The Regis University Student Government Association 2024-2025 Elections are in full swing. Here are your candidates:

Hailey Kreiling, Candidate for Student Body President

1. Why are you interested in this (or these) positions?

All of us as students at Regis have a self-interest in ensuring that our university succeeds and that we as students succeed as well. I am interested in this position because I care deeply about the students of Regis and the university as a whole. My self-interest in running for Student Body President is, ideally, to create institutional change that will outlive my tenure at Regis as a student, and that will continue to positively impact students in the future. When students come to me with issues or problems, I work diligently to connect them with the appropriate support and include them in the problem-solving process to eventually create solutions that benefit the individual student and the entire community. In doing this, I have learned that as an institution, Regis still has work to do to ensure our Jesuit values are fully upheld and practiced. Student leadership within RUSGA should be informed by a diversity of opinion and experience, from students of all walks of life, while also seeking to promote ground-up community organizing that creates collective power among the student body. This will lead to change that truly serves every student on this campus.

2. If selected, what would be your top two priorities to improve the student experience at Regis?

My top priority for improving the student experience at Regis would include creating greater involvement and advocacy from the student body in decisions that affect their educational experience, especially through creating opportunities for students to be directly or indirectly involved in decisions made concerning university policy and campus life. This is my top priority because I believe this would create real opportunities for students to act on two of our key Jesuit values, contemplatives in action and men and women (and non-binary individuals) for and with others. In practice, this means that RUSGA and the Student Body President must be actively involved in our university community, be willing to create regular forums for students to voice concerns or comments, and create reasonable action to address said concerns or comments. My second priority would be concerning commuter students, and integrating commuters more actively into our campus life. As a commuter student, I have had to work diligently and intently to become integrated into the Regis community, while balancing work and home life outside of Regis. I believe that commuter students should be represented within student government and that all decisions made by RUSGA are created to cater to commuter students as well as our residential students.

3. In your opinion, how best can RUSGA serve the students of Regis University?

I believe that RUSGA can best serve the students of Regis by seeking to promote inclusivity, diversity, and engagement within our student body, and the university at large. Regis would not be the same school without our students, which is why RUSGA must seek to create opportunities for involvement for all students while producing the ability for advocacy and change within the institution. This will require collaboration among all levels of Regis, including students, Clubs and Organizations, administrative offices, faculty, and staff to create real, lasting change that positively impacts all students.

4. What skills and strengths do you possess that will help you to be successful in your position, if selected?

Following the community organizing tradition, I believe that my ability to create productive public relationships that foster change is one of my biggest strengths. Through my time here at Regis, I have spent a considerable amount of time creating public relationships with students, faculty, staff, and administration that create opportunities to create, real, tangible, positive change that students benefit greatly from. Through this ability to create effective public relationships, I have honed in on my abilities to communicate productively, accept criticism, and navigate the institutional framework in ways that create opportunities for student involvement and voice in creating change. I am incredibly organized, and creative, which helps me manage my academic, personal, and work responsibilities so I can bring projects to fruition. I am known to be a ‘professional problem solver’ in every aspect of my life, and I wish to continue bringing that energy to RUSGA next year.

5. What job related, volunteer, or lived experience do you have that you think has prepared you for, or would transfer well, to this position?

Through my extended work experience at Regis, I have come to know the University, structures of power, and campus culture extensively. I have worked as a peer navigator in the First Year Experience Office, helping First Year students acclimate to higher education. As a TA and Office Assistant for the Peace and Justice Studies Department, I have promoted a welcoming, inclusive, and engaging student environment that cultivates personal development, relationship building, and involvement in our Regis community. Within my role as Chief of Staff of RUSGA, I have come to extensively know the structure and practices of RUSGA, and what students seek from their student government. Through various community organizing projects I have led, specifically regarding youth mental health, Regis campus culture, and support for undocumented students and students who come from mixed-status families, I have learned the importance of advocacy and involvement of communities when beginning to address the issues that affect them.

