USAC 2025-2026 Elections
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Ballot Initiative Language
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To support the operations of the Good Clothes Good People Basic Needs Redistribution Center and without increasing or decreasing any student fee, beginning in Fall 2025 shall the Undergraduate Students Association Council (USAC) amend the 2020 Good Clothes Good People Basic Needs Referendum to read:
“Shall the Undergraduate Students Association Council (USAC) amend its preexisting fee of $0.39 per undergraduate student per quarter to fund, in addition to school supplies and hygiene products, any items, services, and expenses relating to the operations of UCLA’s Good Clothes Good People Basic Needs Redistribution Center? This fee will continue to be collected from all undergraduate students enrolled in Fall, Winter, and Spring. The fee will continue to increase annually by the amount of the L.A. County CPI. 25% of the amount collected will continue to be returned to undergraduate financial aid.”
__Yes
__No
Supplemental statement: Good Clothes Good People (“GCGP”) is the student organization responsible for running UCLA’s Basic Needs Redistribution Center located in the Student Activities Center B54. At the Center, individuals can donate basic needs items that are then made available to students for free, no questions asked. In 2020, the UCLA student body voted by historic margins to increase student fees to supply GCGP with funding to provide free school supplies and hygiene products to students. This proposed revised referendum would not increase the existing student fee for GCGP. Instead, it would allow us to both expand our offering of basic needs resources and ensure that we are able to remain in our home so that we can continue meeting the evolving needs of students.
Since its founding by student leaders in 2018, the Basic Needs Redistribution Center has provided thousands of students with free basic needs items. However, due to the restrictive language of the original referendum, we are only able to purchase school supplies and hygiene products with our funding. Unfortunately, this means that the Center is unable to offer a variety of basic needs services and items that students depend on, including professional clothing, technology, accessibility products, and more. Revising this referendum would allow the Center, beginning in Fall 2025, to expand our basic needs gift card program so that students could purchase any essential items they need.
Recently, we faced the alarming possibility of losing our space in the Student Activities Center when we were told to vacate the Center without a permanent relocation option. Had the Center been forced out of its home, there would have been a devastating impact on low-income students who depend on the Center’s resources. In addition to expanding our basic needs footprint, revising this referendum would enable us to allocate a fraction of the fee towards funding our continued use of our space in SAC if and when the need arises. The Center serves as a vital resource for the thousands of students who rely on it. Voting “Yes” to revise the referendum would not increase the existing fee for GCGP. Instead, it would expand our ability to use future funding from fee to provide students with any and all essentials that they need. We hope you will consider taking this opportunity to support the survival and growth of the Center.
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Shall the undergraduate students of UCLA approve an increase of $4 per quarter (including the summer) to the Student Wellness portion of the Undergraduate Student Association (USA) Fee, for a total of $104.31 beginning in Fall 2025, to provide dedicated funding for the Campus Assault Resources & (CARE) program, the USAC Community Service Commission’s Bruin Dine Initiative, and the Economic Crisis Response Team (ECRT) at UCLA—to enhance emergency support, basic needs security, and crisis relief services for students?
The approval of this referendum would allocate the fee increase as follows:
A. $2/per quarter to the UCLA Center for Campus Assault Resources and Education
B. $0.30/per quarter to the USAC Community Service Commission for Bruin Dine
C. $0.70/per quarter to the Economic Crisis Response Team (ECRT)
D. In accordance with University policy, 25% of the amount collected from the referendum ($1/per quarter) will be returned to UCLA students in the form of financial aid.
E. The proposed increase to the Student Wellness portion of the USA Fee, outlined in this referendum, will be subject to a Los Angeles County Consumer Price Index (CPI) adjustment factor (as determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor) beginning Fall 2026 for every year thereafter in order to address changes due inflation and any rise in the cost of living.
This fee will be assessed each academic year including each Summer Session term.
__Yes
__No
Supplemental Information: The Resources First Referendum addresses the urgent need for consistent and sustainable funding for essential student services, particularly for students facing crisis situations. The funding will support the Center for Campus Assault Resources and Education (CARE) program, Bruin Dine, and the Economic Crisis Response Team (ECRT), all of which provide critical assistance to the UCLA community.
CARE Program: The CARE program is a UC system-wide initiative designed to provide free confidential support and advocacy services to students, staff, and faculty who have experienced sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, stalking, or other forms of sexual violence. Unlike Title IX, which focuses on institutional compliance and grievance processes, CARE offers personalized advocacy services that are essential to student healing. This referendum would provide funding to support peer educators, and prevention education and outreach events.
Bruin Dine: Bruin Dine is a student-run organization founded in 2018—which is now housed as a constitutional project under the USAC Community Service Commission—that recovers surplus food from UCLA dining halls and on-campus restaurants to provide free, hot meals for students and staff in need. By expanding the Bruin Dine program, this referendum will fund the operational costs for recurring food recovery and distribution events, support advocacy and research efforts, and enable the expansion of food recovery efforts to serve more students. Since Fall 2022, Bruin Dine has redirected over 20,000 pounds of fresh food to create almost 14,000 meals for UCLA students and staff. However, at the end of Spring 2025, Bruin Dine will lose access to the grant that funds its operations, which will significantly burden food recovery efforts and its ability to provide free meals to students in need. This referendum will help reduce food waste and ensure that every member of the UCLA community has access to nutritious meals when they need them most.
The Economic Crisis Response Team (ECRT): The Economic Crisis Response Team (ECRT) is a multidisciplinary group of campus partners dedicated to supporting UCLA students experiencing financial crises that impact their wellbeing and academic success at UCLA. This referendum will provide additional financial resources to ECRT, which it will then distribute to students facing emergency hardships, such as unexpected medical expenses, housing instability, and other urgent financial crises. By working through ECRT and Financial Aid, this additional funding will ensure that students receive appropriate financial relief, allowing them to focus on their academic and personal well- being during difficult times.
The proposed $4 per quarter student fee, beginning in Fall 2025, will ensure long-term, reliable funding for these essential programs, strengthening UCLA’s ability to support students during times of need. This referendum reflects the collective responsibility of the UCLA community to provide for all Bruins, particularly in moments of crisis.
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Abridged Text (ballot)
2025 Universal Access Transit Pass Renewal Referendum
Shall the Undergraduate Student Association (USAC) reauthorize the Universal Access Transit Pass for a fee of $6.80 per quarter, effective Fall 2026 and terminating at the end of Spring 2030 unless renewed, to continue to provide unlimited access for undergraduate students on all public transportation providers in Los Angeles County that participate in LA Metro’s U-Pass program during the academic year (Fall, Winter, and Spring Quarters)?
This referendum does not affect the current Universal Access Transit Pass fee of $3.41 per quarter, as the current referendum fee is set to expire at the end of Spring 2026.
Transit agencies participating in the U-Pass program include Metro Bus & Rail, Big Blue Bus, Culver CityBus, LADOT Transit, Montebello Bus Lines, Norwalk Transit, Torrance Transit, GTrans, Foothill Transit, Pasadena Transit, Antelope Valley Transit Authority, Santa Clarita Transit, and Long Beach Transit.
The fee will be assessed each academic quarter beginning Fall 2026. The fee will not be assessed during summer quarters. The fee will expire after four years, at the end of Spring 2030, unless extended through a student referendum.
This fee will be subject to a Los Angeles County Consumer Price Index (CPI) adjustment factor (as determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor) every Fall in order to address changes due to inflation and any rise in the cost of living. The CPI adjustment will occur annually, beginning in Fall 2027.
Consistent with UC policy, 25% of the amount collected ($1.70 per quarter in AY 2026-27) will be returned to Undergraduate Financial Aid.
__Yes
__No
Supplemental Text:
Executive Summary
UCLA is well-served by public transit, with 11 local bus routes, 4 commuter routes, and Metro Micro serving UCLA directly, in addition to rapid bus service on Wilshire Boulevard and the E (Expo) Line light rail to Santa Monica and East Los Angeles. In addition, UCLA is projected to gain further transit service with the extension of the D (Purple) Metro Rail line to Century City, Koreatown, and Downtown Los Angeles, and with the anticipated construction of the Sepulveda Metro Rail line to the San Fernando Valley, Culver City, and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
The current Universal Access Transit Pass Referendum was passed in Spring 2023 with 93.35% of the vote. As a result, since the Fall 2023 quarter, Bruins have had unlimited access to LA Metro Bus and Rail, Big Blue Bus, Culver CityBus, and other transit services that serve UCLA and participate in LA Metro’s U-Pass program. Undergraduates also have reduced-fare access to Metro Micro, a rideshare system for short-trip connections, costing only $1.00 per ride.
The original Referendum, along with its associated fee, are slated to expire at the end of the Spring 2026 quarter. This referendum aims to renew the U-Pass program for 4 additional years (Fall 2026 to Spring 2030) to ensure service during the academic year (excluding summer).
Voting Yes ensures that unlimited U-Pass service remains available during the academic year (Fall, Winter, Spring) for the tens of thousands of UCLA students who rely on public transit.
Today to 2030: Future Transit Projects Accessible Through U-Pass Renewal
By renewing the U-Pass, students will maintain unlimited access to Los Angeles' expanding transit network through the next half decade. While students currently enjoy free transportation to LAX by bus, the upcoming K-Line LAX station and LAX Automated People Mover will make airport travel even more convenient.
Of immediate relevance to students is the D (Purple) Line extension to the Westside, which is expected to enable single-train trips from Westwood to Century City, Koreatown, and downtown LA in 25 minutes or less.
The transit improvements planned for the 2028 Summer Olympics will become fixtures of LA's transportation network, contributing to a lasting culture of public transit use.
Looking further ahead, the A Line Foothill extension to Montclair will open in 2030.
History of the Universal Access Transit Pass
2023 Referendum
Beyond receiving overwhelming support from students, the draft referendum was brought to the Undergraduate Students Associated Council (USAC) on March 7, 2023, and was approved by a vote of 10-0-0. The draft referendum was reviewed by the University of California Office of the President (UCOP) with three required modifications on March 23, 2023. The office of Chancellor Gene Block gave final approval of the ballot and referendum language on April 6, 2023.
