Calling All First-Year Students for Senate Elections

Virtual Opportunities to Make a Tangible Impact

First-year senate elections start next week starting with an information session on Sunday, Oct. 4. The student elections may look different this year, but incoming first-years will nevertheless be able to make an impact on Santa Clara’s campus through this position.

“There's no points for accidental contact anymore,” said Justin Chan, former first-year senator and current Senate Chair in Associated Student Government (ASG). “Students will have to be intentional about what problems they want to solve, which will be even more helpful.” 

There is a plethora of opportunity for this year’s incoming first-years in ASG, given the role will be executed virtually.

Chan suggested that accidentally running into people on campus and listening to their needs and ideas related to the University, despite the great meaning behind those interactions, doesn’t always lead to immediate, tangible change. 

With university operations being virtual, every interaction will be intentional. These kinds of spontaneous interactions are now replaced by purposefully reaching out to students, staff and faculty who play a part in the projects first-year senators want to tackle, in turn making a greater impact on the experience of their peers and the university at large.

Former first-year senator and current ASG President, Ciara Moezidis, came to Santa Clara as a seasoned student government leader, having been passionate about student government since elementary school. She found out about ASG and wanted to get involved right away. 

Some of her work in this position included a popular diversity and inclusion campaign known as #BroncoPosi, which was focused on deconstructing stigmas about identities that are typically misunderstood and sparking conversations about identity through hosting difficult dialogues and panels for students and staff members. 

Student government at Santa Clara—which comprises the Executive Cabinet, Student Senate, Judicial Branch, Community Development Branch, Finance Branch and Public Relations Branch—addresses undergraduate needs. Both Moezidis and Chan stressed that getting involved with ASG helped them to feel more connected to the community on campus, and use their positions as vessels for real change.

“It’s nice being able to provide insight on certain areas of campus, and suggest solutions to problems,” said Chan. “Anyone who is passionate about problem solving, don't worry about losing or inexperience. As long as you are a go-getter and like to solve issues and make Santa Clara better for everyone, senate is the best place to do that.”

To that, Moezidis urges first-years to get involved. 

“Say yes to everything and dive into things even though it’s scary and challenging,” said Moezidis. “It's the best way to find that community so early on. I think it would be a really great way to get to know the campus despite not being on campus.”

There are five available slots for first-year senators, for which students are strongly encouraged to run. If students do not feel like running, the positions of Court Clerk, At-Large Chair for Campus Engagement, First-Year Community Development Chair, and At-Large Senator for Sustainability are all open for application.

“Out of every single student at Santa Clara, first years have faced the most problems through doing virtual learning first,” Chan explained. “They should be the ones controlling that destiny. For example, did they not like virtual orientation or online classes? Fine, then work something out with the administration.” 

Information sessions for the first-year senate election will be held from Sunday, Oct. 4 to Oct. 7. The election packet and signatures are due Saturday, Oct. 9. Campaign week will be held during week 4 of the quarter. The election for first-year senators will be held on Oct. 18. 
First-years who are interested in this position may reach out to ASG Vice President Ann Codiga at acodiga@scu.edu.