Elections information sessions will run for about 30 minutes.

• March 5th: In Person - 12:00pm (Location TBD)
• March 6th: Virtual - 12:00pm (link to Teams meeting)
• March 17th: In Person - 11:00am (SGA Gormley Conference Room)*
• March 18th: Virtual - 5:00pm (link to Teams meeting)
• March 19th: Virtual - 5:00pm (link to Teams meeting)
• March 19th: Virtual - 8:00pm (link to Teams meeting)
• March 20th: Virtual - 12:00pm (link to Teams meeting)
• March 21st: In Person - 12:30pm (SGA Gormley Conference Room)*
• March 24th: In Person - 11:00am (SGA Gormley Conference Room)*
• March 25th: Virtual - 5:00pm (link to Teams meeting)
• March 26th: Virtual - 5:00pm (link to Teams meeting)
• March 26th: Virtual - 8:00pm (link to Teams meeting)
• March 27th: Virtual - 12:00pm (link to Teams meeting)
• March 28th: In Person - 12:30pm (SGA Gormley Conference Room)*
• March 31st: In Person - 11:00am (Location TBD)

*The SGA Gormley Conference room is located in the SGA Office on the third floor of the Davis Center.

What is an Election Agreement and Platform?

This form, linked below, allows the SGA Elections Committee to confirm that you have read the rules and regulations pertaining to the election you are participating in. It is also where you may submit your candidate platform that will be shared on this website with the student body so that they may better understand your reason for running.

Submit your agreement and platform here.

Review SGA Elections Rules & Regulations here (PDF).

Hello Catamounts!  My name is Liv Bednarik, and I am a current junior studying Political Science and Sociology. You may already know me as your elected Vice President for this year's Student Government Body and it has been my honor to serve you all this past year. When reflecting upon the year, I am in awe of the amazing work we have done collectively and incredibly proud of how much we have grown. From starting group therapy for all RAs on campus to currently working with Interim President Prelock and UVM administration to be efficiently addressing the current political climate, I am overcome with pride and hope for not only our UVM community, but the Vermont community.  However, our work is never finished. My time here at SGA has been amazing but I still see room for growth, improvement, and accountability throughout the university. As a Black, bisexual woman, my fears of our nation today reflect many of our students' fears and anxieties. No matter what anyone's political views are, it should be universally understood that everyone is equal, has inherited value and should be treated as such. That is why I am running for President of SGA 2025-2026. In my Presidency, I want to hold the university accountable for its promises that we, as a whole, will live up to our Common Ground, something that has not always felt true for people on campus. I want not only UVM, but the Burlington Community to come together to protect those most vulnerable during the next upcoming year and beyond my time here. Most of all, I want UVM to feel like a place of acceptance, honesty, and accountability. We all owe it to each other to ensure that this campus is not only good for its word on paper, but in its actions as well. Last year I said that "I want more chairs at the table for everyone when this University makes decisions that affect our student body the most". Let's make sure that this rings true.

PDF of Liv's Platform

Hello UVM students! My name is Kennedy Connors, and I'm excited to announce my campaign for SGA President alongside my exceptional running mate, Merrick Modun. A little bit about me - I'm a rising junior majoring in Public Communications with a minor in Law and Society. I'm originally from Northern California, and as an avid skier, I have loved experiencing a proper winter. I currently serve as the SGA Speaker of the Senate and am responsible for running our weekly meetings, verifying our approved legislation, and overseeing our Judicial Committee. Throughout my term, I have led the Judicial Committee in constitutional review and digitized legislation dating back to 2015. Outside of this role, I am the Co-Chair of the Sexual Violence Prevention Council and have planned initiatives and furthered conversations surrounding consent culture. In my time at UVM, I've been lucky enough to join numerous organizations and experience the infectious passion UVM students hold. Merrick and my perspective are deeply intertwined with these campus groups, and the impact on students will always be the utmost priority in our decisions. We have many initiatives we hope to implement on campus. Of these, our primary goals are as follows: 1. Fighting to expand student support through education, outreach, and mental health resources amidst the current U.S. political climate. 2. Leading and promoting efforts to prevent sexual violence and foster a culture of consent at UVM. 3. Reforming SGA operations, increasing transparency, and engaging directly with students to best serve your needs. I would be honored to represent this student body and enhance it in any way I can. Please reach out to me with any questions, comments, or suggestions. Our Instagram account is @kennedymerrick4pvp to learn more about us and our campaign!

PDF of Kennedy's Platform

Hello UVM students! My name is Merrick Modun, and I'm excited to announce my campaign for SGA Vice President alongside my awesome running mate, Kennedy Connors. I’m a rising senior majoring in Political Science with a minor in History. I’m from Montpelier, Vermont. I am enrolled in the UVM 3+2 dual-degree program, working toward both a Bachelor’s and law degree on an accelerated timeline. As Chair of the Public Relations Committee for UVM’s Student Government Association, I focus on strengthening student engagement through content creation, event promotion, and strategic communication. I have been directly involved in campus events such as Week of Kindness, Sexual Violence Awareness Month, and more. I’m also an active member of the Lawrence Debate Union, where I have been selected to compete in tournaments across the country. Beyond campus, I worked as a Field Manager for VPIRG, leading a team of canvassers and supporting grassroots organizing. With a passion for law, government, and community engagement, I’m committed to making student voices heard and creating meaningful change at UVM and beyond. In my time at UVM, Kennedy and I have been lucky enough to join numerous organizations and experience the infectious passion UVM students hold. Our perspective is deeply intertwined with these campus groups, and the impact on students will always be the utmost priority in our decisions. We have many initiatives we hope to implement on campus. Of these, our primary goals are as follows: 1. Fighting to expand student support through education, outreach, and mental health resources amidst the current U.S. political climate. 2. Leading and promoting efforts to prevent sexual violence and foster a culture of consent at UVM. 3. Reforming SGA operations, increasing transparency, and engaging directly with students to best serve your needs. I would be honored to represent this student body and enhance it in any way I can. Please reach out to me with any questions, comments, or suggestions. Our Instagram account is @kennedymerrick4pvp to learn more about us and our campaign!

PDF of Merrick's Platform

Hi everyone! My name is Leah Theroux and I have had the honor to serve as a senator on the Committee on Our Common Ground Values this past year. During my time on SGA, I have accomplished more than I thought was possible as a student here at UVM. I loved being able to work on MARCH and help plan this event that gets to honor gender equity in our University. For my personal projects, I am working with WAGE to form a reproductive rights group here on campus. My goal with this group is to create a safe space for students and give an opportunity for people to discuss their experiences, thoughts, and feelings. I also have worked with some of my fellow senators on transgender issues and addressing our political climate. Serving on SGA has been the highlight of my college years so far and I would love to continue to serve on SGA. Do not Ther-oux away your shot to vote for Senator Theroux!