The organization Bruins for Better Transit was created to campaign for the 2023 Universal Access Transit Pass referendum. Bruins for Better Transit, as well as individuals from various other UCLA student organizations focused on themes around environmentalism, transportation, and public affairs, made up the large extent of the advocacy for the pass. Online these efforts included posts on social media outlining what the referendum would do if passed, and how students could use their U-Passes in their daily commutes and to explore Los Angeles. On campus, campaigners handed out fliers on Bruin Walk, the bus turnaround, and other locations on campus in line with election guidelines, calling for undergraduates to both vote in the election and to vote yes in support of the referendum. Representatives from the campaign visited both classes and student organization meetings, reminding them to vote in the upcoming election.
In 2023, the referendum received endorsement by various campus organizations, including but not limited to: UCLA’s chapter of the Institute of Transportation Engineers, the Association of Civil Engineers, the Daily Bruin, Bruin Democrats, MEDLIFE at UCLA; and a majority of offices of USAC.
Coinciding with the campaign, a design competition was held for students to submit a custom tap card for the Bruin U-Pass in partnership with the facility commission. Voting was open to undergraduate students through an online form. The design by Sami Williamson featuring Bruins enjoying a warm, sunny day on Tongva steps won the majority of votes from student voters. The custom design was ordered in a limited quantity. After supplies of the custom UCLA-themed TAP card ran out, students requesting physical passes received a standard LA Metro design.
7,113 students voted in the elections, making up 23.03% of the student body. 93.35% voted in favor of the Universal Access Transit Pass referendum. According to the Daily Bruin, the 2023 elections had the largest voter turnout since 2020, as well as the first referendum to pass since 2020.
In August of 2023, the portal to order the U-Pass through UCLA Transportation officially opened to the student body. The portal allowed students to log in using their MyUCLA logon ID and password. Once on the site, students could select how they wished to receive their U-Pass. Students had three options: to receive their physical tap card via mail (not available for students residing in university residences), pick up from a distribution event, or pick up their pass at the central ticket office. At the time, there was no digital U-Pass option available for UCLA students. A digital U-Pass option was made available to students starting Winter quarter of 2024. Bruins are unable to hold both a physical and digital U-Pass simultaneously; one or the other must be chosen for the quarter.
Significant staffing support for distribution activities was provided by both student and professional Central Ticket Office staff (forming a portion of Hill distribution events, distribution from the Central Ticket Office, and mailing passes). In Fall 2023, distribution events were held during Week 0 both on the Hill and at University Apartments. Later in the quarter, distribution was held on campus at various environmental and transportation-focused events. Activities like this are recommended to continue annually to encourage new students (freshmen and junior transfers), as well as returning students to obtain a transit pass.
The U-Pass must be renewed and reactivated each quarter as it will cease to work upon the end of the quarter. The first physical tap card received by Bruins does not incur an additional fee, but in the instance of a lost or damaged card, Bruins can order a replacement physical TAP card for $2.00. When still in possession of their physical TAP cards, Bruins do not need to purchase a replacement card upon renewal.
Following directions on the renewal ordering page, Bruins can reactivate their card using the ID number located on the back of the physical TAP card.
History of the Bruin Grad Pass
In April 2020, the “BruinGo” Universal Access Transit Pass Referendum passed with 76% approval from voters in the Graduate Students Association, with more than 1,200 students voting to support the referendum. The pass, at the time, cost graduate students $25.04 per quarter, and the Bruin Grad Pass started in Fall 2020. The $25.04 fee was substantially lower than the standard transit fee, but the fee was lowered further in November 2023.
The Fall 2023 referendum not only renewed the Bruin Grad Pass Program for ten more years but lowered the fee to $11 per quarter. In the 2023 Fall Quarter alone, nearly 6,000 passes were distributed.
The Bruin Grad Pass provides graduate students unlimited access to all seven transit agencies serving the UCLA campus, including Los Angeles Metro bus and rail, Metro Micro, Santa Monica Big Blue Bus, Culver CityBus, Long Beach Transit, Antelope Valley Transit Authority, Santa Clarita Transit, and LADOT Commuter Express. The pass can also be used in other LA County transit lines: Torrance Transit, Gardena GTrans, and Foothill Transit.
Other Universal Transit Passes
In addition to UCLA undergraduate and graduate students, all 21 community colleges in Los Angeles County, as well as most UC campuses, offer unlimited access to public transportation subsidized primarily or in part by student fees.
Compared to other UC campuses that provide unlimited access to public transportation that is subsidized by student fees, the renewed universal transit pass at UCLA plans to offer a lower-cost option for undergraduate students. For example, students at UC Berkeley and UC San Diego pay $105.00 per semester and $69.57 per quarter, respectively, in 2024-25. These fees also received significant support from their respective student bodies in recent elections (83% and 72% support in their latest student fee renewals, respectively).
Universal transit for undergraduates was not unprecedented at UCLA prior to the passing of the universal transit access pass referendum in 2023. In 2000, UCLA implemented its BruinGo program, during which all students, staff, and faculty could initially enjoy unlimited rides on Big Blue Bus for free, courtesy of UCLA Transportation.
This program was very successful; as a result of making transit free, UCLA-affiliated ridership increased from 1.4 million trips in 2000-2001 to 2 million trips in 2002-2003. Demand for driving to campus decreased during this time, with a five percentage point decrease in the observed rate of driving alone to campus the following year, in addition to about 1,000 people giving up their parking spot or leaving the waitlist for a parking spot.
When UCLA Transportation began to require copayments from students for BruinGo due to insufficient funding, transit ridership fell back to 1.4 million trips in 2004-2005.
Through the renewal of the Universal Transit Access Pass, with a low fee based on real-world usage, we will ensure a similar sunset of fare-free transit access and ridership will not occur for Bruins.
Historical Context
While often referred to as one of the most car-dependent cities in the United States, Los Angeles has an extensive bus and rail network that transit agencies are actively working to expand and improve. LA Metro has the third-largest bus fleet in the country, and numerous regional municipalities operate their own bus networks—for example, Santa Monica’s Big Blue Bus. Since 2008, LA County voters have voted overwhelmingly for Measures R and M, which were sales taxes to fund public transit, showing an increasing willingness to invest in transit over car infrastructure.
Public transit is much more space-and energy-efficient than personal automobiles, due to the requirement to provide each car with multiple parking spaces and long stretches of road, and the ability to put many passengers on a single transit vehicle. These benefits are especially important in high-density areas. Westwood in particular is outgrowing the car as the principal method of transportation. UCLA is growing quickly, with six large residential buildings housing around 5,400 having been completed in the last three years, two of which stand on the site of a former parking lot, and none of which have any associated parking spaces.
Historically, automobile dependency has encouraged Los Angeles’ sprawling development at the expense of transit, furthering socioeconomic inequities. However, investment in public transportation resumed in the 1980s, and overwhelming voter approval of sales tax referendums in the subsequent decades have continued funding new public projects. For rail, Westwood will be home to a subway station around through the D (Purple) Line extension to West LA, and UCLA may gain an on-campus station in the 2030s with the Sepulveda Transit Corridor Project.
According to the 2023 State of the Commute Report, UCLA has over 28,000 total student commuters, of whom 15,242 are undergraduate students residing off-campus (about 46% of all undergraduate students). Examining modes of transportation used by commuting students between 2021 and 2023 confirms that policies like the Universal Transit Access Pass are necessary to encourage public transportation use.
To draw accurate comparisons to 2019 pre-pandemic commute methods, we have excluded the 16% of commuter students who remained off-campus taking online classes from the percentage of students who use each mode of transportation in 2021. In 2019, 25.5% of students took public transit to campus. In Fall 2021, this number fell to 20.8%. However, usage of public transportation increased to 24.4% in 2023. Whether or not this observed increase was due to recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic or the introduction of the U-Pass to undergraduates in Fall 2023, this data suggests there is an increasing demand for public transit as a means for students to travel to UCLA.
Benefits of U-Pass
Environmental Benefits
As of 2017, commuter emissions accounted for the largest share of UCLA’s mobile source emissions (52,720 MT of CO2e). This figure is largely driven by single-occupancy vehicle travel, which contributes significantly to emissions of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and other pollutants.
In contrast, public transit has been demonstrated to reduce greenhouse gas emissions thanks to the use of low or zero-emissions vehicles and the shared nature of public transportation. For instance, the Big Blue Bus, the highest ridership system during the first four quarters of the U-Pass’ existence, currently operates renewable natural gas buses across its fleet and is actively electrifying its entire bus fleet to achieve zero emissions.
If commuters switch from individual private vehicles to more sustainable forms of collective, public transportation, scientists note that greenhouse gas emissions can be significantly reduced, helping to clean the air, mitigate climate change, and improve the efficiency of transit service.
Studies of previous transit passes at UCLA, as well as at dozens of other universities across the country, have shown that promoting and subsidizing public transit leads to fewer people driving to campus, especially if that transit is free at the point of service.
Over the life of the current U-Pass, students have accumulated a total of 864,837 taps, potentially amounting to hundreds of thousands of car trips not taken.
These environmental benefits are particularly important in urban areas, such as Westwood, due to the accumulation of local pollutants contributing to adverse health outcomes.
A failure to renew the Universal Access Transit Pass could lead to students reverting their transportation behaviors back to more polluting, less sustainable modes of transport, including automobiles.
To continue advancing UCLA’s sustainability goals, it is imperative to address the transportation needs of the entire campus community by ensuring students can access unlimited, fare-free transit. Continued access to the Universal Access Transit Pass will serve as a crucial incentive for the UCLA undergraduate community to use public transit instead of driving or ridesharing, thereby strengthening students’ connectivity to campus and the rest of Los Angeles County.
Accessibility & Safety Benefits
UCLA and the greater Los Angeles region offer numerous opportunities for students to grow and explore academic, recreational, and professional experiences. Museums like the Getty and LACMA provide enriching art, while LA City Hall and Downtown LA are filled with career and internship opportunities.
