Occurring once a semester, this year’s fall election allowed students to select seven of their 14 Senators that will serve in the ASUI Legislative Branch. In total, 15% of undergraduate students voted in the election.
Voting began on Nov. 18 and ended at 5 p.m. on Nov. 20. That Wednesday evening, after the Senate’s meeting at their temporary location in the Pitman Center, the results were announced by Elections Coordinator Rylie Gunderson.
Joseph Garrett, Kallyn Mai, Lauren Carlsen, Aaron Bharucha, Travis Kerr, Alexia Peck and Stella Musser are the seven student-elected Senators to begin, or continue, serving in the Senate this fall term. As seen in their campaigns during the election process and on the ballots, each has their own goals for what they aim to achieve in the Senate.
Joseph Garrett was reelected after his work with the Greek Life Ambassadors, promoting UI’s Greek Life to high schools. Garrett also introduced a new recycling program that uses materials to create sustainable furniture. Garrett’s goal for his upcoming term is to increase the opportunities for departmental internships.
Kallyn Mai was reelected with her previous work on passing bills that provided free absentee ballot stamps and envelopes for students as well as supporting the Democratic Debate Viewing events. Her focus areas include approachability to allow students a safe space to seek assistance, supporting students’ civic involvement as voters and fostering connections to build an involved community.
Lauren Carlsen was reelected as a Senator with a focus on student well-being. She has worked with the Vandal Food Pantry to increase its utilization, worked with Parking and Transportation to address student concerns, as well as the Greek Sustainability Council to address lowering electricity usage on campus. Carlsen plans to continue with new ideas in these topic areas and more.
Aaron Barucha was reelected to the Senate. Barucha wants to involve students more heavily in civic engagement, having students gain an understanding of their rights and responsibilities as American citizens. He plans on enforcing a tradition of transparency between ASUI and the student body. As the son of immigrants himself, Barucha also aims to better the campus for students of color.
Travis Kerr achieved reelection as the only freshman on the ASUI senate. Kerr’s focus has been aimed at mental health, with him passing a resolution to have emergency resource numbers made readily available to all students. He plans to continue in the Senate while focusing on student general health and information.
Alexia Peck was reelected with her previous projects on public events at the Recreation Center, working on establishing a campus wellness week and an environmental awareness week. She plans to expand her focus with inclusivity on campus, strong relationships among living groups and sustainable living.
Stella Musser, newly elected, aims to improve communication between the university and students. She plans to promote stronger Vandal community involvement while also reaffirming the ASUI’s position as student advocates.
These newly elected Senators will be sworn in the last Senate meeting of the year to begin serving in the spring semester.
This story has been updated to correct Kallyn Mai’s name.
Haadiya Tariq can be reached at [email protected]