ASUCI Candidates

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ASUCI Constitution

On March 3, 2026, the ASUCI Senate approved “Legislation: R61-88 A Better Deal: Clarifying the Revised ASUCI Constitution to Ensure Better Funding, Better Engagement, and Better Advocacy With Procedural Amendments” for the ASUCI Spring General Election. Please find below links to the current ASUCI Constitution, the proposed ASUCI Constitution, and a copy of the proposed ASUCI Constitution with tracked changes.

Pursuant to Art. XVI, Sec. 1 of the current ASUCI Constitution, in order to pass, this constitutional amendment will will require at least a 11.42% eligible, affected total registered undergraduate student body voter turnout rate by submitting a ballot during the 2026 ASUCI Spring Elections, of which at least a 2/3rd majority (66% plus one vote) of those students who voted “yes” or “no” on the constitutional referendum must have voted “yes.”

_ Yes, I approve of the proposed ASUCI Constitution.
_ No, I do not approve of the proposed ASUCI Constitution.
_ Abstain (I do not wish to vote on this item but register my presence for purposes of establishing the voting pool)
Contact: Nicole Lang, langn1@uci.edu

Undergraduate Referendums

There are four referendums on the ballot this year that undergraduate students can vote on. Please visit the Referendum page to view them.

ASUCI President


Gabriel Mutsvangwa
gmutsvan@uci.edu

In every challenge I’ve been presented with, my mother always said these three words: magkasama tayo dito, or translated roughly, we’re in this together. 

Over the past few years, Anteaters have faced unprecedented challenges. Our communities continue to face undue discrimination. Academic resources are at risk. The anxieties of rising tuition, grocery costs, and rent shift our focus away from the education we are working for. These challenges limit student access to basic needs, on-campus support, and an equitable education, putting barriers in place of opportunity.

Heading into the next academic year, together, we can create the change that will help all within our Anteater community succeed, feel supported, and strive for excellence.

Hey, Anteaters! My name is Gabriel C. Mutsvangwa! I am a Political Science and Economics double major, and I am excited to announce that I am running to serve as your next ASUCI President!

As an Afrikan and Filipinx student, I know what it is like to have to prove your place in every new environment you step into. Since coming to UCI, I’ve helped build, strengthen, and lead student communities to create safe spaces and advocate for the problems we all face, focusing on the lived experiences of our diverse undergraduate body. If elected as the first Afrikan and Filipinx ASUCI President, I will continue the work I have always been committed to.

When unjust federal measures put our communities at risk, we need to take a stand. Change starts with direct partnerships with the Chancellor, University administration, and students. Under my leadership, I will fight to make sure that ASUCI invests into the student body now to reflect the campus we want to be.

Since my freshman year, I’ve championed stable tuition policy, increased accessibility to food assistance, and consistently advocated for systemwide financial awareness directly to the Board of Regents on the UC Council on Student Fees. Being on the Vice Chancellor’s Student Affairs Council has allowed me to provide on-the-ground perspectives in regular meetings with University administration, advocate for structural changes to make our basic needs more accessible, and implement initiatives to serve marginalized and underrepresented communities. As your current At-Large Senator*, I’ve met with many student leaders and RCOs to discuss difficulties in accessing basic resources, see the state of campus infrastructure, and make our resources and events more visible through social media initiatives. Through these roles, I’ve built a strong foundation to advocate for our Anteaters, gaining a better understanding of campus issues to develop tangible solutions that drive change and progress at every level at UC Irvine.

I’m thrilled to share my campaign’s platform, focused on five main areas: Basic Needs, Financial Advocacy, Campus Safety, Student Engagement, and Community Outreach. We work to advocate, support, and represent each other. I am confident that my platform will shift ASUCI’s focus back to student interests over the next academic year. For further information about specific policies, commission initiatives, and advocacy issues, feel free to check out my platform document (bit.ly/4rw83Eq)!

Basic Needs – Food Accessibility, Housing Security, Emergency Aid, Sexual Health Resources

At one of the nation’s top universities, no student should go hungry. No student should bear the burden of not knowing where to sleep, or be forced to weigh their physical, mental, and reproductive wellbeing against their education. Satisfying these basic needs empowers students to focus on their education, and it requires a collaborative effort. As your ASUCI President, I will advocate for greater food accessibility for students (particularly those with dietary restrictions), work with the UCI Basic Needs Center and other campuswide groups to address the necessities of day-to-day life as a student, and increase accessibility to fresh produce. The Office of the President, under my leadership and initiatives, will continuously fight for basic needs and voice student perspectives.

Financial Advocacy – OFAS Accessibility, Stable Tuition Advocacy, Scholarship Opportunities

Every student deserves to understand the costs of their education and develop a sustainable budget that allows them to make informed financial decisions. Over the past few years, we’ve seen how difficult it is to navigate financial aid delays, reserve a timeslot, or even talk to a specialist on your financial aid and tuition costs. The Office of the President has the ability to directly address these issues, and I will work with our Financial Wellness Coordinator to advocate for students and increase institutional transparency on financial delays. In advancing these initiatives, the Office of the President will work together to help make our education affordable as we navigate an unpredictable economy.

Campus Safety – Emergency Notification, Accessible Escort Programs, Campus Safety Audits

The expansion of immigration enforcement in Southern California continues to threaten and strike fear in undocumented, immigrant, and mixed-status communities at UC Irvine. As a first-generation Filipino–American, these images hit right at home. We cannot stand by as innocent people are being harassed and brutalized at our doorstep. Moreover, we need to ensure that our campus has safe and accessible resources, including transportation, for our students when emergencies arise. By working with our Campus Safety Affairs Coordinator in advocating for expanded emergency notification measures, promoting our safety escort program, and ensuring that our campus is well-lit and secure for every student at every hour, I promise the Office of the President will strive for a safer UC Irvine for all of our students.

Student Engagement – Student Programming Commission, Social Media, Student Experience

We need a more visible student government. As midterms and extracurriculars pile up throughout the quarter, it gets easy for many students to begin to feel isolated and overwhelmed. We need time for our breaks and to breathe in the midst of the quarterly mayhem. ASUCI has the resources to host events that connect with our entire student body.  Alongside the Student Programming Commission, the Office of the President will work to engage our students, communities, and RCOs with our academic resources during on-campus events, ensuring that student perspectives are represented at every step of the way. Through my work, I will ensure that ASUCI provides students a platform to highlight their unique talents, showcasing the rich diversity our campus holds to facilitate an energetic and vibrant student experience to bring all Anteaters together.

Community Outreach – Town Halls, RCO Partnerships, Safeguarding Cultural Expression

Amidst threats to higher education, our University’s commitments to education, inclusion, and representation must be prioritized. As an Afrikan and Filipinx student, these threats directly shape my education and opportunities. We need to ensure that all within our Anteater community have a safe space to discuss their experiences, express their culture and heritage, and benefit from our diverse student body free from outdated stigmas and discriminatory regulations. As ASUCI President, I will host regular town halls to ensure that we hold ourselves accountable to student voices, consistent meetings with our RCOs to develop on-campus policy, and continue supporting our multicultural events – such as the Afrikan Black Coalition Conference. Under my leadership, the Office of the President will be consistently committed to hearing student perspectives, advocating for student issues, and building bridges with all of our communities throughout UC Irvine.

The future of student government requires us to adapt to the circumstances of the day, lead with a common vision, and implement change for a better UC Irvine. These five core areas capture the essence of my campaign, but it is by no means limited to the ideas mentioned here. These ideals are exactly why I am running for ASUCI President – because together, we can advocate for student issues, expand access to basic needs and on-campus resources, and provide the opportunity for all of our students to have a say in their student government. 

Together, we can bring about real change that ensures our communities are represented for years to come. 

But, the change we want for tomorrow requires action today. 

That is why I am asking you to share your voice in this year’s ASUCI General Elections. In this election, I ask you all to cast your vote for the candidate who will listen to your perspectives and put your interests first every single time. Vote Gabriel C. Mutsvangwa for your ASUCI President!

I am proud to run with ANThem, a team of dedicated candidates from diverse backgrounds. By bringing our unique experiences together, we aim to drive meaningful change by putting student interests first in the advocacy we lead. Together, with a shared focus on advocacy, collaboration, and accountability, we will work day and night to ensure that every student on campus is heard and actively supported.

For more information, please visit our Instagram at @vote4anthem to view our platform further.

Thank you very much for your time, patience, and consideration. Let’s hit the ground running!

Magkasama tayo dito. We are in this together.

In service,
Gabriel C. Mutsvangwa (he/him)
Candidate for ASUCI President
Campaign IG: @gabeforpres
Linktree: linktr.ee/gabe4asucipres

*titles for identification purposes only

Summer Tram Anh Phan
summertp@uci.edu

Hello!! I’m Summer Tram Anh Phan (she/her). I’m a 3rd year majoring in Microbiology and Immunology and I’m running for ASUCI President for the 2026-2027 academic year. Currently, I serve as the Academic Affairs Vice President. 

Growing up as the daughter of Vietnamese immigrants in Southern California, I have learned to advocate for myself to the fullest extent, as I was taught by my parents to never settle for anything less than the best. Being my own advocate (and my family’s), I have learned the values of integrity, compassion, and courage. For the past two years, I’ve worked at the UCI Student Health Center as a Health Screener and conducted wet lab research in a Developmental and Cellular Biology laboratory. Through these conversations, I have heard countless stories about housing instability, financial aid confusion, the fear of navigating health insurance for the first time, and the loneliness of not knowing where to turn. These conversations did not just inform me, but opened my eyes to the real issues affecting our campus community and fueled my unwavering commitment to being a steadfast student advocate. As the daughter of immigrants, I refuse to be a bystander. It is more important than ever to advocate for ourselves, our rights, and our access to the vital resources that are necessary to succeed in higher education. If elected, I aim to use the powers that come with my position as ASUCI President to advocate for the needs of the student body with the same drive and empathy that I have with everything I do. 

I joined ASUCI in my first year as a Student Experience intern in the Office of the President and a Speakers intern in my second year. This year, I serve the student as the Academic Affairs Vice President, where I directly represent students in academic policy decisions across campus and manage an office of over ten paid staff. In my position, I have increased accessibility to resources by providing students a permanent place to access free scantrons and greenbooks, distributed over 25,000 academic supplies, and funded $6700+ of loanable library technology. I have ensured that all schools are equally represented by hosting mixers for a wide variety of disciplines including Humanities, Physics, the Arts, and am actively advocating to ensure that the university hosts similar programs in the future in the case that ASUCI is unable to. I have successfully advocated for a Leave of Absence policy, timely SB-98 communication methods through meetings with UCI PD, and a decrease of student expenses by making the Etech fee into a flat fee in collaboration with the ASUCI President and the Educational Technology Initiative Advisory Committee.

Additionally, I have served on a number of long-standing committees such as the Long Range Development Plan Steering Committee, Integrity in Academics Advisory Committee, the UCI Academic Senate, and the Educational Technology Initiative Advisory Committee. My work this past year has instilled institutional knowledge of UCI’s operations and has strengthened higher administration’s trust in me; this is something the other candidates do not have. I plan to use my administrative experience I have gained throughout my three years in ASUCI in my monthly conversations with the Chancellor and the Provost, in order to effectively communicate and advocate for the needs of the student body.

Furthermore, this past year, I have served on both the Ad Hoc Constitutional Transition Committee and the Bylaws Ad Hoc Review Committee and have gained a deep understanding of the two new governing documents that ASUCI will be abiding by at the start of the 2026-2027 academic year. As a member of these committees, I have helped to revise and draft both the Constitution and Bylaws to ensure that ASUCI can operate at the highest capacity to serve the students’ best interests at hand from day one.

