Student Government Elections

• February 9: Intent to Run Forms go live on VictorsLink @ 8:00 AM
• February 13: Interest Meeting @ 1:00 PM - RUC 1225
• February 14: Interest Meeting @ 9:00 AM - RUC 1225
• February 22: Interest Meeting @ 6:00 PM via Zoom
• March 1: RSO & SSO Endorsement Form Opens @ 8:00AM
• March 1: Intent to Run Forms due by 11:59 PM via VictorsLink
• March 19: RSO & SSO Endorsement Form Closes @ 5:00PM
• March 20: Online Campaigning begins @ 12:01 AM
• March 20: In-Person Campaigning begins @ 8:00 AM
• March 21: Presidential/Vice Presidential Candidate Debate @ 1:00 PM on the RUC Stage
• March 27: Voting opens @ 9:00 AM
• March 28: Voting closes @ 9:00 PM
• March 29: Complaint/Violation Form Submission Closes @ 4:30PM

*All times in Eastern Standard Time (EST)

My name is Rupinder Singh, a Mechanical Engineering major stepping into his junior year. My journey within our Student Government has been a remarkable adventure, evolving from a zealous freshman senator to the proactive Director of Technology. Through my tenure, I've been transforming our outreach and publication initiatives, making our student government a beacon of activity and engagement. As I embark on the campaign trail for President, I carry a vision fueled by inclusivity, safety, and unwavering commitment. My mission? To sculpt our campus into a haven where every student finds a sense of belonging, brimming with boundless opportunities. I'm setting the stage for a series of workshops designed to fortify our sense of security, ensuring every Wolverine’s voice is heard on our campus with confidence. I vow to redirect every cent of my stipend towards the enrichment of our campus community, reaffirming my dedication to not just lead but serve. My presidency will strive for a crystal-clear demarcation between the Senate and the Executive Board, ensuring our actions are as transparent as our intentions, resonating with the student body we are privileged to serve. I plan to organize monthly budget sessions where the student body will be given an account of every penny spent by my administration. Among my key priorities is the elevation of our career services, coupled with a steadfast commitment to keeping our library's doors open 24/7 during the exam seasons. This initiative, sweetened with complimentary coffee and snacks courtesy of the student government, mirrors my dedication to our academic triumphs and well-being. Moreover, I plan to organize preparatory Mock Exams for Law, Medical, and Graduate school. As we rally under the banner of the Dearborn Difference Makers, I stand before you, not just as a candidate, but as a testament to what we embody as a party. Let's all work together to start a time of change, welcoming everyone, and always supporting each other. Come with me, Rupinder Singh, as we create a lasting mark of making a difference, coming together, and being the best we can be. Together, we are the Dearborn Difference Makers—let's make a difference!

Dear Fellow Students, My name is Muhammad Dakhlallah (He/Him) and I am a sophomore majoring in Psychology. I am thrilled to announce my intent to run for the presidency of the University of Michigan-Dearborn Student Government. With a deep sense of commitment and a wealth of experience, I am excited about the opportunity to continue serving our student body in this capacity. Throughout my tenure in student government, I have been privileged to contribute significantly to our campus community. Over three semesters, I diligently served as the corresponding secretary, ensuring effective communication and coordination within our organization as well as with others and planned events that focused on improving campus life. Subsequently, I have assumed the role of vice-president for this past semester, where I gained invaluable insights into leadership, decision-making, and collaboration while working alongside President Rida. My decision to pursue the presidency stems from a profound belief in the power of experience and dedication. Through my involvement in various projects and the passage of numerous resolutions alongside previous president Matti, I have cultivated a comprehensive understanding of the responsibilities and intricacies of the presidential role. My experiences throughout these past three semesters have also equipped me with the skills necessary to lead effectively and advocate for the interests of our diverse student body. As your president, my foremost priority will be to enhance accessibility to resources and opportunities across campus. I am committed to building upon the initiatives I have already championed, such as advocating for increased transparency in course selection by implementing a system to access previous syllabi. Additionally, I have successfully collaborated with the library to extend hours during finals week, acknowledging the importance of providing students with adequate support during critical academic periods. Recently, I have been working on hosting mock LSAT, MCAT, and DAT exams alongside fellow Student Government members to help ensure that our students have the necessary resources to succeed in all of their endeavors. Looking ahead, I envision a presidency focused on proactive engagement, inclusive representation, and improvement of campus life. I am dedicated to fostering a campus environment where every student feels empowered to thrive and succeed. By prioritizing initiatives that promote accessibility and student well-being, I am confident that we can continue to strengthen our university community and create positive change together. Thank you for your consideration.