However, these areas are too far to reach by foot and require either a personal vehicle, expensive ridesharing, or public transportation. By enacting a transit pass subsidized by a student fee, all students will be able to get around Los Angeles and access these vital services and opportunities across Los Angeles.
A Universal Transit Pass enables students to participate in opportunities across Los Angeles, providing the much-needed career advancement that UCLA is renowned for and allowing students to explore the nooks and crannies of Los Angeles. In addition, the universal access transit pass eliminates the hassle involved with loading a TAP card for multiple trips, and the uncertainty in knowing if one has enough funds to complete a trip. Fare-free transit will allow students to focus solely on reaching their destinations.
Metro has also prioritized greater safety measures for transit riders. Safety is crucial for students to feel comfortable and welcome on public transit, especially for international students who may face challenges in navigating these systems. In Metro’s last ridership survey in 2022, safety was listed among the top five priorities by customers, with Metro increasing efforts towards meeting this priority.
The safety improvement efforts that LA Metro has implemented include:
1. Security Cameras: LA Metro has installed security cameras on its buses and trains to monitor passenger activity and deter criminal activity. These cameras can also assist law enforcement in identifying suspects and providing evidence in the event of an incident.
2. Onboard Security: LA Metro has hired additional security personnel to patrol its buses and trains to deter criminal activity and ensure the safety of its passengers. These security personnel are trained to respond to emergencies and provide assistance to passengers as needed.
3. Public Awareness Campaigns: LA Metro has launched public awareness campaigns to educate passengers about safety best practices, such as standing behind the yellow line on train platforms, keeping backpacks and bags in front of them, and reporting suspicious behavior to Metro personnel.
4. Infrastructure Improvements: LA Metro has made significant infrastructure improvements to enhance safety, such as installing gates and barriers to prevent pedestrians from crossing train tracks and implementing train control systems to reduce the risk of collisions.
5. Safety Inspections: LA Metro conducts regular safety inspections of its buses and trains to ensure that they are operating safely and in compliance with industry standards. Emergency Response Planning: LA Metro has developed comprehensive emergency response plans to ensure that its personnel are prepared to respond quickly and effectively in the event of an emergency or disaster.
Overall, these safety improvement efforts have helped to make the LA Metro system safer for its passengers and employees. However, more work can be done to ensure all Bruins feel safe on transit, and LA Metro, USAC, and UCLA Transportation will continue to collaborate to evaluate and implement new safety measures to enhance the safety of public transportation for all students.
Equity Benefits
Although driving a car is the preferred choice of transportation for many, owning and operating a personal vehicle is expensive. Significant costs are associated with car ownership, including purchasing a vehicle, and paying for gas, insurance, maintenance, and parking; the average American spends more than $10,000 each year on their vehicle.
In addition, the price for a commuter student quarterly parking pass is $292.93. These costs can form a major barrier for low-income individuals seeking an education, which is one reason why public transit is so important in providing an affordable, accessible, and safe alternative. Public transit can fill this role by providing valuable connections from historically underserved communities throughout LA County to UCLA, especially for commuter students who cannot afford their own car. For students who rely on transit, the pass will facilitate their mobility to school, jobs, family, and more. Furthermore, the 2022 Customer Experience Survey found that 72% of LA Metro’s ridership comprises people of color, with a further 83% of riders coming from household incomes of $50,000 or less and with the median income of Metro bus riders being $15,000. In particular, low-income individuals would see the most benefits. Affordable public transit is crucial to ensuring all students have access to the opportunities UCLA can provide, and the Universal Access Transit Pass will provide this to the entire undergraduate student body. Failure to renew this referendum may result in greater greenhouse gas emissions from personal automobiles and a decline in public transportation usage, with students once again responsible for paying fares. Without the Universal Access Transit Pass, Bruins will have fewer affordable alternatives to paying for the costs of rideshare or maintaining a personal vehicle (e.g., parking passes, insurance, and gas). Lower-income students, students without personal vehicles, and commuter students in particular may be impacted. This referendum presents a grand opportunity to continue to make transportation sustainable, equitable, and accessible for UCLA undergraduates, and its renewal will ensure better transit and a better future for Bruins six years from now.
Fall ‘23 Winter ‘24 Spring ‘24 Summer ‘24* Fall ‘24
U-Passes Issued 19,709 14,477 12,771 1,442 18,432
% of Undergrads w/ U-Pass 59.7% 43.8% 38.7% 4.4% 55%
Total Taps 229,571 266,346 223,589 83,882 291,020
Change in Taps (prev. quarter) N/A +16.0% -16.1% -62.5% +246.9%
Money Saved** $292,717 $357,074 $282,249 $103,534 $394,814
*Summer U-Pass costs $30 as opposed to $3.30 and fewer undergraduates are on campus during summer.
**Factoring in U-Pass fee for all students each quarter and $30 per summer pass for every pass issued—using assumption that every tap is worth $1.75.
President
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Hello Bruins!
My name is Diego Bollo, and I am a proud first-generation Bruin running to be your Undergraduate Student Association Council President for the 2025–26 school year. Born and raised in Los Angeles and a member of the Indigenous community, I arrived at UCLA and worked to create a space for underrepresented students.
My dedication to uplift marginalized communities on campus and drive an inclusive campus forward is what inspired me to run for USAC last year. I was elected to serve into the Office of General Representative 1 and have proudly advocated for the needs of our diverse student body.
As General Representative 1, I have championed UCLA’s DEI initiatives, including our commitment to becoming a Hispanic-Serving Institution and the launch of the Latinx Success Center. I’ve advocated for prioritizing basic needs, supported student-led efforts in lobbying the California State Legislature, stood in solidarity with undocumented, immigrant, and international students, backed our campus workers, and consistently spoken out against the expanding role of UCPD on our campus.
From marching in Sacramento for undocumented students’ right to employment, to mobilizing at City Hall against attacks on free speech, and organizing on-campus mutual aids during the LA Wildfires—I have prioritized the needs of students in response to both longstanding challenges and emerging issues.
Today, our university finds itself at a crossroads and at the center of a national conversation regarding diversity and inclusion, policing on campus, and campus activism. In this pivotal movement, we must act to protect our student voices, affirm our diverse identities, and protect the student-centered visions of those who came before us at UCLA.
I believe that diversity is essential to excellence. Inclusive excellence shouldn’t merely be protected—it should be grown. I’ve seen how vital our resources and support systems are for student success.
And I’m ready to defend these stances, regardless of the challenges we face.
As President, I will prioritize student safety and work to address overreach of violence and excessive policing. True safety comes from meeting students' needs, not from expanding the policing budget. We must build a climate of inclusivity, not of fear.
I’m committed to ensuring that our over 33,000 students are represented and actively involved in protecting and expanding our resources. In face of budget cuts and institutional threats, I will uplift our student organizations and campus coalitions by enhancing shared campus governance.Together, we can lead UCLA forward.
Follow @diegobollo4president for campaign updates and to share our movement!
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Jiorden King for USAC President
Because a stronger campus starts with each other.
“We may not look the same, and we may not have come from the same place — but we all want to move in the same direction.” - Barack Obama
My name is Jiorden King, and I’m running to be your 2025–2026 USAC President. UCLA deserves a student government that leads with empathy, fosters unity, and remains deeply committed to meeting the fundamental needs of our communities.
I step into this role shaped by many identities — Black, Samoan, Chinese, and bisexual — and grounded in my family’s legacy of resilience in the face of poverty. Like many students, I’ve struggled to find where I truly belong. I often felt too Black for my Samoan community, too Samoan for my Black community, and too disconnected from my Chinese heritage to feel at home. I entered college carrying that uncertainty, but I found community in the Pacific Islands’ Student Association (PISA), where I was embraced for all that I am.
Through PISA, I not only found my voice but also used it to advocate for what our community needed most. As PISA’s President and Outreach Coordinator, I collaborated with administrators and organizers to secure a Pacific Islander recruiter and funding for a resource center — accomplishments that took years of dedicated advocacy to achieve.
Along the way, I’ve also been involved in other vital campus spaces like the SIOC and the CPO. These experiences exposed me to diverse perspectives, demonstrated the deep dedication students have to building a better campus, and reminded me that we all share common needs. My involvement in student leadership and advocacy made it clear that our administrative leaders must do more to support unity, foster real Bruin pride, and support us in fighting for the changes our communities deserve.
This campaign is rooted in the belief that no student should struggle alone. We all deserve to feel seen, heard, supported, and safe. I will work with the Basic Needs Committee, student organizations, and UCLA departments to prioritize and strengthen essential resources like food, housing, and holistic support — not just in words, but in action.Beyond services, we need healing. Our campus has faced administrative neglect and national trauma, and students have borne the brunt. It’s time to rebuild trust between students and administrators by bridging gaps — between communities, leadership, and opposing views. We won’t always agree, but we can sit down, speak honestly, and listen with compassion.
I’m not just running to be your USAC President — I’m running to be your partner and collaborate with you in building a better UCLA. A campus where we grow together. A campus where your identity is never a barrier to belonging. A campus that listens, acts, and heals. Whether you’re from South Campus or North, a campus organization or a club sport, living in the dorms, or commuting — we are all Bruins. You matter.
Let’s build the future we deserve. Together.
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Hi Bruins!
My name is Mafruha R. Esha, a second-year Biochemistry & Mathematics major, proud daughter of immigrants, current president of the Med Coalition at UCLA, and the USAC Budget Review Director overseeing the USA/BOD funding.
Over the past two years, I’ve built a nonprofit from the ground up, expanded it internationally, and led global aid efforts in developing countries. I’ve mentored underclassmen in finding scholarships and research opportunities, and making a name for myself and UCLA in the United Nations.
As an immigrant myself, I know firsthand the barriers we face– financial, academic, mental, and social. I am running as USAC president to break those barriers.
I was accepted into UCLA with a full ride, however within the first 2 weeks of fall quarter my financial aid was taken away due to paperwork issues. I was left stranded to fight for myself. My classes were dropped 3 times that quarter and my tuition skyrocketed to $76,259. I had no one to turn to. At home, I sat beside my father, the strongest man I know, watching him cry because he couldn’t help his daughter. The devastating look on my parents face is one I will never forget.