ASUCI is the only student organization on this campus with direct, recurring access to senior administration. This extraordinary privilege is one I intend to take full advantage of; I intend to advocate with precision, purpose, and all students in mind. My presidency will be built on three foundations: policy-informed advocacy, institutional transparency, and genuine accessibility. Every initiative I propose below is grounded in what I have seen, heard, and learned firsthand from students in the Student Health Center, from my research in my lab, from the communities I have organized with, and from the governing documents I have helped shape. I am not starting from scratch. I am ready to run.

At a time where so many students are at risk due to the actions of the current federal administration, the safety of the student body is of the utmost importance to me. Students should never have to be worried for their wellbeing when they have done nothing wrong. At the federal level, there continues to be unnecessary violence from immigration enforcement, defunding of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion initiatives, and heated debate on the existence of the Department of Education as whole that have led to a nation-wide decrease in financial aid. I refuse to stand by while students are attacked for things out of their control. If elected, I will be the loudest person in the room when discussing these issues, in meetings with UCI administration, and in collaborations with local, state, and federal policymakers as needed. I will ensure existing student resources are not only maintained and accessible, but cultivated and expanded upon as well. 

Food insecurity and housing instability are realities for a significant number of UCI students, yet our Basic Needs infrastructure struggles to meet the needs of the students. Our on-campus housing waitlists leave too many students scrambling at the last minute and our accessibility to affordable groceries decreases as inflation rises. As ASUCI President, I aim to increase the visibility and signage of existing basic needs resources, including the Basic Needs Center, the meal swipes donation program, emergency housing support, and many more., and I will work towards expansion of these resources to ensure the University is prepared to meet the needs of  every student.

In my position as a Health Screener at the UCI Student Health Center, I have seen how health-related issues are debilitating for students’ physical and mental well-being and academic performance. As ASUCI President, I aim to work towards more comprehensive and accessible information to all health-related resources at UCI, including the Center for Student Wellness and Health Promotion, the Student Health Center, the Counseling Center, the UCI Student Health Insurance Plan, and advocate for an expansion of said resources.

Students pay thousands of dollars in fees they cannot fully comprehend. When I ask peers what the Anteater Fee or the Recreation Fee covers, most cannot tell me. This is not a student failure but a systemic communication failure. At the same time, financial aid award letters at UCI remain difficult to comprehend compared to institutions that have adopted clearer, standardized formats. As ASUCI President, I plan to meet with administrators and department heads to obtain clear budget reporting on how student fee revenue is being spent and advocate for public-facing dashboards, clearer financial aid award letter formatting and for earlier disbursement timelines for emergency grants and expand the Anteater Safety Net Grant by advocating for an increased fund during the Joint Committee of the Budget discussions to allow a greater number of students to benefit from the grant.

More than a third of UCI undergraduates commute, yet our campus infrastructure was largely designed around residential students. Commuter students navigate parking costs, limited food options during commute hours, and a campus that closes many of its social and study spaces before they can access them. I aim to collaborate with the Commuter Lounge to work on expanding their services so that the needs of the students can be met.

This past year, I have advocated for the implementation of Pilipinx American Studies and Islamic Studies at UCI, as I strongly believe that our education ought to reflect the diverse communities built at this university. If elected I plan to continue to advocate for the underrepresented student populations on campus to ensure that every student receives adequate support via campus programming and initiatives, and feels properly represented. As ASUCI President, I aim to preserve and expand multicultural spaces on campus and be the main liaison between students, administration, and the student-serving offices under Student Life & Leadership so the centers continue to receive adequate funding and ensure that their programming reflects what students are actually experiencing. Furthermore, I plan to ensure ASUCI’s grant-allocating commissions, like the Student Programming Funding Board, are being used equitably and that underrepresented and smaller organizations have the support they need to navigate the application process.

This past year, I have had the pleasure of working in a collaborative and supportive cabinet that has allowed the Association to accomplish much more than was thought possible. I believe that a president who cannot work effectively with their own team cannot advocate for the students. 

I am not running for ASUCI President because it is the next step. I am running because this is a year that demands someone who already knows the room, already knows the rules, and already knows the students. I have sat in the meetings and I have analyzed the policies to fully understand how to serve the students at the max capacity. I have seen what is possible when the student government treats its association as a responsibility, and not just a position to boast about.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read through my statement. I hope, through reading, that I have earned your vote. With this platform, I plan to be the candidate who is present and prepared to power ASUCI to accelerate meaningful progress using my administrative experience and institutional knowledge. If you have any questions about my campaign or want to chat about anything at all, feel free to reach out at summertp@uci.edu or DM my campaign Instagram @presidentialsummer.

I am also campaigning alongside Jayla Kamilla Pete (EVP), Joshua Gonzales (IVP), Denise Rojas (AVPAA), Sarah Lien Gagnier (SPC), and many senators as AMPlifying Anteaters (Accelerating Meaningful Progress). Our pledge to all UCI undergraduate students is an effective collaborative student government that leads with transparency, accountability and meaningful progress. With our combined experiences uplifting student voices, our growth in connecting with our UCI communities, and our dedication to uplifting collaboration, we will ensure that ASUCI works for you. For more information, please visit our Instagram: @amplifyinganteaters.

Yours in service, 

Summer Tram Anh Phan 

Full Statement: https://bit.ly/3Pi91GY 

AMPlifying Anteaters Platform: https://bit.ly/AMPlifyingAnteaters


External Vice President


Jayla Kamilla Pete
jpete@uci.edu

Hi Anteaters! My name is Jayla Kamilla Pete (she/her), and I am honored to be running for ASUCI External Vice President for the 2026–2027 academic year. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about ASUCI, the candidates, and the values that guide our work. I have little space and a lot to say, so while my full platform can be found here: https://bit.ly/jayla4evp, I want to use this statement to share the experiences, values, and goals that drive me to pursue this role and the responsibility it carries.

As an Indigenous and low-income student born and raised in San Francisco, I came to UCI understanding that higher education can create opportunity, but only if students are able to navigate systems that are not always built with them in mind. When I first got to UCI, I was not thinking about student government or leadership. I was thinking about stability. I was thinking about financial aid, belonging, and whether I would be able to find spaces that reflected my identity and supported my success. I know what it feels like to worry about whether your aid will come through, to look for community in places that do not always make room for you, and to realize that policy decisions made far beyond campus can shape whether students are able to stay enrolled and thrive. Those experiences are not abstract to me. They shape how I lead, how I advocate, and why I care so deeply about this work.

My path into ASUCI began when I received an email from the External Vice President’s office about the Student Lobby Conference. At the time, I did not think I was qualified. I did not have years of experience or a long list of titles. What I had was care. I cared about tuition increases, financial aid delays, and the ways broader policy decisions affect students’ daily lives. I applied anyway, and that experience changed how I understood student government. It showed me that the External Vice President is not simply a role within ASUCI, but a position responsible for making sure UCI students are represented in the larger conversations that shape higher education. From that point forward, I stopped seeing student government as something separate from me and realized it was a space where I could help shape decisions instead of simply experiencing their consequences.

Since then, I have built my work at UCI around advocacy, institutional accountability, and ensuring that student voices are present in the spaces where decisions are made. I currently serve as a Social Sciences Senator, where I have authored and supported legislation addressing food insecurity, cultural recognition, basic needs, community consultation, and structural accountability within ASUCI. This includes legislation recognizing Native American Heritage Month, Holocaust Remembrance Day, and Ramadan, as well as bylaws related to land acknowledgements and community consultation practices. I also serve as Chair of the Advocacy Committee and Chair of the Land Acknowledgement Committee, where I have focused on strengthening how ASUCI engages with students, professors, campus organizations, and resource centers. In addition, I serve on the Anteater Safety Net Grant Committee, Arts Funding Board, and Constitutional Transition Committee, which has allowed me to work directly on issues involving student emergency support, campus funding, and institutional transition.

Beyond Senate, I have also worked in spaces that connect campus advocacy to broader systems of support and policy. Through the Student Outreach and Retention Center, I founded the Native American Retention Initiative, the first retention-focused programming effort for Native students at UCI. Through this work, I created a Native Resource Guide, organized financial awareness and scholarship workshops, and helped build culturally grounded programming that supports Indigenous student belonging and retention. Through the University of California Student Association, I have also worked on outreach to Indigenous student centers, Native retention programs, and systemwide support initiatives across the UC system. This includes conversations with UCOP representatives about expanding Native student resources, strengthening the implementation of the Native American Opportunity Plan, and exploring structures such as a Native Student Advisory Council to elevate Indigenous student voices in policy development. Across these roles, I have remained committed to making sure students are not only heard, but meaningfully represented.

If elected as your External Vice President, I will focus on making the office more proactive, transparent, and connected to students. I want the EVP office to be a place where students understand how local, state, federal, and UC-wide policy decisions affect their tuition, financial aid, housing, rights, and educational opportunities. I will work to strengthen legislative tracking within the office so we are not reacting late to policies that impact students, but anticipating them and responding strategically. I want to make systemwide advocacy through the University of California Student Association more visible by providing students with clearer updates, more accessible policy explanations, and more opportunities to engage in advocacy themselves. I also want to strengthen the internal structure of the office so that advocacy work is organized, sustainable, and community-informed.

Most importantly, I want students to know that external advocacy is not distant from their lives. When tuition changes, when financial aid systems fail, when civil rights protections are threatened, and when higher education funding is debated, those issues affect real students in immediate ways. The External Vice President should be someone who understands that reality, takes the responsibility seriously, and is prepared to advocate with both passion and preparation. I believe my lived experience, legislative background, and commitment to community-centered advocacy have prepared me to do exactly that.

Thank you for taking the time to read my statement and learn more about my candidacy. I care deeply about this university and the students who make up this community, and it would be an honor to serve as your ASUCI External Vice President. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me at jpete@uci.edu or DM me at @jayla4evp . My full platform can also be found here: https://bit.ly/jayla4evp.

I am also proud to be campaigning alongside Summer Phan for ASUCI President, Joshua Gonzales for Internal Vice President, Denise Rojas for Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs, and Sarah Lien Gagnier for Student Programming Commissioner, along with our Senate candidates, as part of AMPlifying Anteaters. Together, we are committed to building a more collaborative, transparent, and accountable student government that works for all UCI undergraduate students. For more information about our team, please visit: https://bit.ly/AMPlifyingAnteaters and @amplifyinganteaters.

Link to Platform: https://bit.ly/jayla4evp

Link to Slate: https://bit.ly/AMPlifyingAnteaters


Internal Vice President


Joshua Gonzales
joshurg6@uci.edu

Hi Anteaters! My name is Joshua Gonzales, a second-year public health policy and political science major running to be your 2026-2027 Internal Vice President! For my extended platform, please visit https://bit.ly/3NpkML7, my Instagram @josh4ivp, and my Slate’s (AMPlifying Anteaters) full platform: http://bit.ly/AMPlifyingAnteaters 

Who am I? 

My upbringing has strongly shaped my values. From stories of my family protesting in the Jim Crow South to my great-grandma navigating her community as she only spoke Spanish as a farm worker, my mixed identity has taught me the power of community, awareness, and advocacy. Additionally, as a member of a military family, I have been instilled with a strong sense of service to the community since I was young. 

Why do I want to be IVP?