My name is Leila Saad (She/Her) and I am a sophomore studying Biological Sciences. Throughout my years at The University of Michigan-Dearborn I have been actively involved in a variety of extracurricular activities and initiatives, including Director of Athletics for Student Government, Social media chair for Benevolence Project and Pre-Dental Association, as well as a member of the women's golf team. These experiences have not only enriched my school life but have also equipped me with valuable skills in teamwork, communication, leadership and problem-solving. These roles have not only provided me with a broad and diverse experience across campus but have also equipped me with a unique set of skills and perspectives that will be invaluable in my role as Vice President of the Student Government. As Director of Athletics, I have worked closely with students and faculty to enhance our athletic programs. I worked specifically on an Athlete of the Month award and also worked to get a column in The Michigan Journal to make the rest of the student body aware of the accomplishments made by the incredible athletes here at UM-Dearborn. These experiences have not only made me a well-rounded candidate but have also allowed me to build a wide network across campus, fostering relationships that will be crucial in bringing about meaningful change and fostering a sense of community and belonging among the student body. Initiatives such as getting buses to Ann Arbor football games and requesting the field house to be open on weekends will be at the top of my priority list. In the past semesters I have worked closely with Student Government in order to host mock MCATs as well as LSATs and DATs which I hope to continue in future semesters. I have also worked to get extended hours in our library during finals week acknowledging the need for an area on campus where students can study later during times of heavy workload. I envision a vice presidency focused on proactive engagement, inclusive representation, and improvement of campus life. I am dedicated to fostering a campus environment where every student feels empowered to thrive and succeed. By prioritizing initiatives that promote accessibility and student well-being, I am confident that we can continue to strengthen our university community and create positive change together. Thank you for considering my candidacy. Let's make a difference, together. Best, Leila Saad

My name is Kyle Soule’ (He/Him). I am seeking an office of Senator in the Student Government. The use of Drones of small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles is a booming technological market offering jobs in dozens of areas across the world from Archaeology to Zoology. My plans for office are to help better educate the local communities, on and off campus, of the use of drones in emergency response as well as the public and private sectors. The current campus regulations for drones were designed with technology from 2013 and are not only wildly outdated but contrary to laws set forth by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). If elected, I will be working to remove the unnecessary burdens set forth by the University, as well as remove the unlawful language in the current regulations. The third task I would accomplish would be to begin the process of establishing a FAA-Recognized Identification Area for University students to use for training. I served in the United States Army from 2006 to 2013 as a Parachute Rigger as well as an Unmanned Aerial Systems Operator. I spent 7 years flying spy planes including two tours to Afghanistan defending the blanket of freedom that kept America warm at night. These global experiences helped teach me the rights of all peoples need to be protected even if that means from governmental forces. Since leaving the military I travel the country training emergency responders to fly drones for emergency response. I earned my bachelor's degree from Eastern Michigan University in Geological Science in 2017 and am currently writing my thesis for my Masters degree in Environmental Science. As a disabled veteran I offer a unique view and valuable real world experience to assist the function of the student government. The role of the government is to ensure the rights of the citizens are being protected and upheld. I plan to spend the next years of my life continuing to serve the public by advocating for the natural born rights of all people.

My name is Brian Meci, my pronouns are he/him, and I’m currently a political science student. My GPA is 4.0 and my current class standing, as shown in degree works, is 00. I have a passionate belief in the power of student engagement and the importance of representing the voices and views of our diverse community. I believe Student Government plays a pivotal role in shaping our campus community, advocating for student needs, and fostering positive change within the university. As a senator, I’m passionate about fostering a culture of inclusivity, diversity, and engagement at the university and I’m eager to contribute to the decision-making process that affects the student body. In today's world, our educational institutions must reflect the rich and diverse perspectives and experiences that our campus comprises. As a senator, I want to fulfill the student government’s objective of being a mediator and representative of the countless student organizations and individual student interests. My vision for the university is one where every student, regardless of their background, feels a sense of belonging and has equal opportunities to thrive. I want to see more initiatives to involve and support our community’s underrepresented students, creating an inclusive academic community that encourages a wide range of voices and perspectives for a more efficient and inclusive campus. Furthermore, I am passionate about student engagement on campus. For many of my peers, school is seemingly a nine-to-five job, clocking in and out without a care about our community. My objective is to engage these students in their possible interests and clubs, fostering a more involved community. During the winter semester, I began taking the first steps in creating a campus-wide newsletter that aims to inform students about possibilities and events in which they can be involved. As a senator, I vow to continue this and ensure our campus gets some meaningful change. In conclusion, I am passionate about promoting diversity and inclusion and advocating for student involvement at the university. These changes would not only enhance the university's reputation but also contribute to a thriving community on our campus.