Everyone told me to drop out. I didn’t. I fought—and after weeks of communications with the higher ups I won back my scholarships. But I never forgot how lonely that fight was. Although I am grateful for all those in UCLA that cared enough about a freshman to aid me during my time of need, I know there are others out there who are in similar situations as me and it pains me to know that there isn't anyone willing to tell them they'll be ok. I never forgot how lonely that fight was.
I’m running for President because no student should ever feel that alone. I want to be the person I needed—someone to say, “It’s going to be okay. You’re not alone. We’ll fix this together.” I owe it to UCLA and all those who have helped me remain a student here to help others who will come after me. I have a duty to my fellow classmen to aid them in any way I know how to.
I have noticed inequalities and changes that need to be made to ensure we live up to the title of #1 Public University in the nation. If I were to be elected I would make sure every waking moment of my term is used to benefit UCLA students. The priority list I will enter my office with is as follows:
- Reducing USAC Elected Official Stipend to reinvest in student needs
- Reforming meal swipe accessibility on campus
- Addressing enrollment and housing challenges head-on
- Changing Dining Hall Menus
- Making Clubs More Accessible
I believe leadership means listening, learning, and building together. As USAC President, I’ll be a bridge—not a barrier—to the resources and community we all deserve. Let’s reimagine UCLA together.
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Hello Bruins — I’m Syed Tamim Ahmad (he/him), your current International Student Representative, a RA, and someone who has found home in every corner of this campus. From sleepless study nights to joyful celebrations of culture, from quiet dorm conversations to vibrant spaces of collective action — UCLA has been more than just a university to me. It’s been a mosaic of shared dreams, quiet strength, and everyday resilience.
I’m running for USAC President with Project Amal — a name that means hope in Arabic. But not the kind of hope that waits. Real hope acts. Real hope dares to imagine something better — and then works, together, to make it real. It’s the belief that our community can grow more compassionate, more inclusive, more responsive — not someday, but now.
Over the past year, I have stood with you — not as a leader above, but as a peer beside. In crisis calls and late-night walks, in classroom whispers and moments of breakdown, I have seen our pain, but I have also witnessed something else: our power. The quiet power of resilience. The fierce power of community. The unshakable power of students who refuse to settle for less.
This campaign is about us — the students who bring life to this university. It is about the international student who carries a passport and a thousand uncertainties. It is about the undocumented student who dares to dream beyond borders. It is about the disabled student who shouldn't have to fight for what should have always been theirs — access, dignity, belonging.
I envision a UCLA where basic needs are not barriers but guarantees. Where care for mental health is swift, welcoming, and affirming. Where classrooms reflect the diverse minds and bodies within them. Where every student — no matter where they come from — can feel they belong here fully, unapologetically.
This is more than a campaign. This is a call to dream — and to build. Together. To reimagine what student leadership can look like when it’s led with heart, rooted in purpose, and powered by community.
Project Amal is not just my vision — it’s ours. It’s the promise that change wears many faces — sometimes a bold step forward, sometimes a quiet stand with a friend. That compassion is a form of courage. That collaboration is how we grow. That the future we seek is already here — in the way we show up for one another, day after day.
Let’s rise — not in opposition, but in unity. Not in fear, but in belief. Let us dream not alone but together, with the full power of our stories, our roots, and our vision. Let’s move forward with hands extended, voices lifted, and a shared vision for a better, braver, and more beautiful UCLA.
To stay updated, learn more, and be part of this movement — follow our campaign on Instagram at @the.meme4bruins.
With unwavering hope, grounded strength, and a heart full of belief,
Syed Tamim Ahmad
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To my fellow Bruins,
My name is Teesha Sreeram (she/they), and I’m a third-year Labor Studies student. I am proud to announce that I am running to be your next USAC President—and I’m here to get it done.
My advocacy journey began at UC Riverside, where a campus safety committee meeting sparked my passion for change. I quickly became Chair, leading efforts on safety, accessibility, and student wellness.
One initiative I’m proud of is advocating for a student-run safety service, ensuring our campus community feels safe at all times. We prioritized a model without police involvement, addressing concerns about police control, empowering students, and holding university leadership accountable. It was the first time I truly understood how powerful our voices are as students. That passion took me beyond the campus level.
As a two-time Student Advocate to the Regents through UCSA, I had the opportunity to speak directly at UC Regents meetings—the highest level of governance in the UC system—before even transferring to UCLA. I advocated for increased funding and accountability for CARE offices, stronger support for survivors, the creation of Collegiate Recovery Programs across UC campuses, and the equitable distribution of UC funds. These experiences not only deepened my understanding of systemwide policy, but helped me build cross-campus connections that will be critical when pushing for changes that benefit both UCLA and the broader UC community.
Since coming to UCLA, I’ve continued to advocate for students in every space I step into. I currently serve as President of De Neve Towers and Program Director for the Access on Board project under the Facilities Commission, while also staying engaged with organizations centered on reproductive justice and student advocacy. I’ve sat across from administrators and pushed for reforms around mental health services, academic advising, and increased support for marginalized students. I’ve stood alongside survivors, calling for trauma-informed, survivor-centered care and collaborated with transfer, commuter, and disabled students who are often left out of the conversation. I believe effective advocacy begins with listening—and I’m ready to listen to you. Outside of meetings, I show up as an active community member by attending protests and rallies. I also work with UCLA’s Collegiate Recovery Program and recently served as a delegate at a regional campus housing conference, representing UCLA alongside the broader pacific region.
If elected, I will fight for the academic support we deserve. I’ll advocate for CARE offices and mental health resources that are accessible, community-centered, and culturally inclusive. I’ll prioritize safer housing options, better study spaces, and enhanced Living Learning Communities to create supportive environments. I will ensure that marginalized communities— including, but not limited to, ethnic minorities, nontraditional students, transfers, and students with disabilities—receive the resources they need to succeed. I’ll demand transparency within USAC, ensuring you as students are informed and empowered every step of the way.Vote Teesha Sreeram for USAC president so we can create the change we need. Let's get it done!
~ Teesha Sreeram
Internal Vice President
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My name is Eman Almuti, and I am excited to announce my candidacy for the Office of the Internal Vice President (IVP)! This past year in the IVP office, I have witnessed firsthand the tremendous potential we have as a student body to drive real, meaningful change. But to fully harness that power, every student needs to have a seat at the table, and I am committed to making that happen. No student, regardless of cultural, religious, ethnic or gender background, should ever feel like their voice doesn’t matter, especially at a time when shifting governmental policies and institutional decisions are reshaping what it means to be a student today.
I am confident that my previous and current experiences uniquely position me to serve in this role. As Student Relations Director in the IVP office, I have had the privilege of working closely with a variety of student organizations, helping to ensure their concerns are integrated into the work USAC does. One of my proudest achievements has been revitalizing the Congressional Advisory Board (CAB) and serving as its chair. In this role, I brought together 19 student organizations, giving them the platform to advocate for the unique challenges their members face. In just the past two quarters, CAB has hosted two impactful events. The first, a USAC x CAB panel, introduced students to their elected officers and highlighted opportunities for deeper involvement and the strengthening of ties. More recently, we organized a CAB networking event where student leaders engaged in direct conversation with key UCLA executives including Administrative Vice Chancellor Michael Beck and Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Life Mick De Luca. It was a powerful space for students to voice their concerns and be heard by those making campus-wide decisions.
What makes my campaign unique is that every one of my platforms is rooted in these real conversations and lived experiences. My vision isn’t based on assumptions- it is fortified by what students have told me they need. These are achievable, realistic goals that will uplift student organizations, build bridges between USAC and the wider student body, and ensure that those who’ve historically felt left out are included. While I’ve worked closely with student leaders over this past year, my mission as IVP is to expand on this work to include all students, especially those in marginalized communities and those who may not be involved in USAC or traditional leadership spaces.
I am running because I believe in building a student government that listens to, acts for, and includes everyone. From enhancing campus safety and increasing resources for student organizations to improving housing and transportation, I am ready to deliver real, student-driven solutions. I have seen the power of student voices and I will make sure they are uplifted and at the center of every decision.
Let’s build a UCLA where every student feels heard, supported, and empowered!
Campaign Instagram: @eman4ivp -
Hello Bruins!My name is Tommy Contreras, and I’m running for Internal Vice President (IVP) to amplify student voices and stand up for justice. Growing up in a Mexican American immigrant family with two public defenders as parents, I learned the importance of justice and advocacy. My parents taught me that true advocacy isn’t speaking for others but empowering them to speak for themselves. This belief fuels my work as a student leader and drives me to fight for all Bruins, especially those whose voices are often overlooked.
As UCLA General Representative #2, I’ve worked to ensure students’ voices are heard and acted upon. This year, I made the GR2 office the most vocal on campus. Our advocacy has been featured in the Los Angeles Times, AP News & World Report, and LA Public Press, showcasing the impact of student-led change. We’ve fought for a $20 minimum wage, advocated with student workers to secure paid sick leave for student employees, championed DEI, and called for UCLA to become a sanctuary campus in response to federal attacks on our undocumented community. We also partnered with UC Student Legal Services to host a Know Your Rights Workshop and led mutual aid efforts to support students during the LA wildfires. These efforts reflect the power of unity in shaping our future.
Beyond USAC, I currently serve on the North Westwood Neighborhood Council, where I represent the over 40,000 residents and work to shape policies that directly impact our local community. I also hold a seat on the board of L.A. County Young Democrats and am the Political Action Chair of L.A. Stonewall Democratic Club. In these roles, I work directly with government officials to extend the reach of UCLA student advocacy.
As your IVP, I have the institutional knowledge and passion to fight for a UCLA where every student has the opportunity to succeed in a safe, equitable, and uplifting environment. I will work to ensure that USAC is transparent, accountable, and responsive to students, taking bold and innovative action on the issues that matter. Together, we can build a UCLA where students are empowered to rise up, challenge oppressive systems, and demand a more equitable future.