As a fifth-generation Orange County resident, I have grown up around the UCI community my entire life, and I want to support the community by serving as the ASUCI Internal Vice President. All students deserve to go to a university that is more than just an academic institution with classrooms, professors, and a library. Being in the room where it happens has always been something I sought; it is the place where real advocacy happens. As IVP, I will have one group in mind: the students. I have been a student who both knows the shortcomings of UC Irvine and the possibility that ASUCI can help alleviate them. It is this possibility, that UCI can be better for all Anteaters, that makes me want to be your IVP. 

My ASUCI Experience

In my first year, I served as your Student Programming Funding Board (SPFB) Commissioner, allocating over $160,000 of ASUCI funds back to your clubs, organizations, and programming events. As your Commissioner, I expanded the SPFB budget by $20,000 and fought to increase the SPFB funding limit per event by $2,000, allowing for RCOs to expand their programming needs in the upcoming year. Although the role was highly administrative (another key part of being IVP), it also allowed for something vital to occur on campus from the events the SPFB created: social life and culture! The mix of these two different, yet converging parts of the role has prepared me to not only serve as an effective IVP, but as an IVP who understands student needs and wants.

Throughout the last year, I have served as the Head of Staff for the Office of the President (OP), spearheading policy initiatives throughout the four coalitions (Access & Institutional Excellence, Basic Needs, Campus Affairs, and Health & Wellness) to make life at UCI better for all students. In my role as your Head of Staff, I assisted the OP staff in hiring a great team of interns, along with developing the annual Executive Adjunct agenda of OP. I have been involved in conversations with administration officials relating to health and wellness services and setting policy agendas related to immigration enforcement on campus and housing. I also served as a member of the Anteater Safety Net Grant, helping disperse critical funds to Anteaters in need through ASUCI-allocated funds. In my second year, I also served as a member of the Ad Hoc Transition Committee, working to establish a clear framework for the ASUCI budget transition and the adoption of the new ASUCI constitution. As Head of Staff, I also have the privilege of being the official proxy for the ASUCI president. This has given me invaluable experience meeting with administration officials, working with the ASUCI Senate, and learning the ins and outs of policy-focused advocacy. 

My Platform 

As your IVP, I plan to put transparency, organizational support, and UCI student quality of life first. Here are some of the initiatives I would propose:

Grant Allocating Commissions

  • Propose that current grant allocating commissions be expanded to support students’ basic needs, such as transportation and housing
  • Retain the Anteater Safety Net Grant commission to ensure that students continue to receive support for their basic needs on campus
  • Retain the Student Programming Funding Board and its commissioner, along with creating a new RCO Liaison to assist in outreach
  • Create new grant allocating commissions during times of excessive burden on students, such as in a possible financial aid crisis or other student emergency

Transparency & Communication

  • Ensure that the ASUCI website gets revamped and updated so that all information for every commission is up to date
  • Create master contact sheets that contain all ASUCI staff members and their office hours, so that the student body can easily access their student government representatives
  • Direct the Standing Communications Officer to publicize ASUCI policy, programming, and stances in an immediate manner
  • Collaborate with the External VP office to effectively communicate and expand know your rights campaigns and changes in local, state, and federal governance
  • Maintain a close working relationship with student media, such as New University, Anteater TV, and KUCI

Advisory Boards

  • Serve on and appoint students to several advisory boards that currently exist, putting student advocacy and quality of life center stage
  • Ensure that these boards are appointed and meeting with administration during the first month of the upcoming school year, to ensure that there are no delays in representation
  • Create new advisory boards for any auxiliary services created during my term, such as wellness vending services or my proposed student advertising

RCOs, Clubs, and Organizational Support

  • Collaborate with the Associate Vice President of DEI to ensure that cultural and identity organizations feel adequately supported by ASUCI
  • Conduct outreach to organizations such as UCI Sorority and Fraternity Life (SFL), UCI Club athletics, and other organizations to increase the breadth of ASUCI interaction 
  • Ensure that all clubs are aware of SPFB and TGIF funding opportunities, and expand these programs if necessary
  • Commit to hosting in-person ASUCI town halls if there is expressed interest from registered campus organizations 

Sustainability

  • Continue to support the ASUCI Gardens around campus through publishing volunteer opportunities and ensuring proper funding
  • Conduct outreach to other UC campuses to see what their student governments have done to increase sustainability
  • Further promote the work of The Green Initiative Fund to UCI Organizations and clubs that focus on environmental protection and sustainability 

The Senate

  • Faithfully chair the ASUCI Senate in an unbiased manner that ensures the Senate remains a place for ALL students to voice their concerns and views
  • Hold senators accountable by ensuring proper training of both rules and duties assigned to them through the ASUCI Constitution
  • Work with the Senate to achieve all of my goals as IVP, such as expanding grant allocating commissions and appointing new staff members

My Slate:

I cannot do this alone! As much as I implore you to join me in this election, I also ask you to support the amazing candidates that are on my slate, AMPlifying Anteaters (Accelerating Meaningful Progress)! I cannot accomplish everything I have listed above if I do not have these amazing and intelligent leaders serving with me! Please add to your ballots Summer Tram Anh Phan, our candidate for ASUCI President, Jayla Kamilla Pete, our candidate for External Vice President, Denise Rojas, our candidate for Associate Academic Affairs VP, and Sarah Lien Gagnier, our candidate for Student Programming Commissioner. I also humbly ask that you add our Senate candidates, who are also joining the AMPlifying Anteaters team! AMPlifying Anteaters wants to make an effective collaborative student government that leads with transparency, accountability, and meaningful progress. For more information, please visit our Instagram: @amplifyinganteaters and read our full platform: http://bit.ly/AMPlifyingAnteaters 

Thank you:

Being Internal Vice President to me is more than a title; it is a pledge to keep supporting the undergraduate community. If elected, whether you vote for me or not, I will operate exclusively in service of you, the Anteaters who deserve a student government that works for them and their betterment. I know that my experiences, values, and plans can make this happen, and I hope that I can earn your trust to allow me to do so. Thank you for taking the time to learn about me, our student government, and its future that belongs to us!

With joy, 

Joshua Gonzales

Antoine Mbok
ambok@uci.edu

Antoine Mbok for ASUCI Internal Vice President

Structure. Integrity. Advocacy.

Who I Am

My name is Antoine Mbok, and I am a transfer student majoring in Computer Engineering. I was born in Yaoundé, Cameroon and moved to the United States in 2014. Coming to UC Irvine has been an important part of my journey. As a transfer student, I understand what it feels like to arrive on a large campus and try to find your place. From managing demanding retail shifts to coding my own chess bot, my college experience has been a whirlwind of challenges and unforgettable moments. That experience has shaped my desire to help build a community where every Anteater feels welcomed, supported, and connected.

Finding balance outside of academics and student government is incredibly important to me. I gravitate towards activities that challenge me mentally and physically from unwinding with PC and console gaming or studying chess strategies, to hitting the gym and training for my 100m sprints. I also rely on playing the piano as a vital creative outlet. Ultimately, these passions keep me grounded and remind me of the value of discipline and continuous growth. I believe leadership is about creating spaces where people feel heard and valued, and I am committed to helping make UC Irvine a place where every student can thrive.

The Progress We Are Making

My journey with ASUCI’s internal affairs began at the start of the Winter Quarter when I stepped into the Internal Vice President (IVP) role. I didn’t want to just fill a seat; I wanted to get things done. In just a few short months, I have had the privilege, honour, and pleasure of serving as your voice on critical advisory boards, including:

    • Student Center Board of Advisors

 

    • Anteater Express Bus Love Advisory Board

 

    • Anteater Recreation Center (ARC) Advisory Board

 

    • The Hill Advisory Board

 

    • Student Health Insurance Advisory Committee (SHIAC)

 

Through these boards, and in direct meetings with the Vice Chancellor, we have made real progress in discussing funding for vital programmes and identifying areas of our campus that desperately need physical and operational improvement.

What I Am Running On

I wanted to run for IVP to make this school a better place. But when I first thought about running for the role, part of me had thought “that position isn’t for students like me.” I am so glad I did not listen. Serving again as your IVP, I will make it my mission that every student knows that their student government is a student government that could use their voice.

If elected, my platform focuses on three main pillars:

1. Enhancing Student Engagement: Currently at UC Irvine, many students feel disconnected and isolated from one another. Our campus often lacks a sense of a broader, unified culture or shared identity because student life is fragmented into small, isolated pockets. When I first started here, I found it incredibly difficult to get plugged into the wider campus community; everything felt siloed, clustered, and cliquey. To fix this, I will organise more targeted events within the IVP office and heavily collaborate with other ASUCI offices to break down these silos. By working together, we can move past these barriers and build a truly unified and inclusive campus culture.

2. Securing Essential Funding: Many of our most vital campus resources are currently operating on shoestring budgets, leaving them unable to meet the growing demands of the student body. This lack of financial security threatens the very programmes that provide us with basic necessities and sustainable spaces. In my time at UCI, I have seen how much students rely on these hubs for support and community, yet I have also noticed the strain these centres face when resources are not prioritised. To address this, I will aggressively advocate in board meetings to improve funding for critical student-first programmes, specifically the Sustainability Resource Centre, the Green Initiative, the Kihay Garden, and the Basic Needs Centre.

3. Empowering Student Organisations: Student-led clubs are what make UCI feel like home, but many of them are held back by tight budgets and a lack of campus-wide promotion. Between working retail, studying, and my own hobbies, I know how difficult it is for busy students to discover these groups unless they are highly visible. Therefore, I will prioritise increased funding and specialised support for clubs and student-led organisations, ensuring they have the funds needed to thrive. By combining this with consistent informational boothing and resource-focused events, I will ensure that the “Awareness Gap” is closed and that students have both the knowledge and the money to build a better campus community.

How We Continue This Progress

I believe that by focusing on Structure, Integrity, and Advocacy, we can achieve significant progress. My leadership style is built on teamwork. I will empower my team to lead in their own way while providing the mentorship and systems they need to succeed. The progress we have started this Winter Quarter is just the beginning. By keeping an experienced, dedicated advocate in the IVP office, we can hit the ground running next year without missing a beat.

Thank you for your time, your consideration, and your commitment to our campus. Let’s keep moving UCI forward.

Vote Antoine Mbok for ASUCI Internal Vice President!

Campaign IG: @antoinem_for_ivp

Contact: ambok@uci.edu

Ethan Wong
wonge14@uci.edu

“Zot Zot Zot! I’m Ethan Wong, and I’m running to be your next Internal Vice President. I’m not just running to chair Senate meetings and manage the Administrative Office; I’m running to make sure those spaces are actually accessible to you. Whether it’s streamlining the hiring of student representatives for campus boards or making sure your club has the support it needs to thrive. Between my experience managing fraternity recruitment and working a part-time job, I know how to keep a large organization moving forward without losing the ‘fun’ along the way. Let’s make ASUCI more transparent, more efficient, and a lot more like a community. Vote Ethan Wong for Internal Vice President


Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs


Denise Rojas
drojas10@uci.edu

Hello Anteaters!

My name is Denise Rojas (She/Her). I’m a 2nd year double major in Biological Sciences and Chemistry; and I am running to be your next Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs (AVPAA) for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year. As I wrap up my second year involved in ASUCI, I am excited to share my vision and what I hope to fulfill if elected. For my extended platform, please visit: https://bit.ly/denise4avpaa. I also want to sincerely thank you for taking the time to actively participate in electing your future ASUCI representatives at UC Irvine.

