The Associated Students of the University of Oregon’s annual spring term election began on April 3, and many students of different grades and backgrounds are running for a senate seat. 

On Monday, April 1, nearly all candidates introduced themselves at ASUO’s and the Daily Emerald’s candidate town hall in the Redwood Auditorium in the EMU.

28 students are running for Senate Seats 1-10 as part of the Programs, Contracts and Departments Finance Committees. These positions determine financial priorities, support their assigned I-Fee units and are liaisons to the student body about all things money. 

Seat 1 — Programs Finance Committee (1-year)

Loretta Heinrich is part of the Flock Forward campaign, and wants to better educate the student body about where their money is going. “Ultimately, I am running for Senate because I want to make a difference in my community and leave a lasting impact on UO,” Heinrich said. 

Walker Hicks is campaigning with OurUO and if elected plans to improve inequitable standards placed upon cultural groups on campus. He also hopes to create a free grab and go meal service helping students who have difficulty accessing food and create a stronger student connection with the Many Nations Longhouse and Lyllye Reynolds-Parker Black Cultural Center. “I’m running for PFC because I believe ASUO has unjustly cut funding from cultural organizations on campus,” Hicks said. 

Tiera Garrety is running for this position with UO Student Power. Her main goal if elected would be to change the PFC budget process. Garrety also wants to redistribute the budget surplus. “I want to ensure that ASUO is taking the steps necessary to create an environment in which generations long after us can thrive,” Garrety said.

Seat 2 –– Programs Finance Committee (2-year)

Tobias Miller is running with the Flock Forward Campaign and if elected he plans to improve student engagement, reduce student costs and improve the quality of education on campus. “I think that by gathering the perspectives of a diverse range of students, administrators and faculty, I can help my peers here in ASUO make honest, informed decisions,” Miller said.

Tripp Repp is associated with OurUO. If elected Repp would like to educate students about ASUO and events their student government creates. He also wants to use social media to advertise and plans to be unbiased when allocating finances to student organizations. “I want to change how the student body perceives ASUO by guiding the actions I take towards positive relations,” Repp said. 

Marisol Peters is running with UO Student Power and plans to make the budget process as equitable as possible for students of color. Peters said, “As a leader within the indigenous and queer community on this campus I have felt unsupported by ASUO. I want to make sure my communities as well as intersectional identities have a place in our student government.”

Seat 3 — Programs Finance Committee (1-year)

Grace Connolly is running for this position with Flock Forward. If elected she hopes to improve access for basic needs, student involvement and student safety. “I am excited to communicate with the University of Oregon community to meet needs that will improve campus life, and I hope to foster an open network of communication around the U of O community,” Connolly said. 

Adam Shuaib is associated with OurUO and if elected plans to focus on creating an on-campus food pantry, increase guidance for creating new clubs and have better communication with students and ASUO representatives. “Students have the right to know where their money is going and have a say, that comes with transparency and a senator who understands that he is there to represent the students,” Shuaib said. 

Anthony Lopez is running with UO Student Power. Lopez wants to create more mental health resources, promote diversity and increase accessibility to academic support. “I want to be a voice for all students and ensure that their concerns are heard and acted upon,” Lopez said. 

Seat 4 — Programs Finance Committee (1-year)

Fabian Gomez Hernandez, if elected, wants to make all students’ voices and opinions heard. Hernandez wants to distribute the surplus equally and effectively. “It is important that students have opportunities outside of class that allow for socialization and networking. Bring the students the funding they need and deserve,” Hernandez said.

Sebastian Flores is running with Flock Forward. Flores hopes to improve the representation of Cultural Student Organizations and the connection between ASUO representatives and the student body. “I am running for office because I believe it’s crucial for students, especially those from similar backgrounds as mine as a Latino, to have representation and someone they can connect with,” Flores said. 

Jazmin Mason is campaigning with OurUO and wants accessing funds to be made more accessible. Mason wants to ensure funds are distributed evenly and create stronger communication. “I am determined to transform the student body into something students want to engage with,” Mason said.

Samaah Mohammed is running with UO Student Power. If elected Mohammed hopes to increase communication with student organizations and increase access to funds for student organization leaders. “Ensuring student organizations receive promised funding enables them to create welcoming and supportive communities, while also fostering connections with the broader Eugene community. I’m committed to promoting a sense of belonging for all minority students,” Mohammed said.

Seat 6 — Contracts Finance Committee (2-year)

Lucas Freudenthal is running with the Flock Forward campaign. If elected Freudenthal hopes to ensure student money is being used responsibly and resourcefully. “I chose to run because I love my university and want to give back to a community that has given me so much over the past three years,” Freudenthal said. 

