Strengthening Executive Partnerships – Collaborate with the ASUCI President on policy research, student feedback, and strategic recommendations for administrative meetings. Partner with the External Vice President to enhance advocacy efforts and leverage campus organizations for broader impact. Work with the Academic Affairs Vice President to address academic concerns and relay them to the Academic Senate.
- Enhancing Legislative Advocacy – Partner with the ASUCI Senate to draft and release impactful statements while ensuring Special Interest Senators (First-Year, International, Transfer) are actively engaged in advocacy with IVP’s commissions.
- Supporting Student-Led Advocacy – Actively partner with student organizations already leading advocacy efforts, ensuring we uplift and amplify your initiatives instead of acting in isolation.
I am running because I truly care about our campus, our student body, and the future we share. This is more than just a leadership position for me or something to put on my resume—it’s an opportunity to bring meaningful change and ensure that every student, regardless of background, has the support and resources they need to succeed. I have spent my time at UCI working to make a difference, and I want to continue that work at an even greater level.
I ask for your vote not just because I have the experience and skills, but because I am deeply committed to listening, acting, and leading with purpose. Together, we can create a UCI where we feel safe, valued, and empowered to thrive.
I am campaigning as part of Anteater PACT — Progress, Advocacy & Campus Transparency — alongside Alondra Arevalo for President, Jared Castaneda for External VP, Christopher Tan for Academic Affairs VP, Patrick Kendrick Maranon for Student Services VP, and many passionate Senators. Our primary objective is to drive progress through fresh ideas and initiatives, amplify advocacy through ASUCI, and build transparency with administrators and campus offices to strengthen trust with the student body. Together, we’re committed to creating meaningful change and ensuring every student’s voice is heard. For more information, please visit our Instagram at @anteaterpact or website https://sites.google.com/uci.edu/anteater-pact and view our full platform there.
Thank you for believing in our community. I am ready to listen to you, ready to act for you, and ready to lead us towards a better future.
At your service,
Harshvardhan Rathore
Full Campaign Statement (https://docs.google.com/document/d/17rdq-JqFZDl-FEGfq-1TS00bXxm8E2ZwWIq_KAcZjXw/edit?usp=sharing)
Instagram – @harshvardhan4ivp
Slate Instagram – @anteaterpact
Victory Ogbonnaya
vogbonna@uci.edu
Hello, Eaters! My name is Victory Ogbonnaya; I’m a second-year Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering double major running to be your Internal Vice President (IVP) for the 2025-2026 school year. My motivation for running for IVP comes from my belief that ASUCI should serve the interests of students, not vice versa. UCI is home to so many incredible students and their diverse organizations; but, too often, ASUCI tends to feel disconnected from the very students it was designed to represent. Through my experiences over the past two years in the Office of the Internal Vice President, I’ve come to appreciate the immense potential ASUCI has for making a significant impact; however, I’ve also observed how bureaucracy can sometimes hinder our ability to focus on what truly matters which is supporting students and their organizations.
If elected, my priority will be to foster a stronger connection between ASUCI and the student body by increasing engagement with student organizations. While the IVP office has various commissions, they aren’t specifically dedicated to collaborating directly with student orgs, which are the core places where students spend much of their time and energy. To address this, I would merge several current commissions within the Office of the IVP with similar goals, to reduce redundancies. Additionally, I envision creating a new commission entirely focused on bringing student organization leaders into the conversation; this group would provide valuable insights into how ASUCI can better support campus organizations as a collective.
Reflecting on the recent Black Wednesday Tabling event that took place during Black History Month, I was genuinely moved by the solidarity displayed among various black organizations that came together along Ring Road to raise awareness and funds for their organizations. I recall visiting a booth and being inspired by its mission, only to be encouraged by its members to support another booth nearby by participating in their fundraiser and then redirected by the second booth to play a game hosted by members of a completely different booth. This beautiful sense of community, where everyone is committed to uplifting each other and helping each other grow, embodies the spirit of collaboration I hope to further cultivate. By establishing a student organization leaders commission, I hope to help all student organizations have the opportunity to take on initiatives just like Black Wednesday Tabling and feel that sense of connectedness.
Ultimately, I believe our student government should prioritize uplifting and empowering students. If elected, I will dedicate myself to ensuring that ASUCI becomes a stronger advocate for student organizations, an approachable resource for our entire student body, and overall a catalyst for positive change. Vote for me, Victory Ogbonnaya, as your next Internal Vice President for a more supportive and vibrant community!
Academic Affairs Vice President
Christopher Tan
ctan12@uci.edu
Hi Fellow Anteater!
I sincerely thank you for taking the time to be here and participate in the ASUCI election. My name is Christopher Tan, and I am a third-year undergraduate passionate about student advocacy and ensuring your voice is heard and valued. As I wrap up my third year in the Academic Advocacy Commission, I am excited to launch my campaign to be your next ASUCI Academic Affairs Vice President.
My passion for student advocacy started in high school. I had heard about some students struggling with unfair enrollment policies, so I brought the issue up to our school’s administration. After a lengthy conversation with my principal, she confessed to me that she hadn’t realized that this was an issue and swiftly took action to correct it. It was incredibly rewarding to be able to advocate and improve the lives of my peers. I became committed to being a student representative everywhere I could: Student Senate, School Site Council, Link Leaders, Local Control and Accountability Plan Committee, California State Advisory Board on Education, and the California Student Advisory Board on Legislation in Education. Being involved as a student representative on both the local and state level, I have had the honor of learning more about the perspectives and struggles of students across the state and gaining experience working with various faculty and administration. Taking these perspectives and experiences, I authored a proposal on more equitable education to the California State Board of Education and contributed to several other proposals on sustainability and quality of health education. From my experiences in high school, I was able to gain a strong understanding of educational policy, systematic deficits in education that need addressing, and the incredible value of the student voice.
At UCI, it has been my honor to advocate and fight for you and our fellow students in my various positions at ASUCI for the past three years. In my freshman year, I was an intern in both the Academic Advocacy Commission in the Office of the Academic Affairs Vice President and the UCSA Commission in the Office of the External Vice President. Afterward, I served and have continued to serve as your Academic Advocacy Director for two years, where I oversee all the student representatives on the UCI Academic Senate and work directly with the Academic Affairs Vice President on advocacy.
During my time in ASUCI, I have worked to:
- Advocate for Key Issues: As a fellow student, and as someone who is always open to learning from diverse perspectives, I know there is a lot to be improved about our university. We live in a time where large class sizes threaten the quality of education at UCI, student support offices are severely understaffed, students face uncertainties about financial aid, funding cuts threaten to increase student fees, and much more. Over my three years of serving on the Academic Senate for three years, I have advocated on all these issues and much more. To name them, I have served on the Council of Education Policy, Council on Enrollment Management and Admissions, Council on Equity and Inclusion, Council on Faculty Welfare, Council on Planning and Budget, Council on Research Computing & Libraries, Council, Subcommittee on Courses, Board on Undergraduate Scholarship Honors & Financial Aids, and the Campuswide Honors Collegium Board. It is imperative to have diverse student representation in these meetings to ensure that policies work for all students, including transfers, international, low-income, first-gen, all majors, and all backgrounds.
- Facilitate Collaboration and Initiatives: As Academic Advocacy Director, I initiated a new program for the representatives of my commission to pursue and collaborate on their own advocacy projects. In my two years, we have worked with the International Center on advising for international students, UCI Libraries for more open access educational materials, Campuswide Honors Collegium for a free book drive, and the Office of Academic Integrity to create more fair and just policies. I have been heading two surveys – The ASUCI Academic Advising Survey and The ASUCI Generative AI Survey. The results of the academic advising survey will be used to help guide growth and improvements in the quality of academic advising given at UCI, and help address issues that students face with academic advising. The Generative AI Survey will be critical for guiding policy at UCI about the place of AI (such as ChatGPT, Coilot, Claude) in our university. These projects have proven themselves to be meaningful work, and have led to a 100% retention rate of representatives for two years (up from 30% in my intern year).
- Increase Transparency with Administration: As Academic Advocacy Director, I have held town hall meetings with Dean Dennin and Dean Rameen to allow students to directly interact with high-level administrators about their education. These town halls served as a platform for our students to feel welcome in the shared governance of our university. Additionally, thanks to these events, I have become familiar with the logistics of event planning and interacting with the professional staff of ASUCI.
- Improve Student Engagement: As Academic Advocacy Director, I started a new initiative for my commission – Advocacy Office Hours. These public office hours were publicized on ASUCI’s social media platforms and allowed student representatives to engage with the student body on their academic policy concerns, and to further collaborate on advocacy projects. In addition to these public office hours, I emphasized a grassroots approach to advocacy, encouraging each of my staff to listen to fellow student concerns and bring them to our meetings. One example of this working was with a concern about ICS’s advising. Some students reached out after being denied advising, despite needing approval from the ICS advisors. On the same day of the complaint, we consulted the ICS department, and got the policy clarified to the ICS advising office to allow the students to receive the help they needed.
According to the ASUCI Constitution, one of the main charges of the Academic Affairs Vice President is to “represent the Associated Students on those matters relating to the educational
quality.” The Academic Affairs Vice President often is the liaison between the undergraduate student population and the faculty, administration, and Academic Senate of UCI. As the Academic Affairs Vice President, one is responsible for representing the nearly 30,000 undergraduates we have here at UCI. This is no simple or easy task; it requires constant dedication to learning more and engaging with students, faculty, and administration. After learning the ins and outs of the position from the past three elects, I believe I am ready to continue my dedication to advocacy. If elected, I will work on bringing positive and meaningful progress to these advocacy areas:
- More usage of Open Educational Resources (OER): I will push for policies in the Academic Senate to encourage and recommend the use of open-source course materials like textbooks. This will lower the amount students need to pay for required class materials.
- Opposing Student Fee Increases: As UCI is facing one of its largest budget cuts, I will continue to be the student in the meetings with the administration that fights so that the new financial burden does not get placed directly onto students. I will continue to work with administration to develop a plan that is both reasonable for students and ensures the quality of our university.
- Ensuring Equal Access and ADA Compliance: I want to make sure that every student at UCI has an equitable chance to obtain a high-quality education. This would include addressing classes that use poor-quality materials that are hard to see, lecture halls with small whiteboard markers, and other issues.
- Increasing Educational Quality: I will continue to be receptive to student feedback on courses, and promptly address any concerns I see. This will be accomplished through regular meetings with Dean Dennin, and through reaching out to various departments.
- Fair Academic Exams: I will push for a policy that allows any student with more than two finals in a day to petition to move one. I will also work with the Office of Academic Integrity to ensure that students who face academic integrity investigations have a fair and just process.
- Course Transparency: I want to give students more agency and information on how to shape their academic journey. To accomplish this, I will push to make pre-quarter course syllabi an easily accessible and standardized resource for all students.
- Improving Academic Advising: Using the data obtained from my survey, I will reach out to various departments and give constructive feedback on how to improve a variety of aspects of academic advising.
- Supporting Students In Need: I will continue to advocate for policies that can accommodate students who face extenuating circumstances. I will push for the Academic Senate to make recommendations on flexible course policies such as “1 quiz dropped, no questions asked”. This will help reduce the workload of both faculty and students, and clear and fair policies for everyone.
- Academic Exceptions: I will continue to ensure that the policies of the Academic Senate work for our diverse student population with unique needs: commuters, student-athletes, military personnel, students with disabilities, and others who need accommodations.
- Financial Aid Protection: I will work to investigate the financial aid process, and ensure transparency on the process and events happening with financial aid. It is unacceptable for students to be denied their aid, and I will ensure that the Academic Senate is aware of the impact on students from any issues.
- Facilitating Student Input: Even after being an active student advocate for nearly seven years, I still am learning about new student perspectives every day. I will grow outreach efforts to the student body via campus-wide emails, boothing, and grassroots advocacy through all members of the office. I will create an advocacy inbox where any student can reach out and bring up their academic concerns, and I will follow up with them to work on further steps.
- Generative AI Policy: As many courses struggle to adapt to generative AI (ChatGPT, Copilot, etc), it is imperative that the student voice is incorporated into the upcoming university policies on how to regulate and use AI. Using the data from my Generative AI Survey, I will accurately represent the student body in these discussions, advocate for student-friendly policies that protect the integrity of learning at UCI, and allow students to be aware and competent at using our new AI tools.
- Collaboration within ASUCI: As an executive member of ASUCI, I would maintain a close relationship with the other branches of ASUCI, and coordinate my advocacy efforts to help make a positive impact at UCI. I will encourage the directors to conduct cross-branch collaborations to increase the available resources towards these efforts, and thus increase the quality and scope of these events.
- Supporting Student Organizations: I will continue our relationship with the ICS Student Council to continue to maintain their access to up-to-date and detailed course information which powers AntAlmanac. In addition, I will always be open to further collaborations with other student-led organizations in efforts to improve the academic quality of UCI.
If elected, I will work on these initiatives within the commissions of the Academic Affairs Office:
- Academic Advocacy: I will continue my efforts to increase the visibility of the Academic Senate Representatives to the campus. This will be accomplished through social media campaigns and campus-wide emails. Additionally, I will continue to encourage student representatives to bring the student perspective into their meetings and actively contribute to the discussions on academic policy.
- Academic Engagement: I want to collaborate with the UCI Alumni Association and leverage the UCI Alumni network to hold more panels and opportunities for students to make connections and further their careers. Our most successful events this year were the industry mixers and the Dining with the Dean series, so I will continue and expand on those efforts as well.
- Academic Resources: I will work to expand and increase the free resource booths that have provided hundreds of students with study materials such as green books, pens, and pencils. In addition, I will push for more collaborations with resource centers on campus to help raise awareness and understanding of what is available for students. Lastly, I will continue to support the Library Resources Lending Program, and push to gain further funding to give more resources to students in need.
- Speakers Commission: Historically this commission has held our most successful high-profile event, ZotTalks. I want to continue inviting a diverse range of inspiring speakers to help provoke productive dialogue around contemporary student issues or topics. To continue the growth of this commission, I aim to increase their funding to allow them to have more flexibility in the speakers.
- Outreach Commission: I will get this commission more involved in sharing the advocacy efforts of the office, and facilitating feedback from the student body about any academic concerns using relevant social media. My goal is for the Office of Academic Affairs to be known on campus as a student-friendly resource for making meaningful changes to academic policy and supporting student success.
