Associated Student Elections for 2026-2027
Election Calendar for 2026-2027:
March 23, 2026 - Interest Form Open
April 7, 2026 - Interest Form Closes
April 13-20, 2026 - Campaigning
April 21-23 - Elections for 2026-2027 (online)
The following positions will be open:
Class of 2027 (Seniors) Chair, Vice Chair, & 3 Senator Positions (Any Class of 2027 student)
Class of 2028 (Juniors) Chair, Vice Chair, & 3 Senator Positions (Any Class of 2028 student)
Class of 2029 (Sophomores) Chair, Vice Chair, & 3 Senator Positions (Any Class of 2029 student)
[Class of 2030 elections will be held in fall 2026.]
Thank you to all candidates!
Executive Team Candidates, 2026-2027
AS President (1 Candidate) - Kiana Paredes
Why are you interested in joining AS? I have been on AS for a couple of years now and have been very involved in the work that we do to improve student life. I hope to continue this momentum and also improve student experience through my work in student activities and engagement while also running for student body president.
What is something that you feel is an important issue that the AS needs to address? We need to fix the issue of communication with student orgs and clubs. We also need to raise awareness about AS so I have been going to classes and presenting with the hopes that students will become more involved.
AS Vice President for Administration (1 Candidate) - Hannah Parkinson
Why are you interested in joining AS? I have been on Associated Students for the past two years as the Chair for the Class of 2028. I would like to continue bridging the gap of communication between the students and the administration. At a time of political polarity and unrest within our nation, it’s important to have the hard conversations. I feel Associated Students helps the campus address students’ concerns and advocate for what each student believes in. All students should be given the opportunity to speak on what they believe in.
What is something that you feel is an important issue that the AS needs to address? There is a wide variety of issues that should be addressed on campus. Two of the most important, I believe, are improving student services, such as food, housing, and access to disability and mental health services. Second is the lack of communication and transparency from the administration.
AS Vice President for Finance - 4 Candidates, listed by alpha last name
Britton, Avery
Why are you interested in joining AS? I want to join Associated Students because I care about making our school a place where every student feels heard, included, and supported. Being part of student government would give me the opportunity to represent my peers, bring forward their ideas, and help turn those ideas into real improvements on campus. I’m motivated to collaborate with others, take on responsibility, and contribute to decisions that impact student life. Overall, I see this as a chance to grow as a leader while making a positive difference in my school community.
What is something that you feel is an important issue that the AS needs to address? One important issue that needs to be addressed is student voice and communication between students and leadership. Many students feel like their opinions, concerns, or ideas aren’t always heard or acted on. This can lead to disengagement and a lack of connection to the school community. Improving transparency, creating more opportunities for feedback, and making sure students see real results from their input would help build trust and make student government more effective.
Cruz, Yasmine
Why are you interested in joining AS? I’m interested in joining AS because I care deeply about building a stronger sense of community on campus. Through my experience as a Resident Advisor, I’ve seen how many students struggle with feeling isolated or disconnected, especially at a school that can sometimes feel cliquey. I want to help create a more inclusive environment where students feel welcomed, supported, and comfortable getting involved. Additionally, my involvement in J-Pop Club as a promoter, where I created flyers and helped organize events, has shown me how important engagement and outreach are in bringing people together. I want to continue doing that on a larger scale through AS by supporting student organizations and helping create events that make people feel like they belong here.
What is something that you feel is an important issue that the AS needs to address? One important issue I believe AS needs to address is student connection and inclusion. Many students on campus experience loneliness or feel excluded from existing social circles, which can impact their overall college experience and well-being. I would like to see more intentional efforts to create accessible, low-pressure events and spaces where students can meet others and feel comfortable participating, regardless of their background or involvement level. Strengthening communication between AS, clubs, and the general student body could also help ensure that more students are aware of opportunities to get involved. By focusing on inclusivity and outreach, AS can help foster a more connected and supportive campus community.