Kaylee Stouder, Candidate for Vice President of Representation

1. Why are you interested in this (or these) positions?

Since my sophomore year at Regis, I have been interested in applying for VP of Representation. I have not applied till this year because I did not believe I had enough time to previously commit to this role. I also wanted to first gain experience through fulfilling an extended cabinet role first because I thought it would better prepare me when taking on the role. Specifically, what drew me to this role was first Iris the current VP of Representation as she has held this role for two years and I have become very familiar with her work, and the role’s responsibilities with senate. I really enjoyed being on senate and am extremely familiar with its inner workings so this role feels like the one in which I am most equipped for success.

2. If selected, what would be your top two priorities to improve the student experience at Regis?

I have two specific areas of improvement within the role; this being senate accessibility/visibility and functionality. I plan on improving senate accessibility by working with other clubs etc. that are in the pool of appropriate constituents, for example for the resident hall representatives I may reach out to CDA’s to present a brief pitch about senate at an opening floor meeting. I believe this will improve the equity of the chance to apply for roles. I am aware this may not be possible for senate applicants for this upcoming school year, however in the event that all senate positions do not get filled at the end of this semester I could do this at the beginning of the Fall 2024 and for the following school year. In terms of functionality of senate, I would like to create a weekly update document similar to the one cabinet uses. This document would allow senators to keep track of what they are working on and who they could collaborate with. In the same vein, I want to make a contact sheet for senators so that they have contact information of all their fellow senators, and cabinet members (this would include phone number, email, and club affiliations). Lastly, I want to improve committee operations. I could do this by motivating other committee advisors to enlist outside committee members beyond senate members. This could be done within the same context of improving senate accessibility (ie committee interest form).

3. In your opinion, how best can RUSGA serve the students of Regis University?

I continue to value RUSGA’s opportunity to be the voice of the student body. Student Government has the privilege of having more power than the average student may have, and that should be used as a vessel of the students wants and needs. This can be both explicitly stated from students or seen by student government as a need. I think this is demonstrated very well through the cura personalis period bill. More specifically, equality in service to students on campus is extremely important especially when considering typically silenced populations, like women; being able to spot holes in service and fill them should be the primary responsibility of student government.

4. What skills and strengths do you possess that will help you to be successful in your position, if selected?

A few of my top strengths include woo, positivity, learner, and achiever. I think these strengths work very well together in promoting a good environment when leading senate with a positive and optimistic attitude while still being driven with a sense of achievement through collaborating and learning from others. In addition I have always gravitated towards meeting and working with new people through many different methods but specifically as a leader and student. I believe all of these qualities could help me be a successful VPR and facilitate a productive senate.

5. What job related, volunteer, or lived experience do you have that you think has prepared you for, or would transfer well, to this position?

I have engaged with several leadership roles in my academic career. At Regis, I currently hold a position in the Student Government Cabinet and am the Pre-Law Society President. Being a part of the Pre-Law society and running the majority of meetings has taught me alot about how to hold productive and timely meetings. During my first two years at Regis I was also a senate member and pre-law society member. Generally, these positions have allowed me to develop leadership skills such as teamwork, public speaking, delegation, time management, and effective communication. Throughout my childhood and young adult life, I have had the experience of living all throughout the US. I have lived in the deep south, north east, north west, midwest and really all in between interacting with people from all different races, cultures, socioeconomic status, and experiences. I believe this has shaped me into being a more patient, compassionate, and accepting person when talking to individuals regardless of where they come from or who they identify as.

Alex Zamora, Candidate for Vice President Involvement

1. Why are you interested in this (or these) positions?

If elected for Vice President of Involvement, I feel it will allow me to connect with more students on campus as well make campus a more inclusive place. It will also allow me to better understand campus life as well as listen to what students want from us as RUSGA representatives. It will also allow me to make more friends on campus, that being in both RUSGA as well as outside of it.

2. If selected, what would be your top two priorities to improve the student experience at Regis?

My two main priorities to improve the student experience is to hear what events students wish to have on campus via a student experience form. After hearing what students wish to have on campus, I would do my part to work with RUSGA, head of Programming Board, and the Directors of Student Life to see what we can do as a team to best satisfy what students wish to experience on campus. My second priority would be to work on making campus events more advertised around campus by working with different clubs on campus. I have heard from many students in and out of clubs that they end up missing out on events they wished to attend due to it not being advertised to them, I wish to improve this by working with clubs to better advertise their events.

