President and Vice President

Officer Positions

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

Speaker of the Assembly, Aidan Efrid

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

Speaker of the Assembly Pro Tempore, Paige Brown

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

Government Relations Officer, Payton Callahan

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

Sergeant-At-Arms, Jake Pennell

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

Chief Financial Officer, Leo Reyes-Boyer 

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

Chief Activities Officer, Joan Orense

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

Executive Committee

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

Constitutional Committee

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

• Senators

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

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

  Duties

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

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

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

  • • Macchelssy Dinganga
    • Aiden Efird
    • Paige Brown
    • Jessica Derocher
    • Payton Callahan
    • Jake Pennell
    • Leo Reyes-Boyer
    • Mika George
    • Madison Brewer
• Delegates

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

  Duties

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

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

  • Miriam Hall, CBPP
  • Chas Zanoria, CBPP
  • Max Cason, COE
  • Joan Orense, COE
  • Staci Gillilian, Graduate College
  • Graduate College (1 vacancy)
  • College of Arts and Science ( 2 vacancies)
  • College of Health (2 vacancies) 
  • Community and Technical College (2 vacancies) 

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

• Liaisons

  Three student liaisons serve on USUAA, representing:

  • Club Council
  • Greek Life
  • Residence Hall Association

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

  Current liaisons:

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

   

Standing Appointments

Standing appointments are necessary positions for every academic year.

Daniel Ribuffo, Ombuds

The chief protector and defender of students' rights and acts as students' confidante. Serves as a source of information to students concerning policies, rules and regulations of USUAA and the University of Alaska Anchorage.

Assembly Appointments

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

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

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

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

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

USUAA Boards

Board members are elected during the spring general election or may join by completing the Petition Form. See USUAA Elections for more information.

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