UCLA students have a history of leading the charge for justice, free speech, and social change. However, the current political climate—including attacks on public education, the safety of immigrant and international students, and fundamental First Amendment rights—threatens our core values. UCLA has not done enough to resist these challenges and protect our most vulnerable students. As your IVP, I will fiercely defend the right to advocate, organize, and ensure our voices are heard. I will work to make UCLA a place where every Bruin feels supported, empowered, and able to thrive.
As a campus leader, I’ve proven that I will never back down in the face of injustice. As IVP, I'll work tirelessly to meet the needs of the student body with the utmost sincerity, compassion, and fervor.
Follow @tommy4ivp for campaign updates!
External Vice President
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Hi Bruins!
My name is Sherry Zhou (she/her), and I am running to be your next External Vice President!
My candidacy is grounded in the principle that access to affordable education is a basic right—one that should be protected, expanded, and championed at every level. This belief has been shaped by three years of involvement in the USAC space, both on campus and statewide through the UC Students Association. As the current Internal Head of Staff in the EVP office, I have overseen initiatives to make UCLA more affordable and accessible, from Basic Needs Farmers Markets to voter education events. I have lobbied and represented student needs in conversations with stakeholders across the country, including UCLA Administrators, the UC Regents, State Assemblymembers, and Congressional Staffers. Most importantly, I have engaged in sustained, meaningful dialogue with hundreds of students and campus organizations about existing gaps within the system—gaps such as basic needs, access and retention, affordability, and the safety of students across the UC. These conversations continue to shape my vision for a University of California that truly serves all its students.
I believe our campus is at an inflection point—now more than ever, our institutions must be pressured to prioritize the students they are meant to serve. I will leverage the unique position the EVP holds between external stakeholders and our campus community to effectively advocate for a more affordable and accessible UCLA that centers your needs.
Read more about my platforms below, and follow my Instagram @sherry4evp to stay connected and learn more about my plans as EVP!
General Representative
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Meaningful solidarity efforts and impactful action for YOUR collective needs.
My name is Averie Roice, and I'm excited to announce my candidacy for USAC General Representative for the 2025-2026 academic year!
As a third-year Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics major and Global Health minor, my academic background has made me well aware of the obstacles affecting access to healthcare, basic needs, and safety that not only affect our students, but people across the world in their everyday lives. From proxying for USAC and Ashe meetings to giving public comment at Campus Safety Alliance and Regents’ meetings, I have facilitated efforts within and outside of USAC to advocate for marginalized communities and put student needs — YOUR NEEDS — first with everything that I do.
I truly believe that it is only through efforts rooted in solidarity and community care that we can truly keep each other safe and promote wellness throughout diverse communities. I also believe that retention efforts, equitable health services, basic needs, and safety on campus should not be a challenge to access nor a worry that students must face during their time at UCLA. As your General Representative, I will continuously dedicate myself in continuous, long-lasting efforts to remain in communication and solidarity with marginalized communities. I also commit to spearheading and amplifying efforts for increased basic needs/health resource access, protections for student protestors, and divestment from genocide and weapons manufacturing.
I have gained a plethora of leadership experience across USAC, from serving in the Student Wellness Commission (SWC) and Office of General Representative 2 to leading the Student Health Advisory Committee (SHAC) as its Vice Chair. In SWC and SHAC, I've organized engaging health and wellness events for the student body; facilitated initiatives to bridge access to Narcan and health insurance resources; worked with Ashe administration to increase awareness of their gynecological and abortion services; and coordinated with clinical services to reach out to marginalized student groups about their experiences at Ashe. As a part of the General Representative 2 office, I've spearheaded efforts to advocate against increased militarization of our campus through USAC resolutions and public comment with UCLA administration and the UC Regents; worked with student leaders to establish more funding for our Campus Assault, Resources, and Education Center (CARE) through our Bruin Emergency Relief Referendum; and achieved paid-sick leave for our part-time ASUCLA student workers this past January.
The platform that this USAC position will give me is one that I will not take for granted, and I will continuously utilize the new connections to administration and staff that I have to ensure that YOUR student fees are going towards high-impact, beneficial initiatives and legislative efforts that last beyond my term. It would be the honor of a lifetime to serve you as your General Representative, so come and vote for Averie to be your next Gen Rep!
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Hello! My name is Brett Berndt and I am a first-year transfer student from El Camino College studying Political Science and Urban & Regional Studies. I am running to be your 2025-2026 USAC General Representative focusing on four main platforms: Transfer USAC and Labor Access, Transportation & Accessibility Advocacy, Protecting Student Organizing, and Bruin Safety & Drug Awareness.
During my time in community college, I interned for State Senator Ben Allen (SD 24). I worked with staff and other student advocacy groups to help pass SB 54, a state-wide single-use plastic reduction act. Here I learned strong communication and leadership skills directly from staff who serve ~900,000 constituents. In this role, I was directly exposed to policy and the importance of
Since transferring to UCLA, I immediately involved myself with USAC. Fall quarter, I was selected as part of the Office of the External Vice President's Fall 2024 Fellowship program where I received comprehensive training on effective advocacy methods for the UC student population. I then transitioned to join the EVP Access & Retention department where I work with the Bruin Resource Center to form a supportive relationship by hosting events and providing a social media spotlight aimed at increasing awareness of resources available. In November, I was appointed to the Academic Senate Undergraduate Council as a Transfer Student Representative. Here, I advocate on behalf of the 7,700+ transfer students at UCLA by lobbying for equitable education policy. I work with faculty to oversee course evaluations, campus infrastructure upgrade plans, and new transfer pathway programs. I use my role to lobby stakeholders such as administration and ASUCLA to advocate for student-first educational practices. More recently, I began working with the Facilities Commission Access on Board team to work towards advocating for accessibility on campus for students with disabilities. These experiences have taught me how to navigate the complicated administrative patchwork of UCLA. In particular, I have learned the importance of building impactful relationships with mother organizations and service-based centers that support our underrepresented students.
Alongside my USAC involvement, I also work with the UCLA Institute of Transportation studies where I conduct comprehensive surveys with the surrounding LA community to collect qualitative data on political attitudes towards electric vehicles. In this position, I work directly on research catered toward achieving a more sustainable future using community-based outreach methods. Connecting with people about planning policy has been incredibly fulfilling, and it is that very drive for community building that has drawn me to run for General Representative.
Furthermore, I am in Jewish Voice for Peace and have recently begun working to increase their social media engagement. Additionally, in my free time, I enjoy DJing (and I am playing a show on 4/24 on the Hill!).
I plan to utilize the knowledge and experience I have gained to leverage connections and work collaboratively with other USAC offices, student organizations, mother organizations, and advocacy groups to bring extra support to marginalized students.
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Platforms
Hi Bruins! My name is David Escobedo, and I am a first year Business Economics major, pursuing minors in Math and Accounting. I am a born-and-raised Angeleno proud to be studying at one of LA’s great public universities. In high school, I served as Student Body President, where I helped organize and lead school-wide events. I’m also an avid runner—most recently finishing the LA marathon—and I hope to make such opportunities more affordable for Bruins. When I’m not on campus or not running, I spend time with my six-year-old twin siblings.I’m running to be one of your next USAC General Representatives because I believe in building a Healthy UCLA where Bruins can make strong connections, have meaningful conversations and strong support systems, and a space where every Bruin feels heard.
As a first-year student, I have already seen the gaps in inclusion, communication, personal development, and connection at UCLA. Students are often left unheard, and I want to be a representative who listens, and takes action. I am running to close those gaps. A Healthy UCLA is one where Bruins can know their neighbors and have conversations with them—a place where all students can feel connected.
Under my vision of a Healthy UCLA, my campaign focuses on five key pillars that promote connection, awareness, and well-being. First, Know Your Neighbor is an initiative that is designed to facilitate conversations among students throughout the school year with the first event during Welcome Week. It focuses on uniting students through food and running! Second, I propose implementing hydration stations in high traffic areas like Bruin Walk not just as a source of water but also serve as a location marker for students to meet and connect. Third, I want to implement an opt-in feature via Bruin Alert to keep Bruins informed about daily temperature reports and air quality updates. Weather reports are often taken for granted and students typically forget to check their weather app, making it a good reminder for students about different weather conditions especially during days with extreme weather. Fourth, I believe Healthy communities are safe communities. I will work to increase the visibility of existing safety resources UCLA offers so that Bruins feel more informed and protected. Lastly, academic success is also about the choices you make now about your career. A good support system gives Bruins the support needed to refine career choices into ones that will ultimately make them happy after graduation.
A Healthy UCLA isn’t just about checking your blood pressure, it’s about having conversations with people about what matters. Let’s build a stronger UCLA where students can feel heard and comfortable to connect with each other. Vote David Escobedo for USAC General Representative!
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Hey Bruin family,
My name is Jayha Buhs Jackson and I am excited to announce my official candidacy for General Representative. Over this past year, I have been involved in advocacy spaces including USAC’s General Representative 2 and External Vice President offices as well as UC Student Association (UCSA). In these roles I have supported UC Wide Associated Student Bodies, lobbied for the needs of Black, SWANA, Indigenous and Undocumented, formed a relationship between Afrikan Student Union and USAC, along with working with UCLA’s vast and diverse student organizations to support their events on campus such as hosting a Black Caucus, Financial Literacy Night, and Know Your Rights workshop in partnership with UCLA Student Legal and UCLA Undocumented Student Program.
I am grateful to have been able to make strides in supporting BIPOC students UC wide however, this past year, I would have loved to see the intersectional approach I take prioritized, as understanding and centering the reality that different systems reinforce each other to negatively impact us all uniquely is crucial as we work to ensure that all students have the college experience they deserve. It would have been exciting to have seen Black and Indigenous student issues centered in the conversations of advocacy beyond relationship building, however due to the overwhelming lack of Black and Indigenous voices in the room, these issues were not prioritized.
Now more than ever, it’s important that elected council members of the USAC take an approach that supports all students, including the most marginalized. With the federal administration committed to removing Diversity Equity Initiatives, cutting the funding of centers of learning, suppressing free speech, and attacking undocumented and international students, we must not only prioritize, but uplift impacted students' voices in our conversations.