3. In your opinion, how best can RUSGA serve the students of Regis University?

I personally believe that RUSGA can best serve the students at Regis just by simply being accessible. I feel RUSGA already does a fantastic job at doing this as whenever I have had to reach out with questions or concerns as a club leader there is always a very quick response. I also think that RUSGA can help by influencing school spirit among students. One thing that I have noticed is that some students either have an infinite amount of school spirit or none at all. I feel if RUSGA taps into their school spirit and connects with more students that all students will feel much more connected on campus!

4. What skills and strengths do you possess that will help you to be successful in your position, if selected?

Some strengths I have are being able to lead. In high school, I was Student Body president and planned events for the entire school to participate in. I was able to plan things such as spirit weeks as well as school dances such as prom and homecoming. I am also the current Vice President of Regis's Special Olympics club. As VP, I have planned events that are opened to all students on campus while also being an advocate for our students on campus who have intellectual and developmental disabilities.

5. What job related, volunteer, or lived experience do you have that you think has prepared you for, or would transfer well, to this position?

When in High School, I was elected as Student Body President which allowed me to communicate with my peers across all grades and apply their ideas in order to make a fun school year all students would enjoy. I am also the Vice President of Regis's Special Olympics, which requires me to work closely with students on and off campus who have Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. That also helps me be a successful Peer Mentor in the GLOBAL Inclusive Program on campus. All these jobs have helped me develop great communication skills as well as allow me to be able to contact with different students among campus.

Axel Sostre, Candidate for Vice President Involvement

1. Why are you interested in this (or these) positions?

The reason I am interested in these positions is to bolster and increase the academic life in the school as I see as a student that there is no life to the school spirit nor is there any involvement from most of the students on campus as they see the school as just a place to go to class and leave instead of being happy to be here. There needs to be a voice for the students as most feel like they are not heard at all and that needs to change. I want to be able to be a voice for the students on their behalf by talking to them personally and bringing some solutions to their problems such as improving the overall academic experience for students and fostering a sense of community and involvement among students to maintain existing and new traditions on campus that could create a new environment for more students to get out their comfort zone.

2. If selected, what would be your top two priorities to improve the student experience at Regis?

If elected into Vp of Involvement, the two main priorities I would have to improve the students experience at Regis are by number one, enhancing the educational experience that can and would involve expanding the support groups already offered to cater to a more diverse student background. That ensures that there is improved accessibility to resources like textbooks for examples and online resources that could and would be coupled with technological advancements. Additionally, fostering better communication between the students and the professors is crucial, as some students may hesitate or lack confidence in seeking assistance from their professors. The second priority is to invigorate the dead campus life, there is no pride in the school by most of the students. Initiatives can be implemented to boost participation in extracurricular activities such as marketing the games more often and allowing more clubs to be made easier. Clubs do not need to be catered to 10 people in order to be made, it could be the person making the club doesn't know that many people or that club doesn't foster too many people at all. Some efforts could focus on organizing engaging and inclusive events, like possibly featuring alumni speakers who can share their insights and experiences to provide networking opportunities for students. That not only enriches the campus life but also contributes to students professional development that can benefit them post- graduation.

3. In your opinion, how best can RUSGA serve the students of Regis University?

RUSGA can have a tremendous influence on serving the students of Regis University, ways that it can do that are by establishing a regular communication system with students. What I mean by that is clear and consistent communication to the students to keep all of them informed about RUSGA activities, decisions, and opportunities for involvement as well as actively seeking feedback through surveys or meetings to understand the student's concerns and preferences for certain activities planned. The second way is by Advocating and Representing the student's interests at various levels within the university, ensuring that student voices are considered in decision-making processes. Establishing a transparent and accessible system for students to express their concerns is necessary to have a healthy relationship and inclusion to work towards solutions for issues they see that we may not. We need to establish the voices of the students and consider what they want and not what looks best for the school.

