People and Structure

USÄ¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Assembly

The USÄ¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Assembly is comprised of a president, vice president, 10 senators, 12 delegates, 3 liaisons, and 3 boards (Concert Board, Green Fee Board, Media Board).

Executive position, Senator, and Delegates are elected by the student body during the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ general election (in spring) or collect signatures through the petition packet process to join the assembly. See USÄ¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Elections for more information.

President and Vice President

Photo of Arel Gutierrez
Arel Gutierrez
USÄ¢¹½ÊÓÆµ President
SU 201A
Phone: 907-786-1206
Email: usuaa.president@alaska.edu

Arel Gutierrez, a Chicano military brat raised across the United States and various countries, has cultivated a diverse perspective through his experiences. From 2024-2025, Arel served as the delegate to the College of Engineering for USÄ¢¹½ÊÓÆµ, student representative to the General Education Council (GEC), Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ representative, and vice chair of the Coalition of Student Leaders (CSL), and became a senator to USÄ¢¹½ÊÓÆµ in spring 2025.

Arel, who majors in political science with a minor in legal studies, aims to work for state and federal legislation, advocating for the voice of the people of Alaska. He is committed to bringing community and student engagement to the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ campus.

The President acts as the official spokesperson for USÄ¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Student Government and provides leadership, support, and direction for USÄ¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Student Government as an organization. In this role, the President appoints numerous student representatives to serve on boards and committees within the University to offer student voice and opinion. The President holds the authority to approve or veto Assembly legislation and will work in conjunction with the Associate Director for Student Leadership and Administrative Assistant to supervise all paid USÄ¢¹½ÊÓÆµ employees.

Photo of Emily Hufford
Emily Hufford
USÄ¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Vice-President
SU 201A
Phone: 907-786-1206
Email: usuaa.vicepresident@alaska.edu

Emily Hufford was adopted from China at 13 months old, and has lived in Alaska ever since. She actively engages in student leadership, having served as Liaison for Fraternity and Sorority Life within Student Government and as Chief Activities Officer. Additionally she has served as President of The Feminist Intersectional Rights Movement club, and is a proud member of the sorority Alpha Sigma Alpha.

Emily is a Journalism and Public Communications Major with a Minor in Communications. She aspires to build a career in public relations. Having demonstrated strong leadership skills among students, she is committed to improving the student experience and is passionate about representing and advocating for the student body.

The vice president oversees internal matters of the USÄ¢¹½ÊÓÆµ organization. The vice president is an ex-officio member of all sub-committees of the USÄ¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Assembly and they appoint the sergeant-at-arms. The vice president performs the duties of the president in the event of temporary absence. The vice president will automatically take over the position of president in the event of a presidential resignation, impeachment, recall, or other incapacity.

Officer Positions

Officer positions are nominated by members of the General Assembly to sitting senators and delegates at the beginning of each spring and fall semester, with the exception of the Government Relations Officer (1 yr term). Officers may continue in their roles the following semester if supported by the Assembly

Speaker of the Assembly, Aidan Efrid

 Responsible for calling, setting the agenda, and chairing all meetings of the assembly, as well as serving as the advisory voice of the assembly to the president and vice president.

Speaker of the Assembly Pro Tempore, Paige Brown

Performs the duties of the Speaker in their absence, chairs the Student and Academic Affairs Committee, and records meeting minutes during Assembly sessions.

Government Relations Officer, Payton Callahan

Coordinates internal and external advocacy efforts, chairs the Legislative Affairs Committee, and represents Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ on the Coalition of Student Leaders. Prepares reports for the Assembly and other governance bodies, and facilitates dialogue with elected and non-elected officials at the university, municipal, and state levels. Unlike the other chairs, they must serve for the full academic year due to the Coalition of Student Leaders.

Sergeant-At-Arms, Jake Pennell

Chairs the Rules Committee, enforces the Speaker’s directives regarding order during Assembly meetings, monitors ethical conduct, and tracks attendance and service award eligibility.

Chief Financial Officer, Leo Reyes-Boyer 

Chairs the Finance Committee, monitors budget line items and remaining funds, and advises the Assembly on all financial matters.

Chief Activities Officer, Joan Orense

Responsible for serving as the chair of the Activities Committee and overseeing the coordination and execution of events to encourage campus involvement and enhance student life at the university.

Executive Committee

Composed of the President, Vice President, Speaker of the Assembly, Speaker Pro Tempore, Chief Financial Officer, Government Relations Officer, and Chief Activities Officer. This committee coordinates Assembly operations, provides strategic direction, and supports the work of standing committees by improving communication, oversight, and internal management.

Constitutional Committee

Includes at least one executive, one senator, one delegate, and one liaison (if applicable). This committee updates and amends the USÄ¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Constitution as needed. All referenda, initiatives, and constitutional amendments must be conducted under the oversight of the Election Board. Amendments require a majority vote from the USÄ¢¹½ÊÓÆµ student membership unless otherwise specified. The Assembly must provide at least thirty (30) calendar days of public notice before submitting any constitutional amendment to a student referendum.

  • Senators

    There are 10 student senator positions on the USÄ¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Assembly. The senators represent all Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ students who have paid the student government fee (a part of the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ consolidated fee). Senators look for ways to enhance the quality of education and campus life by advocating on issues related to the budget, tuition, academic programs, the administration, and more. Senators are responsible for gathering opinions and testimony on issues important to the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ student body. 