PDF of Leah's Platform

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My name is Matisse (he/him) and I’m a second-year from Iowa City, Iowa majoring in Environmental Studies in the honors college here at UVM. In addition to being a committee chair SGA, I currently am a member of the on-campus competitive a capella group Viridescent and work at Henderson’s Cafe and Skinny P on campus. I joined SGA here after participating in high school student government and Iowa Youth Congress for two years. Some of the projects that I hope to continue working on if reelected are a sustainable campus fund initiative to get more drinking fountains in dorm buildings, a student TEDX speaker series, and improving the end-of-year dorm move-out recycling efforts through regular clothing swaps. I have also helped plan Earth Week events including Earth Week Pub Quiz and free screen printing activity. I have learned so much as a chair this semester on the Committee on the Environment, but also still see so many opportunities for sustainable improvement across campus.  I enjoy talking to many different groups of new people, and what I have learned is the most valuable on SGA is the ability to actively listen. I maintain my promise to seek out the perspectives of all students before voting on all decisions because I am elected to serve the entire student body.

PDF of Matisse's Platform

I am running for the SGA Senate to better connect with the UVM community, explore new ways to support and enhance its students' experiences, and meet new people with like-minded ideas! I have always admired the mission and dedication of the UVM Student Government Association to improving our community. I possess strong communication skills, empathy, drive, and leadership abilities that make me a suitable candidate for this role. As a member of SGA, it's essential to have the ability to talk with students about their wants and needs and show care and willingness to work with them. I am motivated to help benefit students' UVM experience as much as possible; we all deserve a fun, safe, and beneficial college experience. I am also a local Vermonter and Bernie lover. I believe I carry the Vermont spirit and values of freedom to express and exist however you please, with a strong desire for inclusion and equality. I transferred to UVM in the spring of 2024 and understand the challenges that transfer students face. My transfer experience has made me better able to help other transfers navigate their transition and provide valuable insights to make the experience easier. Before coming to UVM, I attended Endicott College, where I was an active member of their Student Government Association. I served as the Community Development Representative for my class. I received a DEI award from SGA for my efforts in integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion knowledge into the Endicott community. My experience in SGA has equipped me with the knowledge and skills necessary to be proactive and effective in this position. Some issues I am particularly interested in are related to community development. I want to help foster connections among diverse groups at UVM and help students create more connections among their peers and professors. I would also love to help improve resources and connections for transfer students and commuters. Being a transfer student or a commuter can create a disconnect between the UVM student community, and I would love to find unique ways to connect these groups.

Platform for Peyton Paquette for Reelection as SGA Senator: I am running for reelection as an SGA senator as an embodiment of my commitment to the Student Government Association community and the University of Vermont community as a whole. Throughout my two years here at UVM, the University body and specifically the SGA has become a family to me that I wish to see prosper and flourish in an environment that embodies respect, inclusiveness, and appreciation for the hard work and dedication of all UVM students. I have been told, even though it certainly did not use to be this way, that I am a very sociable person that possesses the ability to work with a number of different people effectively and build upon/support/work with the ideas of people that I do not necessarily agree with on all issues. I, additionally, am highly adaptable to the amount of work I can take on in my life as I have developed effective time management skills alongside learning how communication can be one of the most valuable tools, even in work that I take on individually. I have been an SGA senator for the academic year of 2024-2025 and have been a member of the Club Affairs Committee for the entirety of my tenure. My work on the Club Affairs Committee is a testament to my hardworking nature as the work this committee does is non-stop. For this committee, we have turned into a collective that actively understands each other, relies on each other, and most importantly, knows the value of the work we all do on this committee. Additionally, I have been involved in many organizations and committees on campus, including a Cynic Staff Writer, Member of the Climate Action Collective, Member of the Sexual Violence Prevention Committee, Member of the Traffic Violations Appeals Board, Political Science Honors Program Member, and an independent tutor across campus.If I am to be reelected to SGA, I will strive to ensure that all student organizations on campus have a direct connection to the broader SGA body through the Club Affairs Committee. Additionally, I will work to become a senator on SGA that can embody the values that UVM's campus and SGA stands upon. If I was able to convince you that I am a hardworking and effective leader to remain a senator on the SGA, please consider voting for me in my reelection campaign. Love y'all!

PDF of Peyton's Platform

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I am running for a position on the UVM SGA to continue my commitment to making UVM and the greater Burlington area a better place for students and our community. I have previously held the position of Senator on the Committee of Student Action and Wellbeing, and I was the Chair of the Committee of the Environment. These positions have helped to improve my leadership skills by organizing and leading projects as well as facilitating and helping my fellow Senators in projects such as uncycling events and thrift shops. In addition to this, I have also been the President of the Golf Club at UVM. I have learned the ins and outs of our school and its workings and see what we need to improve or continue. During my next term on the SGA, I hope to work specifically on connecting Burlington's greater food community to the UVM students. There is a great disparity in the quality of food in the dining halls compared to Burlington’s restaurants or other food places, and I would like to close that gap by creating a connection with these places. Also, recognizing that a wide part of Vermont and the areas surrounding Burlington are farms, I would like to create a better connection between UVM students and farm fresh ingredients through events like farmers' markets or formal groups like community-supported agriculture. Overall, I want to create better experiences for UVM students when it comes to the food we eat in a way that is cheap and easy for us.

PDF of James's Platform

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Hello UVM students! My name is Kennedy Connors, and I'm excited to announce my campaign for SGA President alongside my exceptional running mate, Merrick Modun. A little bit about me - I'm a rising junior majoring in Public Communications with a minor in Law and Society. I'm originally from Northern California, and as an avid skier, I have loved experiencing a proper winter. I currently serve as the SGA Speaker of the Senate and am responsible for running our weekly meetings, verifying our approved legislation, and overseeing our Judicial Committee. Throughout my term, I have led the Judicial Committee in constitutional review and digitized legislation dating back to 2015. Outside of this role, I am the Co-Chair of the Sexual Violence Prevention Council and have planned initiatives and furthered conversations surrounding consent culture. In my time at UVM, I've been lucky enough to join numerous organizations and experience the infectious passion UVM students hold. Merrick and my perspective are deeply intertwined with these campus groups, and the impact on students will always be the utmost priority in our decisions. We have many initiatives we hope to implement on campus. Of these, our primary goals are as follows: 1. Fighting to expand student support through education, outreach, and mental health resources amidst the current U.S. political climate. 2. Leading and promoting efforts to prevent sexual violence and foster a culture of consent at UVM. 3. Reforming SGA operations, increasing transparency, and engaging directly with students to best serve your needs. I would be honored to represent this student body and enhance it in any way I can. Please reach out to me with any questions, comments, or suggestions. Our Instagram account is @kennedymerrick4pvp to learn more about us and our campaign!