4. What skills and strengths do you possess that will help you to be successful in your position, if selected?

The skills and strengths that I possess that will help me be successful in the position if selected would be the leadership mindset. I am a proactive and visionary person, capable of taking the initiative to drive change whether it is talked down upon or is out of the usual. It could be as simple as initiating new programs or addressing students' concerns, my leadership skills will contribute to my success in the role that I get appointed to. Secondly, would be my communication skills, I am a very communicative person whether it be written or verbal which allows me to convey my thoughts and concerns clearly in a very professional manner. It is important for collaboration by conveying information to the student body and representing their interests as well as the students. The last two skills/strengths are Organization and adaptability. I can prioritize tasks effectively, meet deadlines, and manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously while also being open to change and recognizing the nature of student and university needs.

5. What job related, volunteer, or lived experience do you have that you think has prepared you for, or would transfer well, to this position?

A job that has prepared me well for this position would be my Target Job back home. It was important for me to be very organized in the areas I was in charge of while working there, specifically the essential items and toy areas. I was named team member of the month multiple times which shows my great leadership and organizational skills as well as adaptability as the management changed many times throughout my time there. I was able to be pulled from my workload and move to a different department to help out while also finishing my workload. The Second experience would be the Work-study job I have here at school working at the gym. I know almost everyone who comes in and out of here, so I have that personal connection with most people here and that helps to get their opinion in their view of the school as I can easily get their opinion on a more comfortable basis and anonymous way. I also volunteered at the Broncos game and Army vs Navy football games running concession stands and dealing with pressure from guests for their food. My linkedin has all of that.

Yelenne Martin, Candidate for Vice President of Social Justice & Diversity

1. Why are you interested in this (or these) positions?

I’m interested in becoming a RUSGA elected officer because, throughout my time on RUSGA, I have seen the work that has been done and the impact it has had within the community. Being involved is the first step in attempting to make change and holding space. RUSGA greatly impacts the community due to the various responsibilities they successfully uphold. I believe it’s important that within this involvement we represent all identities whose voices sometimes are heard less. As a RUSGA elected officer, it’s crucial to continue amplifying and giving power to the voices of all Regis students.

2. If selected, what would be your top two priorities to improve the student experience at Regis?

My top two priorities are to continue improving the student experience through connection and celebration at Regis and to uplift marginalized voices. My priority is to continue improving the student experience by making our community more interconnected within itself. Having a focus on affinity groups at Regis is important due to how each group strives to represent different identities and create a ground for connection between folks. This connection is important due to how isolating it could be when you don’t know others who have similar backgrounds. As well, there is so much intersectionality where so many of us have different identities creating a diverse atmosphere at Regis that deserves to be celebrated. I believe that celebrating our diverse differences gives way for connection and upholding a needed space for all who identify themselves within these groups. This creates a sense of community that is so important in improving the student experience. Lastly and most importantly, uplifting marginalized voices at Regis. This is important due to how within all the good that Regis does, there is still a need to assure that all voices are being heard. To assure we give power to marginalized voices as we continue to give way to change within our community.

3. In your opinion, how best can RUSGA serve the students of Regis University?

RUSGA can best serve the students of Regis University by listening to their voices and advocating for them. Assuring that their voices and opinions are amplified where it centers not only on students’ needs but as well as on students’ wants. There are different ways this can be done due to how students' voices are so important and creating a space for them to speak helps RUSGA best serve the students due to how RUSGA should be a reflection of what the Regis community asks.

4. What skills and strengths do you possess that will help you to be successful in your position, if selected?

I have been involved with different organizations within my time at Regis and am the current Vice President of Social Justice and Diversity. In these roles, I have been organized with clear communication, open to collaboration and feedback, and been creative on the ways to meet goals. These are skills I believe are important due to working on different projects at a time within RUSGA and needing to strategize the different possibilities that a project could give. These are skills that have shown that I am capable of being within this position.

5. What job related, volunteer, or lived experience do you have that you think has prepared you for, or would transfer well, to this position?