After engaging with the Office of Academic Affairs for three years, and closely working with the past three Academic Affairs Vice Presidents, I now want to step up and give back to the office that has helped me and so many others. I humbly ask for this opportunity to represent YOU, and make change to help our student body. My door is always open if you need support or want to chat.
I am campaigning as part of Anteater PACT — Progress, Advocacy & Campus Transparency — alongside Alondra Arevalo for President, Jared Castaneda for External VP, Harshvardhan Rathore for Internal VP, Patrick Kendrick Maranon for Student Services VP, and many passionate Senators. Our primary objective is to drive progress through fresh ideas and initiatives, amplify advocacy through ASUCI, and build transparency with administrators and campus offices to strengthen trust with the student body. Together, we’re committed to creating meaningful change and ensuring every student’s voice is heard. For more information, please visit our Instagram at @anteaterpact or website https://sites.google.com/uci.edu/anteater-pact and view our full platform there.
I sincerely thank you for your time and consideration.
At Your Service,
Christopher Tan
Instagram – @christan4aavp
Slate Instagram – @anteaterpact
Slate Website – https://sites.google.com/uci.edu/anteater-pact
Summer Phan
summertp@uci.edu
Hi there! I’m Summer, currently, a second-year at UCI majoring in Biological Sciences, a Campus Climate Commissioner under the Office of the President, and an intern for the Speakers Commission under the Office of the Academic Affairs Vice President. I love my cats, karaoke, and water polo, but more importantly, I love UCI. Over the past two years, I’ve fallen in love with the vibrant, diverse communities here, each filled with people as driven and passionate as I am. Whether you’re aiming for a medical degree, applying for an internship at Google, or trying to be first in line at every Petr drop, the spirit of ambition at UCI is palpable. When I look around, I see incredible potential everywhere—among the students, the campus, and even within our policies. But potential alone isn’t enough. To turn that potential into tangible success, we need action. As you work hard to unlock your own potential, I want to do the same for our university.
As your Academic Affairs Vice President, I want to ensure that the only worries you have about your classes are to understand the content. I will handle the rest. Whether it’s concerns about class size/type, lack of study spaces, or quality of education/counseling, I plan to conquer them all and whatever else may appear along the way.
I will increase and strengthen resources across the schools at UCI. I aim to ensure Social Sciences, Humanities, and Business students receive equal access to discipline-specific resources and are given the same support as many of the STEM majors already receive by implementing a post-graduate guide for what may come after UCI and the steps needed to achieve these career pathways. Furthermore, I plan to improve the quality and accessibility of academic counseling by talking to each of the schools to create a standard for academic advisors and a clear comprehensive guideline as to what students can receive from them.
Additionally, I will urge the library to be open later during midterms. As a pre-med student, I understand the importance of having the right resources available during those intense study sessions. I know how difficult it is to lock in when there’s nowhere you can focus.
I will advocate for a larger variety of courses and for an increase in transparency in course planning. Faculty ought to know their classes for the rest of the year so that they can prepare and students can receive a higher quality of education. more in-person and online class options across all departments to ensure that there is a consistent variety between all departments of both types of classes because I strongly believe that it is a student’s right to learn how they choose.
I believe every student at UCI deserves to know they have options and a voice that matters. Education profoundly shapes our futures, and we deserve excellence from our institution. Together, we can transform UCI into a place where academic support is readily available, where professors are prepared and passionate, and where every student feels empowered to succeed. Your voice matters. Your education matters. With your support, I’ll make sure UCI remembers that.
If you have any questions about my campaign or want to chat about anything, feel free to reach out at summertp@uci.edu or check out this link for future updates.
Student Services Vice President
Charlotte Vien
ctvien@uci.edu
Hi Anteaters!
My name is Charlotte Vien, and I am a third-year Public Health Sciences major and first-year transfer student at UC Irvine. I have a passion for discovering new places, whether that’s through photography, snowboarding, hiking, or simply baking and cooking up new recipes. I enjoy venturing out and capturing the world around me with my camera and video recorder, taking moments and making memories. As a huge foodie, I also enjoy discovering new eats in town to get amazing, yummy food.
I am running for Student Services Vice President because I want to be more involved on campus and assist in creating a vibrant and stimulating experience for every UCI undergraduate. The role of the SSVP is well-tailored to my interests and enthusiasm, varying from organizing fun events to creating school spirit and building rapport with the community. I believe that my free-spirited personality, creativity, and dedication to transforming UCI into a more vibrant and diverse campus would make me an excellent addition to the team.
As SSVP, I would strive to improve the undergraduate experience by promoting fun entertainment and recreational events, building school spirit, and making sure all our members feel included and welcomed in our events. I look forward to working with UCI staff, students, and other campus organizations to create memories that will have a lasting effect on our community.
I anticipate helping to expand outreach, making events available with more accessibility, and extending efforts to more students in general. Having a background in Public Health, I have a strong foundation in community outreach, and I am dedicated to providing an environment where all students can achieve success.
I would be honored to serve as your Student Services Vice President and help create a campus experience that embodies the spirit of UC Irvine.
Let’s make UCI the best place to be! :)
Patrick Kendrick Maranon
pmaranon@uci.edu
Greetings, Anteaters! My name is Patrick Maranon (he/him) and I am a 3rd year double majoring in Chemistry and Biological Sciences, with a minor in Political Science. I have served three (3) years in ASUCI’s Office of Student Services VP, currently appointed as the Co-Commissioner of Student Talent. I am overwhelmingly honored and privileged to announce my candidacy to continue to serve the student body as the Student Services Vice President for the 2025-2026 academic term.
My commitment to ASUCI and the Office of Student Services VP (SSVP) began during my first (1st) year, as an Intern for the Student Talent Commission—an energetic team focused on showcasing the vibrant, diverse array of talent cultivated by students at UC Irvine to the entire student body. As a singer and as a growing leader, this commission became a mode of expression of my strong desire to represent and celebrate the hard work that talented students put into their passions every day. It also became a community: an environment where I personally felt safe and welcomed to express my identity and interests, alongside a team of equally passionate Interns and Commissioners. After spending two (2) years as an Intern for Student Talent, I was granted the privilege to serve a third as a Co-Commissioner for the Commission I have endless love for. Working closely with the incumbent SSVP and Head of Staff, our professional staff, and our enthusiastic team of interns, we have successfully organized and executed opportunities for students to perform to the undergraduate student body, including that of the Anteater Involvement Fair (AIF). In collaboration with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, we have worked on the promotion of and the recruitment of performers for the annual Celebrate UCI. Moreover, alongside the Concert Engagement, Campus Spirit, and Athletic Engagement Commissions, we have extended the opportunity and organized the logistics for students to perform at their events—namely Aldrich Park After Dark (APAD), Homecoming, and Defend the Bren, respectively.
Outside the Office of Student Services VP, I have proudly served three (3) years on The Hill Advisory Board, leading the board as Chair for two (2). Housed under the Office of the Internal Vice President, The Hill Advisory Board is a bridge between student interests and The Hill, UC Irvine’s widely-recognized campus bookstore, consisting of student representatives who collaborate with the store’s Director on improving the processes and events that occur at the bookstore. Through my role as Chair, I have organized and led discussions with the perspective of encouraging ambitious ideas to be proposed and subsequently voted on. Working alongside The Hill’s Director has allowed me to interpret how the store functions and provides services to the student body, enabling me, as a representative of the students, to brainstorm how to further cater to the students served by the store. I have also led the advisory board on working alongside other teams in ASUCI, such as collaborating on an actively evolving project with the Sexual Health Commission under the Office of the President on incorporating sexual health resources and products at The Hill. Additionally, the Board is focused on promoting various activities and new merchandise that are offered by The Hill, to increase student engagement with the lively campus hotspot.
Apart from the realm of ASUCI, I have had the privilege to build communities across UCI’s energetic and vibrant campus. As a member of Vermillion Vocalists, one of UCI’s collegiate a Capella groups, I have expressed my passion to sing alongside other performers who have become some of my best friends. Previously serving as Vice President of Vermillion Vocalists, I have further developed the essential skills of team building and leadership—crucial to sustaining morale and productivity in a collaborative space. Moreover, as a General Chemistry Tutorial Leader for the Learning and Academic Resource Center (LARC), I have translated my love for chemistry over to an environment where I can provide guidance to students who are eager to learn. With an emphasis on facilitating collaborative learning, being a leader at LARC has been an extremely gratifying opportunity to combine my passion for science with my ambition to continuously grow as a leader.
My experience serving the Office of Student Services has been rewarding like no other. I believe involvement in ASUCI and in the Office of Student Services is an endlessly fulfilling opportunity to grow professionally and personally—being granted the opportunity to plan exciting events and to form meaningful friendships along the way. My experience in this office has allowed me to learn more about serving the student body: how to give back to students with professionalism and transparency, while emphasizing equity and representation.
Listed below are a few of my main goals as your Student Services Vice President that I will continuously sustain and aim to achieve:
I. I will prioritize the voice and the needs of UC Irvine’s undergraduate student body. I am privileged to obtain an education alongside a diverse community of students who come from a multitude of backgrounds, who express diverse identities, and who hold valuable opinions. I will encourage students to express their values and to emphasize their needs to ASUCI and the Office of Student Services, so that we can collectively support the UCI community as a whole.
I will aim to achieve the above by being transparent about the actions and the goals that my office accomplishes, and by providing events and opportunities that all students are invited and encouraged to enjoy.
II. I will support and encourage the six (6) commissions of the Office of Student Services, as well as the Head of Staff, by providing them with the resources they need to craft events that can be enjoyed by the entire student body. I will mentor each member of my team, leading them on a pathway to success. I will ensure that each commission is upholding the mission and the initiatives that their team is appointed to accomplish.
III. I will maintain a safe, welcoming environment in the Office of Student Services, ASUCI, and in the campus environments where my initiatives extend. I will ensure that every voice is respected, and that every voice is treated equally. I will recognize those who are members of marginalized groups, represent them in my office and in ASUCI, and provide my utmost support to them in all ways possible. I will be responsive to criticism, feedback, and recommendations on how to improve in the role as Student Services Vice President. Lastly, I will aim to uplift and maintain the strong, energetic campus culture that defines UC Irvine. Learn more about my mission on Instagram, @patrickforssvp.
I am working towards an even brighter future and continued progress as a part of Anteater PACT—Progress, Advocacy, & Campus Transparency—a passionate group of Anteaters destined to serve UC Irvine students with the values noted in its name. I, along with Alondra Arevalo for ASUCI President, Jared Castaneda for External VP, Harshvardhan Rathore for Internal VP, Christopher Tan for Academic Affairs VP, and a multitude of dedicated Senators, are working together to amplify your voice by representing you in ASUCI. Valuing transparency, we are focused on cultivating trust between the student body and ASUCI, by clarifying our goals, giving back to students through our events and our initiatives, and by taking feedback and criticism with full consideration. We are committed to you. Learn more about our mission on our Instagram, @anteaterpact, and at https://sites.google.com/uci.edu/anteater-pact.
I express great gratitude to you for taking the time to learn about my experiences and my mission to serve the student body as your Student Services Vice President. I would be more than honored to earn your vote to represent you and to serve you.
With sincere gratitude,
Patrick Kendrick Maranon
Jocelyn Aboufares
jaboufar@uci.edu
Hello my fellow Anteaters and the UCI community! My name is Jocelyn Aboufares (she/her/hers), and I am a second-year double majoring in Psychological Science and Criminology, Law, and Society. It’s been an absolute privilege to serve as the Campus Spirit co-commissioner under ASUCI’s Office of Student Services VP (SSVP), and I’ve been fortunate to be a part of the Office of Student Services VP for two years now here at UCI. With great excitement and gratitude, I am honored to announce my candidacy for Student Services Vice President for the next academic term (2025-2026).
My journey with ASUCI began in Fall Quarter of my first (1st) year when I had the opportunity to intern for the Campus Spirit Commission. As I explored and researched the various offices within ASUCI, I felt an immediate connection and passion for the Office of Student Services VP. I admired how this office strives to make each and every undergraduate student’s experience memorable by planning and executing a variety of events from Welcome Week to Summerlands. My first year, I interned with the Campus Spirit commission, a commission dedicated to increasing student engagement, involvement, and student-body morale. Campus Spirit embraces the values of building a strong sense of community, ensuring that every student feels welcomed, supported, and part of a safe, inclusive environment where they truly belong.
During my first year as an intern in Campus Spirit, I had the pleasure to work under two incredible Campus Spirit co-commissioners who taught me how to bring our mission to life through every event we organized. Now, serving as one of the current co-commissioners for the Campus Spirit commission, I’ve been able to apply the skills they taught me, along with the experience my co-commissioner and I have gained. Together, we’ve shared this knowledge with our talented team of interns. Through collaboration and the application of these skills, we successfully planned and executed numerous events for the UCI undergraduate community, including Zotumn Fall fest, Sweet Treats for Finals Relief, Homecoming Spirit Week, and Winter Formal. Furthermore, in partnership with the Student Alumni Association, we were able to host a memorable Homecoming 2025.
Beyond my involvement with ASUCI, I had the privilege of further developing my leadership skills through Phi Alpha Delta, the Professional Pre-Law Fraternity at UCI. Over the past year, I’ve had the honor of serving as the Internal Vice President, a role that has deeply shaped my growth. Phi Alpha Delta’s core values of compassion, courage, diversity, innovation, integrity, professionalism, and service have become integral to my personal and professional identity, and I am committed to carrying these values with me in all my future endeavors.
Throughout my term as Internal Vice President of Phi Alpha Delta, I refined key skills, particularly in communication and collaboration, by working closely with four other executive board members. The role required sharp problem-solving, as plans at times didn’t unfold as expected, and I regularly relied on active listening and peer feedback to improve our collective outcomes. Managing multiple responsibilities also enhanced my organizational abilities, while the importance of honesty and trust remained paramount in building a cohesive and effective organization.
My time serving in ASUCI’s Office of Student Services VP has provided me with the opportunity to organize impactful events that foster a fun, inclusive, and welcoming environment for undergraduate students. This role has also allowed me to form meaningful connections with fellow ASUCI members and UCI students, providing invaluable insights and ideas on how we can continue to improve and strengthen our community. Through my consistent involvement in ASUCI, I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with commissioners, executive members, and a diverse range of campus organizations. Equally important, I’ve also built strong relationships with the professional staff. With two years of experience in this office, and having witnessed firsthand the inner workings of this role, I am confident that I am more than prepared to take on this position—one that truly means so much to me. As we approach the new academic year, I am dedicated to reflecting on the valuable feedback I have received and will strive to further strengthen the Anteater community by ensuring our events continue to support diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusivity.