As your General Representative, I know that the institutional knowledge I bring to the table will enable me to have productive conversations with stakeholders and craft long lasting policies from day one. Being part of three offices has taught me different routes to make changes and I plan to push barriers and collaborate often with other offices to ensure action is taken to directly and positively impact all students whether that be on basic needs, worker’s rights, financial aid, diversity programs, or housing.
My office would always be a space that embraces and supports students in their identity to participate in protests, call out injustices in their local community, and abroad, and use grassroots organizing as the foundation of our advocacy efforts.
To stay informed with my candidacy and USAC elections, please follow @jayha4genrep to keep updated regarding my platforms, advocacy, and more! Regardless of your decision to support my candidacy, I encourage you all to use your voice by exercising your right to vote in the USAC elections because KNOWLEDGE IS POWER.
In solidarity,Jayha Buhs Jackson
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Hi! I’m Paige Zwerner, a second-year Political Science and Communications double major, and I’m running to be your General Representative. This office is unique in its ability to mold to the person holding the position, and I am committed to using this position to its fullest potential by prioritizing the needs of all students.
With my extensive experience in USAC, I have gained valuable insights into how to create inclusive, engaging, and impactful programs that serve the diverse needs of our community. I understand the importance of creating opportunities and providing resources that reflect the variety of experiences and backgrounds that make our student body unique.
I am passionate about ensuring that all students have a voice and feel supported throughout their academic journey. My commitment to transparency means that I will actively listen to your concerns, advocate for your needs, and maintain an open dialogue to foster a more inclusive and accessible environment.
As your General Representative, I will work tirelessly to deliver events, resources, and experiences that empower every student and help them thrive during their time at UCLA. I value diversity, inclusivity, and transparency, and I look forward to working with you to make our campus a more supportive place for everyone.
Experience:
USAC Office of the Internal Vice President (Current) | Director of Institutionalized Event
Lead the planning and execution of large-scale campus events designed to support student well-being, celebrate diversity, and foster community engagement.
Oversee initiatives such as Therapy Dog sessions, Make-Your-Own Merch, True Bruin RAISE, and Midterm/Finals Stress Weeks, ensuring they effectively address student needs.
Recruit, train, and manage a committee of staff members, developing leadership within the team and ensuring smooth event execution.
USAC Office of the International Student Representative Office (Current) | Director of Programming
Oversee and implement programs that promote cultural awareness, student involvement, and international community-building at UCLA.
Develop and execute key initiatives such as the Exchange Student Mentorship Program, Bruins Around the World Celebration (in collaboration with ResLife), and the Global Bites.
Build strong relationships with student organizations and university departments to create meaningful and impactful programming.
USAC Office of the President (23-24) | Director of Planning the Dinner
Organized and led weekly town halls to bridge communication between UCLA clubs, organizations, and USAC, increasing awareness of available resources such as funding, event spaces, and council access.
Designed and facilitated biweekly event-planning workshops to educate UCLA organizations on effectively navigating campus resources, improving event execution across student groups.
Intern | Office of Assemblymember Isaac Bryan
Assist constituents by reviewing cases, directing them to appropriate offices, and ensuring they received the necessary support.
Represent the office at town halls and community meetings, actively engaging with residents and gaining experience in policy-driven advocacy and public service.
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My name is Lara Keshav, and I’m so excited and grateful to be a candidate for General Representative this year. Through running for General Representative I hope to advocate and implement a series of initiatives in order to improve the student experience here at UCLA. I’m a second year pre-law chemical engineering major and have served this past year as the National Communications Coordinator (NCC) on the On-Campus Housing Council (the Hill equivalent of USAC). In my role as NCC, I’ve had the privilege of working with representatives from universities across the country, connecting with student organizations and USAC offices, and advocating for an improved residential experience for my constituents. This past year, I also strengthened my leadership and planning skills through my work as conference chair for the 2025 PACURH Regional Business Conference that was hosted here at UCLA. Outside of my work in ResLife, I am a member of the Bruin Policy Institute, will be interning in my local City Hall over the summer, and was a Hip Hop teacher for two years. I believe that the most significant attribute of a great representative and leader is their ability to actively listen to their constituents in order to truly understand the challenges they’re facing and the support they need; therefore, my platforms are all informed by my work as NCC and the concerns my residents have expressed. If elected, one of my goals is to improve safety on campus through seminars, like teaching students how to live in a city or how to safely use public transport, and to host workshops to teach students about their rights in different situations. Along with safety, I would focus on growing our campus to be a more culturally aware space that normalizes openly celebrating cultures and a diverse range of identities. I also want to work on addressing basic needs for students, and to make a measurable difference, I want to specifically address combating food insecurity on our campus through expanding the emergency meal program and growing existing resources. As a South Campus student, I hear a lot of anxiety and fear from my peers surrounding plans post-graduation. I want to connect with representatives from other universities to learn what would be the most effective way to strengthen our alumni network, including revamping UCLA ONE, to connect students with alumni recruiters and mentors to help them prepare for their career. Along with this, I want to centralize a database of open extracurricular opportunities (clubs, research, internships) that provides more detailed explanations of what qualities they’re looking for in an applicant in order to assist students in finding the best spaces to help them develop professionally. I would also work with campus and USAC leadership to increase transparency in funding, accessibility to USAC offices, and funding for research. Thank you for considering my candidacy and I’m very excited to go through this election cycle!
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Hello Bruins! My name is Talia Davood, and I’m a first-generation, second-year Political Science student running to serve as one of your USAC General Representatives. I could not be more excited to empower YOUR voices and celebrate our beautifully diverse campus. Having immigrated from Tehran, Iran, my parents raised me as a proud Iranian-American with a deep appreciation and open-mindedness toward cultures, personalities, and perspectives of all kinds. While I may be a local Angeleno, UCLA is an entirely unique melting pot of brilliant students who deserve the BEST campus to maximize their potential.
As General Representative, I will champion socio-cultural unity, student safety, transparency, professional development, and off-campus housing support. I currently serve as a student leader on campus, embodying the integrity, determination, and inclusivity essential to being an effective General Representative. As a USAC Academic Senator for our Legislative Assembly, I voice student needs during discussions with administrators on campus-wide issues. Through this, I’ve gained insight into the workings of USAC offices like the Academic Affairs Commission and how tangible change is made. As a cultural representative for the USAC Congressional Advisory Board, I’ve advocated for equity and accessibility, directly voting to sponsor USAC resolutions on tuition and funding. For my senate passion project, I am collaborating with cultural and religious leaders to spearhead a USAC Interfaith Alliance Resolution to protect students of all faiths.
Looking Forward:
Unity in Diversity: I plan to create a coalition that fosters unity from the ground up. Composed of diverse cultural, international, and religious representatives, the coalition will meet monthly to build bridges among represented communities and engage in the necessary, though often difficult, conversations about campus climate.
Safe Bruins (Student Safety): As an Angeleno, a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Greek Life, and an everyday student, I have a broader understanding of safety needs. I plan to extend mandatory Title IX workshops to all student organizations, fund accessible self-defense classes, and provide free Lyft rides for students late at night.
Future Forward (Professional Development): Learning and career aspirations should know no limits! I am eager to organize workshops on curating majors from scratch and creating a student-operated database for career opportunities.
UCLA Unlocked (Transparency): UCLA is here to serve YOU! Through town halls with the Chancellor and administration, monthly USAC reports for my office, and individual office hour opportunities, students will be empowered to reclaim their UCLA experience.
Home Base (Off-campus Housing Support): Let’s make adulting easier! I will create a Westwood off-campus housing database where students can anonymously register addresses, complex bed/bath details, and move-out dates. Landlords and General Representative staff will facilitate anonymous communication.
I’m just like every one of you—a student who loves sitting by Janss Steps, frequenting In-N-Out, and making the most of UCLA. Beyond the fun moments, I’m here to ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive, no matter their background or challenges. Use YOUR voice! Vote Talia Davood for USAC General Representative, and let’s make UCLA the best it can be.
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Hi everyone! My name is Vikas, and I’m a junior double majoring in Statistics & Data Science and Economics. I’m excited to be running for the office of General Representative to make your voice heard and your UCLA experience more affordable, inclusive, and safe.
Over the past three years, I’ve had the privilege of serving in various roles within USAC and Residential Life, including in the offices of the Academic Affairs Commission, General Representative, and Resident Government Council, as well as working as an Office Assistant on the Hill. These experiences have allowed me to engage with students both at the grassroots level and through larger institutional systems. I've seen how change happens from both the ground up and the top down, and I’m ready to bring those insights into action through the General Representative office.
My platform focuses on three crucial areas: affordability, involvement and transparency, and safety.
To make UCLA more affordable, I will advocate for raising the campus minimum wage to $20 per hour so that student workers are better equipped to handle the rising cost of living. I will also push to bring back meal swipe coverage that includes all three meals a day for students using on-campus dining sites. In addition, I plan to partner with Storage Scholars to provide subsidized summer storage options, which would make moving in and out of dorms more accessible and cost-effective for everyone. For commuter students, I will work to introduce reimbursements for parking permits, recognizing the financial strain they often face.
When it comes to involvement and transparency, I want to foster a more connected and informed campus community. I will consistently collaborate with cultural clubs to support them in planning and publicizing their events, ensuring that underrepresented voices receive the recognition and support they deserve. I also intend to help smaller cultural organizations secure funding so they can thrive and build lasting communities. To keep the student body informed and engaged, I will regularly use social media to share major updates from my office, highlight ways to get involved, and create a stronger sense of connection. Additionally, I will publish transparency reports outlining how funding is allocated and summarizing key points from USAC meetings to make student government more accessible to all.
In terms of safety, I believe every student should feel secure on and around campus. I will work to improve lighting conditions in parking areas and other dimly lit spaces so students can feel safer walking at night. I also plan to partner with organizations like End Overdose to not only expand access to fentanyl testing strips, but also provide opportunities for students to get NARCAN certified and learn how to respond in emergency situations.