    Senators must also serve on two standing committees within USÄ¢¹½ÊÓÆµ. Committee options include: activities, rules, student and academic affairs, finance, and legislative affairs. Each of these committees coordinates programs, events, and activities to carry out USÄ¢¹½ÊÓÆµ's mission. 

    Duties

    • Approximately five hour commitment per week  
    • Attend weekly general assembly meetings (Friday at 3pm)
    • Gather students opinion and testimony on key issues 
    • Research, draft and vote on legislation affecting student life and academics 
    • Serve on two standing committees or boards within USÄ¢¹½ÊÓÆµ 
    • Host a minimum of two office hours per week 
    • Volunteer at USÄ¢¹½ÊÓÆµ events 
    • Complete an assembly project
    • Attend USÄ¢¹½ÊÓÆµ retreat/Orientation 

    Service awards of up to $200 per semester for senators who meet all duties and responsibilities. 

    Current senators (as of 10/30/2025):

      • Macchelssy Dinganga
      • Aiden Efird
      • Catey Habberstad
      • Jessica Derocher
      • Leo Reyes-Boyer
      • Mika George
      • Madison Brewer
  • Delegates

    USÄ¢¹½ÊÓÆµ offers two delegates to each academic college. These delegates are elected to represent the specific needs and perspectives of their respective student populations within USÄ¢¹½ÊÓÆµ. Delegates serve as the voice of their college’s students, ensuring that unique academic, cultural, and logistical concerns are heard and addressed in student government.

    Duties

    • Approximately three hour commitment per week
    • Attend weekly general assembly meetings (Friday at 3pm)
    • Gather students opinion and testimony on key issues 
    • Research, draft and vote on legislation affecting student life and academics 
    • Serve on one standing committees or boards within USÄ¢¹½ÊÓÆµ 
    • Host a minimum of two office hours per week 
    • Volunteer at USÄ¢¹½ÊÓÆµ events 
    • Complete an assembly project
    • Attend USÄ¢¹½ÊÓÆµ retreat/Orientation 

    Current delegates (as of 10/30/2025):

    • Miriam Hall, CBPP
    • Chas Zanoria, CBPP
    • Graduate College (2 vacancy)
    • College of Arts and Science ( 2 vacancies)
    • College of Health (2 vacancies) 
    • College of Engineering (2 vacancies)
    • Community and Technical College (2 vacancies) 

    Delegates may earn up to $100 per semester if they meet their duties and responsibilities.

  • Liaisons

    Three student liaisons serve on USÄ¢¹½ÊÓÆµ, representing:

    Liaisons advocate for their respective student organizations. Liaisons are appointed by their respective student organizations. Contact Club Council, Greek Life, or Residence Hall Association directly for details.

    Current liaisons:

    • Patrick Brooks, Club Council
    • Jemeikka Tadeo, Residence Life Association 
    • Sorority and Fraternity life (vacant) 

     

Standing Appointments

Standing appointments are necessary positions for every academic year.

Daniel Ribuffo, Ombuds

The chief protector and defender of students' rights and acts as students' confidante. Serves as a source of information to students concerning policies, rules and regulations of USÄ¢¹½ÊÓÆµ and the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ.

Assembly Appointments

USÄ¢¹½ÊÓÆµ provides opportunities to gain leadership skills and experience by serving on university boards, committees, and task groups that make Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ policy recommendations and decisions affecting students, faculty, and administration. Appointees have the opportunity to represent fellow students and make a difference on campus.

The USÄ¢¹½ÊÓÆµ President and Vice President nominate and the Assembly approves numerous students to serve on UA and Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ standing boards, organizations, and committees. USÄ¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Appointees become part of the decision-making process at Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ by helping to establish and review policies, procedures, and make investments that affect the campus community. Appointees report directly to the President and/or Vice President and update the organization during regular Assembly meetings.

  • Eligibilty
    • Be enrolled in at least 3 credit hours at Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ
    • Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
    • Have paid the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ consolidated fee
    • Be in good disciplinary standing with the University
  • Appointment Process

    Interested students should email the USÄ¢¹½ÊÓÆµ President at usuaa.president@alaska.edu. Candidates will be interviewed, and if selected, will be nominated by the President and then presented to the USÄ¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Assembly for approval as defined in the USÄ¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Constitution and/or Bylaws. Applications are reviewed as received until appointments are filled.

  • Duties
    • Attend meetings of their respective committees/boards
    • Submit monthly reports to USÄ¢¹½ÊÓÆµ president on committee/board activities
    • Attend one USÄ¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Assembly meeting per month or meet with the president
    • Abide by ethical guidelines as stipulated in USÄ¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Constitution and Bylaws

USÄ¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Boards

Board members are elected during the spring general election or may join by completing the . See USÄ¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Elections for more information.

Board/Organization meetings are subject to change, changes will be posted 24 hours in advance on the USÄ¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Calendar.

Board/Organization Day Time Location
Club Council
uaa_clubcouncil@alaska.edu
Fridays (bi-weekly)

1PM Student Union South Cafeteria
Concert Board
ewashingtonii@alaska.edu
Fridays 2PM  Student Life & Leadership Conference Room 
Election Board
uaa_elections@uaa.alaska.edu
Contact via email    
Green Fee Board
uaa_greenfee@uaa.alaska.edu
Fridays 12PM  Student Life & Leadership Conference Room
Residence Hall Association
uaa.rha@alaska.edu
Sundays 8PM Gorsuch Commons 106

Media Board

crdevenny@alaska.edu

Monthly, Fridays  varies Student Union