Hello UVM students! My name is Merrick Modun, and I'm excited to announce my campaign for SGA Vice President alongside my awesome running mate, Kennedy Connors. I’m a rising senior majoring in Political Science with a minor in History. I’m from Montpelier, Vermont. I am enrolled in the UVM 3+2 dual-degree program, working toward both a Bachelor’s and law degree on an accelerated timeline. As Chair of the Public Relations Committee for UVM’s Student Government Association, I focus on strengthening student engagement through content creation, event promotion, and strategic communication. I have been directly involved in campus events such as Week of Kindness, Sexual Violence Awareness Month, and more. I’m also an active member of the Lawrence Debate Union, where I have been selected to compete in tournaments across the country. Beyond campus, I worked as a Field Manager for VPIRG, leading a team of canvassers and supporting grassroots organizing. With a passion for law, government, and community engagement, I’m committed to making student voices heard and creating meaningful change at UVM and beyond. In my time at UVM, Kennedy and I have been lucky enough to join numerous organizations and experience the infectious passion UVM students hold. Our perspective is deeply intertwined with these campus groups, and the impact on students will always be the utmost priority in our decisions. We have many initiatives we hope to implement on campus. Of these, our primary goals are as follows: 1. Fighting to expand student support through education, outreach, and mental health resources amidst the current U.S. political climate. 2. Leading and promoting efforts to prevent sexual violence and foster a culture of consent at UVM. 3. Reforming SGA operations, increasing transparency, and engaging directly with students to best serve your needs. I would be honored to represent this student body and enhance it in any way I can. Please reach out to me with any questions, comments, or suggestions. Our Instagram account is @kennedymerrick4pvp to learn more about us and our campaign!

Hi, my name is Charles, and I am running to be an SGA senator. Put simply, I think there are two problems facing the SGA. I.) There is a lack of transparency about what goes on in the SGA. If elected, I promise to be as clear as I possibly can be about what the SGA process looks like, what we are doing with your money and your resources, and anything else pertinent that you want to know. How SGA works should not be a mystery for students,  as the only reason that the body exists is to serve the students. II.) Some candidates only run to add "SGA student senator" to their resumes. I am running to be a Senator because I deeply care about issues facing the student body. I promise you that if I didn't care about these issues and about helping students, I would not be submitting this statement, and spending every Tuesday night sitting in the Davis center debating. That would be a waste of my time and your vote. But I think there are real issues that are facing real students that need real solutions. There is a housing crisis in Burlington and UVM, there are budget cuts and potentially dangerous university policies being enacted by the Trump Administration, there is general discord among the student population. These are issues that I would like to tackle head on, and ones that I promise will be adressed if you elect me to be your SGA student senator. This may not be the most colorful or flashy campaign platform that you are going to read, and that is by design. I don't want to sell you platitudes and I don't want to mislead you. I want to state clearly and precisely what I aim to do as your Senator; I want to increase SGA's transparency, and take real action on real problems facing real students. Therefore, with those goals in mind, I humbly ask you for your vote to be an SGA senator.

PDF of Charlie's Platform

Hi all! My name is Maddy Forrest and I am running for re-election! I served on COE (the committee for the environment) for all of last year and loved it. I have helped with upcycling projects, the thrift store initiative to get a permanent thrift store on campus, and recycling/composting efforts in the dorms as well. COE has done a lot of work to promote environmental awareness and keep education digestible and impactful. We put on Earth Week in March brought in speakers and put on events that represent our goals and values. I am also so pumped to be starting my first individual project on SGA. My goal is to incorporate more indigenous education into the curriculum at UVM. This is because the university was founded on indigenous land and most students do not know the history. I believe that spreading education is an important first step in recognizing and acknowledging the Indigenous peoples who were harmed by our university's founding. I am working with professors, students, and faculty to create a first-year class specifically based on the history of indigenous peoples in Vermont and how it is related to UVM. If you have any questions or want to help me with my project I encourage you to reach out. My email is mlforres@uvm.edu or you can come find me at the folk music club every Friday in L&L/ the amphitheater from 4:30-5:30 pm!

PDF of Maddy's Platform

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I am running for my third term for the UVM SGA! The past two years, I served on the Finance Committee, and intend to do so again. Additionally, I served as chair to the Finance Committee during the Fall 2024 semester. During this time, I led weekly Supplemental Funding Hearings and actively worked with student organizations and clubs to assist with funding. My intention for this upcoming term is to further my work on the Finance Committee to better serve our clubs and organizations. UVM has a unique form of club organization and management, and I want to foster it to be the best version it can be. Additionally, I want to work towards further financial transparency among the SGA, our clubs, and our university as a whole.

Cole Esbin for SGA Senate Hi! For those who may not know me my name is Cole Esbin. I am a sophomore from Clifton, NJ studying Economics and Business with a minor in Sports Management. I am super excited to announce the launch of my campaign for School Year 25-26!!! This past year I had the opportunity to serve on the SGA finance committee, while it has been a great experience and has taught me a lot. I see the need for transparency and communication between SGA Finance and the student body. If elected, I plan on creating a more holistic and open approach to our procedures.   Vote Cole Esbin for SGA!!! How I contribute to the UVM Community Served on the SGA Finance Committee (2024-2025) Ad-Hoc Committe Member for Sexual Violence Awareness Month Club-Signer of the Econ Club  Advo-Cat Tour Guide  Orientation Leader  Member of ASRC My three guarantees  1. Transparency in SGA Finances The Student Body has questions about how the SGA Finance Committee operates, and we need answers! I will work to ensure greater transparency and communication regarding SGA financial decisions.  2. One Credit Class for Clubsigners Clubsigners play a crucial role in student organizations and dedicate significant time and effort to their responsibilities. I plan to introduce a one-credit class to acknowledge their work and provide additional support.  3. Clear Communication Students deserve to know what the SGA does and how it can help them. Improving communication channels between SGA and students will ensure transparency and efficiency in addressing student concerns.   I would like to thank everyone for reading my campaign! I have a strong desire to stand for the student experiences here at UVM and I want to be able to represent you and the rest of the UVM Student Body!  VOTE APRIL 2nd - 4th  Please reach out with any questions!  Contact: cesbin@uvm.edu

PDF of Cole's Platform

Image of Cole (.pdf)

Hello! My name is Chiara Petracek, and I am running for a second term as an SGA Senator! I am a sophomore neuroscience major from Carlisle, MA, and I am involved in several organizations across campus, including Vermont Rowing and Chicks on Sticks. For the past year as a Senator, I have been fortunate enough to serve on the Committee on Our Common Ground Values and the Public Relations Committee. I have been collaborating with the Interfaith Center to strengthen the relationship between our two organizations. My biggest focus this semester has been working with UVM Dining to increase accessibility for those with allergies in the dining halls. This is an issue I am extremely passionate about and hope to continue to address if I’m elected for another term! Additionally, if re-elected, I will work to increase communication between SGA and the student body to make our operations more transparent. I love SGA and believe that I bring a unique perspective to the table. I am passionate about representing students’ voices, especially those who don’t feel they’re being heard.If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out! My email is chiara.petracek@uvm.edu, and I’d love to talk and answer any questions you might have! Please consider voting for me!

