The Associated Students of the University of Arizona addressed the upcoming election season, discussed campus events and welcomed their new senators who will serve during this semester.
The senate began the meeting by approving funding for a Pre-Health Club Fair that will be held in the Bear Down Gymnasium on Jan. 26 from 4-6 p.m. This fair will have representation across pre-health majors, including clubs from the Colleges of Medicine, Science, Pharmacy, Public Health and Nursing.
“The main part is a club fair and we usually get about 50 or so clubs, and we get a lot more focus in this one,” College of Medicine Sen. Alexander Jauregui Galarza said. “We’ll also have volunteer and research opportunities.”
The fair will have opportunities for pre-health students to ask questions to a student panel and representatives, as well as explore pre-health minors.
The Budget and Oversight Committee shared that spring appropriation requests are open and that the committee has already granted funding to 10 student organizations on campus. ASUA has also received a grant which will allow for an extra semester of funding for clubs.
As the spring semester has begun, the Elections and Policy Committee is preparing for the election season for the 2026-2027 school year. Packets for candidates are available now for pickup in the ASUA Office in the Student Union Memorial Center.
“It’s really important that we get as much of the student body voting as possible, so make sure you are spreading the word,” College of Nursing Sen. Emma Stanek said. “Another thing happening throughout this election is that we’re going to be doing a lot of tabling.”
The committee emphasized that they hope to receive more election turnout and is making a significant effort to reach out to students and remind them to vote for next year’s senators. There will be a “Meet Your Senators” panel event on Jan. 29.
Internal Affairs and Accountability shared that the ASUA Near You, which represents students who attend UA online, will be receiving an update to its legislation and elections policy. The committee is working on potentially creating a designated ASUANY director position and advisory board.
“This legislation will primarily revolve around reassuring online students that we’re not trying to detract from ASUANY’s mission, and we still want to make sure that online students still feel as represented as possible,” W.A. Franke Honors College Sen. Aparna Chandrasekar said.
At-Large Sen. Katelyn Alvarado shared that she is currently working with the Dean of Students to create more resources for first generation students attending or planning to attend UA. Alvarado is hoping to create a presentation for first generation students to attend on admitted students day this year.
“One of my goals this year was to help first generation students with applying to UA and accessing all the resources here,” Alvarado said.
Chandresekar highlighted that the Honors College recently released Early decisions for the class of 2030. Because of this, the Honors College will now be focusing on marketing to prospective students and attending high school events.
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Sen. Victoria Gallardo shared with the senate that all UA students have access to free counseling and therapy through Campus Health.
“That is a big deal,” Executive Vice President Benjamin Huffman said. “It truly can make the difference between a student enrolling or staying in college or having to opt out for whatever reason.”
ASUA Senate welcomed At-Large Sen. Victoria Watson as well as first-year representative Rezan Salih who will serve for the remainder of the 2025-2026 school year.
“I want this position to be a voice for all freshmen and first-years in general,” Salih said. “If they have any recommendations or anything that can improve the quality of school, I can share it and voice it.”
Huffman shared that the Spring Club fair will take place on Jan. 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the Spring Break Safety fair on Feb. 26 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the mall.