Thank you sincerely for taking the time to read my statement and I hope to continue serving both you and the undergraduate students in the upcoming school year. I will remain dedicated to listening to your feedback and addressing your concerns while working to fulfill your needs and desires. I hope to earn your trust and support, allowing me the opportunity to serve as the next Student Services Vice President for the 2025-2026 school year.
Below I have included some of my goals and mission for the upcoming year, which I will strive to meet, if not surpass, while remaining flexible and open to adjustments and improvements as needed.
- My primary goal is to assemble a dynamic and passionate team of dedicated staff members who are fully committed to our mission of planning and executing exceptional events that cater to the diverse needs and interests of all undergraduate students at UCI. I aim to create an environment where a team of hardworking individuals, each bringing their unique perspectives and creative ideas, can collaborate to design experiences that foster a sense of belonging and excitement within the UCI community. By promoting a culture of inclusivity and innovation, I hope to ensure that every student feels welcomed, inspired, and empowered to proudly express their Anteater pride in meaningful ways.
- In addition, one of my top priorities is to ensure greater student involvement in the decision-making process of the Office of the Student Services VP. I believe that student voices should be at the forefront of shaping the initiatives and programs that directly impact their experience. To achieve this, I plan to establish an open forum throughout the entire 2025-2026 academic year, where students will have the opportunity to actively engage, provide feedback, and share their opinions. This platform will not only allow students to express their ideas and concerns but also foster a stronger sense of connection between the student body and the decisions that affect them, ultimately ensuring that their perspectives are heard and valued.
- Within this forum, I invite all undergraduate students at UCI to share their input on what they’d like to see at our events, offer constructive feedback, and propose any new ideas for future events they would like to experience. Your voices are invaluable, and I encourage everyone to contribute thoughts that will help shape our community and create more engaging and impactful experiences for all.
- I also look forward to fostering greater collaboration on events with other offices within ASUCI, as well as with a variety of organizations across campus. While we may operate in different branches, we are all part of the larger ASUCI community. Each of our roles may differ, but our shared mission is clear: to serve the undergraduate students and enhance their college experience, making it as memorable and impactful as possible. Working together, we can create even more meaningful experiences that resonate with students and strengthen our campus community.
- I envision continuing to host events like Homecoming, where the Campus Spirit Commission collaborates with the Student Alumni Association to create an unforgettable experience for both current UCI students and alumni. Similarly, the Student Talent Commission and the Office of Undergraduate Admissions come together and help host CelebrateUCI, or for the Athletics Commission to continue teaming up with the Bren Events Center to organize successful events like Defend the Bren. These collaborative efforts not only bring our campus together but also strengthen the bonds between students, alumni, and the broader UCI community.
- In addition to the events we currently host, I aim to expand our reach by involving more organizations and diverse offices in the planning and execution of a wider variety of events. By fostering greater collaboration, we can create more inclusive and engaging experiences that resonate with a broader range of students across campus.
Thank you once again for taking the time to read my statement. I sincerely hope to have the opportunity to continue serving the students of UCI in the upcoming school year as your next Student Services Vice President.
Student Advocate General
Kendall Baldrias
kbaldria@uci.edu
Hi guys! My name is Kendall Baldrias and I am running to be your Student Advocate General. With this position I plan on focusing on the office dynamics and working with ASUCI to ensure officers within the program understand and uphold the constitution. I hope to create a safe space where students and those within UCI feel comfortable coming to our office for support.
Abir Hingorani
hingoraa@uci.edu
Hello guys, to get to know me, my name is Abir Hingorani, I am from Los Angeles, CA, a freshman/1st year at UCI, majoring in Urban Planning and Policy Environmental science. I am particularly interested in the role of Student Advocate General because I want to ensure students feel connected, secure, and supported throughout their academic journey. I want to be a resource for students, help them navigate difficulties, address their concerns, and find support they need here at UCI. I am passionate about developing a positive, inclusive environment where every student’s voice is heard and respected.”
Serene Li
sereneal@uci.edu
As the City of San Mateo’s first Youth Commissioner, I have dedicated myself to advocating for underrepresented voices and creating meaningful changes in my community. Now, I am excited to bring that same passion and commitment to UCI as your next Student Advocate General. My experience advising city commissioners and leading initiatives, has taught me the importance of listening, collaboration, and innovation in addressing community needs.
Beyond my role as Youth Commissioner, I have worked to empower my peers through various leadership roles. I organized programs at my local library to reduce summer learning loss, served as President and Division Spirit Leader of D34N Key Club, and co-founded a Chinese cultural club to connect language learners and celebrate cultural diversity. These experiences have taught me how to build inclusive spaces and advocate for the needs of others.
During my first quarter at UCI, I joined ASUCI as one of the interns in the Anteater Cultural Awareness Program (ACAP), where I’ve worked to promote cultural understanding and student engagement. I believe in taking action to create a campus where every student feels seen, heard, and supported.
At UCI, I will work to ensure every student feels represented, supported, and empowered. Whether it’s advocating for campus inclusivity or building a stronger sense of community, I am committed to being a bold and proactive advocate for all students. With this, I look forward to working with everyone as your Student Advocate General.
Links:
Interview by Alyse DiNapoli, Daily Journal staff. Published on Daily Journal Newspaper. https://www.smdailyjournal.com/news/local/san-mateo-adds-youth-commissioners/article_2aedb086-8b76-11ee-a31b-2fd82e8d5c86.html
Position is officially posted on City of San Mateo California Website https://www.cityofsanmateo.org/82/Park-Recreation-Commission
Posted on City of San Mateo Instagram and Facebook, The San Mateo Union High School District Instagram and Facebook, and City of San Mateo Mayor Amourence Lee Instagram.
Arnav Nigam
anigam2@uci.edu
Dear Anteaters,
My experience as Student Financial Officer in my first year, Chief Accountability Officer in my second year, and Chair of the Senate Rules Committee for Fall 2024 has given me comprehensive insight into ASUCI’s governance structure.
Having contributed to the development of the Student Advocate General Policies and Procedures, I possess a strong understanding of the office’s constitutional authorities and responsibilities. I believe this background uniquely positions me to serve in this role.
The Student Advocate General position requires someone who can investigate potential violations of governing documents, address student complaints about ASUCI operations, and recommend structural improvements when necessary. I am prepared to exercise these responsibilities with fairness and thoroughness.
ASUCI is often perceived as lacking transparency in its operations and decision-making processes. I aim to change this perception by strengthening institutional accountability and ensuring proper adherence to our governing documents.
I approach this opportunity with both confidence in my qualifications and humility in service. Thank you for your consideration.
At Large Senator
Oliver Wise
owise@uci.edu
Ennes Kahf
ekahf@uci.edu
Hey Anteaters! My name is Ennes Kahf and I am a first-year undergraduate majoring in Literary Journalism. Since high school, I’ve told stories about local athletes, teachers, business owners, politicians, and many more. Understanding their experiences has taught me that belonging is a feeling everyone yearns for. Whether you are an ethnic minority, part of a middle-class household, or a first-generation student, you should always have a place to belong. This is why I am running for ASUCI Senate – to advocate for everyone to receive this opportunity, regardless of their background.
When I first began my journey at UCI this past fall, I searched for a group where I would feel like I belonged; a group that I could relate to. As a Syrian American, I naturally gravitated towards students from a Middle Eastern background. I immediately noticed a gap in resources for SWANA/MENA students at UCI, while other universities like Cal State Fullerton have addressed this by creating dedicated resource centers. This is an opportunity for us to better support an important part of our student body and uphold our university’s commitment to excellence through diversity. I will push for the establishment of a SWANA student resource center similar to those available for other cultural groups and work with ASUCI’s Council On Diversity and Equity on planning more heritage and networking events. I will also work with administration to increase SWANA representation in our school’s curriculum and faculty.
Moreover, commuter students make up nearly half of the student body, yet they are often overlooked. I will advocate more commuter-friendly events scheduled earlier in the day, so students who don’t live on campus can still engage in campus life. Additionally, I will advocate for designated nap pods and quiet spaces on campus so commuters can rest in between classes, as well as design more affordable meal plans more tailored to those who are not on campus full-time. Lastly, I will work to decrease the cost of parking permits for everyone, because no student should have to pay $75 a month for unreliable parking.
As a journalist, my mission has always been to uplift unheard voices and hold institutions accountable. This same drive has propelled me to run for ASUCI’s Senate as an At-Large Senator, since every student deserves to be seen and heard. In high school, I would often report about underrepresented athletes who took part in less “popular” sports, like rowing, and highlight their work ethic and attention to detail. This helped me learn the importance of communication, investigative work, and the power of advocacy—all of which I will apply in my role as senator. All a person needs sometimes is to be listened to in order to feel valued.
Equity, representation, and student well-being are at the heart of my campaign. If you believe every student deserves to be heard, supported, and empowered, I ask for your vote. Together, we can create a UCI that truly serves all students. Vote for me, Ennes Kahf, and let’s make this vision a reality.
Lauren Jernigan
ljjernig@uci.edu
I am so excited to be running for the 2025-2026 At-Large Senator Position. As your current First-Year Senator, I am experienced in the ASUCI Senate and dedicated to the needs of the student body. During my time as a Senator, I have had many issues brought to my attention that affect not only the first-year students, but the student body as a whole. If I were to be elected as At-Large Senator, I would strive to take initiative in spearheading these issues and work to properly represent all undergraduate voices.
Currently, outside of my work as a Senator, I possess a diverse range of connections on campus. From my job at the Anteater Recreation Center to being an active member in Phi Alpha Delta Professional Pre-Law Fraternity, I meet a variety of different people from all kinds of majors, backgrounds, and walks of life. I believe this makes me a good representative for the undergraduate student body at large.
To ensure everyone’s voice is heard and reflected I plan to focus on outreach by conducting school-wide surveys and hosting town halls. On top of this, my experience within Senate makes me well versed with the powers held by the Associated Students of UC Irvine. Having previously met with several UC Irvine Deans, I plan to push for attainable goals such as working with the university to protect DEI programs and undocumented students. Furthermore, I plan to call upon the school to create a new, modernized version of WebReg that is linked with students Degree Works. I envision students being able to search for classes with personalized filters for their requirements.
I am running alongside a team of passionate and dedicated candidates as part of Anteater PACT — Progress, Advocacy & Campus Transparency. Our slate is made up of individuals from diverse backgrounds who bring unique perspectives and experiences to the table. Together, we are committed to driving meaningful change, amplifying student voices, and building a more transparent and inclusive ASUCI. Each of us shares a vision of progress that prioritizes advocacy, collaboration, and accountability, and we are ready to work tirelessly to ensure every student is heard and supported. For more information, please visit our Instagram at @anteaterpact or website https://sites.google.com/uci.edu/anteater-pact and view our full platform there.
Priya Khetarpal
pkhetarp@uci.edu
Hello, My name is Priya Khetarpal, and it has been an honor serving as your At-Large Senator for this year. I’m excited to announce that I will be running for re-election!
My experience these past few months has provided me great insight into what matters most to you, allowing me to advocate effectively for your needs. Through my strong leadership skills, collaborative approach, and commitment to listening to and representing each and every one of you, I promise to continue advocating for your needs. Which I hope, in turn, can foster a more dynamic community on campus.
Throughout the past year, I’ve been focused on prioritizing the well-being of students by listening to your concerns and turning them into tangible actions. If re-elected, I would continue this approach, ensuring that every one of you has a platform to express your thoughts and ideas, which I can then translate into meaningful change. By collaborating with the amazing team of leaders at ASUCI, I envision a campus where initiatives not only enrich student life but also make UCI feel like a welcoming and comfortable place for everyone.
My goals after re-election would be, first and foremost, to tackle the ongoing financial aid issues. What happened this past fall was a scary and uncertain time for many. I wish for none of you to go through that again. Hence, I am committed to working closely with the given branches, such as the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarship, to ensure that financial aid information is clearly communicated to you all in a timely manner and to take preventative measures toward delays. Moreover, I will push for greater student engagement through inclusive events to boost student participation in campus activities. Finally, advocate for improved facilities and services that support your academic achievement and overall well-being.
I am dedicated to working on your behalf to better our community, affecting generations of scholars to come. I look forward to the opportunity to serve as your Senator for one more term. Thank you for considering my candidacy, and please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns.
With all that being said…Vote for Priya for At Large!
Gabriel Mutsvangwa
gmutsvan@uci.edu
Hey, Anteaters 🐜🍽️!
I am Gabriel Mutsvangwa, running for next year’s At-Large Senator. As a Political Science student under the School of Social Sciences, I’ve seen what it takes for good governance and I am asking you to take part in changing the future of our school; right here, right now. I need your voice to help ASUCI continue making great changes for our undergraduate students throughout UCI.
Right now, I serve as the Seat at the Table (Afrikan/Black) Identity Coordinator in ASUCI, being in charge – for the past year – in engaging with our great students, advocating for further resources to our marginalized demographics, and bringing representation to the forefront of my conversations with our administration. Moreover, as an At-Large Senate Intern, I have continued such discussions for all students – to ensure that our school remains transparent in their policy and our students belong throughout all parts of our campus. To continue this, our school will need consistent advocacy and representation, which I have performed with our city’s Mayor and Board of Education to increase voter turnout, our campus’ Vice Chancellor to continue student-admin engagement, and in California’s Capitol with our great representatives on behalf of UCI.
But, the work doesn’t stop here. As next year’s At-Large Senator, I want to continue implementing policies throughout ASUCI and work with our administration – as I do now – to improve transparency on student costs (such as for our parking prices), increase accessibility to ASUCI and our resources, while engaging with our undergraduate students – from all aspects of UCI – to better our experiences and belonging. But, before that, I need your voice to come out and show up for next year’s elections, not just for me, but for the future of our student government.
As an undergraduate student, I want you to know that I have your best interests at heart, and I am asking for your voice to be heard for our school’s largest organization to hear. Over the next few weeks, I look forward to hearing your experiences, developing hardline solutions to benefit our students first, and ensuring change for all students everywhere.