I am Samia Abdullah (she/her/hers), a senior at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. I am majoring in Behavioral and Biological sciences on the pre-dental track. I am running for Senator to advocate for students and be a voice for them. I am passionate about mental health awareness, student advocacy, and community engagement. Throughout my time at the university, I have witnessed what an amazing student government body can do for the students as a whole. I would like to continue that work more in-depth in my role as a Senator. One of my goals as a Senator is expanding the Health and Wellness Committee to ensure that all students have the resources they need to be successful not only academically but also mentally and physically. This includes organizing self-care, and mental health care workshops throughout the year, collaborating with other organizations in events, and providing destress tools and resources for all students at the university. Also, I would like to increase funding for mental health resources on campus, making it possible for all students to have resources they can have access to free of charge. In addition, I would like to expand more resources for students, such as volunteering opportunities, financial and career-planning workshops, and events. Another idea I have is engaging new incoming students of student government. This will facilitate a more diversified student movement body. Furthermore, I would also like to facilitate collaboration and partnership with local organizations to allow students to engage with their community. This would include partnerships with local non-profit organizations for students to volunteer at and engage with their community, but also local businesses and offices where students can gain experience in their specific study. Students would not only be engaging with their community but also be able to gain real-world experience working in their related study. I am honored to be running as a Senator of the University of Michigan-Dearborn and continuing to advocate for students and enhance and expand resources for students' success.

My name is Hadeel Antar (she/her) and I’m currently a sophomore, double majoring in Economics and Political Science at the College of Arts, Letters, and Science. My decision to run for Senator is rooted in my passion for fostering an inclusive, catering campus environment through student-driven initiatives. My academic journey as a political science student has allowed me to understand the critical role effective governance plays in communities. By studying concepts such as adequate representation and leadership, I’ve been inspired to apply this knowledge and skills to address practical issues and needs throughout our campus. Additionally, my experience as a paralegal has highlighted the need to advocate for fairness and equity. It has been a constant reminder that a community’s needs must be represented and attended to. One initiative that I hope to pursue as Senator is the need for improved facilities like an increase in accessible charging outlets in our campus library. Many students have expressed their concerns with the limited outlets available while studying at the Mardigian Library. This issue is especially heightened during busy times of studying like finals week. With our new technological academic world, it’s difficult for students to be prepared for classes if they aren’t able to charge their devices. I hope to speak with library staff and other relevant individuals to propose the installation of additional charging stations for students throughout all four floors. These stations could be strategically placed, specific to available seating, or used as a means to serve the whole floor. In hopes of creating a more inclusive campus for the Muslim community of Dearborn, another initiative I’d propose as Senator is to add bidets to bathrooms across campus. Not only will this proposal align with religious customs, but it also promotes better hygiene practices. By addressing the specific needs of Muslim students, this addition creates a more welcoming environment that reflects a commitment to diversity and inclusivity. To complete this effectively, I would gather data regarding this matter and develop a detailed proposal for authorities in charge of campus facilities that covers cost estimation, coordination, and implementation. As a Senator, my primary objective is to directly serve the needs of students and to continue advocating for their concerns and opinions, in hopes of creating a campus that is more welcoming and inclusive.