Above all, I want to build a UCLA where every student feels seen, supported, and empowered. I’m not here to speak over anyone—I’m here to listen, amplify your voices, and work with you to create meaningful change. Let’s build that future, together.
Academic Affairs Commissioner
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¡Holaaaaaaa Bruins!
My name is Cristopher Espino (he/him/él), and I’m excited to announce my re-election campaign to serve as your Academic Affairs Commissioner for the 2025–2026 school year. I’m running again because there is still so much work to be done, and I want to continue advocating for YOU—your academic rights, equity, and opportunities.
This past year, my team and I have made tangible progress toward creating a more equitable and supportive academic environment at UCLA. I’m proud to share some of what we’ve accomplished:
1. Launched the First-Ever Student Ambassador to the Registrar Pilot Program (SARPP): We partnered with the Registrar to appoint two students who now actively advocate for your educational rights.
2. Expanded Funding for Low-Income Students via Books 4 Bruins: We allocated thousands of dollars to help subsidize textbook costs, ensuring that affordability isn’t a barrier to academic success.
3. Collaborated with the Anderson School of Management: We hosted events to provide Bruins interested in business with valuable tools and networking opportunities.
4. Partnered with the Disabled Student Union on a COVID Relief Website: Together, we created a website to support disabled students in need during the pandemic, offering critical resources and information.
5. Provided Educational Access for Disadvantaged Communities: We organized a campus tour to inspire students from underserved backgrounds to pursue higher education.
6. Hosted “Know Your Rights” Events with LULAC: We supported international and undocumented students by providing legal and informational resources.
Funded Student Organizations and Research via ASRF and TGMF: We distributed over $30,000 to student orgs for event planning and conference attendance.
And that’s just the beginning. As a Latine, LGBTQIA+, and former foster youth, I understand the barriers many of our communities face. I am deeply committed to breaking those barriers and creating pathways for all Bruins to thrive.
If re-elected, I will continue pushing for systemic change. This quarter, we’re launching a technology scholarship to help students afford essential electronics and creating an Outstanding Student Leadership Award to honor students who’ve demonstrated leadership, service, and academic excellence. We’re investing thousands of dollars into these efforts.
I’ve also secured $15,000 for a new foster youth initiative, which will allow UCLA students to get paid for working with and uplifting their local communities. My team and I are working every day to support your success and empower Bruins to make a difference both on campus and beyond.
But I can’t do this alone. I need your support to keep this momentum going. Re-elect me so we can continue the fight for academic justice and ensure that every Bruin—regardless of background—has access to the resources and opportunities they deserve.
Sorry, I’ve run out of space, as I have a 500-word limit, but please reach out to us and consider endorsing. We’re dedicating our time because we believe in the systemic change we can achieve with another year.
Let’s keep working together to turn our vision of academic equity into an even greater reality.
Thank you, and I look forward to your support!
Campus Events commissioner
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Hi! My name is Daniel Leal and I am running for the office of Commissioner of the Campus Events Commission. As a member of CEC for the past three years, I have actively participated in the Public Relations department, stepping up to the role of PR director at the beginning of this year. Throughout this journey, I’ve poured my energy into promoting, organizing, and elevating the events that bring campus to life. These experiences have deepened my appreciation for the role that entertainment plays in shaping a strong and inclusive campus culture. Our ability to host a wide variety of talent and events allows us to support our students’ diverse interests and provide them with high-quality entertainment, from film screenings and concerts to speaker events and festivals. For this upcoming year, I hope to be able to drive our commission to continue to bring more entertainment and events that embodies and represents our entire student body. To do this, I would like to not only take student feedback into consideration when planning events, but also further student involvement at events. Given the vast number of talented students we have on this campus, offering student performers and vendors a platform to showcase their talent is one of my main goals. In addition, I hope to build on our commissions legacy of securing high quality entertainment and experiences while making sure our events are meaningful and representative of the interests of our students. If elected to this position, I will dedicate myself to making sure CEC continues to produce the highest quality of events for this upcoming school year!
Cultural Affairs Commissioner
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My name is Divine Trewick (she/her), and I am running to be your 2025-2026 Cultural Affairs Commissioner.
As a member and now leader in the Cultural Affairs Commission (CAC), my life has been transformed in the past two years. I joined CAC because it combined my passions for activism and music. CAC has given me a community of like-minded creatives who inspire me daily and help me discover my purpose of using music and the arts as a tool for social change. Most importantly, CAC has shown me the power we, as students, hold to create positive social change by advocating for the needs of our Black and Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) and other marginalized communities.
We are in a period of brutal change with Donald Trump in office as Trump's administration exacerbates the systems of white supremacy, racial capitalism, xenophobia, and genocide. These obstacles flow onto our campus, harming the safety of undocumented, international, low-income, and/or students of color. However, the history of student activism at UCLA shows that we must advocate against these harmful systems set in place. Real change at UCLA happens when students and faculty come together to speak out and challenge the university and society. I am committed to creating spaces for BIPOC that ignite conversations and establish intersectional solidarity between our communities.
As the current chief of staff and past member of CAC's concerts series, I know how to balance and manage the responsibilities of commissioning an organization. From budget management to venue bookings, collaboration with campus partners, and planning a historic Bruin Bash, I am prepared to lead CAC and amplify student needs.
I hold CAC near and dear to my heart. My vision is to continue progressing its visibility at UCLA by staying true to its mission: "edu-tainment" through social, cultural, and political events created by and for BIPOC students.
Facilities Commissioner
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Hi everyone! My name is Joy Huang (she/her/hers) and I am running for re-election for Facilities Commissioner (FAC). With three years of experience in FAC as the Sustainability Chief of Staff and as the current Facilities Commissioner, I am committed to advocating for student needs in sustainability, accessibility, and transportation. Some of FAC’s current initiatives include running the U-Pass Renewal Referendum to provide students with fare-free access to LA public transportation until 2030 (vote yes on this referendum on this ballot!), advocating for and with disabled students to increase funding to BruinAccess and improve CAE services, and expanding campus sustainability projects like Sustainable Move-Out and the Reuzzi reusable mug campaign at Kerckhoff.
During my time as Facilities Commissioner, I have seen how important FAC’s work is in making campus more accessible, sustainable, and inclusive for our student body. I am committed to ensuring that FAC can continue supporting all student voices, especially disabled students. If re-elected to FAC, I will strengthen our sustainability and transportation projects and continue our collaborations with communities like the Disabled Student Union to advocate for a more accessible and just campus. With my experiences and commitment to furthering FAC’s projects, I am excited to continue serving our diverse student body as Facilities Commissioner. Thank you!
Community Service Commissioner
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Hey Bruins! I’m Edison (he/him), a second-year Economics and Cognitive Science major, and I am running to be your next CSC Commissioner!
I joined CSC in my freshman year, and I currently serve as a Project Liaison Director (PLD), where I support student-led service organizations in achieving meaningful impact through their initiatives. Over the past two years, I have been inspired by the many passionate, service-minded individuals I’ve worked with. Through them, I have come to see service as a way to bring people together around a cause greater than themselves — one that empowers individuals to drive meaningful change.
As CSC Commissioner, I plan to:
(1) Drive Compassionate and Impactful Service
(2) Improve Partnerships with Student Organizations
(3) Strengthen UCLA’s Service Community
(4) Ensure Accountability & Transparency
My vision for CSC is to foster a supportive and welcoming space for anyone driven to create change in their communities. Every community has its own unique needs, and the most powerful advocates are those who come from within. I believe that CSC should serve as a platform that amplifies these voices while also fostering collaboration between advocates from different backgrounds. By facilitating the exchange of experiences and ideas, I hope to generate more innovative and effective solutions to address the unique challenges of our communities here at UCLA. At the heart of this mission is my commitment to working alongside UCLA students and ensuring that my efforts are grounded in genuine understanding, partnership, and impact.
I sincerely hope for your support to make this vision a reality at our campus, and I look forward to our partnership in creating a more supportive and compassionate community here on campus.
Feel free to reach out for a conversation :-)
IG: @edison4csc; Email: echua@uclacsc.org; Linktree: https://linktr.ee/edison4csc
Here are some of my relevant qualifications:
As a current Program Liaison Director in CSC, I work with 5 independent student-led service organizations to improve service outcomes; organize General Meetings to foster more collaborative efforts between various student-led service organizations on campus; and assist these organizations with funding applications, service event planning and volunteer recruitment
I was previously a Programming Intern in CSC, and I assisted with the planning and execution of the following CSC Events: Non-profit Networking Night, Project Bruin, Service Impact Summit; coordinated guest outreach by inviting external organizations to participate in campus events through email and other communication channels
Previously, in high school, some of my service efforts include leading a team of 50 volunteers to conduct English lessons for elementary school students in rural provinces in China and initiating a service project aimed at raising awareness for mental health issues and improving the access to mental health resources for highschool students.
Student wellness Commissioner
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Hi Bruins! My name is Hannah Yip (she/her) and I’m a third-year Computational & Systems Biology major, minoring in Science Education. Most importantly, I’m running to be your 2025-2026 USAC Student Wellness Commissioner!
As SWC’s current Chief of Staff, I’ve gained a thorough understanding of the commission’s initiatives and programs. With this experience, I’m committed to ensuring that SWC is accessible, inclusive, and reflective of the diverse needs of our student body. Wellness is deeply tied to identity and community, which is why I’m passionate about fighting for equitable health resources.
No student should have to fight an uphill battle to have their basic physical or mental health needs met. I’ve experienced firsthand the self-advocacy required by our current campus healthcare system, and how easily this becomes a barrier. By partnering with Ashe, CARE, CAPS, and other USAC offices, I will continue closing these gaps.
In this position, I will be dedicated to supporting the work happening both within and beyond the commission. Through purposeful collaboration with student organizations — especially those serving underrepresented communities — I will back and amplify student-led projects while strengthening SWC’s role in campus-wide wellness initiatives.