I am running alongside a team of passionate and dedicated candidates as part of Anteater PACT — Progress, Advocacy & Campus Transparency. Our slate is made up of individuals from diverse backgrounds who bring unique perspectives and experiences to the table. Together, we are committed to driving meaningful change, amplifying student voices, and building a more transparent and inclusive ASUCI. Each of us shares a vision of progress that prioritizes advocacy, collaboration, and accountability, and we are ready to work tirelessly to ensure every student is heard and supported.
For more information, please visit our Instagram at @anteaterpact or website https://sites.google.com/uci.edu/anteater-pact and view our full platform there.
Your Voice for Our Future. That’s what we need right now.
Thank you for your time and I’ll see you during Elections Season!
– Gabriel C. Mutsvangwa
Temitayo Akande
takande@uci.edu
Hello Everyone!
I’m Temitayo Akande and I am currently a sophomore, with a double major in Business Administration and Political Science. I am running to be an At-Large Senator at UCI for the second time with the hopes of continuing to represent all the students here on campus. In the next year, I want to build off the groundwork laid in my first term, and though I want to expand the work I have done, I have not forgotten the principles that I ran on in my first election.
I’m excited to continue to contribute ideas and initiatives to the school government and take part in committees that aim to better UCI and the well-being of the students on campus. I still plan on representing different voices within the school government as there are so few members of the Senate compared to the undergraduate population. As a current At-Large Senator, I now have experience being a voice for the entire undergraduate body. However, not only do I want to use this platform to represent all UCI students, but also amplify the voice of those on our campus who are already speaking but need places to be heard and people to listen. ASUCI doesn’t need to be a black box, but the only way to decrease its opacity is to engage the students and community it serves. I’d much rather have the students speak for themselves and ASUCI welcomes that, especially in the Senate. In the next year, my main commitment will be to increase engagement between the students and ASUCI, primarily through campus organizations and individuals bent on positive action so that the association better reflects the students on our campus as well as amplifies their voices.
ASUCI is the voice of the school, but when people hear UCI, they should hear YOU.
—
I am also campaigning as part of Anteater PACT — Progress, Advocacy & Campus Transparency — alongside Alondra Arevalo for President, Jared Castaneda for External VP, Christopher Tan for Academic Affairs VP, Patrick Kendrick Maranon for Student Services VP, and many passionate Senators. Our primary objective is to drive progress through fresh ideas and initiatives, amplify advocacy through ASUCI, and build transparency with administrators and campus offices to strengthen trust with the student body. Together, we’re committed to creating meaningful change and ensuring every student’s voice is heard. For more information, please visit our Instagram at @anteaterpact or website https://sites.google.com/uci.edu/anteater-pact and view our full platform there.
For more info on my plans of action:
Temitayo Akande – Plan of Action
Temitayo Akande – Website
Prateek Suram
psuram@uci.edu
Hello Anteaters!
I stand before you today thrilled to declare my candidacy for At-Large Senator of ASUCI. As we strive to build a community that flourishes on inclusivity, innovation, and integrity, I am dedicated to making sure each voice is heard and each concern is listened to.
At UCI, we are not just students; we are change-makers. With your support, I promise to advocate for programs that build our academic and social spaces so that they are inclusive for everyone. Whether it is making our campus greener or making student services more efficient, together we can accomplish great things. Remember, our strength is in our unity and our spirit. Let us continue to hold aloft the values that make us proud to be Anteaters. Let us push the boundaries of what we can accomplish together.
ZOT! ZOT! ZOT! Let us make a change. Vote for unity. Vote for progress. Vote for me as your next At-Large Senator.
We can and we will, together.
Jonathan Webster
jjwebste@uci.edu
Dev Goel
devg1@uci.edu
Dear UCI Students,
My name is Dev Goel, and I am excited to run for the position of At-Large Senator in ASUCI. With my prior experience as an Engineering Senator, I have seen firsthand how student advocacy can create meaningful change. I am running because I believe every student, regardless of their school or background, deserves a voice in student government.
As an At-Large Senator, my priorities will be to enhance student resources, expand career development opportunities, and improve transparency within ASUCI. I will advocate for initiatives that support student mental health, affordable transportation options, and better funding for student organizations. Additionally, I aim to strengthen collaboration between schools, ensuring that interdisciplinary opportunities are accessible to all.
I am committed to representing the diverse student body at UCI and ensuring that your concerns are heard and addressed. If elected, I will work diligently to make our campus a better place for everyone. I would be honored to have your support!
Thank you, and I look forward to serving you.
Sevan Minassian-Godner
srminass@uci.edu
My name is Sevan Minassian-Godner, and I’m a second-year Political Science major from the Bay Area. For the past year and a half I’ve called UC Irvine home, and I’m running to be your Senator At-Large because I’d like to be a part of helping make it better. As an AEPi Executive Board member and Vice President of Hillel, I’ve committed my time here to building community, amplifying student voices, and creating spaces where students can be heard and supported. I endeavor to make a UCI where students don’t have to fight their way through endless bureaucracy to get financial aid, where parking isn’t a wildly disproportionate burden, and where the student government actually represents and fights for us. I am also happy to announce my collaboration with the unofficial slate Anteater Rising, whose members have worked with me in developing and refining our plans to create a UCI we can be proud of This university has already taught me a lot, and I’m more than ready to rise to the challenge and fight for the changes we need to make it a better institution for everyone.
Financial Aid Reform
The UC Irvine financial aid debacle has left thousands of students in limbo, with delayed, denied, and sudden cancellations of aid. The process is inaccessible, unresponsive, and failing those who need it most. Students have been dropped from course rosters, forced to take out private loans, or even brought down to having to withdraw. Transparency and communication have made an already difficult process unbearable. This issue can be resolved. With more staffing, upgrading technology, and better communication, financial aid can be an apparatus that helps students rather than trapping them.
The fight for financial aid reform is about:
- Hiring more staff and work-study programs to improve processing times.
- Upgrading antiquated telephone and computer equipment to handle student inquiries better.
- Creating better, student-focused communication methods to make transparency and accessibility more feasible.
- Strengthening student advocacy networks to hold financial aid accountable and protect students from bureaucratic failures.
Parking Reform
UC Irvine’s parking system is inaccessible, unjust, and exploitative. Permit fees ranging from $700 to $1,200 per year are charging commuters—many of whom are students who are less well-off—out of pocket just for trying to go to class. UCI trails behind other colleges, charging the highest of any college in Orange County without offering affordable alternatives like carpool discounts on permits, low-income students, or part-time parking.
We as a student body need to be:
- Fighting for lower-priced permits for needy students to create more fairness in parking.
- Enacting carpool discounts and incentives, similar to other colleges.
- Demanding for greater accountability and transparency from the Office of Transportation to foster reasonable prices and prevent students from being taken advantage of.
Governmental Reform
Weak and unconnected student government has allowed these crises to continue unchallenged. ASUCI, with its paltry 4% voter turnout, has lost credibility and no longer speaks for students. Through structural reforms, we can renew and empower our student government to advocate for real change.
A stronger, more connected student government will:
- Increase transparency and communication so that students know what their representatives are doing.
- Strengthen accountability to hold the administration accountable for student concerns.
- Create channels for direct student input into decision-making and policy transformation.
- Empower student advocates with the authority to challenge unfair policies and demand true reform.
Transformation is possible, but it will require firm leadership and an unyielding devotion to prioritizing students. The fight for a better UCI starts today.
Amelia Nguyen
quynhan7@uci.edu
Introduction
My name is Amelia Nguyen, and I am running for At-Large Senator in ASUCI because I believe student government should be an active force in improving student life at UCI. As an international student from Vietnam, I’ve had to navigate the challenges of adjusting to a new academic and social environment. That experience has made me passionate about ensuring every student, no matter their background, has access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. Through my work in student government and leadership, I’ve learned that advocacy goes beyond just representation—it requires action. I want to use my experience to push for real changes that address the issues students care about, from career development to mental health support and financial accessibility.
Past Involvement and Current Initiatives
- Humanities Senator & Rules and Oversight Vice Chair (ASUCI) – Representing students within the School of Humanities by addressing concerns related to academic support, career development, and student wellness. As Vice Chair of the Rules and Oversight Committee, I have worked to ensure ASUCI policies are transparent and student-focused, while also advocating for initiatives that enhance student engagement and support.
- ASUCI Student Advocacy & Campus Engagement – Working on initiatives that improve accessibility to career resources, mental health services, and funding opportunities for student organizations.
- Model United Nations Chair & Delegate – Led discussions on international issues such as climate security and labor ethics, developing strong negotiation, public speaking, and leadership skills. Engaging in MUN has strengthened my ability to analyze global issues, work collaboratively, and advocate for meaningful policy solutions—skills that directly translate to student governance.
- Lead Organizer for Large-Scale Student Events – Coordinated logistics, sponsorships, and student engagement strategies for cultural fairs, senior prom, and other campus events, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for all participants.
Future Goals as an At-Large Senator
- Expand career development opportunities by working with Career Pathways and academic departments to create more networking events, skill-building workshops, and internship resources for all majors.
- Push for stronger mental health support, including extended Counseling Center hours, more peer-support networks, and better outreach so students know what resources are available.
- Advocate for financial transparency and affordability by ensuring students understand where their fees go, promoting more affordable textbook options, and expanding financial literacy programs.
- Simplify club funding and event approval processes so that student organizations have the support they need to grow and engage with the community.
- Strengthen student outreach and communication by increasing ASUCI’s presence on campus, holding open forums, and making it easier for students to share concerns with their representatives.
I am running alongside a team of passionate and dedicated candidates as part of Anteater PACT — Progress, Advocacy & Campus Transparency. Our slate is made up of individuals from diverse backgrounds who bring unique perspectives and experiences to the table. Together, we are committed to driving meaningful change, amplifying student voices, and building a more transparent and inclusive ASUCI. Each of us shares a vision of progress that prioritizes advocacy, collaboration, and accountability, and we are ready to work tirelessly to ensure every student is heard and supported. For more information, please visit our Instagram at @anteaterpact or website https://sites.google.com/uci.edu/anteater-pact and view our full platform there.
Caprice Coldsnow
ccoldsno@uci.edu
Hello, my name is Caprice Sakura Coldsnow (she/her), and I am thrilled to announce my candidacy for the role of At Large Senator for the 2025-2026 academic Year on the unofficial slate Anteater Rising. I am a third year Sociology major and Management minor, with a passion for representation and service for the student body. I want to bring my experience of being a half-Japanese, half-Mexican, first-generation American/student into our government. Since I’ve been a student at UCI, I have been dedicated to advocating for students, working with the administration to fix financial aid, as well as volunteering to help victims during the California Wildfires. I plan to work tirelessly to represent you and your needs, while making sure that every student knows they have a place on our campus. If elected as your At Large Senator, I plan to advocate for reforms to our Government, Financial Aid and Parking, while working to restore our school spirit!
About me: I am a working student who has many aspirations in life. I spent more than half of my life growing up in Japan and moved to the U.S. when I was in middle school. During my free time, I like to do outdoor activities (particularly in the mountains), play my saxophone with my jam session buddies, try new cooking recipes, and I also have a cat named Hazel whom I adore very much.
Financial Aid Reform
- Thousands of students have found their financial aid delayed for weeks, if not months, causing an incredible amount of anxiety, confusion, and frustration. As your student body senator, I plan to work to substantially reform our financial aid system. I, along with other members of Anteater Rising, have met with and spoken to the director of OFAS and we believe that by hiring more staff, upgrading outdated equipment, and improving communication, we can make sure that this crisis never happens again.
Bring Back School Spirit
- Whether it is game day or not, the majority of students feel as though UCI lacks school spirit. I hear almost every day from students about how our school is “socially dead”, the “social scenes” are hidden, etc. This place is more than just a study space, so let’s bring life back to our school! As your Senator, I will work hard with my running team to bring our Anteater pride back on campus. The Student Athletes Steering Committee is working closely with representatives of the Department of Athletics to raise budgets for the Athletic teams on campus as well as the Band, so that we could make the athletic events as enjoyable as possible. We are getting very close to getting this referendum passed so we can experience the changes from the very moment we enter the 2025-2026 school year.
Parking Reform
- Students at UCI are paying an absurd rate to park their cars on campus. More than half of the students are obligated to pay this rate due to the fact that they commute from their homes. As a senator, I will work to help pressure the administration to offer programs that discount the cost of parking, given that our school charges more than almost any university in the state. We will work to get the administration and chancellor to offer discounted options for students to carpool, and demand for the administration to take action on parking costs.
Governmental Reform
- Students are disengaged with student government, resulting in our school having the worst turnout of any school in the UC system, with only 4% of the undergraduate population voting. This is due to the fact that students feel as if even if they were to participate in these votes, there wouldn’t be any significant changes in their lives. In order for this to turn around, my running team, Anteater Rising, and I will work to reform our government structure in order to improve efficiency, accountability, function, and transparency.
Thank you so much for your support, and together, we can make our school a better place for all students.
Nasser Ssenyange
nssenyan@uci.edu
Hello fellow Anteaters,
My name is Nasser Ssenyange and I am running again to be an At Large Senator for ASUCI. ASUCI has a lot of untapped potential that should be used to help our clubs and boost student life on campus and beyond. My objective as an At Large Senator has been and is to help student clubs flourish financially and presence-wise on campus. It has been a pleasure and honor to serve the student body in my first term. I have worked on making sure that student voices are heard, meeting with Deans and relaying student concerns and planning ways in which these issues can be worked out. I also hope to create better cohesion between the clubs on campus and foster an environment on campus where we can all learn and grow with each other. I will give my all to advocate and represent the student body in its entirety and make ASUCI a better resource for students. That is my oath to you.
I am running alongside a team of passionate and dedicated candidates as part of Anteater PACT — Progress, Advocacy & Campus Transparency. Our slate is made up of individuals from diverse backgrounds who bring unique perspectives and experiences to the table. Together, we are committed to driving meaningful change, amplifying student voices, and building a more transparent and inclusive ASUCI. Each of us shares a vision of progress that prioritizes advocacy, collaboration, and accountability, and we are ready to work tirelessly to ensure every student is heard and supported.
For more information, please visit our Instagram at @anteaterpact or website (site here) https://sites.google.com/uci.edu/anteater-pact and view our full platform there.
Thank you for your consideration.