My name is Athena Lang, or Yueming Lang (my legal name). My pronounce is she/her/hers. I’m a second semester freshman double majoring in Psychology and Criminal Justice. I currently have a 3.75 GPA, which is not perfect but still on top of some of my classes. There are a couple reasons why I wanted to join the student government: I feel like the university community should really be like a huge family for us, and I want to let everyone in our community to feel comfortable of being on campus. I’ve previously been in student council for 3 years in high school, two of those as president. And my no.1 goal was to let the voice of individuals in our community to be heard, and I wish to do the same here. Furthermore, as a first year international student in UM-Dearborn, I feel like we should have more events or some sort of additional guides for freshmen to get to know more about the campus. That includes encouraging them to go to library more, since I’ve heard many freshmen saying that they never went up to the upper floors of library before I asked them. Also I understand that everything would be kind of confusing in the first couple of weeks for freshmen. And even though I’m aware and signed up for the peer mentor program, it didn’t really help me much, instead, it was my roommate, who is a sophomore, helped me to get to know the campus and resources. I think as a member of the student government, I would work a newsletter project in outreach, which can provide updates and event information from preferably all of the student organizations. We can also mention the resources we have on campus, so that it would help the students who are unclear about those get around more easily. I will also try to collaborate with the other campus to solve macro issues or just to help gain more resources for the Dearborn students, such as taking classes on Ann Arbor campus and more access to career services related resources. I will, of course, also promote student government, since it is also a great source for students to seek help from, or just to let their voice to be heard.

I am Steven Carpenter, he/him, and I would like to run for senator. I am in my sophomore year as a biological science major. At the moment, I am under no pre-professional study, but I think I am going to go into pre-vet. I am, as of October, a senator, and I have been supporting our community that is the University of Michigan-Dearborn before then. I would like to continue to be a part of the senate in order to be able to continue supporting our university, and the people that attend our campus. I would like to be able to continue creating a stronger community on this campus where people are able to make friends and memories. When I started attending University of Michigan-Dearborn, I did not talk to much of anybody, and I was just miserable. Once I started getting involved and making friends, I started to actually enjoy my time here, and I looked forward to actually coming to campus. I want other people to find joy in the University of Michigan-Dearborn as I had found my previous year. Outside of that, I want to try to make communication clearer. I found, in many instances, where I am confused, or I do not understand where to go for help. One instance recently I found myself in would be not knowing when the buildings on campus close (with the exception being the library since they have their hours posted) where I would like to have all of the buildings have their hours posted especially since the weekend and Fridays have different hours. With that being said, I want to support this community the best way I can, and continuing to be a part of the senate or our student government at the University of Michigan-Dearborn would help me with this goal.

As a black first-generation nontraditional college student and mother, I am uniquely positioned to understand and represent the diverse needs and perspectives of our student body. My journey to higher education has been filled with challenges and triumphs, and I am committed to using my platform as a student government senator to advocate for those who may face similar obstacles. One of my primary passions and areas of expertise lies in infant and maternal health. As an advocate and activist in this field, I have witnessed firsthand the disparities that exist and the urgent need for action. If elected as a student government senator, I intend to prioritize initiatives aimed at improving access to prenatal care, promoting maternal mental health awareness, and advocating for policies that support breastfeeding mothers on campus. Additionally, I recognize the importance of creating a more inclusive and supportive campus environment for nontraditional students like myself. I plan to work towards implementing resources such as childcare services, flexible class schedules, and academic support programs tailored to the needs of students who are balancing their education with family responsibilities. Furthermore, as a black woman, I am acutely aware of the systemic inequities and injustices that persist in our society. I am committed to using my platform to amplify the voices of marginalized communities on campus and advocate for policies that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. This includes working towards increasing representation of underrepresented groups in student leadership positions, implementing cultural competency training for faculty and staff, and organizing events and initiatives that celebrate diversity and promote cultural understanding. In summary, my candidacy for student government senator is driven by a deep commitment to advocacy, activism, and making a positive impact on campus. With my unique background and experiences, I believe I can bring a fresh perspective to the role and work collaboratively with my fellow senators to address pressing issues, promote positive change, and create a more inclusive and equitable campus community for all students.