PDF of Chiara's Platform

I am a second year Lebanese international student majoring in political science and minoring in public policy. I have served a full year on the committee on legislative and community affairs as well as the judicial committee. I will create better communication and transparency between the administration, city of Burlington, as well as the state of Vermont and students.

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Hello! My name is Celia Chapman and I’m from Hopkinton, Massachusetts (but I recently moved to Shrewsbury, MA). I’m a first-year Economics and Political Science double major in CAS & PLHC and have been involved with SGA since the 2024 Fall elections!As a Simon Family Scholar at UVM, I am deeply committed to community service and leadership; I have had so many amazing educational opportunities and it’s so important to me to give back. I’ve been a very active member of my local and high school communities as well as here at UVM, and I hope to continue to do so through SGA! This year I have been a senator on the Academic Affairs and Public Relations Committees. I also served on the Week of Kindness Planning Committee and am currently on the Sexual Violence Awareness Month Committee. Additionally, I am a member of UVM’s Sexual Violence Prevention Council, a peer note taker, and an outreach and fundraising volunteer at the Burlington Dismas House, which provides transitional housing and support for individuals reentering society after incarceration.I have strong communication skills and consider myself to be very friendly and approachable. I’m extroverted, but also thoughtful and reflective. I embrace challenges and am more than willing to have difficult conversations– I’m not afraid to speak my mind, but am good at listening to and collaborating with others.I have 4 years of experience working and volunteering for the College Axis Project, a non-profit organization working to create equity within college counseling and academic advising for high school students. I have been coordinating the nonprofit’s Student Advisory Board, raising scholarship money for those in need, and this summer, I had the opportunity to work with low-income scholarship students, helping to guide them through the application process.I also have served on several other non-profit boards: The Hopkinton Center for the Arts, and the Mental Health Collaborative– both local organizations in my hometown.At the first high school I attended, I served as President of my Class (freshman and sophomore years) before transferring. At my new school, I became a peer tutor (Economics, Math & English), an active and leading member of the Student DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) Committee, President of the Student Investment Committee, and Captain of the Varsity Softball Team!Joining the Student Government Association is one of the best decisions I’ve made at UVM, and I am so grateful to be surrounded by people who amaze and inspire me every day. This coming year, my goal is to have a more forward-facing role in SGA and help the student body understand what SGA does. Please reach out to me if you have any questions, or just want to chat. Thank you for your consideration!

PDF of Celia's Platform

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Hello! My name is Emilia Plaza, and I’m a first-year Patrick Leahy honors college student with a major in Business Administration at the Grossman School of Business with a concentration in Finance and a minor in Emergency Medical Studies at the University of Vermont. I am excited to announce my candidacy for a position in the Student Government Association (SGA). As someone intrinsically passionate about finance and business, I view SGA as an environment where I can grow my connections with my peers and gain a strong sense of community on campus. I am eager to stay informed about the issues that impact the people and place I call home, while also contributing to meaningful solutions.Throughout my life, I’ve demonstrated strong leadership skills through my work experiences and extracurriculars. I am confident, driven, and unafraid to speak my mind—qualities that will help me advocate effectively for and through students interests. Despite maintaining a full course load, I consistently balance my commitments, currently working 18 hours a week as a hostess. Time management, dedication, and resilience are skills I bring to everything I do. As well as being accepted into the Patrick Leahy Honors college as a sophomore admit I am proud to say that I do not falter when it comes to my goals, in and outside of the classroom. I have many experiences that have prepared me for this role. As an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), I’ve learned to thrive in high-intensity situations and make decisions under pressure. My years in the restaurant industry—starting at 14 and working my way up from front-of-house roles to manager—have given me strong problem-solving abilities, adaptability, and collaboration skills. Additionally, my time as a camp counselor developed my ability to resolve conflicts quickly and empathetically. I am also proud of my membership in the National Honor Society, which reflects my dedication to both service and academics. If elected, I am particularly interested in promoting financial transparency and accessibility on campus. I want to focus on: Club Funding Transparency; ensuring clear and fair allocation of funds for student organizations. Event Promotion & Engagement; improving how SGA and clubs advertise events to boost student participation. Budget Allocation Efficiency; streamlining the funding process to make financial resources more accessible. Financial Accessibility; addressing financial barriers that prevent students from fully engaging in campus activities. Collaboration Between Clubs; encouraging partnerships between organizations to create larger, more impactful events. Sustainability in Finance; supporting eco-friendly spending and budget policies. Student Feedback Integration; making sure student voices directly influence financial and PR decisions. I am excited about the opportunity to represent my fellow students, bring fresh ideas to SGA, and work toward making UVM a more connected and transparent community. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or want to share your thoughts. Thank you for your consideration!

PDF of Emilia's Platform

Hi all! My name is Lily Onorato, and I hope that you vote to reelect me as a senator on the UVM SGA. To allow you to get to know the person you would be voting for, here is a little bit about myself. Outside of student government I am rising sophomore, with a psychology and business co-major and a minor in childhood studies. I am also a student admissions representative and a resident advisor. During my year on SGA, I have served on both the Committee for Student Action and Wellbeing and the Public Relations Committee. Both in which I have made it my mission to partake in work that I know will benefit the quality of student-life hear at UVM, all with a specific emphasis on mental health resources and awareness. Some specific projects that I have been working on include working with multiple departments regarding sexual violence awareness and prevention. I have personally advocated to campus leaders and representatives about the importance of mandated sexual violence prevention trainings and modules that will help educate the UVM community. In addition, I have created an informational video that will be sent to incoming students emphasizing the importance of maintaining informed and making UVM a safe and comfortable environment to all. Another project that I have taken on to ensure wellbeing on campus is partnering with many campus departments to provide additional support to students who may have been impacted by the fire at Jeanne Mance Hall. These initiatives demonstrate my commitment to bettering the experiences of students at UVM. I am an avid advocate that everyone should have a place where they feel safe, comfortable, and supported, and I want to continue to help make the University of Vermont that place for all students. I will always be an ear to listen and am not afraid to speak up, so by electing me to be part of your senate, I can guarantee you someone who truly cares about you, the individual, and wants to make a positive change here on campus. I know the value of having a voice, and I am more than willing to do what it takes to allow yours to be heard. Thank you for taking the time to learn about me, and vote Lily Onorato for SGA Senator. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or just to say hi! lonorato@uvm.edu IG: _lilyonorato

PDF of Lily's Platform

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Hi All! I feel so lucky to be running for a second term as an SGA Senator. In my first term, I helped organize our annual Week of Kindness, planned and hosted a blanket-making event for the UVM Children's Hospital, met periodically with CHWB leadership, and supported fellow committee and SGA members with their projects. My goals for the next term, if elected, are to work closely with CESS student leadership, help my committee, the Committee on Student Action and Wellbeing, balance our focus between both aspects of action and health instead of having a heavy focus on one or the other, and help bring together students and student-athletes to aide in growing our campus community. I find that I am a good leader because of my compassion towards all, good listening skills, and willingness to adapt. I have so enjoyed working with everyone on the SGA and genuinely hope I can continue my relationship with such a wonderful group of dedicated students!

