Continuing the Conversation: Inside Student Government Update
By Amber McCain
Fernando Escobar, Director of Student Public Relations and Advocacy for ASUAF, recently sat down with The Sun Star to share the latest updates on the student government’s activities at UAF.
March marks the beginning of ASUAF’s election season, an important time for students to actively participate in decisions that affect their university life. Voting in the ASUAF elections is crucial, as it gives students a voice in areas such as how student fees are spent, campus policies, and improvements to services like dining. Last semester, many students expressed a desire for more transparency regarding their fees, and the same question is being raised again this year: What changes would you like to see at UAF?
Issues like dining services, tuition, accessibility, and potential partnerships with organizations like NASA will be discussed, and student input is key in shaping these outcomes. Students can nominate candidates from March 2 to 16, with Senate candidates requiring five nominations and Vice President or President candidates needing 10, including at least one from an ASUAF official or senator. After nominations close, the campaign period will run from March 16 to 23, followed by voting from March 23 to 30 via the Engage app. ASUAF is committed to increasing voter turnout, with efforts including weekly tabling events, social media posts, and appearances at campus events throughout March to keep students informed and motivated to vote.
Escobar also provided updates on several key ASUAF initiatives, starting with the Food for Thought committee, which is focused on improving dining services at UAF. A meeting held on February 18 included Chartwells managers, UAF staff, ASUAF members, and students, but the results were mixed. Despite this, Escobar remains optimistic about progress and encourages students to attend the next Food for Thought meeting on March 18. He also invited students to share their feedback through the new ASUAF email address, asuaf-pr@alaska.edu, to continue the conversation and work toward improvements in the dining experience. This initiative is part of an ongoing effort to gather student input, with monthly meetings planned to discuss progress and new ideas. If anyone is interested in joining the committee, please email asuaf-pr@alaska.edu.
ASUAF representatives Fernando Escobar and Sean Wise and the External Affairs Chair and Vice President Scott Stein traveled to Juneau from Feb. 22-26 on an advocacy trip on behalf of the Coalition of Student Leaders for issues impacting UAF and the University of Alaska system. The group’s focus will include mental health support for students, veterans, and active military members at UAF, as well as campus security. UAF is requesting $200,000 in state funding to hire additional dispatch personnel for increased campus security. They also advocated for UAS, which relies on the understaffed Juneau Police Department, leaving the campus vulnerable. Another key issue will be food security, with UAF seeking $200,000 in state funding for a recycling workforce initiative and $5 million for agricultural research and outreach. These efforts align with the potential creation of an Alaska Department of Agriculture aimed at boosting local food sustainability. Additionally, UAF will push for increased funding to improve infrastructure and accessibility.
ASUAF is also planning an Earth Day event with the Honors Students Advisory Council and the Office of Sustainability. A campus cleanup scheduled for April is one potential activity.
In other news, a resolution has been introduced regarding the flags in the Wood Center, which represent UAF's international and military-affiliated students. The flags were removed for cleaning but will likely be replaced with smaller flags displayed in cases to prevent dirt buildup. Finally, ASUAF has introduced a resolution opposing the consolidation of student fees, advocating for transparency about where students’ fees are allocated.
Escobar also took a moment to spotlight several students who were recently awarded funding to attend academic conferences. Bree Smith, president of the UAF student chapter of the Wildlife Society, will travel to Juneau from March 31 to April 5 to present her research on wildlife biology. This opportunity will allow Smith to share her findings with colleagues and collaborators, benefiting UAF and the biology department. In addition to presenting, Smith will network with wildlife professionals from across the state, which is a key step in her long-term goal of becoming a wildlife manager. Her involvement in the conference will enhance her professional network and support her academic and career aspirations. Emily Camp, vice president of the UAF student chapter of the Wildlife Society, will also attend the Juneau conference. Camp will focus on connecting with other student chapters, sharing ideas, and collaborating on future projects for the chapter. In addition to her leadership duties, Camp is currently evaluating potential master’s programs, and this conference will provide a valuable opportunity to network with advisors and professionals in her field. By engaging with others, Camp aims to narrow down her options for continuing her education and advancing her career.
Two UAF students, Claire Peluio and Claire Bachand, have received travel funding to attend international conferences that will benefit both their research and the university. Peluio, a PhD student studying volcanology, will travel to Geneva, Switzerland, to present her research at the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior conference. This opportunity will allow her to showcase UAF’s work, foster future collaborations with the global volcanology community, and promote UAF’s graduate programs. Bachand will attend the Arctic Science Summit Week held in Alaska from March 23 to 28. The summit focuses on Arctic research planning and brings together scholars and community members across the Arctic. Bachand will present a poster, attend community meetings, and learn strategies for conducting ethical Arctic research. She aims to share these insights with the broader UAF community, further strengthening the university’s ties to Arctic research.
Escobar also discussed the funding available for student clubs, noting that both the Mycology Club and the UAF Fencing Club received $1,000 each to purchase new equipment. He encouraged other student clubs to apply for funding, as money is still available to support student activities and initiatives on campus.
Finally, Escobar reminded students about the upcoming ASUAF elections, which will have 15 to 16 Senate seats up for election. Newly elected senators will begin their terms in April, and Escobar urged students to consider running for office to help shape campus life. Students are encouraged to attend the weekly ASUAF meetings on Tuesdays at 6:30. This is an opportunity for students to make a meaningful impact. Escobar emphasized the importance of having student voices represented. It’s your chance to help shape the future of UAF - student voices matter, and the Senate is the platform where they can be heard.