Karsten Schubert
kvschube@uci.edu
I’m Karsten Schubert, and I’m running to be one of the next At-Large Senators! I’ve had the privilege of serving as both Speakers Commissioner in my first year, and the Chief Accountability Officer in my second year, where I’ve worked to bring impactful speakers to campus and ensure transparency within student government. I have brought speakers like Josh Peck and Rainn Wilson to the campus to speak for the students, and have also helped to enforce the governing documents of ASUCI as the Chief Accountability Officer. These roles have shown me the importance of both advocacy and accountability—two things I want to bring together as your senator.
I am running alongside a team of passionate and dedicated candidates as part of Anteater PACT – Progress, Advocacy, & Campus Transparency. Our slate is made up of individuals from diverse backgrounds who bring unique perspectives and experiences to the table. Together, we are committed to driving meaningful change, amplifying student voices, and building a more transparent and inclusive ASUCI. Each of us shares a vision of progress that prioritizes advocacy, collaboration, and accountability, and we are ready to work tirelessly to ensure every student is heard and supported. For more information, please visit our Instagram at @anteaterpact or website and view our full platform there.
My goal is to make ASUCI more connected to the students it serves. That means improving communication, increasing student representation, and making sure policies actually work for you, and bring results that you want to see. I want to bridge the gap between student voices and effective action, so ASUCI can best serve you and your interests.
Arts Senator
Elijah Waller
ecwaller@uci.edu
Hi Everyone,
my name is Elijah and I’m running to be re-elected as your Arts Senator. I am currently a second year Drama major and a political science major. This year during the senate I restarted the Arts Grant Committee. In this committee we are able to fund different groups performing arts and other arts forms programs. Next year I am hoping to continue this throughout the entire school, to provide the CTSA community with opportunities for undergrads to participate in high quality performances. I am hoping to be re-elected to continue serving the CTSA community and leave an impact. Thank you for taking the time to read!
Biological Science Senator
Spring Momeni
momenis@uci.edu
Hello Bio Sci Peers,
My name is Spring Momeni, and I’m excited to announce my candidacy for Biological Sciences Senator under the ASUCI Senate for the 2025-2026 academic year. I am a third-year Biological Sciences major with a strong passion for student advocacy. Throughout my academic journey, I have dedicated myself to serving the student body, currently holding the role of Mental Health Commissioner under ASUCI, where I lead initiatives to support student well-being.
As a Biological Sciences Senator, I aim to bridge the gap between students and their representatives by fostering strong relationships with faculty, administration, and student organizations. I plan to work closely with the Dean’s Office to advocate for enhanced mental health support tailored to STEM students. By collaborating with academic advising offices, faculty, and student councils, I will work to improve academic resources and address barriers that impact student success. Additionally, I will partner with UROP (Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program) to expand research accessibility, ensuring more students are aware of and can obtain research positions.
A key part of my platform is strengthening student organizations within the Biological Sciences community. I will make myself available to medical and science-focused RCOs (Registered Campus Organizations), particularly over the summer, to help them navigate ASUCI resources such as SPFB (Student Programming Funding Board) funding and advocacy channels. By engaging with these clubs, I can better understand student concerns and push for solutions that benefit our community.
Furthermore, I want to ensure that pre-med and pre-health students have access to adequate support during their medical school application process. I will explore ways to create networking opportunities, such as collaborating with student organizations to host events featuring medical students and professionals who can provide guidance and mentorship.
I am committed to representing the diverse needs of our student body and am open to expanding my campaign’s goals based on student input. If elected, I will actively listen, collaborate, and advocate to ensure that Biological Sciences students are supported in their academic and extracurricular journeys. If there are initiatives or changes you’d like to see, I welcome your ideas and would love to work together to make them a reality.
It would be an honor to represent the students of the Charlie Dunlop School of Biological Sciences. I’m always happy to chat—please contact me at momenis@uci.edu.
Saleem Saraj
sssaraj@uci.edu
Ask yourself: What has ASUCI done for you as a Biological Sciences student? If you’re struggling to think of a real, meaningful change—you’re not alone.
For too long, our representation has been passive, ineffective, and forgettable. That ends now.
I’m running to be your Biological Sciences Senator because we deserve real advocacy, real action, and real change. I refuse to be another name on a list of senators who accomplish nothing. Instead for my BioSci community, I will fight to:
- Stronger Student Advocacy – Your voice matters. I will actively listen to BioSci students and work to address issues like academic stress, lab resources, and class accessibility.
- Improving Academic & Career Support – I’ll push for more resources that help students succeed, from better course planning support to increased access to research, internships, and career development.
- Enhancing Campus Resources & Opportunities – Whether it’s study spaces, mentorship programs, or wellness initiatives, I’ll work to make sure BioSci students have the tools they need to thrive.
Unlike past senators who have left little impact, I am committed to making changes you will actually notice. Vote for real representation. Vote for action. Vote for Saleem Saraj.
Yasmeen El Jack
yeljack@uci.edu
Our Biological Sciences community deserves strong representation, and I am ready to be that voice. I am running for ASUCI Biological Sciences Senator to expand research opportunities, strengthen academic support, and enhance career development for all Biological Sciences students. My goal is to ensure that every student has the resources and connections needed to thrive, whether in the lab, the classroom, or beyond. I am committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and innovative environment where our voices are heard and our ambitions are realized. Together, we can build a stronger Biological Sciences community.
Samantha. Salazar
samantbs@uci.edu
My name is Samantha Salazar, and I am excited to run for Senator in the Biological Sciences department. Through my internships in real-world job settings, I have gained hands-on experience that has strengthened my problem-solving skills and deepened my understanding of the field. I want to use that experience to serve my peers by advocating for more career-focused opportunities, mentorship, and academic support.
If elected, I will work to expand access to internships, research positions, and networking opportunities, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their future careers. I also want to help students navigate the process of earning clinical and research hours needed for medical school and other professional paths. Finding opportunities can be overwhelming, but I am committed to making these resources more accessible.
I am passionate about supporting the Biological Sciences community and ensuring that every student has the tools to succeed. With your support, I will work to create a more enriching, career-focused, and well-connected environment for all BioSci students at UCI.
I would love your vote—together, we can make a difference and help our community out!
Business Senator
Angelina Delfin
adelfin@uci.edu
Hi, my name is Angelina Delfin, and I’m a third-year Business Administration major with an emphasis in marketing. Here at UCI you may have seen me in the ANTrepreneur Center, where for the last two years I was the Social Media Coordinator!
Outside of school, I love going to the beach and training in jiu-jitsu. I’m originally from Rancho Cucamonga, but now I live in Newport with my best friends, which has made my college experience even more fun! Being surrounded by an incredible community and living in a place where the ocean is just minutes away has made me appreciate my time at UCI so much! When I graduate, I want to work in the nonprofit space, advocating for single moms and ensuring they have the necessary resources and support.
I’m excited to say that I’m running as the Business Senator on the unofficial slate Anteater Rising, our goal together is to make this university even better by implementing some much needed changes! Helping others has always been important to me, and that’s exactly why I chose to run. I want to be a voice for students and make sure everyone can make the most out of their time at UCI.
As your Senator, I will advocate for real changes that make student life better!
- Lower Parking Prices – Parking fees are too high and add to students’ financial stress. I will push for lower rates, better permit options, and increased transportation alternatives to make commuting more affordable.
- Fix FAFSA & Financial Aid Issues – FAFSA errors and delays create unnecessary barriers for students. I will fight for better transparency, faster resolutions, and clearer communication on financial aid.
- Expand Internship & Career Opportunities – Students need more access to real-world experience. I will work to increase internship postings, strengthen industry partnerships, and make career resources easier to find.
A strong student government should focus on what truly matters. I am ready to take action and be a voice for you—let’s make UCI more affordable, transparent, and full of opportunity!
Education Senator
Minh Anh Pham
anhmp1@uci.edu
Ravdeep Singh
ravdeeps@uci.edu
I am running for UCI’s School of Education Senator as I realize the demands of the major exist in and out of the classroom, with a heavy emphasis on practical experience and fieldwork within the Education field, students may not have the time to file grievances to the school and suggest changes due to their busy schedule. As your Senator, I will make sure I research the needs of Education majors and plan accordingly when meeting with the School of Education Dean and advocating for Education Majors during ASUCI meetings to ensure more facilities, resources, and opportunities for Education majors. As your Senator I will listen to the community, making sure that everyone who has ideas for new legislation, materials, etc. will be heard and have their ideas deliberated as we work towards making UCI a more cohesive and student friendly institution.
Engineering Senator
Nithila Murugesan
murugesn@uci.edu
Hello Engineers!
I’m Nithila Murugesan, a chemical engineering student and one of your current At-Large Senators. In this role, I represent the entire undergraduate class and serve as an advocate that ensures that the concerns of our undergraduates are actively addressed. For the spring quarter, I plan to enhance community engagement among students, push for expanded services of the Anteater Express, and improve academic support and career opportunities for first-generation students.
For this next academic year, I want to represent the engineering community because I have seen firsthand the incredible talent, innovation, and dedication of our students. However, I also recognize the challenges we face—whether it’s accessing research opportunities, securing funding for projects, or navigating career pathways. My goal is to ensure that every engineering student has the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive at UCI.
As your next Engineering Senator, I plan to:
- Centralize all engineering project information from various departments to make it more accessible to students
- Collaborate with engineering clubs and project leads to promote, advertise, and secure funding for events and activities.
- Work with the engineering department to continuously provide up-to-date information about research opportunities
- Regularly meet with the engineering dean and club presidents to serve as a bridge that is accessible and responsive to our undergraduate engineering population
I am currently on the board of AIChE as the Industry Relations Chair and a member of the ChemE Cube engineering project as part of the Chemicals and Product Marketing Team. Being actively involved in the engineering community, I understand the challenges that engineering students face and I am committed to addressing them.
To me, representation means ensuring that every student’s voice is not just heard but acted upon. It’s about having leaders who genuinely engage with the undergraduate community, understand their concerns, and work to create meaningful change. ASUCI provides a platform for students to voice their needs and see real progress. As your Engineering Senator, I will strengthen this connection by improving communication, engagement, and transparency between ASUCI and the engineering student body.
Thank you,
Nithila Murugesan
Dylan Richcreek
drichcre@uci.edu
Hello Engineering Anteaters,
I have been your Engineering Senator for this past quarter. In that time I’ve worked hard to improve our student experience and bridge the gap between students and the University Administration.
So far, I have…
- Collaboratively passed a bill reimbursing engineering students for out-of-pocket costs of their senior design projects
- Collaboratively passed a bill making SDP purchases quicker and more efficient
- Discussed the Rockwell Engr. Center Renovations, SDP issues, and general funding with the Engineering Dean
- Worked with ESC to create a student-controlled funding avenue for SDPs
- Met with over a dozen club presidents and multiple senior design project leads
Voting for me supports these ideas, and allows me to regularly meet with University admin and student leaders to keep addressing funding, space, and all the other concerns we share. I will also work with ESC to bring more funding opportunities to SDPs. Finally, I will assist club and SDP outreach with Senate-sponsored engineering events.
I am running alongside a team of passionate and dedicated candidates as part of Anteater PACT — Progress, Advocacy & Campus Transparency. Our slate is made up of individuals from diverse backgrounds who bring unique perspectives and experiences to the table. Together, we are committed to driving meaningful change, amplifying student voices, and building a more transparent and inclusive ASUCI. Each of us shares a vision of progress that prioritizes advocacy, collaboration, and accountability, and we are ready to work tirelessly to ensure every student is heard and supported.
For more information, please visit our Instagram at @anteaterpact or website https://sites.google.com/uci.edu/anteater-pact and view our full platform there.
Thank you,
– Dylan Richcreek and Anteater PACT
Christine Yiu
yiucc1@uci.edu
Hello, my fellow Anteaters! My name is Christine Yiu （饒樂文）, and I’m excited to be running for Engineering Senator. As a second-year Materials Science and Engineering student from a first-generation immigrant family from Hong Kong, I understand the challenges of navigating college life. My goal is to advocate for initiatives that enhance student experiences, strengthen campus resources, and create a more connected UCI.
Why I’m Running
Balancing academics with social life and personal well-being can be overwhelming. As an Engineering Senator, I will support proposals that improve student resources, foster engagement, and make UCI a more vibrant place for all.
My Mission
Improved Transportation Access – I will back efforts to reinstate and expand Anteater Express bus lines to key locations like Irvine Spectrum, improving mobility for students with limited transportation options. Additionally, I support introducing holiday shuttle services to help students travel affordably during breaks.
Expanding Campus Engagement – Not all students join UCI in the fall, so why is there only one major AIF? I will advocate for a full-size AIF every quarter, so students can connect with clubs and organizations no matter when they start at UCI. I also support vendor fairs with rotating schedules and themed mini-fairs for holidays, promoting student businesses and campus culture.
Strengthening Student Resources – I will advocate for greater transparency within ASUCI operations and encourage efforts to reduce turnover in student leadership roles, ensuring long-term efficiency and accountability.
Bringing UCI Together – I support proposals for more speaker events, student competitions, and interactive activities that foster learning, creativity, and school spirit.
Why Me?
Since I’ve been at this school, I’ve been deeply involved in nonprofit work, organizing community service initiatives, and I’ve held leadership roles in local music and film clubs. I’m committed to listening, collaborating, and making sure student voices are heard.
As engineering students, we dedicate countless hours to rigorous coursework—but that doesn’t mean we should miss out on the full UCI experience. By supporting proposals to expand transportation services, we will ensure that engineering students have access to off-campus resources, jobs, internships, and recreational spaces throughout Irvine—all of which contribute to both academic and personal success, as well as for more campus-wide activities and involvement opportunities. Thus, we will break the stereotype that engineers just study all day and never have fun, because we are an integral part of the UCI community—ready to work hard and play hard!
Let’s work together to create a UCI that’s more connected, engaging, and supportive for all students. I’d be honored to have your support!
Evan Hofmann
echofman@uci.edu
Hello Anteaters, my name is Evan Hofmann and I am a first-year Chemical Engineering major here at UCI with the slate Anteater Rising. I am running for the Engineering Senator position for the 2025-26 year. I am excited for the chance to share with you my values, goals, and issues I wish to tackle if I am elected.
Serving in the Scouts of America I know what real leadership looks like. It means leading by example, making thoughtful decisions, and always putting the needs of the group above personal gain. Through years of community service, teamwork, and problem-solving, I have developed the ability to adapt to challenges and inspire others to take action. These qualities are exactly what I will bring to student government—ensuring that every voice is heard, every concern is addressed, and every student has the opportunity to thrive in a supportive environment.