Who is Denise Rojas?:

I am a proud First-Generation Mexican American student who grew up in Southern California’s “Title I” school system. I have both experienced education’s triumphs and failures firsthand, which has helped me grow my instilled values of preserving and advocating for institutional education systems that prioritize students over profits or personal gain.

Born and raised in Anaheim, California, I am the daughter of hardworking Mexican immigrant parents, who have always encouraged my own personal growth within education. My background has grounded me and presented me with opportunities to become an active voice within my community.

From my experiences I have truly grown both as a student and leader, and I assure you that I will spearhead the movement towards putting students first, advocate by placing your concerns directly at the table, and ensuring action gets taken to increase education affordability, student accessibility, bolster transparency, and to lead through diversity.

Why Me?:
From my very first year at UCI I dove in deep, representing the ever growing student Latiné/Latinx population serving as your Latiné C.O.D.E Coordinator under the Internal Vice President in ASUCI. I worked on expanding career development, scholarship assistance, and spreading basic need awareness by launching the 2024-2025 ‘Latiné Virtual Resource Guide’ campaign. All while helping plan various culturally significant events such as “La Herencia” and “Celebracion Chicanismo” in hopes of spreading representation, promoting community and belonging on campus. I advocated for underrepresented voices to get engaged through student government, and pushed for cross-collaborative campaigns across the ASUCI commissions. From this initial experience at ASUCI it emboldened my passions to better serve students and bolstered my stepping stone in student government.

Today, I serve as your Academic Resources Director under the Office of Academic Affairs VP for the 2025-2026 school year. This year alone, I have already organized three “Free Academic Resource Boothing” distributions, returning over 25,000+ items of free supplies ranging from Greenbooks, Scantrons, and reliable academic stationary, with two more distributions planned before the year is out. Additionally, I streamlined organization for event planning by productively working with ASUCI volunteers and Student Center pro-staff, all while responsibly managing your student fee budgets to make sure every dollar worked for you. I also helped bolster and organize over $6700+ of library technology including headphones and Apple Pencils back into the UCI Library Loaning Program. Moreover, I have established public campaigns to amplify awareness for vital academic tools through the creation of the “Free/Reduced Printing Campaign”, “Library Loaning Resource Guide”, that was promoted across campus.

My experience within ASUCI also includes direct work with the Office of the External Vice President (EVP) where I also serve as your ACQUIRE Coordinator for the 2025-2026 school year. My missions reside in activating work to better support basic need initiatives under EVP. This is seen through my work within creating collaborative cross-commission events to promote Basic Needs resources available on campus. Through boothing outreach, and under my leadership I created student-led guides that encompass housing, financial security, and food insecurity resources. I have effectively planned to work alongside the Basic Needs Center on campus, and only plan to expand collaborations with more centers as your ACQUIRE coordinator.

Additionally, I currently serve on the LARC Transition Committee where I have represented the incoming student population who utilize and rely on tutoring services offered at UCI. Through this committee I place our student staff, and tutoring recipients first to better improve the quality of education offered to UCI Students.

What does AVPAA do?:

The Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs (AVPAA) serves to address existing educational gaps experienced by undergraduate students at UCI by functioning to improve quality of education and engage in supporting resources that provide academic safety-nets for students. Overall AAVP’s focus is to intersect student experience with institutional decision-making by serving as the liaison between the undergraduate student population and the faculty, administration, and Academic Senate of UCI. The day to day tasks of the Associate Vice President can range from representing undergraduate students in Academic Senate meetings, consulting on committee appointments within academic departments/centers, coordinating with student representatives across ASUCI, advocating for educational policies that positively impact the student body, and further expanding educational resources that better connect students to reach their personal academic ambitions.

My Vision:

If elected, I will work on these initiatives within the Academic Affairs Office:

Courses & Curriculum

    • Advocate for Course Transparency & Fair Grading Measures

 

    • Work Towards a Reduced Course Load Program

 

    • Clarifying and Continuing Work on Generative AI Policy

 

    • Working Alongside Student-Led Organizations & Clubs

 

Policy & Advocacy

    • Advocate for Extended Course Withdrawal Deadlines

 

    • Work Towards Expanding Course Sections for High-Impact Classes

 

    • Encourage Faculty Engagement with Student Course Evaluations

 

    • Collaborate with Departments to Improve Tutoring Hours & Curriculum Accessibility

 

Fees & Financial Accessibility

    • Opposing Academic Fee Increases

 

    • Expand Usage of Open Educational Resources (OER)

 

    • Expand the Academic Resources Free Material Distribution

 

    • Advocate for a Free Printing Program in the Student Center

 

    • Continue the Partnership for the Library Loaning Program

 

Student Resources & Support

    • Ensuring Equal Access and ADA Compliance

 

    • Continue Work on the LARC Transition Advisory Committee

 

    • Increasing Academic Support for Underrepresented Students

 

    • Improving Academic Advising Across UCI Departments

 

    • Advocate for More Study Spaces on Campus

 

    • Increase Awareness of Campus Resources

 

    • Advocate and Develop a Centralized Academic Resources Guide

 

    • Support for Students Accused of Cheating or AI Misuse

 

In a nutshell, my vision for the Academic Affairs Office is rooted in the one simple belief that every student is deserving of equitable, fair, and quality education across UCI.

The Team I’d Propose:

This upcoming 2026-2027 school year poses new responsibilities and roles under the new proposed ASUCI constitution. With that in mind, here are my proposed future staff goals I envision for ASUCI.

Academic Advocacy Director & Advocacy Student Representatives

    • If elected I would be committed to help nominate undergraduate representatives who work to present urgent academic needs collected from student feedback to the UC Irvine Academic Senate. Including but not limited to advocating for extended withdrawal policy leniency, equitable grading across major-specific courses, as well as pushing for policy that increases course availability for high-impact courses.

 

Academic Resources Director

    • If elected I will work with the Academic Resources Director to set up additional “Free Academic resources Pop-Ups” across campus where students can get a vast variety of free testing materials beyond select boothing dates. Moreover, I would collaborate to expand both the availability of the resources programming and the type of free academic resources offered under the office of AVPAA.

 

Thank you for taking your time reading through my candidate statement. I truly hope I raised your confidence in earning your vote and your trust to be your chosen representative for AVPAA 2026-2027. If you have any pending questions about my planned vision for the upcoming school year or about my campaign, please feel free to reach out at drojas10@uci.edu or DM my campaign Instagram @denise4avpaa. For my extended platform, please visit: https://bit.ly/denise4avpaa.

I am also campaigning alongside Summer Tram Anh Phan (President), Jayla Kamilla Pete (EVP), Joshua Gonzales (IVP), Sarah Lien Gagnier (SPC), and many senators as AMPlifying Anteaters (Accelerating Meaningful Progress). Our pledge to all UCI undergraduate students is an effective collaborative student government that leads with transparency, accountability and meaningful progress. With our combined experiences uplifting student voices, our growth in connecting with our UCI communities, and our dedication to uplifting collaboration, we will ensure that ASUCI works for you. For more information, please visit our Instagram: @amplifyinganteaters.

Our pledge AMPlifying Anteaters is a promise to all UCI undergraduate students of effective collaborative student government that leads with transparency, accountability and meaningful progress. With our combined experiences uplifting student voices, our growth in connecting with all UCI communities, and our dedication to uplifting collaboration, we will ensure that ASUCI works for you!

In service and solidarity,
Denise Rojas

Alexa Allaham
aallaham@uci.edu

I know what you’re thinking: What difference does my vote even make? That kind of disillusionment is what prevents you from reaching your maximum academic potential that you deserve to reach. It’s the difference between balancing cardiac arrest when opening your grades on Canvas versus keeping it cool because you know that there’s a PASS/NO PASS option that you can wait until WEEK 9 to fall back on if you need to (yes, we were responsible for that change.)

The truth is, academic policy determines your GPA and how you exit this university before you even walk into class. Before you even enter the class code on enrollment day and you’re met with the dreadful “this class is restricted, code-only.” What’s unique about the Office of Academic Affairs is that the policies we implement using your feedback affects all students equally. It affects the Dance major submitting a Bachata Midterm the same as it would affect the Physics major studying Particle Theory.

The beauty is that all UCI students possess the power to vote for a candidate that they know will tackle their Academic qualms and produce a solution to your benefit. Keep in mind, these solutions don’t just live in handbooks — they live in Academic Senate rooms most students never see.

That’s exactly where I plan to be.

As Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs, I won’t be there to nod politely. Classmates of mine know I always say what they’re thinking but aren’t comfortable to share with the audience. I’m all about confronting reality and arriving at an optimal outcome.

In my meetings with the Academic Senate, I’ll be there to relay the questions students already asked me: Who does this policy help? Who does it burden? Why wasn’t student input part of this conversation from the start?

One thing about me: I’m relentless. Meaning I’m very comfortable challenging vague answers. Academic quality and academic equity are not competing values. They are the standard. And with your help electing me, we won’t merely adjust to the standard. We’ll set it.

I am proud to run with ANThem, a team of dedicated candidates from diverse backgrounds. By bringing our unique experiences together, we aim to drive meaningful change by putting student interests first in the advocacy we lead. Together, with a shared focus on advocacy, collaboration, and accountability, we will work day and night to ensure that every student on campus is heard and actively supported.

For more information, please visit our Instagram at @vote4anthem to view our platform further.

Vote for Alexa Allaham. Vote for ANThem.


Associate Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion


Alijah Cox
alijahjc@uci.edu

As a Filipino-African American mixed-race student at UCI, I understand the importance of being seen, supported, and valued. I’m running for Associate Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in ASUCI because I want everyone to know that UCI is a place where they belong and where their voices do matter.

I have goals to create a campus where everyone feels welcomed, respected, and empowered to achieve success. I hope to strengthen support for underrepresented communities and challenge them to build a network that allows them to thrive. I will ensure that every individual at UCI has equal opportunity to succeed.

Recent incidents in regards to minority groups remind us that there is still progress to be made. I’m committed to advocating for the safety, well-being, and rights of all individuals while building a campus where diversity is not only acknowledged, but heavily and actively supported.

UCI should be a place where everyone, regardless of their background, feels safe, valued, and capable of achieving their dreams.

Neha Mahesh
maheshn2@uci.edu

Hi everyone! I’m super excited to be running for Associate Vice President of DEI next year! I’m a double major in Political Science and Drama, and I’m currently a second year. My hometown is Seattle, Washington, but here in Irvine, I spend my free time competing on the UCI Mock Trial team, working at a law firm, and performing as a Disney princess on weekends! (My favorite fun fact and biggest flex).

Naturally, ASUCI is another major part of my day-to-day! I currently serve as the Campus Safety Coordinator for the Office of the President, and last year, I was an intern for Office Outreach. This has given me a comprehensive understanding of ASUCI and the way I can represent the student body, first and foremost by being responsive to your concerns. That’s already part of my work! Almost every project from this year has originated from criticism voiced by other students. My main projects so far have been repairing and increasing lighting in ACC and Mesa Court, because broken lightbulbs reduce visibility and heighten uneasiness. Furthermore, I’ve collaborated with the Environmental Health and Safety Department and Housing Operations here on campus to streamline action on work orders and improve transparency of communication for students in the dorms. Additionally, after dialogue with members of the EVP office and UCIPD, I’ve advocated for thorough and timely alerts if immigration enforcement is confirmed on campus. I intend to continue these efforts if elected to AVP of DEI, because safety is an inherently racial issue, with marginalized communities being the most vulnerable. My work will cover everything from the psychological well-being of students of color in the wake of current political developments, to the health of immunocompromised students who aren’t currently being accommodated effectively.