Tsering Hauenstien is associated with OurUO and plans to focus on food insecurity, inequitable funding of student organizations and connecting the student government and student body. “My goal is to rebuild a student government which understands the needs of their constituents, and works toward projects with a direct impact on campus,” Hauenstien said.

Eleanor Potter is running with UO Student Power. Potter wants to improve student access to health care, assist with the housing crisis and schedule Naloxone training. “I am running for Contracts Finance Senate seat 06 in hopes of better allocating student funding while making student funded services accessible to all,” Potter said. 

Seat 7 — Contracts Finance Committee (1-year)

Autumn Oberhart is associated with the Flock Forward campaign. Oberhart if elected plans to focus on basic needs of students, campus sustainability and make the UO more equitable. “I’ll work on the Contract Finance Committee to ensure steps are taken to make UO attainable for students to flourish,” Oberhart said. 

Matt Fernandes is running with OurUO and he hopes to make bus routes more accessible to contribute to ASUO being more transparent with the student body and creating a more inclusive space on campus. “I want to make ASUO something that every student knows about and values on the campus. I also want to make an impact on the campus,” Fernandes said.l 

Jordan Ackemann is campaigning with UO Student Power. If elected Ackemann will focus on student power, allocating the surplus is a more beneficial way and healthcare for students. “I am running for Senate to begin rebuilding student power on campus so we can have a say in our school’s decisions,” Ackemann said.

Seat 8 — Departments Finance Committee (2-year)

Taliek Lopez-DuBoff is running with Flock Forward. If elected he hopes to bring more awareness to food insecurity on campus, increase communication between students and ASUO members and improve accessibility on campus as a whole. “As a candidate, I aim to amplify student voices, prioritize their needs, and cultivate an environment where everyone feels heard and valued,” Lopez-DuBoff said.

Ronit Gupta is associated with OurUO. He hopes to bridge the divide between ASUO finance and student organizations. Gupta plans to lead initiatives to bring the student body and ASUO members together. “I want to impact all student organizations and departments with ideas for events that bring them together, initiatives that will bring ASUO closer to our student body through participation in events and social media, etc,” Gupta said.

Joseph Novak is running with UO Student Power. He hopes to strengthen trust between ASUO and student organizations, create a new historian position to keep tabs on ASUO history, and work to regain control of the EMU. “I am running to garner change in ASUO that will give more power over the EMU first and hopefully more buildings,” Novak says.

Seat 9 — Departments Finance Committee (1-year)

Ravi Cullop is running with the Flock Forward campaign. If elected Cullop plans to continue to work on creating a food pantry. He also hopes to expand student representation in leadership positions. “I will always continue to collaborate within ASUO and the UO community to improve the lives of students,” Cullop said.

Riley Bair, who is associated with OurUO, hopes to make financial decisions more transparent to students. Bair also wants to hear from more students so ASUO can adequately advocate for their peers. “I am running for student government to be in a position where I can advocate for the students at UO,” Bair said.

Victoria Piñeiro is running with the UO Student Power campaign. Piñeiro wants to improve access to food for students and create more sustainable practices on campus. She also wants to ensure that students of color voices are heard.“There are always ways we can work to implement ideas and resources that can help ducks be successful,” Piñeiro said.

Seat 10 — Departments Finance Committee (1-year)

Kyle Richardson is running with Flock Forward and if elected plans to increase finances towards the Basic Needs Program. Richardson also wants to update DuckWeb and reduce financial waste from the incidental-fee. “I’m eager to step into a senate position to equitably deal with the surplus problem plaguing ASUO,” Richardson said. 

Benjamin Ritter is working with the OurUO campaign. If elected Ritter plans to focus on student mental health, student academic support and student engagement. “If the voice of the common student can be heard more clearly, the changes which follow will be inherently more effective,” Ritter said.

Prissila Moreno is with the UO Student Power campaign and has a passion for increasing civic engagement. Moreno also plans to focus on supporting student organizations and working on environmental sustainability.  “As a flagship university, we must demonstrate sustainable practices — addressing food waste, investing in upgrades and implementing eco-friendly initiatives,” Moreno said. 

Academic senators hold seats 11-23. Their responsibilities include determining financial priorities and upholding ASUO’s mission. They also must uphold senatorial responsibilities such as hosting weekly office hours. Academic senators also are required to serve on an internal or external committee. 

Seat 11 — Arts & Science Undergrad 1 (1-year)

Representing ANTH, AST, CHN, ETHN, ETST, FPC, FR, LING, GEOG, GER, GLBL, HIST, HUM, INTL, JPN, JDST, LAS, MDVL, NAIS, PGLBL, PINS, REL, RL, R&ES, SPAN, WGSS, PS and PHIL majors

Donovan Selfridge is part of the Flock Forward campaign. If elected, Selfridge will aim to improve student involvement, update the class registration system and improve the relationships between ASUO and the student body. “ASUO is a great place to make things happen, whether by being a part of it or by supporting student organizations, and I want to be a part of that system and uplift others,” Selfridge said. 