My name is Amrit Minocha, and I am a graduate student pursuing a major in Computer and Information Science. My pronouns are he/his/him. I am eager to express my interest in running for this position and share my vision for our campus community. As a current member of the Student Government (SG), I have had the privilege of serving as the Chair of Outreach for the past semester. Through this experience, I have gained valuable insights into the needs and desires of our student body, which have fueled my aspirations for positive change on campus. One of the primary goals I aim to achieve in this role is to foster greater student involvement on campus. I firmly believe that a thriving campus community is built on active participation from its members. To accomplish this, I plan to implement a variety of initiatives focused on engaging students through events, activities, and opportunities for meaningful interaction. Whether it's organizing social gatherings, academic workshops, or community service projects, I am committed to creating a vibrant campus environment where every student feels valued and included. Additionally, I am deeply passionate about enhancing attendance at athletic events. Despite our school's rich sporting tradition, I have observed a significant lack of student turnout during game nights. To address this issue, I am spearheading the Maize and Blue Crew initiative, which aims to boost enthusiasm for our athletic programs. Through creative marketing strategies, student incentives, and collaborative efforts with sports teams, I am confident that we can increase attendance and cultivate a stronger sense of school spirit among our peers. In summary, I am motivated to run for this position because I am dedicated to making a positive impact on our campus community. With a focus on student involvement and athletic event attendance, I am committed to implementing tangible solutions that will enhance the overall student experience. I am excited about the opportunity to serve in this capacity and look forward to working collaboratively with my fellow students to bring about positive change.

I'm Landon Johnson (he/him) and I am a sophomore here studying computer and information science. I would like to run for the senator position as I want to help make positive changes to our campus community. With this role, I have two main ideas that I believe would greatly benefit our campus. My first plan involves increasing student engagement within our university's athletic department. As a part of my student job, I work most of our home varsity games for a variety of sports and I've noticed that at most of these games, there is almost no student engagement. Sporting events are one of the best ways to build a sense of community and unity on campus as everyone comes together to support the same team. On our campus, however, this rarely happens and I believe that through better communication with the student body and promotional events during games, these games can become fun, on-campus events. I believe that starting an athletics committee within student government would help accomplish this as people within that committee could focus on communication between athletic staff and student-athletes in order to collaborate. Going in another direction, I am also passionate about the environment and while I do believe our campus is very environmentally friendly, I have two simple ideas that I think would be beneficial. The first would be to include brief signs/descriptions of native plants around campus. For example, maybe in a spot with a few wildflowers, there could be a small sign with the specimen’s name and brief description. Although this isn’t much, small things like this could pique someone's interest and encourage them to become involved in environmental preservation. A slightly larger project could be installing various birdhouses around campus that appeal to different species of birds. Doing this would both provide homes for our native wildlife and would also provide engagement for students simply passing by. Those are just a few of the ideas I have going into student government. Obviously, they are far from perfect, but through collaborating with others and officially being a voting senator, I could progress these ideas, and turn them into beneficial factors in our campus community.

Hi, my name is Mason B. Hall, and my pronouns are He/him. I am currently a freshman here at the University studying Political Science with a concentration in public policy. Ever since the 7th grade I have served in student government and continued to serve in student government until my Senior year of High school. When I was a Junior, I was elected to serve as Vice President and when I became a Senior I was elected to serve as President. I now am hoping to run and serve as a voting Senator of the University of Michigan-Dearborn Student Government. As an optimistic student and someone who never backs down from a challenge, I believe it is my place as a voting Senator to make the campus a more inclusive space as well as making our students voices heard. When I was accepted into the University and when I had my orientation, I had no idea that there even was a Student Government. I recently asked my friend Natalie Are there any issues you have that you would like the Student Government to act on? and she told me We have a student Government? Natalie is also a freshman like me and there needs to be more done to help the incoming freshmen become more accustomed to the campus. How can this be done? I believe that the Student Government should partner with organizations such as the First Gen Student Org which will be effective for helping our new students navigate the campus. It was until I started working at the Fieldhouse that I found out the University had sporting events. Whenever I work the sporting events, I rarely see anyone from the University attending and the people that do are people who play sports for the University. I come from a High School which prided itself on its school spirit I was very confused when I first saw a lack of a student section. As a voting Senator we can work to provide incentives at the games such as student section themes, merchandise, or fun activities. As someone who has been involved with High School Student Government, I look forward to hopefully serving as a Senator of the University's Student Government.