Those are lofty goals, and I don’t plan on tackling them alone. Recently, I’ve collaborated with the ASUCI Senate to approve an upcoming, free self-defense workshop event my commission is organizing: Self Defense & Sweet Treats! I intend to further collaborate with Senate if I’m elected to this position, working to make administration aware and accountable to Senate’s statements on behalf of the student body. Having also connected with the Media and Technology Office, External Vice President, and Academic Affairs Vice President’s Office in the past, I’ll also be able to ensure my initiatives will complement the work of other offices and avoid overlap or gaps.

More important than my agenda, however, is yours. I’m looking forward to tackling anything that falls under diversity, equity, or inclusion which you feel is a concern. Whether it be this year or next, I’ll be available for office hours and by email to further these efforts. Thank you for reading, and I would be honored to serve as your Associate Vice President of DEI!


Student Advocate


Ariana Thomas
ariannt3@uci.edu

Hello to all!

I am currently a third-year biology major at UCI. My journey here has been a rollercoaster, and through it I have learned how difficult it can be to balance academics, work, and a social life as a college student. These experiences have inspired me to become a student advocate so I can help support students who may be facing the same challenges.


Student Programming Commissioner


Sarah Gagnier
sgagnier@uci.edu

Hello Anteaters! My name is Sarah Gagnier (she/her) and I am a 2nd year Biological Sciences major with a minor in Health Informatics. I have served two (2) years in ASUCI’s Office of Student Services VP, and am currently Co-Commissioner of Student Experience. I am deeply honored and grateful to announce my candidacy to continue serving the student body as Student Programming Commissioner for the 2026–2027 academic year.

My Experiences:

When I began college, I knew I wanted to be part of an organization driven by a genuine passion for creating and executing events designed for students, by students. I wanted to have the opportunity to help create experiences of connection and community, something every student should have on their college campus. The Office of Student Services Vice President (SSVP) was where this journey began. As a first year, I was able to serve as an Intern for the Campus Spirit Commission. Throughout the year, I approached this role not just as an event planner, but as a student deeply committed to celebrating the diverse identities and passions that define our campus community.  I supported initiatives such as Homecoming, spirit weeks, Winter Formal, and Anteater Connections, gaining hands-on experience in event logistics, student outreach, and on-site coordination through my commissioners, who have become some of my biggest inspirations. This space, where I could fully express myself without judgment, alongside individuals who shared the same passion and purpose, became more than just a team. It became a community grounded in mutual support, genuine care for one another, and a shared love for our school. After building a strong foundation my first year, I was given the opportunity to serve as Co-Commissioner for Student Experience, a commission that has taught me so much about leadership, collaboration, and intentional event planning. In this role, I learned how to balance creativity with logistics, ensuring that every initiative was not only engaging, but also thoughtfully executed and accessible to students. Working closely with my Co-Commissioner, interns, and pro-staff strengthened my ability to delegate effectively, communicate clearly, and lead with empathy. Most importantly, it deepened my understanding of how meaningful student programming can shape the overall campus experience.

Another amazing opportunity I’ve had this past year was being a Student Parent Orientation Program (SPOP) staffer. SPOP plays a vital role in helping both incoming students and their families transition into the university community. By providing resources, guidance, and opportunities to connect with campus programs, SPOP helps ease the transition into college while fostering a strong sense of belonging from the very beginning. I worked alongside 120+ other passionate students, each looking to make a valuable impression on the incoming students at UCI. With such a unique and diverse student body also came unique and diverse staffers. Working alongside these amazing individuals allowed me to find new perspectives, strengthen my ability to collaborate with people from different backgrounds, and learn how to create welcoming spaces for students who may be experiencing college life for the first time. This experience showed me the power that intentional programming and community-building can have in shaping a student’s college experience. It reinforced my passion for creating events and opportunities that bring people together, something I hope to continue doing as Student Programming Commissioner.

Aside from my leadership experiences at UCI, I am also involved in a Molecular Biology and Biochemistry research lab where we work to identify viral proteins and their functions in order to better understand the mechanisms viruses use to infect and replicate within cells. I have trained four (4) other undergrads in the past two (2) quarters and have had the privilege of helping them build confidence with the protein modeling tools our research depends on. Being part of a collaborative research environment has strengthened my problem-solving skills and taught me the importance of persistence and collaboration when tackling complex questions.

Apart from these experiences, I also serve as a Training Coordinator for COPE Health Scholars at the Kaiser Permanente Irvine location. Working alongside other leaders, we ensure that new Scholars are properly trained so they can confidently fulfill their responsibilities on the hospital floor. In this role, I help guide new members through their onboarding process, answer questions, and support them as they adjust to a fast-paced clinical environment. This experience has strengthened my leadership, communication, and mentorship skills, as I work with individuals who come from a wide range of academic and personal backgrounds. Being responsible for helping others feel prepared and supported has shown me how impactful thoughtful guidance and structured programming can be, and it has reinforced the importance of creating environments where people feel confident, capable, and included.

My time serving in the Office of Student Services has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my time at UCI. Being involved in ASUCI and this office has given me the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally while helping create programs and events that bring students together. Along the way, I have also been able to build genuine connections with people who share a passion for supporting the campus community. This experience has deepened my understanding of what it means to serve the student body: approaching our work with professionalism, transparency, and a commitment to ensuring that all students feel represented and supported.

My Vision:

The implementation of Student Programming Commissioner marks an exciting new chapter for student life at UC Irvine. As a newly established position, it presents a unique opportunity to build a strong foundation for how campus events will serve the undergraduate student body for years to come. My goal is to develop a structured, collaborative, and student-centered Student Programming Commission that expands opportunities for engagement and strengthens campus traditions. The structure outlined below represents my plan to build a team that can successfully deliver engaging events that highlight our unique campus culture:

    • Engaging Programming and Campus Spirit

 

I pledge to prioritize the development and execution of entertainment and recreational events that foster connection, celebration, and school spirit across the undergraduate community. I will use this opportunity to support both large scale and community focused events that will bring students closer in community and strengthen campus tradition.

    • Responsible Entertainment Partnerships

 

Working alongside SGSM professional staff, the Commission will support the oversight of ASUCI performance agreements and entertainment logistics. Through thoughtful planning and collaboration with professional advisors, we will ensure that large scale events and performances are organized responsibly and executed successfully.

    • Collaboration Across ASUCI

 

I will ensure that the Commission will actively collaborate with Executive Officers, Associate Vice Presidents, and the Elections Commission to establish events that engage students on issues and initiatives relevant to their work. Through these partnerships, the Commission can help elevate advocacy efforts and create events that encourage student awareness and participation in campus initiatives. My goal is to create branch liaisons between each of the Offices to effectively communicate programming needs, coordinate collaborative events, and ensure that advocacy goals of each office are reflected in all parts of the planning process.

    • Effective Resource Management

 

We will responsibly administer its approved budget in order to support impactful events for the undergraduate student body. By carefully managing resources and investing in staff and interns who support event planning and operations, the Commission can ensure the sustainability and success of its efforts.

    • Promotion and Student Outreach

 

In partnership with the Executive Cabinet, the Commission will prioritize effective promotion of campus events and engagement opportunities. Through the use of coordinated outreach and communication strategies, the Commission will expand awareness of its events to encourage broader participation.

    • Professional Advising and Institutional Support

 

My goal is to create strong rapport with all of the SGSM staff to ensure that all planning efforts are supported by professional guidance and aligned with university policies and practices.

My Commitment:

 

Listed below are a few of my objectives that I will strive to achieve and maintain as your Student Programming Commissioner. Together, they reflect my commitment to building an organized, collaborative, and student centered Commission that delivers engaging events and meaningful opportunities for the undergraduate community:

 

    • Prioritizing Student Voices

 

I will prioritize the perspectives and needs of UC Irvine’s undergraduate student body. I am privileged to learn alongside a diverse community of students, representing a wide range of backgrounds, identities, and experiences. I will actively encourage students to share their values and concerns with ASUCI and Student Programming, so that together we can support the UCI community effectively. I will accomplish this by being transparent about my office’s actions and goals, and by creating events and opportunities that are inclusive and accessible to all students.

    •  Supporting Commissions and Staff

 

I will empower and support all of the coordinators, as well as the Head of Staff, by providing the resources they need to develop meaningful events for the student body. I will mentor each team member, guiding them toward success, while ensuring that each branch fulfills its mission and advances the initiatives they are responsible for.

    • Fostering Inclusion and Campus Culture

 

I am committed to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment within our office, ASUCI, and across the campus spaces where my initiatives reach. I will ensure every voice is heard and treated equally, with special attention to supporting marginalized groups through representation and advocacy. I will remain open to feedback and criticism to continually improve as I work to uplift and sustain the vibrant, energetic campus culture that makes UC Irvine unique.

I am also campaigning alongside Summer Tram Anh Phan (President), Jayla Kamilla Pete (EVP), Joshua Gonzales (IVP), Denise Rojas (AVPAA), as well as many Senate candidates, as part of AMPlifying Anteaters (Accelerating Meaningful Progress). Together, we are committed to building a collaborative and effective student government that prioritizes transparency, accountability, and meaningful progress for all UCI undergraduate students. Through our shared experiences uplifting student voices and fostering collaboration, we are dedicated to ensuring that ASUCI works for you. For more information about our platform and campaign, please visit our Instagram and Platform page: @amplifyinganteaters and http://bit.ly/AMPlifyingAnteaters.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about my experiences and mission to serve the student body as your Student Programming Commissioner. It would be a privilege to earn your vote and the opportunity to represent and serve you this upcoming year!

With appreciation,

Sarah Lien Gagnier

 


At Large Senator


Ethan Hatch
ejhatch@uci.edu

My Fellow Anteaters,

My name is Ethan Hatch, and I am honored to announce my candidacy for the position of At-Large Senator in the upcoming ASUCI Elections for the 2026–2027 academic year. UCI is a campus built on diversity, ambition, and community, and I am proud to be part of a student body that continues to develop and shape each and every Anteater. Every student contributes a unique perspective and experience that helps shape our campus, and I believe those voices deserve to be heard, respected, and represented.

I am running for At-Large Senator because I want to continue serving the undergraduate student body through meaningful advocacy, stronger communication, and a commitment to making student government more accessible to everyone. I believe leadership is not just about holding a title, but about listening to people, understanding their concerns, and taking action that benefits the broader student community.

Why I Am Running

The role of At-Large Senator is important because it represents the undergraduate population as a whole. This position requires someone who can listen to students from all backgrounds, majors, and communities and make sure their concerns are brought forward. I want to be that person for our campus here at UCI.

Throughout my time at UCI, I have seen how students can sometimes feel disconnected from the decisions that affect their academic and social experiences. Whether it is concerns about student resources, campus life, communication, or feeling represented, many students want to know that their voices matter. I am running because I want to help bridge that gap and make sure students feel that they have someone in ASUCI who will actively advocate for them.

How Would I Make the Organization More Transparent?

One of my main goals as At-Large Senator would be to make ASUCI more transparent and accessible to students. Student government should not feel distant or confusing. Students should know what ASUCI is working on, what issues are being discussed, and how they can get involved or share their concerns.

I would work to improve transparency by encouraging clearer communication between ASUCI and the student body. This means making information about Senate initiatives, student concerns, and ongoing projects easier to understand and easier to access. I want students to feel informed rather than left out of the process. Too often, student governments can seem like something happening in the background. I want to help change that by making our work more visible and more connected to the students we serve.