PDF of Megan's Platform

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Hello! My name is Robert Demeo (he/him), and I am a current junior Political Science major and Psychology minor, from Texas but raised abroad on a military base in Germany. I am running for reelection to a second term as an SGA Senator representing and serving you, the students – a privilege I take pride in every day.Since being elected, I have served on the SGA Club Affairs Committee, overseeing the 250+ clubs on UVM's campus, and working tirelessly to ensure this key part of student life is run by students, for students. Over the course of this year, we have brought over 41 new clubs onto campus, adding to the amazing diversity of clubs we already have.  Additionally, I was selected to serve on SGA’s Judicial Committee, where I assisted in a comprehensive review of the SGA Constitution to ensure it reflected the work we do now to serve students and streamlined it for future Senate bodies. Our work makes sure SGA functions as efficiently as it can.I was elected last year on a promise to increase representation, and I’m following through on that promise.  I’m working to bring back SGA town halls along with several other senators, for launch next year, to make it easier for you to talk to your elected student representatives. I’m helping Club Affairs streamline its new clubs process, to make it easier and more straightforward to get SGA recognition for your club. In the wake of an alarming political climate, I intend to collaborate with other senators to make clear SGA’s stance protecting and supporting marginalized student groups on campus, no matter the cost. My vision for the future draws on my experience and skills to deliver change and positive benefits for the student body.Serving the student body has been an immense privilege. In reelecting me for a second term to SGA Senate, I intend to represent the diverse and amazing student body that I get to serve every day, as well as following through on my promises and continuing the projects to bring representation to our administration. Thank you for reading! I hope I can count on your vote!

PDF of Robert's Platform

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Hi! I’m Abi and I think SGA plays a huge role in driving the changes that we want to see on campus, which is why I am hoping to be re-elected to be part of the Senate. I’m a Data Science major and an Economics minor, but have always been super involved with volunteer work, which I believe gives me a well-rounded perspective as well as a more “human” outlook on traditionally strategic problems. Whether it’s pushing for better mental health resources, advocating for sustainability initiatives, or making sure underrepresented groups have a platform, I want to make sure these conversations are had.I’ve been involved in leadership roles on campus, having been an orientation leader multiple times now. I have also organized multiple large-scale volunteer activities at soup kitchens, animal shelters, elderly homes, and beach cleanups and actively volunteer at the nearby correctional center as part of the UVM Prison Partnership. These experiences have taught me how to navigate complex tasks, work with large groups, and manage budgets effectively. I served on the Committee of Student Action and Wellbeing this past semester, and have been working alongside other senators and CHWB on projects to improve student health on campus. If re-elected I hope to continue these projects, but would also love to explore other Committees. Specific issues that I haven’t explored yet but would like to include providing more support for non-native English speakers, like myself, and bridging the communication gap between UVM staff and faculty and students. I believe it’s important to recognize and nurture the relationship between students and those who keep our campus running, like custodians, bus drivers, and dining hall staff. I’d love to work on initiatives that highlight and support these workers.As someone from Puerto Rico, I understand how challenging the transition to UVM can be, and I feel I can bring a unique perspective to the Senate. My goal is to ensure every student feels represented and heard as we work together to make UVM the best it can be. I’m committed to advocating for my peers, and I’d be honored to serve as your representative. Thank you for your support!

PDF of Abigail's Platform

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Hi! My name is Paige Lee, and I am a current sophomore at the University of Vermont studying Political Science and Business. This past year, I have had the good fortune of serving as an SGA senator on the Legislative and Community Affairs Committee. After attending regular senate meetings and participating in various activities, I have learned to think differently and gained new skills, both which inspired me to run for Senator to serve during the 2025-2026 academic year. I have always had a passion for positive change-making at both the local and broader levels. Throughout high school, I was active in several service clubs and organizations that helped shape my perspectives on community service and taught me valuable leadership skills. Here at UVM, I am an active member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority and the DREAM mentor-mentee program, which have strengthened my commitment to community service and giving back.  Living in the small and bustling hub of Burlington, I see endless opportunity to   transform and strengthen our infrastructure and connections to nearby towns. I am running for re-election because I want to continue building on the projects I have started, increasing student engagement, and enhancing the relationship between UVM and the Burlington Community. Over the past year as a Student Government Senator, I have worked closely with students, faculty, and the administration to contribute meaningfully to campus life. These interactions have deepened my appreciation for student lobbying and shown me what good collaboration looks like. Last fall, to educate my peers on the upcoming election, I met with the Office of Civic Engagement to lend a hand in organizing informational events that encouraged and celebrated our democratic process. More recently, I met with Athletic Director Jeff Schulman to discuss funding strategies for the athletic department and ways to increase student involvement with athletics. In addition, I have plans to reimagine our “Parents’ Weekends” to showcase UVM’s offerings while unifying the collective community, including parents and alumni.  While UVM remains a top notch and well-rounded college experience, I believe there is always room to grow and improve. During my tenure, I want to work on enhancing student life by expanding opportunities for student involvement, including events, and initiatives that both connect and excite the UVM community. I hope to strengthen relations between campus and town of Burlington by building partnerships with local organizations and businesses to create more student engagement opportunities. Promoting political and civic engagement through voter education events and meaningful volunteer work is also on my list. Lastly, I want to improve our athletic facilities, to encourage a more inviting experience for students to attend sporting events, contributing to more school spirt and pride.We are fortunate to attend college in a vibrant town like Burlington. There are endless opportunities for community transformation both on and off campus. I hope to continue advocating for students, fostering collaboration, and enhancing the Catamount experience for everyone!

PDF of Paige's Platform

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About Me My name is Tess Oreck, I’m from Los Angeles, CA, and I am running for SGA senator re-election. Despite my freshman status, I have extensive experience leading in student government, advocacy groups, and clubs. I am a Young Democratic Socialists of America member and am passionate about sociology and political philosophy, but I’m no career politician – in fact, I’m double majoring in Studio Art and Biology, and have work experience in filmmaking and outdoor guiding (UVM LEAP Class of 2025!). Goals This year, I started projects in campus beautification and student art and protections for communities like our queer students or student employees that I look forward to continuing to make progress on. The Trump administration has dramatically and suddenly spiked political censorship and the targeting of marginalized people, and next year, the fight against this censorship must continue– I will continue to focus on SGA’s role in both supporting students’ rights to protest and maintaining resistance to unconstitutional attacks such as ICE raids and deportations.  I also wholeheartedly believe in the power of creative environments; I will continue in my quest to fill campus with student artwork by involving student artists and designers in the cultivation of the campus landscape. Say Yes to Tess!

