Guest Column: Redefining inclusive excellence

Editor’s Note: This column is one of three guest opinions that will appear in The Utah Statesman leading up to the 2025 USUSA elections results. All of the Executive Council was given the oppurtunity to write a guest column informing students of the work USUSA does in shaping USU’s campus community.

For nearly a decade, this position has served as a bridge between the diverse communities on our campus. However, in January 2024, the passage of House Bill 261 Equal Opportunity Initiative brought significant changes. I first learned about this bill during my senior year of high school while attending a higher-education multicultural conference. At the time, I never imagined I would one day experience its impact firsthand. Yet, three years later, here we are.

Now known as the Clubs & Organizations executive director, my position entered its inaugural year for the 2024-2025 school term. While the title has changed, the responsibilities, initiatives and objectives remain the same: to ensure every student, regardless of background or interests, has a community where they feel they belong, as well as to provide the resources and support necessary for student organizations to thrive at USU.

The fall semester was all about trial and error, marked by challenges and obstacles as we adapted to changes at the state level affecting all Utah institutions. One of the biggest challenges was navigating and redefining inclusive excellence within our campus.

When I ran for office, I was determined to expand the inclusive excellence initiatives, even with the awareness that HB261 had passed. As someone who finds support and comfort within both the Latinx and Asian communities, I deeply understood the importance of spaces where students feel accepted. I planned to foster collaboration among our communities, bridging the gaps that had widened due to legislature changes. However, as the year unfolded, I realized the regulations were more restrictive than anticipated, limiting the efforts I initially envisioned.

One initiative affected was the week-long celebration planned and hosted by my position. In the past, this event highlighted student organizations and heritage celebrations, fostering unity without barriers. Faced with new constraints, I rebranded it into what is now known as Community Week — a celebration of the many groups, organizations and communities at USU and within Logan. The emphasis shifted toward fostering belonging and acceptance, ensuring all students could participate without fear of judgment. It was the first event of its kind, and I believe it was a meaningful success.

Beyond navigating these changes, I have worked closely with USUSA clubs to support their missions and ensure they have the resources to thrive. While I do not directly advise student organizations, since they are intended to operate independently, I assist with questions and concerns and review funding requests and club registration forms, which remain open year-round.

With so many shifts occurring, my team and I are laying a strong foundation to ensure future progress for clubs and organizations. One of our recent projects this year is updating the club handbook and developing resources that will assist club presidents. Though these changes must go through a formal process, we hope they will be implemented in the next academic year alongside the impact of those changes.

The role of Clubs & Organizations executive director is still evolving, and this year has been a learning experience filled with growth and errors. It has not been an easy journey, but I have faced these challenges head-on to pave the way for future leaders. While this year was far from perfect, I have encountered personal hardships along the way that made it difficult to manage everything. I wish I could do more in this position. However, new opportunities have opened up to me, and it is time to close my chapter with USUSA.

To any student considering leadership or involvement, take that leap. Whether it’s joining a club, running for a position or simply sharing your ideas, your voice matters. Student voices matter. You never know who you might inspire or how your contributions might shape our campus community. Student involvement is the backbone of USU, and through it all, every student can find a place to belong here at Utah State.

— clubsandorgs.ususa@usu.edu