The current financial aid system at our school is not working for students like you. Major delays and lack of communication has led to unnecessary stress and anxiety for many students. Much of this is due to the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships (OFAS) being understaffed and under-equipped with necessary resources. If elected, I will work with the ASUCI senate and other members of Anteater Rising to help provide the resources that OFAS needs so the financial aid process for the next school year goes smoothly.
Another issue that I would like to focus on is the exorbitant parking fees here at UCI. I plan to address this financial burden by working with ASUCI to pressure the university administration to offer discounts for low-income students and explore options for reducing parking fees overall.
I hope you will consider me as your Engineering senator, and I look forward to the chance to work with you to build a school for all students
Ethan Hatch
ejhatch@uci.edu
Dear Anteater Family,
As of this moment and with an immense strive for advocacy that I, Ethan Hatch, am stating my candidacy for the role of Engineering Senator in the upcoming ASUCI Elections this year. Our community is incredibly diverse and ever expanding which has taught me many valuable lessons that have broadened my perspective and enriched my journey as a student. Driven by a passion to strengthen both the academic and social foundation of the Engineering community and campus life, I stand to take on this exciting opportunity of leadership and responsibility.
Throughout my two years at UCI, the role of Engineering Senator has been so beneficial to helping advocate for students and their needs both academically and socially. Through this position, they have been able to prioritize the voices of all students making sure that their concerns and needs are addressed through this position. By becoming a platform for students to be able to express the pressing concerns of the community between the students and myself, I want to address these concerns and uphold the interests of the diverse student body.
Although there are current connections between the senate and the administration, there has been a distinct void of communication from the students’ needs and concerns being expressed. Through the establishment of this platform, I will be able to speak with students directly and be able to express the concerns of our ever growing student population as they continue to learn. I strive to be a pillar of connection for the students that can advocate for their concerns.
Due to the Henry Samueli School of Engineering being vast and broad with many different majors and coming from a small discipline within the school itself, I have come to understand the importance of engagement and representation of engineering students. I, Ethan Hatch, pledge to be an engaged member of the Senate that will be committed to advocating your concerns and act upon them as well. By developing a culture of collaboration and communication, I will be able to make students feel comfortable with opening up about their concerns and be more engaged with the engineering community as a whole.
Community is a very important aspect to both UCI as a whole and to engineering students, I have done many acts of community service throughout my life such as helping sort medical supplies to helping the elderly. Community is such a big influence in my life and being able to support one another. For the past two quarters, I have been an intern under the Southeast Asian commission here at ASUCI and have been able to understand the importance of advocating for a cause and bringing attention to certain concerns. These experiences have been so beneficial to enriching my lifestyle and perspective on issues internal and external in the engineering community and UCI family.
Within the Henry Samueli School of Engineering, there are many different departments with their own sets of faculty. These departments are sometimes hard to reach and can be quite daunting and scary for students to talk to about concerns. One of my main focuses will be making sure that students are able to talk with their professors and faculty easier and connect them more easily. Through meeting and joint projects, deeper connections between the students and faculty will be able to foster making a lifelong impact on our community.
I, Ethan Hatch, am here to listen to you, the students, about all the concerns and challenges we will face in the future and now. I understand that many of you have your own individual stories, challenges, aspirations, and many more but we can work together through this exciting time of our lives to ensure a more prosperous future for all. Thank you for your time and consideration, I hope to hear from you in the near future.
I am campaigning as part of Anteater PACT – Progress, Advocacy & Campus Transparency – alongside Alondra Arevalo for President, Jared Castaneda for External VP, Christopher Tan for Academic Affairs VP, Patrick Kendrick Maranon for Student Services VP, and many passionate Senators. Our primary objective is to drive progress through fresh ideas and initiatives, amplify advocacy through ASUCI, and build transparency with administrators and campus offices to strengthen trust with the student body. Together, we’re committed to creating meaningful change and ensuring every student’s voice is heard. For more information, please visit our instagram @anteaterpact or website and view our full platform there.
Humanities Senator
Jose Solis Ramos
jsolisra@uci.edu
Hello Anteaters! My name is Jose Solis and I’m excited to run for the position of Senator from the School of Humanities at ASUCI. I am committed to hearing input from everyone, and ensuring your voice is heard. I want to foster a meaningful impact on our campus and school. If elected, I will advocate for the following:
- More Academic Resources:
- More Tutoring & Support
- Expand access to Digital Humanities Tools
- Create a Strong Community:
- Supporting our student-run clubs and events
- Connect with various departments under our school:
- Work Together & Share Knowledge
- Opens doors to networking with peers and new opportunities
Thank you for considering me as your next Humanities Senator. I am ready to serve and hear your input on elevating your education and experience.
Sincerely,
Jose Solis Ramos
History & Philosophy Double-Major
jsolisra@uci.edu
Matt Lee
mattjl12@uci.edu
Hey Folks!
My name is Matt Lee, I’m a second year English/Political Science Major running for the Humanities senator seat. I am also happy to announce my collaboration with the unofficial slate Anteater Rising.
When it comes to why I want to represent the Humanities, the subject has always been a fascination of mine. Humanities taps into the human soul, it looks into why we are who we are and it seeks to aid in answering questions of purpose and metaphysics that general science has no interest in answering. I feel this especially with the literature I have read throughout my life. One of the books that had a profound impact on me was the book Gravity’s Rainbow by Thomas Pynchon. A key point framed throughout is an idea to look beyond surface level aspects and to instead seek the less obvious truth, something I wish to apply if I am elected senator.
My Goals:
Financial Aid:
We’ve all had it happen… Our classes get dropped because of failures in financial aid, leading to setbacks in our academic goals and unnecessary stress. Tacked on with communication problems and delays and you have the frustration that is the UCI financial aid system. Financial aid is a backbone for our student body and the inconsistency it has produced is an issue of utmost importance that both me and my slate wish to address.
This will be done through:
- Addressing understaffing within OFAS
- Optimization of OFAS communication systems and points of contact
- Fostering better communication between OFAS and Students
Parking:
It’s an unfortunate truth that we as students pay more than any campus in Southern California for parking. It doesn’t help that nearly 50% of our student body are commuters and that commuters tend to come from low income backgrounds. I myself am no stranger to the rapacious nature of parking at UCI and it’s often disheartening to see fellow students resort towards desperate measures in order to prevent paying these fees. In spite of such addressing the problem of parking accessibility and fees has numerous solutions that are realistic and will remain a cornerstone policy for both me and my slate.
This would include:
- Providing accessible parking geared for underprivileged individuals
- Creating a program towards greater citation forgiveness
- Discounts for carpooling students
- Advocating through ASUCI for UCI admin to take action
- Providing free parking during finals weeks (As UCR does)
Constitutional Reform:
The ASUCI constitution and ASUCI itself is in dire need of reform. Often dubbed the “Pizza Party Government” for its seeming inefficiency and inability to meet the desires of students.
In order to reestablish legitimacy of ASUCI we advocate for:
- A Reorganized Commissions Systems Towards Promoting Efficiency and Transparency
- Reform For Student Advocate General, Senate, Executive, and Judicial branches
- Establishing Independent Offices Geared Towards Transparency
- Passing a New ASUCI Constitution
As Your senator, I promise to work in every way possible to favor our student body and to restore our student government in such a way that it could thoroughly represent the voices of UCI. Let’s make it work one step at a time folks!
Thank You For Your Time
Information and Computer Science Senator
Riya Sri Rallabandi
rallabar@uci.edu
I am not going to waste this space with an AI-generated statement full of empty promises.
I want to be transparent, take real action, and actually advocate for ICS students which is my true passion. My goal is to represent our school, bridge the gap between students and the policies that affect us, and make sure our voices are heard.
All I need is a chance. And the rest, my work will speak for itself :)
For us & For ICS,
Riya Sri Rallabandi
Maneet Shah
maneetss@uci.edu
Maneet Shah
Candidate for ICS Senate
Dear UCI ICS Community,
I am excited to run for the ICS Senate because I am passionate about creating a stronger and more supportive environment for all students. As a Computer Science student at UCI, I have developed a deep appreciation for the challenges we face, from navigating coursework to finding internships and research opportunities. I want to ensure that every student has access to the resources and support they need to succeed.
As a senator, I will work to improve career development resources, strengthen communication between students and faculty, and ensure that every ICS student feels heard and valued. I believe in fostering an environment where students can thrive academically and professionally. By expanding opportunities for mentorship, hands-on learning, and student engagement, I want to help make ICS a place where everyone can grow and succeed.
I am eager to listen to your ideas and concerns and represent our community with dedication and integrity. Let’s work together to create a better experience for all ICS students. Feel free to reach out (maneetss@uci.edu)
I would love to hear your thoughts!
Pragya Jhunjhunwala
pjhunjh1@uci.edu
Hello fellow Anteaters,
My name is Pragya Jhunjhunwala (she/her) and I am thrilled to be running to be your next Information and Computer Science Senator. I am a third-year Computer Science major who currently serves as ICS Senator. I believe this experience would allow me to continue to effectively serve you in the next year.
I am deeply committed to this role, demonstrating my dedication by returning to pursue it as soon as it became available, despite not being elected last year. Having previously been a part of ASUCI, I know all our governing documents inside out, allowing me to hit the ground running and not make any false promises.
So… what can I actually do for you?
I can make sure every UCI ICS student knows that from the moment they step on campus—whether at convocation or their first class—they have a student body representative they can turn to. As ICS Senator, I will strive to be that first point of contact.
I can make sure that your concerns are heard by having access to bring them up directly to the dean and administration. Being part of key discussions—whether about enrollment, prerequisites, major requirements, or other academic matters—allows me to advocate for solutions that work for both students and faculty. My goal is to find a middle ground that addresses these issues effectively.
Beyond that, I can collaborate with other ASUCI offices to pass legislation that directly benefits you. Whether it’s academic policy changes or broader student initiatives, I will work to make sure ICS students have a voice in decisions that impact us.
How can I do these things for you?
Having been part of ICS clubs since my freshman year, I have developed a strong sense of belonging within the ICS community. This connection makes me confident in my ability to represent our students effectively. Being actively involved has also allowed me to engage in meaningful conversations with faculty, gaining insight into their perspectives and the changes they hope to implement for students.
Additionally, my involvement in these clubs has provided me with valuable leadership experience. Working alongside peers in various roles has strengthened my ability to advocate for students and drive initiatives that make a real impact.
I am also running alongside a team of passionate and dedicated candidates as part of Anteater PACT — Progress, Advocacy & Campus Transparency. Our slate is made up of individuals from diverse backgrounds who bring unique perspectives and experiences to the table. Together, we are committed to driving meaningful change, amplifying student voices, and building a more transparent and inclusive ASUCI. Each of us shares a vision of progress that prioritizes advocacy, collaboration, and accountability, and we are ready to work tirelessly to ensure every student is heard and supported. For more information, please visit our Instagram at @anteaterpact or website https://sites.google.com/uci.edu/anteater-pact and view our full platform there.
Now more than ever, the ICS community needs stronger female representation.
I understand that words alone may not be enough to earn your trust, but if any should, let it be these—during my interview for the vacant ICS Senator position, I was asked how I would engage with ICS students, given our historically low participation rates. My response was simple: I will start by making real, tangible change, demonstrating what an ICS Senator can truly accomplish for you. Through this, I hope to earn your trust, encourage you to bring your concerns to me, and ultimately make this role work for you.
TLDR: I am your current ICS Senator and a dedicated advocate for our community. From day one, I want every ICS student to know they have a representative to turn to. My experience in ASUCI, leadership in ICS clubs, and direct engagement with faculty equip me to push for real, tangible change that benefits you.
I would be honored to be your ICS Senator, once again. My door is always open for you if you elect it to exist!
Zot Zot Zot!
With dedication,
Pragya Jhunjhunwala
Aaron Tran
aaronvt@uci.edu
Hello, ICS students,
My name is Aaron Tran, and I am a Vietnamese-American first year ICS student running to be your next ICS Senator. As a passionate member of the Information and Computer Science community, I am committed to ensuring that every ICS student feels seen, heard, and valued. As an ICS student, I understand the importance of user experience—not just in software, but in how we interact with our community. My goal is to bridge the gap between students and the Student Government, creating a more inclusive and engaging experience for all of us.
About Me
In my free time, I like to develop Roblox games, go to the gym, and do freelance graphics and video editing. My main project, is currently a Beyblade game called Blader’s Odyssey. Through my time developing roblox games, I’ve honed my technical skills, learned the importance of user experience (UX), and gained firsthand experience in managing long-term, collaborative projects.
With past experiences, I served as Class Vice President, where I developed strong leadership and organizational skills. Furthermore, I served as an Event Coordinator for an Esports organization, where I further strengthened my ability to plan events, collaborate with diverse teams, and engage with a community of passionate individuals. During my time in Esports, I also peaked Immortal 2 in VALORANT. These experiences taught me how to coordinate with my peers, advocate for student and community needs, and bring creative solutions to the table.
My Platform
As ICS Senator, I will prioritize the following:
- Amplifying Your Voice
I will actively seek out your feedback, concerns, and ideas to ensure that the Student Government is addressing the needs of ICS students. Whether it’s through surveys, town halls, or one-on-one conversations, I will make sure your voice is heard. - Advocating for ICS-Specific Needs
I will meet regularly with the ICS Dean to discuss issues within our school, such as curriculum improvements, resource accessibility, and opportunities for hands-on learning. My goal is to ensure that ICS students have the tools and support they need to succeed academically and professionally and to address specific issues that the ICS department faces. - Implement Creative Problem-Solving
With my technical and creative skills, I will be an asset to the Senate in developing innovative solutions to challenges. Whether it’s designing engaging campaigns or streamlining communication, I am ready to contribute my expertise to make a tangible impact. With my skills in graphics and video editing, I am excited to lead projects that require outreach and creative solutions.
Why I’m Running
I am running because I believe in the power of representation. As an ICS student, I understand the unique challenges and opportunities we face. I want to ensure that every ICS student feels like they are seen and that their concerns are addressed with action, not just words. I am running with the Anteater Rising slate, where I will advocate for their targeted efforts to overhaul financial aid, parking and commuting accommodations and reforming the UCI Constitution.
Together, we can make the ICS experience and the UCI experience a better place. Let’s work to create a community where every student feels seen, heard, and empowered to succeed.
Thank you for your support, and I look forward to earning your vote!