Transparency also means accountability. If students bring concerns forward, they deserve to know they are being heard and that their voices are being taken seriously. I want to help create a stronger line of communication where students can share their ideas and concerns openly and feel confident that ASUCI is listening and responding in meaningful ways.

Fostering More Connections With Cultural Clubs

Another major priority is fostering stronger relationships with cultural clubs and organizations across campus. Cultural clubs play a huge role in making UCI feel like home for so many students. They create spaces for belonging, celebration, education, and community, and they help students stay connected to their identities while also building new relationships on campus in regards to their career and education.

I believe ASUCI should do more to connect with these organizations and support the work they do. As At-Large Senator, I would want to encourage stronger communication and collaboration with cultural clubs so that they feel seen, valued, and included in broader campus conversations. By helping create stronger relationships between these student organizations and student government, we can build a more connected campus community where students from all backgrounds feel represented.

I also believe that fostering these connections can create more opportunities for collaboration between different communities at UCI. When cultural clubs are supported and connected, it reinforces the sense of unity across campus and helps create a more inclusive environment for everyone.

My Priorities

As At-Large Senator, I want to focus on practical improvements that directly impact students’ daily lives and overall campus experience. One of my main priorities is improving Anteater Express by advocating for the return of weekend service. Reliable transportation is essential for many students who need to travel to and from campus, especially those who do not have access to a car. Weekend availability would make it easier for students to stay connected to campus resources and attend important activities.

Bringing back weekend service would also greatly help students with grocery shopping and other necessities. Many students know how difficult it can be to carry multiple bags of groceries back to their residence, especially when those bags are heavy and transportation options are limited. As a student that has no car, I have many times struggled with having zero transportation on the weekends to help me go from store to store. Expanding Anteater Express availability to weekends would help lighten that burden, provide students with greater independence, and make everyday responsibilities a little bit more manageable.

Another priority of mine is improving class availability by encouraging discussions with the UCI University Registrar based on past records of student enrollment needs. Many students face challenges when trying to enroll in required classes, major courses, or discussions that are essential for staying on track academically. By looking at past enrollment patterns and student demands, I want to advocate for more thoughtful course planning and stronger attention to where students are consistently facing shortages in availability. Access to classes should not become an unnecessary obstacle to student success.

For one, I have had issues with UCI University Registrar booking classes with minimal space and availability for many of the major classes. I want to be able to cooperate with students to help them further their education. Education is the first priority for many students here at campus. To be able to provide students with the necessary means to achieve their goals and ambitions through the improvement of class availability is a priority.

I also want to prioritize the development of a stronger student survey agenda so that undergraduate voices can play a larger role in shaping major campus events such as APAD, Summerlands, and ZotTalks. These surveys should be distributed months in advance so that student recommendations, interests, and preferences can be meaningfully considered during the planning process rather than after decisions have already been made. If ASUCI is committed to serving students, then student input should be included from the beginning.

By creating earlier and more intentional opportunities for feedback, we can make these events more engaging, more representative of student interests, and more reflective of the communities they are meant to serve. I believe that when students are given a direct voice in planning campus programs, it not only improves the quality of those events but also builds greater trust and transparency between student government and the student body.

My Experience

My experience has prepared me well for this role. I am currently serving as one of the Engineering Senators* for this academic year, and that position has given me firsthand experience in student advocacy, communication, and representing the concerns of students as a part of ASUCI. Through this role, I have gained a better understanding of how student government functions and how important it is to ensure that student concerns are voiced clearly and effectively.

Outside of student government, community service has always been an important part of my life. From helping sort medical supplies to assisting the elderly, I have always believed in the importance of giving back and supporting others. These experiences have shaped my values and reinforced my belief that strong communities are built through compassion, service, and connection.

My Commitment to Students

If elected as At-Large Senator, I will work to be a reliable, approachable, and engaged representative for the undergraduate student body. I want students to know that their concerns matter and that they deserve representation that is honest and committed to improvement.

I want to help create a campus where students feel informed, supported, and empowered to speak up. I want to strengthen communication between students and student government and increase transparency within ASUCI while fostering stronger relationships across the many communities that make UCI such a vibrant and diverse place.

Most importantly, I want to listen. Every student has their own story, challenges, goals, and experiences, and I believe good leadership begins there. By working together, I believe we can continue building a UCI community that is more connected, more inclusive, and responds to the needs of its students.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I would be honored to earn your support.

Sincerely,
Ethan Hatch

“To be good and lead a good life means to give to others more than one takes from them”. – Leo Tolstoy

For any questions, feel free to reach out to me at ejhatch@uci.edu and check my Instagram @ethan4atlargesenator for any updates.

I am proud to run ANThem, a team of dedicated candidates from diverse backgrounds. By bringing our unique experiences together, we aim to drive meaningful change by putting student interests first in the advocacy we lead. Together, with a shared focus on advocacy, collaboration, and accountability, we will work day and night to ensure that every student on campus is heard and actively supported. For more information, please visit our Instagram at @vote4anthem to view our platform further. 

* – Only for Identification Purposes

Nithila Murugesan
murugesn@uci.edu

Hi Anteaters!

My name is Nithila Murugesan, and I am a second-year Chemical Engineering (Biomolecular Specialization) and Biological Sciences double major. I am excited to announce that I am running for re-election as your ASUCI At-Large Senator!

During my time at UC Irvine, I have had the privilege of serving in ASUCI since my first year, and have continued to serve as an At-Large Senator and the Vice Chair for the Senate Finance Committee. In this role, I have worked to improve how ASUCI manages and reports its budget so that students know exactly how their student government funds are being used. I have helped write and advocate for financial reforms and worked directly with university administration, the Dean of Students, and ASUCI leadership to make our budgeting processes more transparent and accountable to the student body.

In addition, I am currently working alongside other Senators and administrators in the School of Physical Sciences and the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences to help develop school-based student councils, creating new opportunities for students to communicate directly with their departments and advocate for academic resources, advising improvements, and student support.

Outside of ASUCI, I am actively involved across campus as an undergraduate researcher in the Gorodetsky Lab, a former Industry Relations Chair and current Academic Director for the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), a Team Lead for the ChemE Cube engineering project, and a member of various other engineering competition teams. These experiences have strengthened my ability to organize large projects, coordinate teams, and work with university departments to turn ideas into real outcomes. I want to bring these skills into my continued work in the Senate.

With my varied involvements, I understand how difficult it can be to balance academics, research, work, and extracurricular involvement while still trying to feel connected to campus life. Many students simply don’t have the time to navigate complicated systems for academic advising, transportation, or student resources. That is why I believe that our student government must focus on practical solutions that make everyday student life easier and more accessible.

If re-elected, I will continue focusing on several key priorities:

Transparency and Accountability

Students deserve to know how their fees are being used. I will continue advocating for clearer, publicly accessible reporting of ASUCI’s budget so that every Anteater understands how student government resources are allocated and how they benefit the campus community.

Academic and Career Support

Navigating advising systems, internships, and career resources should not feel overwhelming. I will work with campus departments and student organizations to improve access to academic advising information, industry opportunities, and professional development resources for students across all majors.

Transportation and Commuter Support

As a commuter myself, I know how transportation challenges impact daily student life. I will advocate for improved communication about transportation options, expanded commuter resources, and stronger collaboration with campus administration to ensure that commuting students remain connected and supported.

Building Community Across Campus

UCI is home to an incredibly diverse and talented student body. I want to continue supporting events, partnerships with Registered Campus Organizations, and initiatives that create spaces where students can connect, collaborate, and build community across disciplines and backgrounds.

Working alongside dedicated student leaders, I believe we have an opportunity to continue strengthening ASUCI’s commitment to transparency, advocacy, and student engagement. Serving in student government has shown me how powerful student voices can be when we work together to advocate for meaningful change. I am committed to continuing that work and ensuring that every student feels represented in our student government.

I am proud to run with ANThem, a team of dedicated candidates from diverse backgrounds. By bringing our unique experiences together, we aim to drive meaningful change by putting student interests first in the advocacy we lead. Together, with a shared focus on advocacy, collaboration, and accountability, we will work day and night to ensure that every student on campus is heard and actively supported.

For more information, please visit our Instagram at @vote4anthem to view our platform further.

Vote Nithila Murugesan for At-Large Senator! I would be honored to continue serving the UC Irvine community.

Thank you for your time and consideration, and I hope to earn your vote in this year’s ASUCI General Elections!

In service,

Nithila Murugesan (she/her)

Candidate for ASUCI At-Large Senator

Campaign IG: @nithila4senate

Alex Gritchen
agritche@uci.edu

My name is Alex Gritchen, I’m a 2nd year Language Science major. I grew up in seal Beach, and UC Irvine has always been an important place to me. I remember attending all sorts of events being held here since I was little. now I’m hoping to become even more involved in making this campus even better than it already is.

I’ve always felt that being a leader is very important. It’s so easy to complain about everything you don’t like, it’s much harder to actually do anything about it. I’ve had a great time at this school, but nothing is perfect. I don’t feel that I have any grounds to complain so long as I am not trying to improve the UCI community in the areas where it falls short. To me, a member of leadership is someone who wants to work together with their community and fellow leaders, to improve their community.

While in office, I plan to help ASUCI maintain a strong focus. I want to help our leaders point their resources to strong goals, rather than spreading apart on less impactful programs. Additionally, I hope to foster a stronger relationship between ASUCI and the average student. I feel that one of the biggest obstacles ASUCI faces is the apathy of most of our student base.

Allison Kim
allisk5@uci.edu

My name is Allison Kim and I’m running to be an At-Large Senator! I am motivated by the belief that student government should be accessible to every single Anteater, and represent all our diverse backgrounds and perspectives. 

As the First Year Senator, I made it my mission to amplify the voices of first year students who are unfamiliar and disconnected from university structures that actively impact their time at UCI. As Senate Public Information Committee Chair, I’ve worked to make ASUCI’s actions more visible and understandable to our student body. I believe transparency and trust is key to an effective student government, as we ensure that our decisions truly reflect student needs.

If elected as an At-Large Senator, I will work to strengthen the bridges between student government representatives and the communities we serve: expanding awareness of campus resources, deepening ASUCI’s relationships with RCOs and school-based councils, and making it easier for all students to reach us. I will also continue the projects I have begun as the First Year Senator, such as advocating for clearer and fairer academic policies, and pushing for stronger student voices in housing matters; particularly for first-year students navigating campus life for the first time. 

I am proud to run with ANThem, a team of dedicated candidates from diverse backgrounds. By bringing our unique experiences together, we aim to drive meaningful change by putting student interests first in the advocacy we lead. Together, with a shared focus on advocacy, collaboration, and accountability, we will work day and night to ensure that every student on campus is heard and actively supported.

For more information, please visit our Instagram at @vote4anthem to view our platform further.

Colin Damon
cdamon@uci.edu

No candidate statement given.

Dominique Janot
djanot@uci.edu

My name is Dominique Janot, and I’m a first year Political Science major. I am running for Senate At-Large because I believe strong student representation begins with listening, discussion, and community engagement. Debate has always been central to how I approach leadership; I actively participate in debates here at UCI, and served as president of my competitive debate club in high school. This taught me of the importance and benefits of hearing different perspectives and advocating for others. As someone who plans to attend law school, I value thoughtful dialogue and believe those skills can help strengthen how student voices are represented on campus.