My name is Yara El-Haj. My pronouns are she/her. My major is Secondary Education in Mathematics. I am technically a sophomore because of the new teaching program and I transferred to this university from Schoolcraft College. I have been a fellow in Student Government since Fall of 2023. I attended every meeting for months and I learned a lot about how Student Government works. I wanted to take my time to truly understand the process and to get to know the fellows, senators, and E-Board. This organization is so well managed. I love that everyone respects each other and treats each other with kindness. As a senator, I want to be able to help people and be that voice for the student body. I am currently in the Outreach committee and I want to join the Inclusion and Health and Wellness committees. During my office hours and committee meetings, I plan to do just that by giving people the opportunity to ask questions and give ideas. I want people to feel that they can be who they are and they will be heard and understood. I am in the College of Education, Health, and Human Services and there aren’t that many people in Student Government that are a part of this college. I would like to speak on behalf of them so they have a voice on campus. I am in a lot of clubs/organizations on campus as I love volunteering and helping people. I want to also be a voice for people in other clubs/organizations. I would be able to ask them questions on what changes they would like to see so I can help implement them, if possible. I want everyone to know that they have a voice. Even small things can be considered big in Student Government. There are so many people on campus and if one person wants to see something different happen and many people agree, then that smaller thing becomes bigger. In the Education programs, there are new programs as well as old ones. Some programs have so many classes that people need to take that are specific to those programs and not all of the credits transfer into those programs even if the Michigan Transfer Agreement says they would. I would like to bring that up to see if it’s possible that UM-Dearborn can make this known so that advisors from other campuses can help their students make more informed decisions regarding these programs.

Traven Yarbro, Undecided (CECS), Sophomore Since I got senator only a week ago, my goals and plans have not changed any. I plan to remain low and continue to help out as much as I can in the committees I join while learning more about how Student Government operates and the university as a whole operates. I believe I have done a good job being active and useful within the outreach committee and plan to be so within the second committee I join too. There is a lot of talk about getting Student Government back to the level it used to be in terms of activity and influence. I would love to be a part of seeing that happen because everyone in Student Government is there to improve others' lives, and those types of people should have the ability to do that. Student Government gives us that opportunity. Personally, the reason I enjoy Student Government is likely similar to most others, we enjoy making the campus and peoples' school lives better. No other organization lets us do that as well as this one does. I also enjoy the people here as they are the only group I am involved with that isn't all engineers, so the way of thinking is different here and that helps me grow and learn as a person. One goal I have for the year would be to improve the joining process of student government. I know I am not alone in being confused in the joining process and what the next steps are, even now as a senator I still don't know the next steps (if there are any). We already have a unique challenge with participation as do many other organizations due to being a commuter campus, so let's make it as easy and simple as possible to get involved. The process now seems to be find someone you know or pick someone willing to explain how things work, and while it works, I know it can be better.

My name is Sean Casey, and I am a sophomore majoring Behavioral and Biological Sciences on the Pre-Med track. My pronouns are he/him. I am applying to be a Voting Senator so I can do more than attend meetings and events. I am applying to be a senator so I am able to provide leadership, perspective, perseverance, and passion more in-depth than I can as just a fellow. I have the capabilities to lead and to be trusted to have the best interests of the school in mind. I would like to speak for those who can't speak for themselves and to best fulfill the duties of Student Government in the eyes of the student body. I'm passionate about many things here. I think the campus is a wonderful place. In my opinion, some things that could change relate to making the campus prettier. I think there is a lot of unused space where pavilions, benches, or other open hangout spaces could be put to encourage the outdoors a little more. In addition to filling space, this could be completed with trees of varying species and sizes. Along with those, I think the addition of prettier landscaping and flowers would make the campus pop even more. Aside from physical changes, I think we as Student Government should try to make research opportunities more open and available for those to apply. As of now, the only way I've found to participate in research is by SURE, or by having a professor and asking them. Otherwise, it's impossible to find what professors actively research, what it is they are researching, how one can learn about it, and how one would be able to apply it. These are just a few ideas that I would want to change.

