People and Structure
USÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Assembly
The USÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ 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 ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ general election (in spring) or collect signatures through the petition packet process to join the assembly. See USÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Elections for more information.
President and Vice President

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 USÀÖ²¥´«Ã½, student representative to the General Education Council (GEC), ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ representative, and vice chair of the Coalition of Student Leaders (CSL), and became a senator to USÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ 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 ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ campus.
The President acts as the official spokesperson for USÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Student Government and provides leadership, support, and direction for USÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ 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 USÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ employees.

USÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ 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 USÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ organization. The vice president is an ex-officio member of all sub-committees of the USÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ 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 ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ 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 USÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ 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 USÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ 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.
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Senators
There are 10 student senator positions on the USÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Assembly. The senators represent all ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ students who have paid the student government fee (a part of the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ 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 ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ student body.
Senators must also serve on two standing committees within USÀÖ²¥´«Ã½. 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 USÀÖ²¥´«Ã½'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 USÀÖ²¥´«Ã½
- Host a minimum of two office hours per week
- Volunteer at USÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ events
- Complete an assembly project
- Attend USÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ 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):
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- Macchelssy Dinganga
- Aiden Efird
- Catey Habberstad
- Jessica Derocher
- Leo Reyes-Boyer
- Mika George
- Madison Brewer
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Delegates
USÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ offers two delegates to each academic college. These delegates are elected to represent the specific needs and perspectives of their respective student populations within USÀÖ²¥´«Ã½. 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 USÀÖ²¥´«Ã½
- Host a minimum of two office hours per week
- Volunteer at USÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ events
- Complete an assembly project
- Attend USÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ 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.
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Liaisons
Three student liaisons serve on USÀÖ²¥´«Ã½, 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 USÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ and the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½.
Assembly Appointments
USÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ provides opportunities to gain leadership skills and experience by serving on university boards, committees, and task groups that make ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ policy recommendations and decisions affecting students, faculty, and administration. Appointees have the opportunity to represent fellow students and make a difference on campus.
The USÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ President and Vice President nominate and the Assembly approves numerous students to serve on UA and ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ standing boards, organizations, and committees. USÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Appointees become part of the decision-making process at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ 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 ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
- Have paid the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ consolidated fee
- Be in good disciplinary standing with the University
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Appointment Process
Interested students should email the USÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ President at usuaa.president@alaska.edu. Candidates will be interviewed, and if selected, will be nominated by the President and then presented to the USÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Assembly for approval as defined in the USÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Constitution and/or Bylaws. Applications are reviewed as received until appointments are filled.
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Duties
- Attend meetings of their respective committees/boards
- Submit monthly reports to USÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ president on committee/board activities
- Attend one USÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Assembly meeting per month or meet with the president
- Abide by ethical guidelines as stipulated in USÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Constitution and Bylaws
USÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Boards
Board members are elected during the spring general election or may join by completing the . See USÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Elections for more information.
Board/Organization meetings are subject to change, changes will be posted 24 hours in advance on the USÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ 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 |
|
crdevenny@alaska.edu |
Monthly, Fridays | varies | Student Union |