As Senator At-Large, my priority is fostering a stronger campus community. I want to promote healthy discourse across campus by encouraging respectful conversations and ensuring students feel comfortable sharing their perspectives. I also hope to advocate for stronger student support systems so that every student has access to the resources they need to succeed academically and personally. Finally, I believe accountability is essential in student government, and I will prioritize transparency and open communication so students know their voices are being heard and represented. Through these efforts, I hope to help build a campus environment that is supportive, engaged, and responsive to the needs of the student body.

I am proud to run with ANThem, a team of dedicated candidates from diverse backgrounds. By bringing our unique experiences together, we aim to drive meaningful change by putting student interests first in the advocacy we lead. Together, with a shared focus on advocacy, collaboration, and accountability, we will work day and night to ensure that every student on campus is heard and actively supported.

For more information, please visit our Instagram at @vote4anthem to view our platform further.

Ashley Gurrola
gurrola3@uci.edu

My time at UCI has been defined by one goal: making sure students have a voice in the decisions that shape their education and campus experience. That commitment is what led me to run for Senator At-Large.

I am incredibly grateful to currently serve in student government as the Policy Coordinator, a role that has allowed me to directly advocate for students and work on breaking down policies that impact our campus community. Through this position, I work closely with our government relations team to plan advocacy efforts and focus on the issues that affect what matters most: our student body. In this role, I have also reviewed and endorsed legislation that was passed through the Senate, along with serving as a secondary author on basic needs legislation addressing food and financial insecurity on campus, with my main goal being to ensure that all this information is accessible.

Adding on, I have also attended lobby conferences, where I lobbied alongside student leaders for our representatives’ support, financial aid transparency, stronger privacy protections for students, and ensuring that schools remain a sensitive and safe location for all students. Through these opportunities, I have worked to elevate student voices beyond just our campus, engaging with leaders at the university, local, state, and federal levels to push for policies that directly reflect the needs and experiences of our anteaters. These experiences have given me the skills to navigate policy spaces and ensure that student voices are represented not only when decisions that affect our education and well-being are being made.

Beyond student government, I have worked to build community and leadership across campus. I served as Financial Vice President of Gamma Phi Beta, Coordinator for INSA Dance Team, and the External Relations Officer for the American Indian Student Association (AISA). Being involved in these different organizations has allowed me to connect with students from many backgrounds and understand the diverse experiences within our campus community.

My commitment to service also extends beyond UCI. I am currently serving my third consecutive year as a Community Services Leader II with the City of Irvine, where I work directly with residents and help support programs that strengthen the community. On campus, I have also had the privilege of serving as a Student Orientation Program (SPOP) staffer, where I help welcome and guide incoming students as they begin their journey at UCI. Through this role, I have had the opportunity to support and engage with over 10,000 incoming students, giving me valuable insight into the needs and concerns of not only current students but also incoming first-year, transfer, and international students. Being able to hear directly from students during such an important transition has helped me better understand what support, resources, and representation students are truly looking for from the university.

I am also campaigning alongside Summer Tram Anh Phan (President), Jayla Kamilla Pete (EVP), Joshua Gonzales (IVP), Denise Rojas (AVPAA), Sarah Lien Gagnier (SPC), and many senators as AMPlifying Anteaters (Accelerating Meaningful Progress). Our pledge to all UCI undergraduate students is to be an effective collaborative student government that leads with transparency, accountability, and meaningful progress. With our combined experiences uplifting student voices, our growth in connecting with our UCI communities, and our dedication to uplifting collaboration, we will ensure that ASUCI works for you. For more information, please visit our Instagram: @amplifyinganteaters and visit bity.ly/AMPlifyingAnteaters 

If elected, I will focus on the issues students consistently raise, such as transparency, safety, access to essential resources, and equality. I will advocate for stronger transparency between university administration and students so that decisions affecting tuition, housing, and campus policy are clearly communicated. In addition, I will continue supporting policies that strengthen basic needs resources on campus, including food security and housing support.

Together, my experiences in advocacy, leadership, and service have prepared me to represent our student body. Vote for Ashley Gurrola for At-Large Senator because your voice deserves to be heard and fought for.

Sastraguna Subrata
ssubrata@uci.edu

My name is Sastraguna Subrata, and I study Psychological Science and Criminology at UC Irvine. I’m running for At-Large Senator because I care about fairness, representation, and whether students actually have a voice in the decisions that affect them. Too often, student government can feel disconnected from the people it is meant to serve.

Studying psychology and criminology has pushed me to think seriously about bias, judgment, and how systems and policies affect people differently. Those questions matter especially here at UCI, which consists of people from many different backgrounds and walks of life. These are problems that can affect an individual student’s well-being, academic life, and whether students feel heard or overlooked. They also connect closely to the kind of work I hope to pursue in the future through law, where advocacy and fair representation can make a real difference for those that do not have a voice.

As Senator, I want to give a voice to the voiceless. I want to help make ASUCI more transparent, more thoughtful, and more responsive to students. I want to represent students honestly, encourage open discussion, and support decisions that come from listening carefully and taking different perspectives seriously.

Devika Vithalani
dvithala@uci.edu

Zot, Zot, Zot Anteaters!

Transparency, Accessibility, Inclusivity.  

My name is Devika Vithalani, and I am pleased to announce my candidacy for At-Large Senator in Associated Students of the University of California, Irvine.

Every undergraduate student contributes hundreds of dollars to ASUCI, and I believe each student deserves to see that investment come back to them. As your Senator, I am committed to strengthening transparency, accessibility, and inclusivity within student government.

Transparency
Students deserve to know how decisions are made and where their fees go. I will advocate for clearer communication from ASUCI, including accessible social media updates and summaries of Senate decisions so students stay informed.

Accessibility
Student government should be approachable and easy to engage with. I want to improve connections between students, administrators, and opportunities on campus, whether that means better access to resources, clearer ways to raise concerns, or expanding connections to internships and career opportunities.

Inclusivity
73% of our student body identify as people of color. I want to ensure every student community feels represented and supported. I will work to strengthen support for student organizations, promote inclusive events, and encourage greater engagement from underrepresented communities, including South Asian students. Most importantly, I believe ASUCI should continue giving back to the students it represents by supporting campus initiatives, student organizations, and opportunities that benefit our community.

My passion for advocacy comes from my experience serving as a Student Board Member representing thousands of students, working as the current Senate Intern for ASUCI under At-Large Senator Gabriel Mutsvangwa, Through this role, I have had the opportunity to closely observe and participate in Senate meetings, gaining firsthand insight into how ASUCI operates and how decisions are made. Because of this experience, I understand how the Senate works and how student voices can be turned into real action. My background in legislative internships and student leadership has prepared me to contribute meaningfully from day one.

I am also proud to run with ANThem, a team of dedicated candidates from diverse backgrounds. By bringing our unique experiences together, we aim to drive meaningful change by putting student interests first in the advocacy we lead. Together, with a shared focus on advocacy, collaboration, and accountability, we will work day and night to ensure that every student on campus is heard and actively supported.

For more information, please visit our Instagram at @vote4anthem to view our platform further.

I would be honored to represent you all.

Devika Vithalani
For ASUCI At-Large Senator

Yara Shakhshir
yshakhsh@uci.edu

Hello everyone, my name is Yara Shakhshir, and I’m a mechanical engineering student at UCI. Over the past school year, I had the opportunity to intern for the ASUCI Senate President, and that experience gave me a much clearer understanding of how student government operates and how decisions that affect students are actually made. Observing that process firsthand showed me how much responsibility comes with representing a large and diverse student body, and how important thoughtful leadership, accountability, and careful decision-making are when shaping policies that impact the campus community.

At the same time, my experience at UCI has not only been within student government. I have also been involved in student organizations and engineering projects where I have seen the challenges students often face when trying to navigate university systems. Whether it is figuring out how to secure funding for a project, finding the right people to contact within a department, or simply understanding where to go when something becomes frustrating or unclear, many students spend significant time navigating processes that are not always obvious.

Because of this, I have had the opportunity to see both sides of the equation. Through my internship with the Senate President, I saw how decisions are discussed and implemented within student government. Through my work with clubs and engineering projects, I experienced what it feels like to be a student trying to make those systems work in practice. That perspective helped me realize how valuable clear communication and accessible information can be for students.

During my time working with engineering teams and student organizations, I often found myself helping others navigate these processes, whether that meant figuring out how funding worked, identifying the right offices or departments to contact, or helping teammates understand the steps needed to move a project forward. Those experiences showed me how much difference it can make when students have someone who understands both the system and the challenges people face when trying to work within it.

That is a big part of why I decided to run. I want to be able to use the perspective and knowledge I have gained to help more students navigate the systems that affect their work and their experiences at UCI. Instead of only helping within the organizations I am directly involved with, I would like to contribute to helping the broader student body access the same information, resources, and support.

My background in engineering has also shaped the way I approach challenges and decision-making. Engineering teaches you to think in terms of systems. Every decision can have ripple effects, and solving problems requires understanding how different parts of a system connect. Engineers are trained to analyze situations carefully, evaluate different possibilities, and work toward solutions that are logical and practical. I believe that mindset is valuable in student government, where decisions should be approached thoughtfully and with a clear understanding of how they affect different groups across campus.

If elected, my goal would be to contribute to student government in a way that emphasizes thoughtful discussion, clear communication, and responsible decision-making. I aspire to bring that mindset to ASUCI and represent the UCI community in a way that is thoughtful, responsible, and grounded in the real experiences of the students it serves.

I am proud to be running with ANThem, a team of candidates from diverse backgrounds who are committed to putting student interests first in the work we do. By bringing together our different experiences and perspectives, we hope to strengthen student advocacy and ensure that students feel heard and supported across campus. To learn more about our platform and the initiatives we are working on, please visit our Instagram at @vote4anthem.

Jose Ramos
jsolisra@uci.edu

Hi Everyone! I’m Jose Ramos, running to be one of your next At-Large Senators for the next academic year! :)

I can go on a whole spiel about what I’ll do, but that’s gonna be a long read, and knowing many of us, we prefer a summed-up version that covers the main points about my candidacy. So here it is:

  1. If elected, be that helping hand for new Senators.
    • As a current Senator this academic year, with your vote and confidence, I hope I can return next academic year and help many of the new faces assimilate.
  2. Bring back my bubbly self to Senate!
    • Now, what do I mean by that? Well, if you talk to anyone who knows me, you’ll hear many great things about me. I am someone whom you can approach and am very eager to help in any way possible. Being open doesn’t mean I won’t hold people accountable. Again, I am willing to help everyone become the best version of themselves, but I’m also serious about getting work done and delivering results to my fellow Anteater community!
  3. Continue efforts to improve Anteater Express
    • Find ways to improve navigation for riders around campus and work with higher-ups to expand its services, like on the weekends for grocery runs. 
  4. Make Progress in establishing School Councils around UCI
    • Given that the next Senate will not compose School-Based Senators, I aim to collaborate with the various schools around campus to build up councils. It’s important that each school still has avenues for students to advocate, hold accountability, and more.
  5. Sounding Board for Students to Admin
  6. Pursue Transparency & Accountability within the organization (ASUCI)
  7. Be Realistic with Students
    • You might hear proposals that say, “If you vote me in, I will lower costs for parking permits,” and more. While I do agree that the cost for parking permits is high, ASUCI has its hands tied to lower the cost and make it a reality. ASUCI will still continue to advocate for lower costs. Now, don’t get me wrong, while it does sound like me being a party-pooper, at least I am honest and candid with you. I hope you value such honesty, and vote me in to be one of your many At-Large Senators.