PDF of Tess's Platform

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This semester I have been incredibly grateful to be a part of The Student Government Association (SGA), and especially have felt extraordinarily lucky to be a part of the Club Affairs Committee. Working directly with student leaders, helping cultivate additional organizations on campus, and being able to advocate for the student body has truly become one of the most fulfilling things I’ve done at UVM.  Throughout my time at this institution there have been numerous occasions in which I wished things were done differently. There were moments I even found myself calling my mom, or best friends from home just to tell them just how frustrated I was. However, I soon realized that I was doing a lot of complaining but not a lot of “doing”. From then on I didn’t just think about the things that bothered me, but instead started thinking about solutions for solving them.I’m a strong believer that if you have something you want changed, it’s your responsibility to go out there and put the work in to make that change happen. If I was elected for this next term, I would foster and maintain that idea with everything I do. I’m not afraid to say or do things people may be scared of, if it’s what’s best for the student body. Specifically, it is important to me to always keep at the front of my mind the responsibility of being a part of SGA. SGA is meant to represent all students. This means that those a part of it should always take into account what the overall UVM community wants, not just what they want as an individual. If I were to be elected, I would prioritize maintaining this ideal through everything I work towards. Additionally, a guiding principle I strive to follow is always holding strong to what you believe is right. Of course, minds can change when new information is presented, but being able to not back down when faced with disagreement is invaluable. I would love to be this type of advocate for UVM students through the platform of a Senator on the SGA Senate. I would love to not just think about changes I wish I could make, but actually work towards making them. Being a part of the SGA Senate this semester has shown me that it's a platform where people, who are all advocates for what they believe in, get to work together to make the best changes possible. For these reasons, I would love to be reelected as a Senator and continue this collaboration with others to make UVM the best university it can be, and a true reflection of the students that attend it.

PDF of Kaitlin's Platform

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Hello! My name is Cat Jones, I’m a rising senior majoring in Computer Science and Political Science, and I’ve been on the Student Government Association for the past three years. Throughout my time on SGA, I’ve served on multiple committees and in various leadership capacities, including as the Chair of the Committee on Student Action and Wellbeing. In each role I’ve put myself on the line and used my position to push for students, whether that be student’s rights, wants, or needs, because that is the job you have put your trust in me to do. I believe I am best suited for this role due to my unrivaled experience and institutional knowledge, as well as my persistence. When I’ve promised to represent students to the best of my ability, those haven’t been empty words, they’re sentiments that I’ve backed up by standing with students at protests and vigils, having tough conversations with administration, and personally writing legislation to uplift and support the best interests of the student body. Even my peers in SGA have emphasized my commitment to the student body. As I’m reaching the end of my time at UVM, I am once again asking for your support in reelecting me, but past that, I am asking for your support in the position of Vice President.

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As a dedicated member of the Student Government Association, I am running for re-election to continue advocating for transparency, accessibility, and student engagement in decision-making. My goal is to ensure that every student’s voice is heard and that our Senate remains a body that truly represents our community.This past term, I served on the Committee for Common Ground Values (formerly the Committee on Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity), working to uphold the values that define our UVM community. I have helped draft legislation to protect students and expand resources for those affected by our current administration, which will be voted on next session, worked on planning Sexual Violence Awareness Month, and advocated for accessibility in legislation by consulting with disabled students and drawing from my own experiences as a Deaf woman.Additionally, I have begun initiatives to make SGA more transparent and accessible, including publishing finances and legislation on our website. There is still work to be done, and I am committed to continuing these efforts.I’m so excited about the opportunity to keep serving as your Senator. With your support, we can build a more inclusive and transparent student government. I would be honored to have your vote!

PDF of Hannah's Platform

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I am running for SGA Senate to improve the facets of UVM that many in the student body wish to change, but do not have the power to. By being an advocate for them, my leadership position on senate would create meaningful change across campus and improve the lives of others beyond the material changes we on Senate could make. A record number of college students are facing mental health crises like depression and anxiety. With my addition, I could help the lives of students by creating a school environment that facilitates good mental health and helps those struggling by providing them the resources they need to grow. As someone who has always been the oldest with my friends and family, leadership has been instilled in me for as long as I can remember. Responsibility and sensitivity to others has been a big asset in my life. This became especially true once I started my first job working as a volunteer sailing instructor at Piers Park Sailing Center in East Boston, MA. Volunteering at a sailing center taught me how to lead others while dealing with different types of adversity. While we had to deal with typical problems like rough weather and juvenile arguments, many kids dealt with problems that couldn’t be solved so easily. The sailing center was a safe haven for the kids, many of whom couldn’t afford to sail if the camp wasn’t a resource for them. By helping these kids, I learned how to instruct with empathy, and understood the problems many face that I am lucky enough to not know firsthand. This opportunity would influence my position on SGA Senate greatly, as this leadership experience has influenced my person and would help me lead with empathy and gratitude. I served on my high school’s student government as senior secretary, and that experience allowed me to understand how student leadership works, as well as learn how to communicate with people throughout the school and make connections that worked to create change in the school environment. We planned fun events like dress-down days, school trips, and code of conduct revisions that improved morale around the school, and these experiences would aid me greatly in a committee like Student Action and Wellbeing. My plans to improve the university align closely with that of CSAW, and I look forward to an opportunity to work with them to make aspects of UVM better and more enjoyable for all students. At UVM, I am excited to work with a group of my peers to specifically advance the mental health of the school as a whole. If I were to be voted into Senate, I would work to make students feel safe and supported through improving housing, safety on campus, and making UVM a space anyone can live and thrive in.

PDF of Kristen's Platform

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Hi! My name is Jaden Grace, and I'm running to be your senator once again!I have been working as a senator on the SGA Club Affairs and PR Committees for about a year now. I've spent my time overseeing 250+ clubs on campus, directly confirming seven clubs, re-activating 4, and bringing numerous organizations back into good standing with the SGA. I was proud to organise a clean-out of the Galaxy Space Storage Cage with Senator Esbin, and I am currently working with my fellow senators to build the first Clubsigner Awards Show, the Clubbies! When I'm not in senate, I'm putting in hours as a Mechanical Engineering major, making your sandwich at Green Roof Deli, serving as a TA for the CDAE Department, and performing with the wonderful UVM Hit Paws.My Club Affairs background has shown me the numerous responsibilities of clubsigners on campus, both to SGA and to their own members. I want to give clubsigners tools for success so all members of the student body can enjoy their time at UVM. I will work to streamline the process to get SGA Organisations back in good standing, and provide more fundraising opportunities for the clubs I am proud to represent as a Club Affairs senator. A vote for me is a vote for grace!