I’ve done work at different organizations, but the one that stands out to me the most is Latina SafeHouse. The experience I obtained here last year is one that will transfer over well in this position due to how I’ve met and have had to work with people of all different backgrounds. This is important due to how the Regis community is diverse and it’s important to be able to acknowledge these differences in the way they manifest in our lives. Being able to acknowledge these differences and celebrate them is something that should be emphasized. Another aspect to this is that within this position I have had to advocate for those who haven’t been able to do so on their own and this transfers over due to how as a RUSGA elected officer there is a fundamental need to advocate for students and amplify their voices. Next, being a first-generation student is an experience that I feel would transfer over due to how college can be difficult, and not having anyone to depend on makes it more difficult to navigate. I feel that within this position you are a resource for those around you and being able to help out and guide them in ways that as a first-generation I wished I had are crucial. Being able to share resources that I’ve learned about being in the RUFirst seminars at Regis as a first-generation student is something important as well as the ones I’ve learned through my own experiences.

Aleena Gillette, Candidate for Vice President Academic Life

1. Why are you interested in this (or these) positions?

Holding the position of Vice President of Academic Life is of interest to me because I find that the well-being of students is often portrayed as separate from academics. This is a misconception that I think proves a detriment to student immersion on campus. As college students, our entire priority in coming to pursue higher education is to get that education—I would like to use the VP of Academic Life position to show that being at Regis is an intentional ‘life’ that we are choosing! I hope that as the VP of Academic Life I can integrate our understanding of what it means to navigate the world of the university with ease and intentionality. I think that it is important to encourage students to care for their academic well-being and to suggest many ways of doing so, which can reach as far as preparing for next steps after college or as small as setting up study group networks within academic departments.

2. If selected, what would be your top two priorities to improve the student experience at Regis?

In the role of the VP of Academic Life, my top two priorities would be to draw a clearer connection to preparatory steps for life after college and to effectively support the academic clubs on campus. Drawing connections to next steps after college can be a vitalizing practice because it helps bring us back to why we came to college in the first place. To do so, I would like to encourage more alumni-advice events to be hosted, an easier way to facilitate on-campus career fairs, and departmental-specific outreach events that draw the connection between current study and future steps. For example, the Biology department hosts semester-long seminar series that I believe brings students out into the wider picture of their education, into our Magis and Contemplatives in Action values. Secondly, I hope to be able to contribute to reviving the academic clubs on our campus. I think that when we think of ‘academic clubs’ we think of intimidating honors societies, but I want to break down these barriers and help people realize that academics can manifest in many ways. The Psychology & Neuroscience club, which has received more than a few RUSGA awards, sets this standard well. I would hope to bring clubs like the Student Honors Advisory Council, AED, or the Pre-Law Society into the limelight more often. These clubs can act as excellent resources to students looking to find an academic community and an entertaining or enriching side to their academic interests.

3. In your opinion, how best can RUSGA serve the students of Regis University?

I believe that best serving the students at Regis University entails a reworking towards more consistent and inviting modes of communication. Right now, I feel that extracurricular groups feel the pressure of waning student involvement and they themselves feel taxed. College is a busy time—no one denies that! But the lack of availability or disinterest of our students should not be presenting us with the amount of pressure that it currently is. I believe that there are effective solutions that can be proposed to this issue if enough people get together with this same mindset. This first means recognizing that we as a student body put on some amazing events! However, I think RUSGA needs to take one step further in being the student leader that it is and to help our student population feel open, invited, and excited for any scale of events. As VP of Academic Life, I would hope to put a voice to the academic pressure students may face and to provide RUSGA a better understanding of what would help alleviate that pressure and increase involvement. In my opinion, clear and regular communication can make students more willing to take time out of their days to step away from academic stress and immerse themselves in student activities.

4. What skills and strengths do you possess that will help you to be successful in your position, if selected?

I believe one of my strengths related to the VP of Academic Life position lies in the broad perspective that I have from the many academic experiences provided to me by my education at Regis University. I am a double major in Neuroscience and Criminal Justice, studied abroad in the Fall of my Junior year, am in the Honors Program, am involved in many clubs, and on top of all that, I am a first-generation student. I find that being able to draw on any one of these perspectives at a given time makes me relatable and perceptive when listening to new voices. More technically, I am a very organized and efficient individual, which makes me a dynamic leader. If I need to take a step up and be the most vocal leader of the group, I can. But I can also adapt in situations where I might need to be more contemplative, which would make me a good vessel for input from students about academic life on campus. My experience in peer advising and conflict management blends well with this, making me capable of being a mediator that can reach a mission or goal of a task that has been set for me while remaining sensitive to the needs of my population.