Aaron Tran
Candidate for ICS Senator
Shaurya Gupta
shauryg2@uci.edu
In the 1960s, under the presidency of John F. Kennedy, the Apollo mission caused wide unrest among the American population. To many, it was inconceivable that the government could direct valuable resources to a goal as unreasonable as stepping on the moon—resources that could have been dedicated to helping solve hunger, poverty, and injustice on Earth. Simple yet moving, President JFK spoke: “But why, some say, the moon? Why choose this as our goal? And they may well ask why climb the highest mountain? Why, 35 years ago, fly the Atlantic? We choose to go to the moon. We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard.”
This mindset drives me. It embodies the essence of a growth mindset—taking the road less traveled to push the boundaries of one’s self, community, and planet. As a prospective double major in Computer Science (Intelligent Systems) and Economics, I am strongly committed to fostering academic excellence and practical industry knowledge. One of my key experiences at ICS has been supporting Professor Moshirpour in ICS 32, gaining valuable insights into both student experiences and faculty perspectives. Some of the areas that I am especially drawn to working in are defining ICS LA training and responsibilities, introducing ICS-specific awards for distinctive performances, and organizing creative networking events. On a personal note, my academic interests are supplemented by entrepreneurship, philosophy, and adventure sports.
I look forward to applying my diverse experiences to understand, represent, and advocate for the interests and aspirations of the ICS student body as its senator.
Shaurya Gupta
Nursing Science Senator
Tiana Luong
tianaal@uci.edu
My name is Tiana Luong and I am running for Nursing Senator! I hope to represent and advocate for our student body. In doing so, I will work to foster meaningful connections and ensure that students’ voices are tabled during meetings. I want to prioritize transparency about student concerns and decision-making processes through open communication and advocate for academic support to enhance student success and well-being. I am committed to speaking on your behalf while actively working on initiatives that address your needs.
Pharmaceutical Science Senator
Physical Science Senator
Krishna Saraogi
knsaraog@uci.edu
As a dedicated student with a passion for data-driven decision-making and problem-solving, I am eager to serve as your next Physical Sciences Senator. My background in Applied and Computational Mathematics and Quantitative Economics has equipped me with strong analytical and critical thinking skills that I will leverage to advocate for our student body.If elected, I will focus on:
-Enhancing Academic Resources: Advocating for expanded tutoring services, research opportunities, and interdisciplinary collaborations.
-Strengthening Industry Connections: Facilitating networking events and mentorship programs with professionals in physical sciences fields.
-Improving Student Well-being: Promoting mental health initiatives, accessible study spaces, and financial literacy workshops for science students.
With experience in finance, leadership, and community engagement, I have successfully led initiatives, such as raising $10,000 for underprivileged children’s healthcare and applying quantitative analysis to solve real-world financial challenges. These skills will translate into effective advocacy and tangible improvements for our student community.
Let’s work together to make our voices heard. Vote Krishna Saraogi for Physical Sciences Senator!
Feel free to connect: [Email: knsaraog@uci.edu]
Public Health Senator
Social Ecology Senator
Rachel Bhargav
bhargar2@uci.edu
Hello Anteaters! My name is Rachel Bhargav (she/her), and I am a third-year double major in Criminology, Law, & Society and Political Science. I am thrilled to be running to be your next Social Ecology Senator!
I have been in ASUCI for almost two years and have been fortunate to work under the Office of the President as an intern for the Food Security and Sexual Health Commissions. Through this, I helped develop educational campaigns reaching over 500 students, organized fresh produce benefiting 200+ students, and advocated for sexual health initiatives across campus. My experience working with campus-wide initiatives has prepared me to advocate for Social Ecology students.
Beyond ASUCI, I am engaged in student leadership and community service. As an Event Coordinator for Phi Alpha Delta, UCI’s pre-law fraternity, I have organized and executed over 10+ networking and fundraising events, bringing in 100+ attendees per event and managing budgets up to $13,000. I am also a Mock Trial coach, mentoring students in public speaking and legal argumentation. My experiences working in law offices, food banks, and student government have given me the policy knowledge, leadership skills, and problem-solving ability needed to serve as your next Social Ecology Senator.
Why I’m Running
As a Criminology, Law & Society major, I understand how policies shape real-world issues, from food insecurity to environmental justice to access to mental health resources. But too often, students feel disconnected from these policies and struggle to access the resources they need to thrive. I’m running for Social Ecology Senator because I’ve seen firsthand how students struggle with food insecurity, lack of internship opportunities, and difficulty accessing campus resources. Every Social Ecology student deserves to feel supported and empowered during their time at UCI. I want to use my experience in ASUCI and my passion for social change to advocate for real, tangible solutions that make a difference in students’ lives.
Fighting Food Insecurity
Food insecurity is one of the most urgent yet often overlooked issues on campus. As a longtime advocate for food security, I have worked extensively to combat hunger and expand access to affordable, nutritious meals for students. Since 2020, I have volunteered over 300 hours with the Food Bank of Contra Costa County, helping with food collection, sorting, and distribution efforts. Through the Community Produce Program, I donated over 240 lbs of fresh produce to communities struggling with food insecurity. At UCI, I continued this work through ASUCI’s Food Security Commission, collaborating with UCI Basic Needs to organize fresh produce giveaways, promote CalFresh enrollment, and raise awareness about essential food resources.
As your Social Ecology Senator, I will strengthen partnerships with UCI Basic Needs to ensure students can access affordable, nutritious food. I will expand career and internship opportunities for Social Ecology students, so they can gain hands-on experience in fields they’re passionate about. I will improve mental health accessibility by working to increase awareness and access to campus counseling and wellness resources. I will build a stronger sense of community within the School of Social Ecology through events, initiatives, and advocacy efforts.
I would love your support if you believe in a more equitable, food-secure, and resource-accessible campus! Feel free to contact me with your ideas, concerns, and what YOU want to see changed in ASUCI. Let’s work together to amplify the voices of Social Ecology students and create real, lasting change on campus.
Let’s make a difference together: vote Rachel Bhargav for Social Ecology Senator!
Social Sciences Senator
Naomi Paskowitz
npaskowi@uci.edu
Imagine a student government that doesn’t just echo your voice, but amplifies it. That’s the vision I bring as your candidate for Social Science Senator. I’m running because I believe in creating tangible, positive changes for our UCI community.
My extensive experience in student government, policy-making, and advocacy uniquely positions me to effectively represent and serve you. As Policy Coordinator for ASUCI, I have written legislation for the UCI Senate, lobbied for student issues and representation, and worked to ensure that students’ voices are heard at the university, local, state, and federal levels. My role has allowed me to take direct action on student concerns, from advocating for policy changes to connecting students with decision-makers.
Additionally, my work as a Resource Development Assistant for Students Activating Social Innovation (SASI) in the Office of the Vice Provost of Teaching and Learning has allowed me to collaborate with university leadership to integrate social justice into curricula. I have worked with students and faculty to organize conferences and develop initiatives that empower students to address systemic challenges at UCI.
If elected, I commit to addressing the issues that matter most to you. I’ll fight for more housing options, and to make housing more affordable. I will advocate for a wider variety of meal options, including more vegan and allergen-free choices in the dining halls, and ensure the recovery of unused food. Additionally, I will draft legislation to allow qualified internships to count as upper-division credit for your major, recognizing the value of real-world experience. Lastly, I will write legislation to create an alert system like ZotAlert to notify of ICE presence on, or around campus to ensure safety for all students.
I’ll work tirelessly to make our education more affordable and accessible for all students, exploring options like increased financial aid, open educational resources, and flexible course offerings. I will propose extended Anteater Express service hours, increased frequency during peak times, and add more stops including more at the Basic Needs Center, Student Health Center, and the Health Sciences Research Park, and to keep the student MetroLink pass. Additionally, I will fight for more sustainability on campus, including having more compost bins around campus.
To ensure your voices are heard, I will send monthly online surveys to gather feedback on current issues and proposed solutions and hold weekly office hours. Additionally, I will create and manage a Senate Instagram account to keep students informed about ongoing projects, upcoming votes, and important campus issues.
My approach is focused on action and results. I have the experience to efficiently propose, support, and implement projects with concrete plans and realistic timelines. I will use these skills to turn your ideas into reality, creating more platforms for student input to ensure your needs shape our initiatives.
Remember, student government isn’t just about representation – it’s about action. It’s about equipping you with the tools to make a difference. Let’s work together to create a UCI that doesn’t just prepare us for the future, but empowers us to shape it – a UCI that’s safe, accessible to all, and delivers real value for your investment. Vote Naomi Paskowitz for Social Science Senator. Let’s amplify our voice and make UCI work for everyone.
Arushi Pattar
pattara@uci.edu
Hello! I’m Arushi Pattar, a second-year Political Science and Economics student.
As the next generation of social scientists, it’s no secret that we are facing a challenging era marked by growing censorship, exclusion, and uncertainty. As we look ahead to life beyond university, it’s normal to have big questions — and our department should be here to answer them. As your School of Social Sciences representative, I will push for accessible resources within our school to learn more about career paths and life after graduation. I also firmly believe our department needs much more community and inclusion to thrive; I will work towards a more connected department that fosters its interdisciplinary nature and brings students together.
Ariana Perez
arianmp3@uci.edu
Hello Anteaters! My name is Ariana Perez, and I am a first-year student double majoring in Chicano Studies and Political Science. I have dedicated my time at UCI to fostering student success and building a more inclusive community. From serving as a campus representative in the Admissions Office to coordinating Dinners with Anteaters through the Student Alumni Association, I have had the privilege of connecting with students from all walks of life. As a member of UCI ROTC, Delta Gamma, and the Panhellenic Executive Board as Recruitment Counselor Coordinator, I have learned the importance of leadership, teamwork, and advocacy-values that I will bring to this role. I am proud to say that I am running on an unofficial slate Anteater Rising, organized by a set of impressive and capable students.
I am running to be your social science senator because I believe every student deserves to feel supported, heard, and empowered. UCI is home to a diverse and vibrant community, and I want to ensure that every student has access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. My goal is to create a campus environment that is safe, inclusive, and uplifting, where every voice matters and where meaningful change is not just talked about, but actively pursued.
I am motivated by my passion for serving others. Leadership is not just about making decisions; it’s about listening, understanding, and taking action. I want to hear your concerns, address your questions, and advocate for the changes that students truly want to see. This campaign is centered around student success, inclusivity, and creating a campus experience that everyone can be proud of.
As your social science senator I plan to focus on three key areas that directly impact the student experience at UCI: governmental reform, financial aid reform, and parking affordability. First, I aim to restructure and strengthen our student government to ensure it is more transparent, effective, and truly representative of the student body. Second, I will work to improve the efficiency and accessibility of the financial aid system, advocating for increased staffing, better communication, and updated technology to prevent delays and confusion. Lastly, I will push for more affordable and equitable parking options, including discounted permits for low-income students, citation forgiveness programs, and carpool incentives. These initiatives are designed to create a more supportive and student-centered campus, where every Anteater has the resources and representation they deserve.
If elected as social science senator, I will work to implement policies and events that foster a stronger sense of belonging, increase access to essential student resources, and amplify student voices.Together, we can create a campus that uplifts and supports every Anteater. Let’s make real change together.
Jayla Pete
jpete@uci.edu
I am running for Social Science Senator because student government should be more than just a title: it should be a platform for action, advocacy, and meaningful change. I am passionate about elevating student voices and am experienced and qualified to make that happen.
Throughout my time at UCI, I have been deeply involved in advocacy, policy work, and student leadership. I have served in ASUCI, worked on legislative writing, and even co-authored policies that address the real challenges students face. I have fought for increased institutional support, greater representation, and stronger protections for all students, ensuring that issues surrounding equity, access, and academic success are not just discussed but acted upon. I know how to navigate these systems, how to push for real solutions, and how to ensure that student government works for you.
As a Social Science Senator, I will bring my experience and dedication to addressing the issues that matter most. That means advocating for stronger academic and financial support, ensuring that all students, regardless of background have a voice in campus decision-making, and holding our institution accountable to the values of diversity and inclusion that it claims to uphold. Social Science students play a crucial role in shaping conversations about justice, policy, and equity, and our student government should reflect that by taking real action.
I am also running alongside a team of passionate and dedicated candidates as part of Anteater PACT- Progress, Advocacy & Campus Transparency. Our slate is made up of individuals from diverse backgrounds who bring unique perspectives and experiences to the table. Together, we are committed to driving meaningful change, amplifying student voices, and building a more transparent and inclusive ASUCI. Each of us shares a vision of progress that prioritizes advocacy, collaboration, and accountability, and we are ready to work tirelessly to ensure every student is heard and supported. For more information, please visit our Instagram at @anteaterpact or website and view our full platform there.
This is not just about representation, it’s about qualified, experienced leadership that delivers results. If you want a senator who knows how to fight for change and has the experience to make it happen, vote Jayla Pete for Social Science Senator because student government should be about action, not just words.
Jasmyn Schubert
jvschube@uci.edu
As a Political Science major specializing in International Relations and an aspiring immigration lawyer, I understand the power of policy and representation. I’m running for Social Sciences Senator because student government should be a force for real advocacy and meaningful change, ensuring that every student’s concerns are heard and addressed.
I have already been working to make a difference. As a Deputy in the Office of the Student Advocate General, I have helped students navigate disputes within ASUCI, ensuring they receive fair treatment and due process. I know how to challenge bureaucracy, cut through inefficiency, and push for accountability, skills that I will use to make sure Social Sciences students are not overlooked. Working in the Dean’s Office of Social Sciences, I have firsthand experience with the administrative side of our school, and I know where students need stronger representation. I will use this knowledge to advocate for clearer communication, more accessible resources, and policies that reflect the needs of our students. As a mentor in the Undergraduate/Undeclared Mentorship Program, I have guided students through academic uncertainty, helping them find the tools they need to succeed at UCI.
If elected, I will fight to make student government work for you. I will push for increased access to professional development opportunities, more student involvement in policy decisions, and a stronger connection between students and administration. Social Sciences students deserve transparency, resources, and a voice in the decisions that shape their education, and I intend to make sure they have one.