While I can continue to discuss more, I want to make this as short of a read as possible. If you have questions for me, feel free to reach out, and I am more than happy to chat! 

I am also campaigning alongside Summer Tram Anh Phan (President), Jayla Kamilla Pete (EVP), Joshua Gonzales (IVP), Denise Rojas (AVPAA), Sarah Lien Gagnier (SPC), and many senators as AMPlifying Anteaters (Accelerating Meaningful Progress). Our pledge to all UCI undergraduate students is an effective, collaborative student government that leads with transparency, accountability, and meaningful progress. With our combined experiences uplifting student voices, our growth in connecting with our UCI communities, and our dedication to uplifting collaboration, we will ensure that ASUCI works for you. For more information, please visit our Instagram: @amplifyinganteaters. Click on this link to learn more about our platform: bit.ly/AMPlifyingAnteaters 

Ramos Represents!

Vamos for Ramos!

Hiba Khan
hibak1@uci.edu

UCI has a lot to offer. A lot of us just never find out.
I’ve seen firsthand what happens when students don’t have access to the right resources at the right time. As a Cognitive Science student and President of a mental health organization, I’ve spent my time at UCI thinking about how people experience their environments and how small changes in access and awareness can have a big impact on wellbeing. I want to bring that same lens to student government.
Here’s what I’m working toward:
•    A student portal that puts every campus resource and opportunity in one place
•    Simpler funding processes and more accessible spaces for student orgs to host events and actually build community on campus
•    Public, student-facing breakdowns of how our tuition dollars are being spent so that the budget reflects our priorities, not just admin’s
•    Campus-wide mental health awareness events that normalize asking for help and make support feel approachable

Charleen Pan
charlp3@uci.edu

Hello Anteaters! My name is Charleen Pan, and I’m running to be your next At-Large Senator for the 2026–2027 academic year. I’m a Business Administration major with a minor in Digital Information Systems, but beyond the classroom, I’m passionate about building communities and creating opportunities for others. Whether it’s mentoring youth through my work with education advocacy for underrepresented populations or collaborating with student leaders across campus, I care deeply about making spaces where people feel heard and empowered.

I’m running for At-Large Senator because I believe that our student government should actively represent and advocate for the needs of the entire undergraduate community. Every student at UC Irvine deserves to feel that their voice matters and that their concerns are genuinely considered when decisions are made. Too often, students feel disconnected from the systems meant to represent them. I aim to change that by strengthening communication among students, ASUCI, and the administration, ensuring that student feedback translates into tangible action.

If elected, I will prioritize transparency to ensure students understand how decisions that affect them are made, providing clear opportunities for them to share their perspectives. My goal is to advocate for policies and initiatives that address student concerns while creating systems that make ASUCI more approachable and responsive to the people it represents. As an At-Large Senator representing the entire undergraduate community, I want to connect with students across different schools, organizations, and campus communities through direct outreach so their concerns are reflected in Senate discussions and decisions. Additionally, I hope to increase awareness of the many resources available at UCI by collaborating with student organizations and campus departments to better promote the support systems that help students succeed.

Leadership, to me, means listening first and acting with intention. I will meet you where you are and listen to your voice to understand the challenges our students face, working collaboratively to develop solutions that improve the entire student experience at UC Irvine.

I am proud to run with ANThem, a team of dedicated candidates from diverse backgrounds. By bringing our unique experiences together, we aim to drive meaningful change by putting student interests first in the advocacy we lead. Together, with a shared focus on advocacy, collaboration, and accountability, we will work day and night to ensure that every student on campus is heard and actively supported.

For more information, please visit our Instagram at @vote4anthem to view our platform further.

UCI is a diverse community full of innovative perspectives and ideas. As your At-Large Senator, I will ensure those voices are heard and reflected in the decisions that shape our campus.

It would be an honor to serve and advocate for you! Thank you for your time, and I look forward to seeing you during Election Season!

Gabriel Sorisho
gsorisho@uci.edu

Hi everyone! My name is Gabriel, and I’m running for Senator because I care about making UCI an even better place to learn, connect, and have fun.

UCI students juggle a lot—classes, clubs, jobs, research, and trying to find parking before class. As a Senator in ASUCI, I want to make sure student voices actually make it into the rooms where decisions are made


Special Interest Transfer Senator


Jung Min Lee
jmlee10@uci.edu

As a transfer student at UCI, I understand the challenges of building community and finding opportunities on campus. Through leadership roles in student organizations before transferring, I have worked to connect and support students from diverse backgrounds. As Transfer Senator, I will advocate for stronger resources, representation, and opportunities to help transfer students thrive at UCI.

Danellie McIntyre
dlmcinty@uci.edu

Hey, Anteaters 🐜🍽️!

I am Danellie McIntyre, running for next year’s Transfer Senator. As a Psychology student and minoring in criminology,  I’ve seen what it takes for good governing and I am asking you to take part in changing the future of our school. I need your voice to help ASUCI continue making great changes for current and new-coming undergraduate students throughout UCI

My goals is to make a community and to allow everyone to be seen and heard. As a fellow transfer student, I went through moving, finding a new group, fitting in and adjusting to life a UCI. I want full transparency with students, events to get connected, and availability to resources.

I seek to hear undergraduate students and to take in everyone’s experiences with transferring. I aim to benefit all students ensuring for a positive UCI experience! 

I am proud to run with ANThem, a team of dedicated candidates from diverse backgrounds. By bringing our unique experiences together, we aim to drive meaningful change by putting student interests first in the advocacy we lead. Together, with a shared focus on advocacy, collaboration, and accountability, we will work day and night to ensure that every student on campus is heard and actively supported.

For more information, please visit our Instagram at @vote4anthem to view our platform further.

Thank you for your time and I hope to see you during Elections!

 

– Danellie McIntyre

 


Special Interest International Senator


Renee Zhou
reneez3@uci.edu

Hi Anteaters! My name is Renee Zhou, and I am a first-year International Studies student at UC Irvine. As an international student, I understand both the excitement and the challenges of studying far from home. Adjusting to a new academic system, culture, and community can sometimes feel overwhelming, and having support and representation on campus is incredibly important.

If elected as International Senator, I hope to advocate for the needs of international students and help strengthen the connection between international students and the broader UCI community. I believe international students bring valuable perspectives, cultures, and ideas that make our campus more vibrant and diverse.

My goal is to help ensure that international students feel heard, supported, and included at UCI. I would be honored to represent our community and contribute to making UCI an even more welcoming place for students from around the world.

Thank you for your support — Zot Zot Zot!

Joy Zhou
yunxinz6@uci.edu

Hello! My name is Joy Zhou, and I am a Business Information Management student and an international student at UC Irvine.

As an international student myself, I deeply understand many of the challenges our community faces. Studying far away from home can sometimes feel isolating, and navigating academic, social, and career resources in a new environment is not always easy. I want to run for International Senator because I believe international students deserve stronger representation and more accessible opportunities on campus.

If elected, I hope to advocate for issues that directly impact international students, including the financial pressures many of us experience and the need for greater access to academic and career resources. I would also like to help create more opportunities for connection by supporting events that bring international students together and by working with international student organizations across campus.

As a BIM major, I am particularly interested in using data and research to better understand the needs of international students. By listening to our community and analyzing common concerns, I hope to help identify practical ways for ASUCI to support international students more effectively.

Most importantly, I want to serve as a bridge between international students, campus organizations, and student government. My goal is to ensure that international student voices are heard and that our community feels supported, connected, and represented at UCI.

Charlene Wang
charlw13@uci.edu

Hello, Anteaters!! 💙💛

I am Charlene Wang, and I will be running for next year’s Special Interest International Senator! As both a Cognitive Science and Criminology student, I have experienced how challenging it is to navigate a new academic system, find on-campus support, and ensure that student concerns are heard and represented. I believe International students deserve clearer representation and stronger access to the resources that support our well-being and success on campus.

Right now, I serve as an At-Large Senator Intern in ASUCI. Over the past year, I have worked with Senator Gabriel Mutsvangwa in developing an anonymous mental health text line for all students to expand accessibility to mental health support for our Anteater community. I have also helped write legislation to address recent immigration enforcement actions throughout the nation and expand protections for our International and Undocumented communities. Through this work, I have seen how student advocacy can translate into real initiatives that improve student support and shape campus policy.

As next year’s International Senator, I want to focus on three key areas with concrete initiatives. First, to expand career access, I will organize networking panels and workshops with employers who hire International students, provide step-by-step guidance on CPT (Curricular Practical Training) and OPT (Optional Practical Training), and maintain a central internship database highlighting opportunities compatible with international work authorization. Second, to improve transparency around immigration policies, I will host monthly events in partnership with the International Center and local immigration attorneys to help students understand visa rules, travel risks, and emergency steps, and I will create a clear, regularly updated resource guide outlining these policies. Third, to make campus resources more accessible, I will advocate for multilingual communication across campus offices, ensuring that critical policies, forms, and support services are translated so all international students can fully understand and utilize the resources available to them. To make campus resources more accessible, I will collaborate with UCI language programs to accurately translate key policies, forms, and support guides into the languages most used by international students, and make these translations available online and through ASUCI communications so all students can easily access and understand them.

Many international students do not have access to a car, which can make it difficult to explore Irvine or reach off-campus opportunities. Beyond academics, I will advocate for expanded and more accessible bus routes and transportation options so international students can better explore the city and surrounding communities without a car.

Over the coming weeks, I hope to speak with many of you, learn about your experiences, and better understand the support you’d like to see on campus. Meaningful change begins when students are willing to share their perspectives and participate in shaping their community. If you believe International students should have stronger support, clearer resources, and a more visible voice at UCI, I ask for your support in this election.

I am proud to run with ANThem, a team of dedicated candidates from diverse backgrounds. By bringing our unique experiences together, we aim to drive meaningful change by putting student interests first in the advocacy we lead. Together, with a shared focus on advocacy, collaboration, and accountability, we will work day and night to ensure that every student on campus is heard and actively supported.

For more information, please visit our Instagram at @vote4anthem to view our platform further.

Thank you for your time, and hope to see you during the Election Season!

        • Charlene Wang

       

       

 

 

Yumu Huo
yumuh@uci.edu

As an international student at UC Irvine, I understand both the excitement and the challenges of building a life in a new country. From navigating visa regulations to adjusting to cultural differences and finding a sense of belonging, the international student experience is layered and complex. I am running for ASUCI International Senator because I want to ensure that our voices are not only heard, but actively represented in policy and programming.

Throughout my time at UCI, I have been involved in student outreach and campus engagement. Working with diverse student communities has shown me how powerful representation and accessible resources can be. However, I have also seen gaps — in communication, in mental health support tailored to international students, and in awareness of available academic and career resources.

If elected, I will focus on three key priorities:

First, improving transparency and communication between ASUCI and the international student community. Many students are unaware of academic opportunities, campus resources, and policy decisions that directly impact them. I will work to make this information clearer and more accessible through consistent outreach and stronger collaboration with student organizations.

Second, advocating for culturally responsive mental health and academic support. Being an international student comes with its own challenges, such as culture, language, and visa issues. I aim to advocate for support that caters to the needs of international students, providing support that is not only accessible but also helpful to international students.

Third, building stronger connections between international and local students. If elected, I will work with cultural organizations and campus partners to co-host events — such as career panels, cultural dialogue nights, and collaborative service projects — that bring international and local students into shared spaces.

Being an International Senator is not just a title — it is a responsibility to represent, listen, and act. I am ready to serve and to amplify the voices of international students at UCI.

Thank you for your support.


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