PDF of Jaden's Platform

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Hello, my name is César Camacho.I’m an international student from Ecuador who loves photography, movies, and learning about new cultures. I want to bring a fresh perspective to UVM and help create a welcoming environment for all students. As secretary of the International Student Club (ISC), I’ve been helping the community, and now I’m running for senator to make UVM feel like home for everyone.When I arrived at UVM, I struggled to adapt to the culture and available resources. This made me realize how important it is to raise awareness of support programs for students, especially newcomers. As a senator, I aim to support international and exchange students, help them acclimate to Vermont, and make this place as welcoming as their homes. I also want to work with the Office of International Education (OIE) to improve the experience of studying abroad and simplify the credit transfer process.I plan to collaborate with student organizations to create a mentorship program for students new to Vermont, helping them adjust to their new environment. As a non-native English speaker, I understand how challenging it can be to adapt, so I also want to implement a bilingual mentoring program to support these students and make their voices heard.If you have any recommendations, want your voice to make an impact, or need help, please don’t hesitate to reach out.Thank you for your support!

PDF of César's Platform

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My name is Cameron Laychak, I'm a lifelong Vermonter who loves to ski. When I'm not skiing or hanging out with my friends, I'm prepping food at Central Dining! For the past year, I have served as a senator on SGA. When I was first elected, I was an outspoken advocate for improving mental health resources on campus. I have been working with UVM administration to improve the LiveSafe (or CatSafe) app. These improvements will be released soon and will lead to an overall better ability for the app to help you, or a friend when they are in crisis. Another issue that I’m passionate about is transparency in SGA. I have worked with my fellow senators York and Theroux, towards getting the SGA budget on our website. Simply put, if we spend your money you deserve to know how it’s being spent. I plan to continue working on SGA transparency if re-elected. When I joined SGA, I did not think that we would be facing the situation we are now. The federal government is actively targeting our peers, friends, and family. The president of the United States signed an executive order that defines gender as sex assigned at birth, alongside executive orders that ramp up deportations. This administration is hurting many of my peers. Before the current president had been inaugurated I and my fellow senators Theroux and York presented to the senate ideas and projects that would help students being affected by the current administration. I am dedicated to seeing these projects to completion and continuing to advocate for my peers being hurt by this administration. I would be honored to have your vote!

PDF of Cameron's Platform

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Hi Everyone! My name is David Richardson and I am running to be re-elected to SGA Senate for my third and final term! For a bit of background on myself, I am from Saint Johnsbury, Vermont, and I am majoring in Political Science and Economics. I am currently in the process of writing my Honors College thesis where I am exploring the possibility of educational discrimination towards low-income and first-generation college students. This past semester I served on the Academic Affairs Committee where I played a role in advocating for educational policy changes here at UVM. The main part of my involvement in SGA has been surrounding my advocacy of creating a more equitable environment for low-income and first-generation students at UVM and in Vermont. Not only have I been an advocate for this issue at UVM, I have presented at state and national education conferences on this issue.  If re-elected, I hope to continue advocating for support systems around campus to help students who come from a modest-income background and continue to develop the relationship between UVM student leadership and educational opportunity programs around Vermont. On top of my leadership experience being an SGA Senator, I also serve as the facilitator for the Vermont State GEAR UP Alumni Advisory Committee. GEAR UP is a federally funded program through the United States Department of Education that supports first-generation and low-income high school students in pursuing a college education. Having been an alumni of the program, I served as a member of the inaugural committee two years ago. As we finish our second term of the committee, we are beginning to prepare for the third term and are evaluating the projects and outreach events we will look to accomplish. The committee is aimed at providing an alumni perspective in the development of new programming to support current high school students. My work with GEAR UP and SGA have often been intertwined, while in different organizations, both leadership positions have offered me the platform to advocate on behalf of a population of students that are undersupported in college education. While I only have one year left at UVM, I hope to spend it working on SGA, continuing to advocate for low-income and first-generation students around campus and the state of Vermont. Thank you so much for your consideration, and feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns!

PDF of David's Platform

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Representing UVM’s student body has been a profoundly rewarding experience. I would be honored to continue to work to make UVM a better place with my fellow senators. With your vote, I can continue to serve as a bridge between students and campus partners, making our voices heard and striving for a more sustainable future. Thank you.

PDF of James's Platform

My main purpose is to contribute to the improvement of the mental and physical health of UVM students. While this is a broad stance, I believe that students can truly transcend all academic and occupational obstacles and easily achieve their desired success simply through consistent practice of mindfulness techniques and the implementation of affirmative statements and actions. In order to be effective agents of change, individuals must realize and act on the potential to be creators of their own environment. Therefore, I seek to maximize the academic and emotional freedom of students by helping implement policies that students believe would be beneficial for their mental well-being, whether this be through adjustments within the academic environment or the addition of campus resources and accommodations. Our campus should prepare students emotionally, rather than just academically, for their futures, as this mental factor is oftentimes a greater indicator of long-term success. I strongly prioritize thoroughly seeing, learning, and understanding the perspectives and stances of others. My form of leadership is one in which student voices, backgrounds, ideas, and desires paint the canvas of my overarching goal. I aim to foster understanding, patience, and active listening within our school community and student government. Students should feel that their opinions are the main drivers of change on campus. I believe that my patience, empathy, clarity, and analytical perspective would make me a strong leader on campus. My past experiences as a peer counselor have enhanced my listening skills and given me insight into the complexity of effectively navigating mental health challenges alongside a demanding academic environment. It allowed me to see how many students view mental health as a secondary concern when, in actuality, our mindset is the framework for our future. I would love to help my fellow students on their journeys to self-actualization and academic, mental, and spiritual success. I would adore your vote!

Hey guys, I’m Kevin! I am going to keep this short because I know that no one has time to read a giant text. Just so you all know a little more about me, I am a current freshman. I served on SGA this year on the committee on Our Common Ground Values (formerly known as diversity inclusion and equity). I am also currently in LASP and will transfer to the Honors college next year; I am a member of the debate team as well.My main goal that I have for SGA next year is to get student government (UVM) more connected to the Burlington community as well as our state legislators. This can be achieved by furthering efforts to meet with the city counsel and our mayor. There is a disconnect between UVM and the community we live in; I hope enhancing these relationships will result in more opportunities for UVM students to get involved in the community. I believe it is so crucial in this current political climate to partner more with our state legislators. Vermont has progressive senators and representatives; however, our federal administration under Trump is burdening us all, which directly affects you: your tuition costs, your visibility, and the programs you directly benefit from. Having a closer relationship with our legislators will one, keep the uvm student body more informed on what changes will be happening to our institution, and two, furthering these relationships will allow uvm students to address their concerns to our legislators.Thank you so much for your time! I truly appreciate you considering me as a candidate.Best, Kevin :)

PDF of Kevin's Platform

6ft. 110lb bench. I like power and money. Capable of holding solid eye contact and have a strong handshake. Changes for the sake of change. Huzzah! Go kitties!