I am running alongside a team of passionate and dedicated candidates as part of Anteater PACT – Progress, Advocacy, & Campus Transparency. Our slate is made up of individuals from diverse backgrounds who bring unique perspectives and experiences to the table. Together, we are committed to driving meaningful change, amplifying student voices, and building a more transparent and inclusive ASUCI. Each of us shares a vision of progress that prioritizes advocacy, collaboration, and accountability, and we are ready to work tirelessly to ensure every student is heard and supported. For more information, please visit our Instagram at @anteaterpact or website (https://sites.google.com/uci.edu/anteater-pact) and view our full platform there.
Special Interest Transfer Senator
Sam Beknazarova
sbeknaza@uci.edu
Hello Anteaters! My name is Sam Beknazarova (she/her), and I am so stoked to announce my candidacy to be your 2025-26 Transfer Senator, on the unofficial slate Anteater Rising. I am a third year student from LA (Russia prior to that) studying English and Political Science, and in my free time I love to paint and play piano. After graduation, I plan to take a gap year before applying to law school.
Like many of you, I was ecstatic when that acceptance letter came in the mail! As grateful and elated as I am to be here, I quickly realized that being a transfer student comes with some unique challenges. As a transfer, you are expected to hit the ground running, both academically and socially, despite the vast gaps in resources allowing you to do so. I have spent the past few months talking to as many of us as I could, and I have put together a platform that aims to address the concerns I have discovered as well as experienced firsthand. The Venn diagram of transfer and first generation students is often nearly a circle, and it is very easy for us to slip through the cracks.
Among other experiences, the outreach and public service work that I do for the California Public Interest Research Group has prepared me to take on responsibility and to assume leadership roles. As an editor for a literary journal and a dean’s honor list student, I’ve also developed a strong sense of time management and discipline, which I hope to bring to the work I’ll be doing as your transfer senator. At its core however, my platform has little to do with me and everything to do with YOU.
Here’s what we will be working on:
- More opportunities for social connection and integration
Making friends as a transfer is hard! While the Transfer Center at UCI is a wonderful resource, many are unable to attend events and meet people due to conflicting class schedules and outside responsibilities. As your senator, one of my primary goals will be to bridge this gap and create more opportunities for transfer students to meet one another, connect, network, and form long lasting friendships! Additionally, we will create virtual spaces to accommodate overlapping schedules and commuting inconveniences.
- Parking Permit Reform
Parking permit costs at UC Irvine are exorbitant and exploitative. Many students, and transfers in particular, tend to either be low income, commuters, or both. These outrageous parking costs are a significant financial strain that hinder student success. I personally know someone very close to me that had to work through winter break simply to afford parking his car on campus. If elected, my plan is to work closely with administration to create significant discounts and grants that will ease this financial burden.
- Affordable Textbooks Initiative
The average undergrad needs to budget an overall total of around $1,300 for textbooks and supplies every school year, according to the College Board. For many students and their families, this means having to work longer hours, take on more debt, and make decisions that hold back their academic and social success here at UCI. If elected, I will work with administrators and professors directly to develop a plan for transitioning to OERs, or Open Educational Resources. Additionally, we will create grants and discounts specifically designed to address exploitative textbook costs faced by low-income transfer students.
- Financial Aid Reform
This year, the Financial Aid Crisis and its delays left many students flooded with anxiety and uncertainty. Nearly 75% of UCI students depend on financial aid to fund their education. I personally would not be here at all if it weren’t for FAFSA. The slate I am running under, Anteater Rising, has been in consistent contact with the Director of the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships, as well as the Vice Chancellor of UCI. What we’ve discovered is that the OFAS is unable to be effective because they are understaffed, unconnected, and underequipped. These are issues that CAN be solved. Now more than ever, we need to work together with the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships to make sure they have the resources and staff they need to make sure a crisis like this does not see a repeat.
Although this is by no means an exhaustive list, these are the concerns I will be prioritizing. My goal is to provide honest and transparent representation of the transfer student body, making sure that your voice is heard and your needs are addressed. If elected, my job as your senator will be to make sure that YOU get the most out of YOUR college experience and succeed to your full potential. See you on the campaign trail, Anteaters!
Special Interest International Senator
Hong Pham
hongnp2@uci.edu
Statement of Candidacy for ASUCI International Senator
Hello! Xin chào Anteaters! My name is Hong and I’m an international student from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, a city known for its vibrant culture and bustling lifestyle. I am currently a third-year student majoring in Business Administration. I have had the opportunity to study abroad since the age of sixteen and through this experience, I’ve personally experienced many of the academic, social, and cultural challenges international students commonly face. From adapting to a new education system to finding a sense of belonging in an unfamiliar environment. These experiences have developed my perspective and sparked my passion for advocating and supporting international students both through my past experience and now at the University of California, Irvine.
Advocacy and Representation to me means actively supporting and empowering international students making sure we feel genuinely seen, heard, and supported by creating real opportunities and resources that directly address our unique needs. It also means building bridges between our diverse backgrounds and the broader campus community so that every international student feels welcomed, confident, and capable of thriving at UCI just like everyone else.
I believe that as international students, we are fully capable of thriving even in an unfamiliar environment and deserve equal opportunities to succeed. If elected, my primary goal is to establish and lay the foundation for an International Career Fair at UCI, specifically connecting international students with employers willing to hire and sponsor international talent. I truly understand how challenging and stressful it can be to secure career opportunities after dedicating significant time, energy, and resources to our education. Inspired by successful international career fairs at other institutions, I also plan to introduce career-focused workshops and networking sessions featuring alumni who have successfully navigated job searches or secured placements in graduate schools. By implementing this initiative, I aim to provide direct access to internships, sponsorships, and full-time employment opportunities, empowering international students to achieve their professional aspirations.
I am running alongside a team of passionate and dedicated candidates as part of Anteater PACT — Progress, Advocacy & Campus Transparency. Our slate is made up of individuals from diverse backgrounds who bring unique perspectives and experiences to the table. Together, we are committed to driving meaningful change, amplifying student voices, and building a more transparent and inclusive ASUCI. Each of us shares a vision of progress that prioritizes advocacy, collaboration, and accountability, and we are ready to work tirelessly to ensure every student is heard and supported.
I understand actions speak louder than words and I want to turn these plans into real opportunities for our community. With your support, we can build a brighter, more inclusive future for international students at UCI.
Sanaa Sharda
shardas1@uci.edu
I am Sanaa Sharda, a third-year international student studying Informatics and Economics at UC Irvine, and I am excited to apply for the International Senator position at ASUCI. Over the past three years, I have grown by supporting and connecting with others, whether as a Learning Assistant, collaborating in Women in Computer Science (WiCS), or working with diverse teams at Ernst & Young. These experiences have taught me that a strong community is built on kindness and responsibility, which are the two pillars of this role. Since childhood, I was raised with the belief that “Atithi Devo Bhava”—every guest should be welcomed with warmth and care. This philosophy has shaped how I see inclusivity, and I want to bring that mindset to UCI, ensuring every international student feels truly valued and empowered.
My vision is to help international students not just adjust, but feel at home. Many remain reserved because they struggle to form deep connections outside their background. Without these relationships, it becomes harder to speak up, feel comfortable, or fully engage. As International Senator, I want to bridge this gap by creating more meaningful interactions between international and domestic students.
Sofia Gomez-Inowe
sgomezin@uci.edu
Hello, my name is Sofia Gomez-Inowe (she/her), and I am excited to share my candidacy for Special Interest International Senator for the 2025-2026 Academic Year. I am a first-year International Studies major with a Humanities and Law minor. As an international student from Mexico, with the opportunity to study in California since high school, I wish to promote an inclusive and diverse academic environment through my passion for advocating for student voices to be heard.
From my experience of living in Mexico and daily crossing the border to study in the United States, I understand how communities form even across borders through the understanding that what brings us together is our differences and uniqueness that contribute to progress and achieving change. I wish to extend my knowledge from my border community to represent the need to include international perspectives and diverse values to continue improving community outreach and engagement on campus. I strive for students to feel comfortable in their identity and be able to engage with the community despite language or cultural barriers.
If elected as your Special Interests International Senator, as part of Anteater Rising I will be dedicated to improving Government efficiency to address Financial Aid and Parking Fees, while growing our school spirit!
Governmental Reform
- Often peers are surprised that there is a student government in UCI. They usually regard ASUCI as the office that makes pop-up events and gives out free materials and food. And with that mindset the breach between students and their supposed government is evident. They feel disconnected and believe their participation does not matter to make a difference in UCI unless they are involved in a specific organization. To bring student participation in the ASUCI government, my running team, Anteater Rising, and I will work to improve our government structure so that efficiency, accountability, function, and transparency are evident to all members of UCI and become the institution it is meant to serve our student community.
Financial Aid Reform
- The delays and lack of transparency with Financial Aid packages have created an atmosphere of uncertainty and anxiety among the student population. With little guidance and explanation regarding this financial process, students, such as me, often depend on external resources to finance their education, which has become a burden in our UCI experience. And it is up to the student body to press on this issue to achieve change. Us at Anteater Rising believe that proposing constructive solutions such as hiring more staff, upgrading outdated equipment, and improving communication, are the steps necessary to improving and resolving the current financial aid crisis.
Parking Reform
- UCI prides itself on being a commuter-friendly institution and an open campus for the community. Yet students have to pay a high price of hundreds of dollars per school year to be able to attend classes they have the right to take on campus. Universally, everyone has the right to mobility, and as a senator, I will work to persuade the administration to offer programs that decrease the cost of parking, given that our school has one of the highest parking rates in California. We are dedicated to working with the administration and chancellor to create initiatives for students to carpool, and demand action on parking costs.
Embrace School Spirit
- Although everyone knows Peter the Anteater, there is no widespread pride in being part of the Anteater community. Especially for international students who wish to engage in the iconic American university atmosphere to feel proud of belonging to a renowned institution and share in the youthful culture, UCI seems to fall short. Our time in university is not only about working for a degree, not only are we students but also individuals who have common passions and a desire to make the best of our time in Irvine, so let’s bring life back to our school! As your Senator, I will work hard with my running team to bring our Anteater pride back on campus, by fostering student participation, awareness, and support within the broader UCI community. My goal is to introduce more initiatives and accessible events that engage all student demographics, with a particular focus on enhancing our athletic programs and major campus events.
I look forward to connecting with students and faculty to strengthen our school community together. We all have a role in driving change, and I believe the first step is within reach. I appreciate your support, I am eager to help foster a more global and cooperative environment at UCI.
Candidate Endorsements
| Candidate | Organization | Org Endorser |
|---|---|---|
Ennes Kahf |
SWANA Health Alliance | Sarah Alkatib |
Ennes Kahf |
Syrian American Medical Society | Sarah Alkatib |
Ennes Kahf |
Pakistani Student Association | Zoha Ahmed |
Ennes Kahf |
Muslim Student Union | Siraj Bajwa |
Ennes Kahf |
Society of Arab Students (SAS) | Tariq Khoury |
Jared Castaneda |
Movimiento Estudiantil Chicanx de Aztlan – MEChA | Bianca DiVerde |
Jared Castaneda |
Students Advocating For Immigrant Rights and Equity (SAFIRE) | Jefferson Herrera |
Nithila Murugesan |
American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) | Zachary Wong |
Pragya Jhunjhunwala |
Hack at UCI | Krish Patel |
Pragya Jhunjhunwala |
Data @ UCI | Azra Zahin |
Patrick Kendrick Maranon |
Vermillion Vocalists | Joanne Peng |
Patrick Kendrick Maranon |
Chinese Orchestra@UC Irvine | Elaine Liu |
Sahil Chekuri |
Human Resources Management Association at UCI | Olivia Zhang |
Victory Ogbonnaya |
National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) | Quincy Barnes |
Candidate Financial Statements
| Name | Total | View |
|---|---|---|
| Aaron Tran | 21.83 | View |
| Adam Weinberg | 37.50 | View |
| Alondra Arevalo | 383.26 | View |
| Amelia Nguyen | 83.91 | View |
| Angelina Delfin | 332.15 | View |
| Ariana Perez | 22.09 | View |
| Arnav Nigam | 0.00 | View |
| Arushi Pattar | 0.00 | View |
| Austin Pierce | 508.98 | View |
| Caprice Coldsnow | 151.24 | View |
| Charlotte Vien | 0.00 | View |
| Christine Yiu | 148.08 | View |
| Christopher Tan | 45.99 | View |
| Dev Goel | 0.00 | View |
| Dylan Richcreek | 4.95 | View |
| Elijah Waller | 0.00 | View |
| Ennes Kahf | 48.83 | View |
| Ethan Hatch | 4.97 | View |
| Evan Hofmann | 21.83 | View |
| Gabriel Mutsvangwa | 158.15 | View |
| Harshvardhan Rathore | 71.24 | View |
| Hong Pham | 4.95 | View |
| Jared Castaneda | 20.00 | View |
| Jasmyn Schubert | 4.95 | View |
| Jayla Pete | 4.95 | View |
| Jocelyn Aboufares | 121.70 | View |
| Jonathan Webster | 0.00 | View |
| Jose Solis Ramos | 9.95 | View |
| Karsten Schubert | 4.95 | View |
| Krishna Saraogi | 0.00 | View |
| Lauren Jernigan | 4.95 | View |
| Maneet Shah | 0.00 | View |
| Matt Lee | 0.00 | View |
| Minh Anh Pham | 4.95 | View |
| Naomi Paskowitz | 4.95 | View |
| Nasser Ssenyange | 4.97 | View |
| Nithila Murugesan | 0.00 | View |
| Oliver Wise | 88.73 | View |
| Patrick Kendrick Maranon | 146.03 | View |
| Pragya Jhunjhunwala | 4.95 | View |
| Prateek Suram | 0.00 | View |
| Priya Khetarpal | 0.00 | View |
| Rachel Bhargav | 0.00 | View |
| Ravdeep Singh | 0.00 | View |
| Riya Sri Rallabandi | 4.95 | View |
| Sahil Chekuri | 308.44 | View |
| Sam Beknazarova | 56.83 | View |
| Samantha. Salazar | 34.95 | View |
| Serene Li | 0.00 | View |
| Sevan Minassian-Godner | 130.98 | View |
| Shaurya Gupta | 0.00 | View |
| Sofia Gomez-Inowe | 29.76 | View |
| Spring Momeni | 78.12 | View |
| Summer Phan | 135.51 | View |
| Temitayo Akande | 23.90 | View |
| Tiana Luong | 0.00 | View |
| Tristan Lee | 0.00 | View |
| Victory Ogbonnaya | 107.41 | View |
| Yasmeen El Jack | 4.95 | View |