Makoto Parchen  is running with the OurUO campaign and hopes to see an end to food waste as well as prioritize minority voices. Parchen also plans to work to create better communication between ASUO and students. “I believe that running for ASUO is a great way to introduce new ideas and solutions to the community,” Parchen said.

Jess Fisher is running with the UO Student Power campaign. If elected she will advocate for less expensive tuition and reproductive healthcare accessibility. “I’m running to fight for a university that accounts for the needs of all of its students, no matter their disability, gender, class or race,” Fisher said. 

Seat 12 — Arts & Science Undergrad 2 (2-year)

Representing BIC, BI, CH, ERTH, ESCI, ENV, MARB and ENVD majors

Rachel Withers is running with Flock Forward to prioritize the upkeep of outdoor spaces around campus. Withers also hopes to improve transportation around Eugene and enhance support for affinity groups on campus. “I hope to be able to create solutions from a more direct legislative role in ASUO senates,” Withers said. 

Declan Dirk is part of the OurUO campaign. He wants to increase discussions having to do with the incidental-fee, on campus clubs having extra funding and gaining student insight for the senate. “I think it’s a great opportunity to work on my skills with financial management and practice being a representative for a population,” Dirk said. 

Aidain Brennan Correia is associated with UO Student Power. Correia wants to improve campus by providing more support to Palestine, prioritizing student workers’ rights and medical security. Correia said, “I’m running because to speak is to resist invisibility, and speaking amongst each other on what we need is how we get it.”

Seat 14 — Arts & Science Undergrad 4 (2-year)

Representing DSCI, EC, HPHY, MATH, MACS, SDSC and PHYS majors

Oliver Van Aken, who is a part of the Flock Forward campaign, wants to increase transparency, create equitable finances and improve relationships on campus. Van Aken said, “I am eager to help solve issues from a more holistic approach.”

Subbu Nagarajan is running with OurUO. Nagarajan wants to improve food accessibility, decrease bike theft and work on parking around campus. “I’m passionate about getting involved on campus because I am confident that I will be able to properly stand up for and advocate for students,” Nagarajan said.

Seat 15 — Arts & Science Undergrad 5 (1-year)

Representing PSY majors

Joanne Wu, Flock Forward member, hopes to create more opportunities for psychology students. Wu also wants to focus on updating the class registration system. “In addition to my position, I also hope to be a voice for psychology students and advocate for their success and aspirations,” Wu said. 

Aggie Alfred is associated with the OurUO campaign. She wants to work on student parking on campus, creating a food pantry and cultivating a better connection between ASUO and students. “My goal is to create an environment where students feel supported and understood. I’m passionate about fostering a sense of unity and inclusivity, where individuals’ concerns are acknowledged and actively addressed,” Alfred said. 

Jay Blyakhman is campaigning with UO Student Power. If elected he hopes to urge the university to prioritize the growth of their students, address the lack of support towards marginalized student organizations and advocate for student unions. “I want to transform our psychology program into a place where students thrive and feel heard,” Blyakhman said.

Seat 16 — Design, Music and Dance Undergrad (2-year)

Representing ARCH, ARBF, ART, ATCF, ATCH, ARH, IARC, LA, PLA, MPS, PPPM, P3PM, PDS, PDSG, DANC, DABF, MUS, MCOM, MUED, MUP, MJS and POPM majors

Benni Howard is running with Flock Forward and plans to improve health care resources, promote on campus sustainability and improve student engagement. “Seat 16 represents many majors and needs, and I plan to reach out so I can understand and satisfy those various needs,” Howard said.

Chris Walker is a part of the OurUO campaign. Walker if elected plans to find ways to lower the costs of healthcare, first-year housing, food, tuition and parking. Walker said, “I will stand with OurUO to facilitate campus well-being and health.”

Bella Esbeck, who is associated with UO Student Power, addressing and advocating for equitable housing, reducing harm reduction initiatives, and tackling health care concerns. “I believe ASUO can significantly impact students’ lives if its inner workings are better understood,” Esbeck said.

Seat 18 — Journalism Undergrad (2-year)

Representing JAD, JMS, JPR, J, PAD, PJMS, PPR and PJ majors

Liz Sgro, running with Flock Forward, wants to provide transparency within communications while strengthening advertising. She also wants to make the purpose of student government clear. “I am running for ASUO Senate seat 18 because I want to use my voice as a student leader to help the SOJC as a whole rather than just the clubs I am involved with,” Sgro said. 
Mattie Melson is a member of the OurUO campaign. If elected she will create accessible opportunities for certain student populations, increase the organization of campus-wide events and pay student workers more. Melson said, “My voice is needed in ASUO! The opportunity to be a Senate Seat is beyond exciting and I’d like to see if others are invested in the same issues that I am.”
Ian Mohr, associated with UO Student Power, plans to advocate for student employees, improve the access to health care and work to transfer power back to the student body. “Piece by piece, the administration has taken as much student control on our campus as they can away from us. I’m running to get it back,” Mohr said.