The core of my motivation to run for senator revolves around enriching student life to ensure that is vital to not just the academic success of individuals, but also to the integrated growth of our campus culture. Throughout my time as both a senator and student on campus, I have observed the need to enhance many aspects for student engagement across a vast spectrum of our campus community. If elected, my primary goal is to ensure that our student body becomes more engaged with the diverse range of clubs and groups that are offered on our campus as well as the growth of them. By creating a more inclusive campus environment, we not only learn to understand our differences, but also learn to collaborate with one another. As for our campus resources, in addition to other initiatives mentioned, I would advocate for increasing available technology and resources that are available on campus and ensuring that students have access to the best and more effective tools needed to support their academic careers. This includes expanding the library's resources to encompass a wider range of books, materials, and computers as well as more available rooms to allow students the ability to study and work together. As for more resources that students can utilize outside of the classroom, I will also advocate for increasing awareness for students' mental health by organizing initiatives and projects geared toward focusing on how to combat mental health issues. This can include counseling, stress management workshops, and wellness programs on campus. To further enhance academic opportunities on campus, I would also advocate for increasing funding for students to engage in internship opportunities, research, and workshops that cater to a wide range of academic needs. Furthermore, I also understand the importance of networking and how that can effect potential future career outcomes, therefore, I would also like to advocate for networking opportunities by creating an alumni networking program. This initiative will help create a space where both students and accomplished alumni from the University can share their opinions and experiences in a way that benefits both parties as well as strengthens the bond between our campus and the outside community.

As a freshman student, the prospect of joining the student government as a senator is incredibly exciting to me. I am driven by a deep passion for fostering positive change within my college community and believe that serving as a senator would provide me with the perfect platform to do so. First and foremost, I am eager to represent the voices and concerns of my fellow students. I recognize that each student brings unique perspectives and experiences to the table, and these voices must be heard and valued in the decision-making process. As a senator, I would prioritize actively engaging with my peers, listening to their feedback, and advocating for their needs. One of my primary goals as a senator would be to enhance campus life and promote a sense of inclusivity and belonging for all students. I believe that every student deserves access to resources and opportunities that support their academic, social, and personal growth. To achieve this, I plan to work closely with campus organizations and administration to develop initiatives that prioritize student well-being and create a supportive campus environment. Additionally, I am passionate about sustainability and environmental stewardship. I believe that colleges have a responsibility to lead by example in promoting sustainability practices and reducing their environmental footprint. Furthermore, I am committed to fostering diversity and inclusion within our college community. I believe that embracing diversity enriches our campus culture and enhances the educational experience for all students. As a senator, I would work to promote diversity initiatives, such as hosting cultural events, supporting student-led diversity organizations, and advocating for inclusive policies and practices. In conclusion, I am eager to join the student government as a senator to make a positive impact on campus and advocate for the needs of my fellow students. Through collaboration, dedication, and a strong commitment to service, I am confident that I can contribute to creating a more vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable college community for us all.

My name is Aamina Rehman, and I am a junior majoring in psychology at the College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters. I use she/her pronouns. I have advocated for student voices through Student Government (SG) since 2021, and I am running for Senator this term to continue such work, especially with the Open Education Committee (OEC). Due to my passion for education, I was selected in 2021 by UM-Dearborn’s SG President to serve as the student representative for UM-Dearborn’s OEC consisting of faculty and staff. We work to address issues like textbook affordability and accessibility. Within the past month, I recruited students from SG to represent UM-Dearborn at the state-wide Michigan Academic Library Association panel. They will speak about their experiences with required online homework systems, the costs of which can pose difficulty for many students. I will also be speaking to the Department of Education on March 6, 2024 regarding certain textbook programs automatically added to tuition bills, posing financial challenges to students. I hope to continue such work by advocating for UM-Dearborn's students at a statewide and national level. On our campus, I raised awareness about open education and affordability through designing and distributing brochures, co-authoring two Zine articles regarding student education inequities, and organizing for a speaker from a national organization called Scholarly Publishing and Academic Resources Coalition to speak with our SG in Summer 2022. Moreover, I presented with OEC at the Digital Education Days 2023 Virtual Conference in front of faculty and staff across multiple universities regarding automatic textbook billing. I have also worked with SG's Student Academic Affairs (SAA) Committee, Health and Wellness Committee, and have collaboratively organized Make a Difference Week, where we spread awareness about breast cancer, worked with CAPS for mental health initiatives, and organized for students across campus to write positive notes to be passed out during finals week. I aim to support student well-being through planning “Make a Difference Week” each semester. Further, I plan to continue advocating for affordability by highlighting educational inequities faced by UM-Dearborn students, along with collaborating with the SAA committee to write a resolution to address and hopefully reduce Picasso’s required costly catering policies for student organization events. I hope to continue serving as a Senator this term! Note: In this photo from the Go Blue Bash, I am at the left, along with Jana Rida (right) and Zahra Patni (not pictured).