USUSA candidacy declaration opens amidst new semester

With Aggies back on campus for another semester at Utah State University, the USU Student Association is already preparing for the next school year with declarations of candidacy for USUSA positions now open for the 2022-2023 school year.

These positions range from president to college senators to representatives from other campuses, each affording a range of scholarships and stipends for those elected.

While it may seem like these positions run behind the scenes and aren’t active in student life, USUSA officers stay very involved.

Max Roberts, USUSA elections co-chair and Public Relations Director, shared that, “All across the USU system, USUSA officers play a vital role in shaping the student experience,” he said. “From planning our renowned events to managing student fee funds and advocating for students’ interests to preserving our valued university traditions, your student government is here and working hard for you every day.”

Roberts explained that because of the officers’ crucial part within the university, it means that the elections have a real impact and allows Aggies to have their voice heard through voting.

“Running for office is a big way students can participate in student government. Elected representatives get the chance to build their resumes, network with university leaders, develop leadership skills, and make lifelong friends and memories,” he said.

Roberts encouraged all students who are interested in making a difference to declare their candidacy. 

However, USUSA elections will have a new look this year.

Back in October, the current USUSA Eastern student government voted to adopt USUSA’s constitution, formally combining the two student bodies under one government. 

Just over 10 years ago, USU acquired what was known as the College of Eastern Utah — today it is USU Eastern. Eastern’s student body continued to operate under its own governmental body until this recent change. This year’s election cycle will be the first to incorporate these changes. 

In the 2022 election season, students can expect these changes to include adjustments to campaign budgets and how campaigning violations will be assessed and reprimanded.

“Thanks to their approval of the new USUSA constitution in October, we are thrilled to welcome the students of USU Eastern into our student association,” Roberts said. “For the first time in the university’s history, all students at each of the 30 campuses and centers in the USU system will be united together under one organization.”

Roberts added that it will be the first time officers are elected to represent an entire student body.

USUSA declarations of candidacy will take place online on the USU elections website, as will candidate trainings and campaign certifications through a Canvas course. 

USU students have until Jan. 31 to declare their candidacy for any of the elected positions.

To accommodate the modification to local and statewide positions, there will be two voting periods. The first period starting the week of Feb. 14, students can cast their vote for all student-body positions, including the Executive Leadership Board. 

The second period, starting the week of Feb. 28, students can again cast their vote for college officers at their campus. Students can cast their vote online once the voting period opens.

“The 2022 USUSA elections will be historic for the USU community,” Roberts said. “In many ways, we will be marking important steps toward the unification of our student body.”

For more information on the 2022 USUSA elections, visit elections.usu.edu.

-Michael.Popa@usu.edu