Supporting my candidacy means expanding access to basic necessities and comprehensive health education. It means building care systems that acknowledge and address the diverse wellness needs of our campus. And, it means electing a Commissioner with the necessary experience to optimize and increase SWC’s community impact.
I would be honored to serve as your next Student Wellness Commissioner and make the changes desperately needed on our campus. Vote Hannah for SWC!
Instagram: @hannah4swc
Experience:
I’ve been involved in SWC for 2 years, and as the current SWC Chief of Staff, I have extensive experience with how the commission runs internally and externally. I’ve actively collaborated with campus organizations such as the Disabled Student Union, End Overdose, the Ashe Center, and have coordinated programs on reproductive justice, mental health advocacy, and environmental sustainability. I’m knowledgeable about what works for the commission, and what can improve.
As an intern for the DiverSWC committee, I organized and developed workshops for SWC’s Equity in Mind Conference, aimed at highlighting the importance of culturally competent mental healthcare.
I’m a Peer Health Educator with the Ashe Center’s Health Education and Resource Team (HEART), where I organize outreach and facilitate workshops on UC SHIP navigation. This year, I’ve advocated for access to resources like NARCAN, masks, and safer sex supplies on BruinWalk, distributed vaccination information, and collaborated with the CARE Program on SA awareness initiatives.
At the Semel Healthy Campus Initiative Center, I have experience working on large-scale campus projects focused on holistic wellness and health policy.
As an intern for the California Department of Public Health and the Santa Clara County Department of Public Health, I worked on equity-focused public health programming and evaluation.
In my 4 quarters as a Learning Assistant, I’ve worked with many different people on campus, broadening my understanding of student needs and intersectional education.
Transfer Student Representative
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Hello! My name is Hyerim Yoon, and I’m a first-year transfer student double majoring in English and history. I’m running to be your next USAC Transfer Student Representative to continue celebrating the transfer student experience and uniting our communities through four key platforms: Transfer Opportunities, Transfer Mental Health, Transfer Connections, and Transfer Needs & Accessibility.
As a first-generation and low-income student with a sensory disability, I understand how our intersectional identities shape our college experiences. There’s still much work to be done systematically to address student needs in a way that celebrates our varying walks of life, but what concerns me most is that despite the growing transfer student population at UCLA, many of our clubs, organizations, and programs continue to be designed with traditional four-year students in mind—not transfers. Current efforts are insufficient for a group that comprises 23.9% of the undergraduate population. Although progress has been made to integrate transfers into the broader narrative through the establishment of transfer-specific organizations and resources, many students still feel disconnected from the majority.
Our identities and the paths we carved that led us to UCLA should be celebrated, and transfers should not have to fight for inclusion. Our diverse experiences deserve the same respect as those of other students, as well as a seat at the table in decision-making processes.
This school year, I have dedicated myself to advocating for and uplifting the voices of my fellow transfer students. As Executive Advocacy Director for the Office of General Representative 3, I regularly meet with officials from various departments and pressure them to prioritize student needs that are oftentimes neglected. Additionally, as Asst. Chief of Senate for the Academic Affairs Commission, I have collaborated with the Transfer Student Center to advocate for the inclusion of non-traditional and commuter transfer students. More recently, I’ve been working with the Facilities Commission as an Access on Board staffer to fight for campus accessibility and the inclusion of students with disabilities. However, I recognize that USAC isn’t perfect—during my time in these roles, I have come to realize just how neglected transfers are in the decisions made by those in authoritative positions. While serving the undergraduate student body, I kept the transfer student experience at the forefront of all conversations I led.
Outside of USAC, I am the Co-President of the Transfer Bruin Reading Society, which is a space I created with the intention to address the barriers students face in finding community. In this space, students have come together to not only discuss literature, but connect and reflect on the transfer experience. As TSR, I will build upon what I have learned from these positions to best serve the interests of our transfer students.
Let’s work toward a more equitable future for our transfer communities. Vote #hyerim4transferYOONity!
International Student Representative
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We all come from different walks of life- but somehow, we’ve all wrapped our meats in flatbreads. From burritos and Bombay frankies to Turkish döners and Jamaican patties, we’ve taken something rich, messy, and meaningful, and made it portable. That’s what international students do every day. We carry our homes in pieces: in suitcases, languages, and cultures.
My name is Keya Tanna, and I’m running to be your International Student Representative.
Born in India, raised in Oman before moving to Dubai- and yet, somehow, my dorm mattress felt the most like home. I’ve spent years trying to explain where I’m “really from.” Now, I’ve realized our identities don’t need justification. They need representation.
At UCLA, I’ve built and led. I founded Bruin Public Speaking after 7 years of national and international victories with Toastmasters. I’ve served as Vice President of KAPi, Research Coordinator of the Health Nutrition and Fitness Club, Outreach Coordinator at the Sport Psychology Club and Media Head at MannMukti UCLA. At the Wilson Motor Lab, I transform hours of gait footage into insight - advancing research, and yes, I’ve filed taxes with four open tabs and a prayer.
But my experience goes beyond titles. I’ve always believed in impact. From organizing international conferences and raising $10,000 for Dubai Cares, to mentoring children in Radhanpur and volunteering at schools and therapy centers for underserved students, I’ve worked to make communities stronger and more connected. I’ve served as a Silver Award Scriber with Global Scribes, where I collaborated with peers around the world on art, storytelling, and global unity. I’ve worked hand-in-hand with children at the Al Noor Training Centre, providing therapy support through various media outlets. I’ve mentored students in rural India in public speaking and citizenship, and guided struggling fourth-graders in Dubai through tutoring and mentorship.
Books are where I first learned to ask questions- I jump from black holes to Virginia Woolf, from Mughal architecture to education policy, because reading reminds me that understanding complexity- whether in people, systems, or ideas- is the first step to real change.
If elected, I will:
Create Visa Clarity, a real-time immigration alert system with legal support- like BruinAlert, but for visas.
Build Pathways, Not Panic, international student networking events with the career center, job boards, and post-grad visa guidance.
Establish the International Tax Lab, a free multilingual peer-led space to help students file with confidence.
Launch the International Student Survival Guide, a redesigned Dashew Center website that is more user- friendly.
Lead Louder Than Labels + HomeBase Circles, an immersive art walk paired with identity-based community groups.
As a leader, I care profoundly, yet I'm anything but complacent. I'm not just about words; I'm about action and real impact. I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about being the loudest in the room. It’s about listening with intent and speaking with purpose. Now, I hope to help foster a UCLA where every international student feels seen- one that tastes like home.
Keya Tanna
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As an international student born and raised in Lebanon and holding dual Lebanese-Australian citizenship, my journey to UCLA was one defined by uncertainty and courage. Coming alone to Los Angeles for the very first time as a freshman physics student, I immediately felt disconnected—thousands of miles from home, family, and familiar faces. Understanding firsthand the challenges international students face inspired me to become an advocate dedicated to easing these experiences for others.
My first year at UCLA, motivated to build the community I wished existed when I arrived, I worked in the office of the International Student Representative (ISR) as Director of Exchange Students. In this capacity, I created initiatives that focused on better integration and enriching the experience for exchange students, such as leading the Bruin Buddy Program, a way for international and domestic students to connect in meaningful, supportive relationships.
Building on this commitment, I expanded my advocacy to serve as Chief of Staff for the USAC President's Office. I managed four directors and a dynamic team of more than 30 staff and interns that worked around the clock across professional services, community outreach and campus services. My leadership resulted in securing external funding, partnerships, and driving cross-campus projects, ultimately impacting and improving services for UCLA’s diverse community of over 30,000 students. In this position, I continued to collaborate with the ISR office to support their ongoing initiatives for the Bruin Buddy Program as well as cultural programming initiatives, aiming to promote cultural exchange through events such as the international cuisine-themed nights presented in partnership with the UCLA dining halls.
Currently, I proudly represent UCLA as one of two student liaisons on the Association of Big Ten Students (ABTS), advocating at state and national levels on critical issues such as federal aid, campus safety, and mental health. This position further fueled my passion to amplify student voices and ensure meaningful change, preparing me to effectively advocate for the unique needs and challenges faced by our international student community.
I am also involved with the Lebanese Student Association (LSA) on campus, working on cultural programming and grassroots community-building efforts aimed at not only sharing Lebanese culture and history, but also fostering a deeper and wider cross-cultural understanding among students.
If my last two years at UCLA are any indication, I have consistently demonstrated my commitment and effectiveness at various levels of involvement—beginning within my own community, then expanding to campus-wide roles, and ultimately reaching a national advocacy platform. My track record in advocacy and the enhancement of the international student experience at UCLA positions me uniquely to take the next step. I am ready, well-prepared, and experienced enough to serve as your International Student Representative, committed to continuing ongoing efforts, doubling down on successful programming, and actively pursuing new initiatives to ensure every international student feels seen, valued, and empowered at UCLA.
Financial Supports Commissioner
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Hey Bruins!
My name is Nico Morrone, and I’m running for re-election as your USAC Financial Supports Commissioner (FSC). Over the past three years, I’ve proudly served within the FSC office—first as Chief of Staff for two years and more recently as Commissioner. During this time, I’ve witnessed the impact our office has had on our student body. Our current projects, including financial support via our Laundry, Bruincard, and Commuter Parking Grants, student discounts in Westwood, free lab coat rentals, and student org funding office hours are just a few examples of the work our FSC team has completed in the past years to support every UCLA student. I look forward to continuing this progress and expanding our efforts as your re-elected Commissioner.
Upon re-election, my primary goal would be to greatly increase financial transparency and responsibility across USAC for funds generated from student fees. I plan to build on current initiatives that deliver funds back to students to lessen the financial burden of attending UCLA. My time in USAC has shown me firsthand the misuse of funds that are taken straight from Bruins’ pockets through student fees. My mission will be to audit all USAC offices, ensuring the money allocated to elected officers goes towards projects that benefit the student body. FSC will then publish the findings on our Financial Transparency Viewer (bit.ly/usacfinances) to show all UCLA students how their student fees are spent. After all, USAC is built to serve the students.
Checkout my campaign on Instagram to learn more about me and my initiatives: @nico4fsc