In alignment with Southern Utah University Student Association, this week’s Pizza and Politics event focused on the candidates and election process for the upcoming student body elections.
Maddy Davis and Sebastian Zuniga, fellows for the Michael O. Leavitt Center for Politics and Public Service led the discussion.
The first question they asked the audience was: “What do you know about SUUSA?” Students’ answers were similar, with many knowing little about the elections or only hearing about SUUSA during the campaign.
Davis and Zuniga explained what SUUSA is, by sharing how student elections are held every spring. This allows interested students to run as representatives. They then discussed SUUSA advisors and the election commission.
Following the explanation of SUUSA, Davis and Zuniga introduced Colter Bennett, SUUSA’s 2024-25 president. They shared his goals and explained his involvement on campus. Bennet encourages students to use MySUU Voice, strives to increase wages for on-campus workers and works to impact legislation.
Then the discussion shifted to the SUUSA Executive Council. The council consists of the SUUSA president, the Academics Vice President, the Finance Vice President and the Clubs and Organization Vice President. The conversation moved to the different senators and departments involved in the Academic Senate.
Davis and Zuniga shared the application process for these positions. Interested students submit a declaration application by the deadline. Then, the Student Involvement and Leadership Office looks at their academic record to ensure candidates will uphold the student leadership standards.
Once cleared, each candidate is allowed a campaign budget of $500. This funds flyers, posters and signs. Candidates must produce daily budget reports.
Finally, the current candidates were introduced. Each discussed their individual goals with in their position.
Student engagement was one main focus throughout the discussion.
“SUUSA helps facilitate many aspects of student life,” said Zuniga. Some students at the meeting agreed that SUUSA and student engagement could be better through a longer election period and mandatory voting.
Primary elections for SUUSA started Feb. 25, 2025, and general elections start on March 4. Voting will take place over a designated 3-day period and students are allowed one vote. More information about the candidates can be found here.
Author: Alora Bailey
Photo courtesy of SUU
Editor: Anna Mower
news@suunews.net