5. What job related, volunteer, or lived experience do you have that you think has prepared you for, or would transfer well, to this position?

My professional experience touches on two major points: positively maintaining on-campus relations and actively respecting, supporting, and meeting the unique needs of all individuals. I have worked for Housing & Residential Engagement as a Project Assistant and in the Community Development Assistant capacity, and both positions provided me with insight into how I can consistently and constructively communicate to people for whom I function as a primary support. From hosting events relevant to my population to establishing organized systems for HRE tasks, these positions have made me more apt at positively maintaining on-campus relations in various capacities. In my current positions with the GLOBAL Inclusive College program and NIH Toolbox Research, I work with students and research participants to provide guidance, support, and encouragement as they navigate new territory. I believe that my ability to facilitate the experience of students in the GLOBAL program in the classroom, in extracurricular events, and in on-campus living is the very embodiment of an inclusive mindset. In any RUSGA position, but particularly as the VP of Academic Life, it will serve me well to be able to be attentive to, to understand, and to meaningfully respond to the various positionalities of people who approach me.

Julia Salter, Candidate for Vice President of Academic Life

1. Why are you interested in this (or these) positions?

I love Regis. I love learning. I love leadership. Becoming VP of Academic Life will let me use these passions to improve our university! Regis needs a fresh face with creative ideas on cabinet, and I will be happy to provide this new perspective! I will accurately represent the student body’s wants and needs, not just those of a select few. A vote for me guarantees positive change for Regis University!

2. If selected, what would be your top two priorities to improve the student experience at Regis?

I will prioritize academic opportunity for all students through resource availability and accessibility. Regis already has a great foundation in the learning commons, and I will expand upon and improve what we already have. The opportunity for academic success also includes smaller things, such as transparency regarding the Follett Access Program and clarity on class registration procedures. Of course this initiative is adaptable and will expand depending on what exactly Regis students need. Aside from this goal, I will also work to increase engagement across campus by providing relevant programs and activities that students want to get involved with. This goal will rely heavily on my ability to interact with students and find out exactly what they want to see on campus. I can’t wait to hear the ideas that students want to implement and help bring them to life!

3. In your opinion, how best can RUSGA serve the students of Regis University?

RUSGA can best serve Regis University by accurately representing the student body. RUSGA is comprised of students and should not be seen as an exclusive and unrelatable organization. The faces of RUSGA should be friendly and approachable so that students feel comfortable bringing up their issues and making their voices heard. Once concerns are brought up, RUSGA members should work to evaluate and resolve those issues. RUSGA should also be leaders of the student body by leading in example and demonstrating core Jesuit values.

4. What skills and strengths do you possess that will help you to be successful in your position, if selected?

I have leadership skills that will help me represent the student body, advocate for my peers, and achieve my initiatives. I am also an organized person, which will help me take on this new responsibility by aiding in time management, activity coordination, and many more necessary feats. I am an empathetic person, which will help me see the importance of the concerns that students bring up. Just because I might not encounter the same issues as another doesn't make the issues any less real, and I need to be able to put myself in someone else's shoes in order to effectively help them. I am also an adaptable person, and I am able to use this skill when encountering setbacks and unexpected challenges.

5. What job related, volunteer, or lived experience do you have that you think has prepared you for, or would transfer well, to this position?

I was on student council from seventh to twelfth grade, and while I know college student government looks a lot different, I have learned certain leadership skills that would transfer well. I have volunteered for Make-A-Wish South Dakota, and through that experience, I have gained a new perspective and appreciation for human dignity. In the summer, I am a nanny and a server at Buffalo Wild Wings. Both of those experiences have taught me to relate to people on all different paths of lives. Encountering people of different backgrounds is an essential part of being a server, and I know that skill is also needed to be able to communicate with students and relate to them.