Seat 19 — Business Undergrad 1 (1-year)

Representing BADM, PBA and ACTG majors whose UOID number ends in an odd digit

Bryson Smith places an emphasis on inclusion and enhancement of diversity on campus. Smith also wants to empower students as well as improving dining at the university. “I aim to bridge gaps, ensuring that decisions reflect our collective interests and empower every student with opportunities to thrive academically and financially,” Smith said.

Emma Leland is running with the Flock Forward campaign. She wants to raise student engagement with on campus clubs, educate students about how ASUO works and create collaborations between different areas of study. Leland said, “If I can help one student find their club/passion/people, I will feel successful in my term in office.”

Noah Solis, who is part of the OurUO campaign, wants to update the terms of class absences, connect students with ASUO and foster a stronger on campus community. “I am running to help create a better environment on campus. Currently, I feel there is a lack of representation of students on campus and want to make it a year-round thing, not just a once in a while thing,” Solis said. 

Adrian Cabrera is associated with UO Student Power. Cabrera wants to improve the budget process, representation of student cultural organizations and prioritizing on campus student safety. Cabrera said, “As a senator, I am committed to addressing these concerns and promoting a campus environment that values student input, celebrates diversity and prioritizes the well-being of all individuals.”

Seat 20 — Business Undergrad 2 (2-year)

Representing BADM, PBA and ACTG majors whose UOID number ends in an odd digit

Huntyr Doeling is a Flock Forward member who, if elected, will focus on the transparency of ASUO, academic experience at the university and promoting collaboration. “I’m running for office to continue being a part of the conversation in reshaping both and to ensure students are actually being heard and that their ideas are being used,” Doeling said. 

Erin Luedemann is running with OurUO. Luedemann wants to bring a focus to sustainability, address absence policy in classes and create transparency with student organizations and ASUO. Luedemann said, “The University of Oregon offers so much to us and I believe working together we can make it even better.”

Seat 22 — Graduate 1 (2-year)

Representing ANTH, APHY, AST, BIEN, BI, CH, CHKC, CLAS, COLT, CIS, CLAS, CSGD, CSGM, EARD, EARM, EALL, EC, ECON, ENG, CWR, ESSP, ENV, ETST, FPCG, FR, GEOG, GER, GLBM, HIST, HPHY, INTL, LTS, LING, MATH, PHIL, PHYS, PS, PSY, PSYO, RL, SOC, SPAN, TA, ARCH, ART, ARH, CRP, HP, IARC, LA, MNM, PPA, MPA and SPD graduate majors

Wren Ganey is associated with the OurUO campaign. Ganey wants to prioritize helping students from underrepresented groups and bridge the gap between graduate and undergraduate students. “I am running because I really want to be a voice for graduate students and programs on campus,” Ganey said.

Andrew Ducharme is running with UO Student Power. If elected he hopes to increase funding for cultural student organizations, create a food pantry and support student workers.”I will fight for ASUO strength and sovereignty,” Ducharme said.

Seat 23 — Graduate 2 (1-year)

Representing ABAO, CDS, CPSY, C&FT, CSSE, CTED, C&T, C&TU, EPLD, EDLD, PREV, PRVD, PRVE, QRME, SPSY, SPED, MABR, CMSD, CMSM, J, MDST, MMJ, STC, ACTG, FINA, FIND, FINS, GB, MGMT, MKTG, SPMG, SPMO, DANC, IMT, MCOM, ME, MUP, MTHE, MJS, MCND, MUSC, ALAW, ALAW/ALAW, BLAW, BLAW/BLAW, CDR, ENRL, LAW, CDR/LAW, LAW/MPA, GB/LAW, CBHC, EDLM, EDLO, IMCO and DDMP graduate majors

Daniel Appiah Gyekye, member of Flock Forward, wants to work to actively involve students, address concerns of graduate students and create a stronger connection between ASUO and graduate students. Gyekye said, “My decision to run for this position reflects my dedication to advocating for student needs and enhancing the graduate student experience.

Emily Cole is running with UO Student Power. If elected, Cole plans to advocate for graduate and professional students on campus, support on campus unions and establish a strong campus community. “My decision to run for ASUO reflects my dedication to leadership that fosters an environment where students feel empowered to contribute to our campus community,” Cole said.

The Emerald also held a presidential and vice presidential debate from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on April 2 at the Redwood Auditorium. Voting for ASUO’s spring election continues until April 8 at 9 a.m.