PDF of Jess's Platform

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Hi! My name is Maddi Rice, and I am a member of the class of 2026 studying Economics with hopes of pursuing a career in law. I am running for a position in the SGA Senate to empower the student body by listening to their voices and actively delivering effective change. I will strive to push UVM to reach its utmost potential and the pinnacle of quality with all its endeavors – academic, athletic, artistic, cultural, and much more. I am not afraid to speak up, and I will use my leadership skills and positivity to achieve beneficial results for everyone.  I am currently Chair of the Finance Committee; an opportunity that has nurtured my leadership skills, communication skills, and attention to detail. I will continue to use those skills as a Senator in the 2025-26 term to better UVM and the surrounding community. I led the process of reviewing budgets and supplemental requests alongside the rest of the Finance Committee and helped to ensure that all clubs on campus have the financial ability to help their members and the UVM student body explore their interests.   As I continue in my SGA career, I will continue the work of making the budgeting process as accessible as possible and working together with clubsigners to ensure their clubs are properly funded. Going hand in hand with that is my goal to increase transparency in SGA’s budgeting and supplemental processes by creating more sources of information for club signers. This year I’ve also had the experience of serving as a student representative to the Board of Trustees’ Budget, Finance, and Investment Committee. I have gained information regarding broader UVM operations and plan to utilize that in continuing my role on the Finance committee. Last year, I also helped plan events for Sexual Violence Awareness Month (SVAM). From that experience, I built campus connections that I will utilize as a Senator next year. I believe it essential to continue the work of connecting more UVM students to local governments to ensure that their input is taken into consideration. In addition, I plan to work towards increasing scholarships in proportion to tuition increases. As Senator, I am committed to advocating for your concerns and working my hardest to ensure our college community thrives and every voice is heard. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me, and vote Maddi Rice for SGA Senator!

PDF of Maddi's Platform

My name is Andrew Ranallo, and I am a Junior political science & environmental studies major at UVM. I am running for a Senatorial position in the Student Government Association because I am committed to working for, and with, every student on campus to make UVM the best community that it could be.This is my third year running for a Senatorial position on UVM’s SGA. During my second semester, I was elected to the Senate and placed on the Finance Committee, where I have continued to serve for the past five semesters. As a previous member of the Finance Committee, I have worked hard to remain fair and impartial for all students groups, clubs, and organizations. If re-elected, I will continue my work on the Finance Committee, and ensure that SGA’s financial policies are more open and transparent for the student body. I am open to hearing from any student, not just those representing clubs, and would love to talk to any about anything, Finance related or not.

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Hello! My name is Nora Carroll-Millins and I am a 2nd year nursing student from Norwell, Massachusetts. Over the past year on senate, I have served on the academic affairs committee and the judicial committee. I am running for re-election to continue efforts to support students in their academics. Through my own experiences, I understand how difficult the transition to college can be academically and I am passionate about making the transition smoother and less stressful for students. On my time on senate, I have worked on adding whiteboards to study rooms around campus, increasing academic support and sponsored 2 bills amending the SGA constitution to better reflect our current responsibilities. I am excited to hopefully represent the student body for another term!

PDF of Nora's Platform

My main purpose of running for an SGA position is to continue to be a voice of and for the UVM student body. I started my time on SGA on the Club Affairs Committee where I was able to learn about the clubs confirmation process from my peers, and then shortly after I became the Chair for the Committee on Our Common Ground Values (previously known as the Committee on Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity). Throughout my time as on SGA I have had the honor to have been able to grow my leadership skills by learning from my peers, as well as from working with administrators, and I hope to continue those conversations and experiences! My goals for SGA have changed over time, but only because of the institutional knowledge that comes with being a senator. Before being in the senate, I had only a fraction of what I know now about SGA operations. I think that working towards that knowledge being disseminated to the student body is very important, and it starts with the work of the senators. Another goal of mine that I have is to improve SGA relations with our Athletics Department with the broader goal of emphasizing our school spirit. In addition to emphasizing the school experience with the current students here, I want to work with existing campus partners, such as the Student Alumni Association, to further alumni relations with the university. These connections of alumni with their alma mater is essential to strengthening the UVM community inside and outside of Burlington.Overall, I am very fortunate to serve the UVM student body, and I hope to continue my time as a senator for our Student Government Association! Please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns.

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I am running for a senate position to amplify the diverse range of perspectives at UVM and continue serving as a dedicated representative on the Club Affairs Committee. My goal is to ensure that every student—regardless of background—feels heard, supported, and represented.As a student leader, I bring empathy, understanding, rationality, and determination to every role I take on. I will continue to show and represent the student body with these characteristics and above all continue to learn and grow as we are in an everchanging environment. My commitment to UVM students extends across all stages of their journey. As a campus tour guide, I support prospective and admitted students in their first introduction to UVM. As a pre-orientation leader and RA, I help first year, and second-year students transition into college life and foster community. My work on the CAS Undergraduate Council has further allowed me to advocate for students across all years by collaborating with faculty within the college.As a first-generation Latina student, I am deeply passionate about ensuring that marginalized communities are not only acknowledged but actively considered in every university decision. Although we may be a smaller population at UVM, our voices deserve to be heard. Additionally, I am committed to continuing my work on the Club Affairs Committee, supporting the 250+ student organizations that are vital to campus life. Clubs foster community, leadership, and personal growth, and I will work to ensure they have the support they need to thrive.With your support, I hope to continue making UVM a more inclusive and representative space for all students.

PDF of Rebecca's Platform

Hi! My name is Polina and I’m a junior studying Economics and Russian. I’m from Northern Virginia and I play women’s club hockey here at UVM. I’m running for my second year of SGA Senate, and I hope to gain your support.I served on the Finance Committee this past year and witnessed firsthand the struggle to fund a massive number of clubs on campus. However, as a member of multiple clubs, particularly a club sport too, I have also experienced struggles on the other side. Fundraising, paying dues, and facing budget allocations that don’t feel adequate are issues many clubs can relate to. During my time on the Finance Committee, I jumped headfirst into being an advocate for all clubs and equitable funding. I hope to continue to do so next year and develop a system that pairs members of the SGA Finance and Club Affairs Committees with Clubsigners to further support their work on a more frequent basis. Furthermore, I plan to use my knowledge of economics and my newfound finance experience to develop ways to decrease costs for clubs and make caps on certain purchase types more in line with current prices.During my past year on SGA, I also served on the PR Committee. This opportunity really showed me that there is a slight disconnect between the study body and knowledge about what exactly SGA does. If elected, I would aim to have a more impactful social media presence, concise periodic newsletters, and better advertising for SGA and general study body events. As SGA, we have a responsibility to uplift activities occurring around campus. Additionally, our Senators execute a lot of incredible projects that deserve recognition and could gain wider reach with better advertising. On the other hand, students should be able to approach Senators to provide input on what they would like to see done on campus. I hope to use a pragmatic approach for finding a way to have students suggest and critique ideas for SGA.Last, I plan to initiate reforms dealing with our SGA Elections process, its accessibility, and instructions. I would love to motivate more students to join SGA and I think that proper advertising is the first place to start. As UVM evolves, I am dedicated to representing the evolving needs of our student body, especially if that means drawing in more students to a place that has power to enact change. I hope I can count on your vote to continue striving to represent our wonderful student body. You can reach me at pzubarev@uvm.edu. Go Cats!

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