Nelson, Kelly
Why are you interested in joining AS? I’m interested in joining AS because I feel like I can bring a new perspective to the table being a student athlete. I think that I can add to the already diverse range of opinions that are shown, but I also have a great love for bettering the SMC student community.
What is something that you feel is an important issue that the AS needs to address? An important issue that I think should be met is more inclusivity on campus. If elected, my first mission would be to edit or update the ways of communication for events on campus.
Velasquez, Rose
Why are you interested in joining AS? I am interested in joining Associated Students because I care about ensuring all students feel heard, supported, and represented on campus. Through my roles as a Social Justice Advocate and Democracy Matters President, I’ve worked to create spaces for dialogue, community, and engagement, and I want to bring that experience into AS.
What is something that you feel is an important issue that the AS needs to address? An important issue that AS needs to address is strengthening communication and transparency between students and administration. Many students are not fully aware of available resources, policy changes, or opportunities to get involved, which can lead to feelings of disconnect and underrepresentation. AS has the ability to bridge this gap by making information more accessible, creating consistent channels for feedback, and ensuring that student concerns are clearly communicated and followed through on.
AS Vice President for Student Organizations - 4 Candidates, listed by alpha last name
Britton, Avery - See above for more info
Caparroso, Daniella
Why are you interested in joining AS? I want to join AS to have a bigger voice in enhancing student experience & meeting students' needs to create an inclusive & supportive community. AS is a key organization in linking students with the school as well as creating impactful campus experiences. I am interested in being involved with AS, as it promotes clubs, provides support for events & supports the voice & needs of the student body, all of which contribute to building a positive and welcoming community. I enjoy meeting new people & creating inclusion, so I will add that energy as I support others in becoming connected & supported within the Saint Mary's community.
What is something that you feel is an important issue that the AS needs to address? One thing I think AS should work on is ensuring that students know what resources, clubs, and things to do exist on campus. Many students – particularly first-year and transfer students – are not always aware of what is available and how to get involved, which can make it harder for them to feel a connection to campus. AS could assist with this through better communication/outreach – such as having clear, consistent, and fully accessible information available regarding resources, clubs and events that all students can participate in. I also feel that having opportunities for students to participate in inclusive events/spaces is very important in assuring that students feel welcomed on campus and represented in campus life.
Cruz, Yasmine- See above for more info
Halstead, Oliver
Why are you interested in joining AS? I love Saint Mary’s, but I recognize that there is a lot of change our school needs. I want to see SMC thrive in the way I know it can and I would be honored to continue the work I’ve done to try and help make that impact.
What is something that you feel is an important issue that the AS needs to address? AS should help students feel more heard. In my short time as a member of this body, I’ve gotten to listen to the feedback on our school and AS as a whole from my constituents. Fostering a policy of clarity, accountability, and equity should be the overall goal of AS. This can be done by making sure AS is at more events and hosting our own events that show solidarity and our commitment to helping our fellow students. Also helping bridge the gap between student life and campus organizations to increase cohesion through all aspects of our school.
2026-2027 Class Elections
Please find information below regarding candidates for the AS Class positions. Each Class elects a Chair, Vice-Chair, and 3 Senators. The Class of 2030 will hold elections in fall 2026.
Class Chair
Fleming, Tyra
Why are you interested in joining AS? I am active within the SMC community. My broad perspective and attendance in diverse clubs/courses on campus will allow me to help a variety of students.
What is something that you feel is an important issue that the AS needs to address? I believe that social connection is an important issue that needs to be addressed. I believe that peer mentorship outside of academics would help foster a sense of community and respect. In my first year here at SMC I have been able to learn quite a bit about myself and those around me. Although we are given amazing staff and supportive outlets there is nothing like having social advisor. This is something I would be glad to elaborate and explore further!
Halstead, Oliver - See above for more info
Koch, John
Why are you interested in joining AS? I am interested in joining AS because I absolutely love Saint Mary’s College and want to make an impact on other students on this campus so that they can love their college as much as I do.
What is something that you feel is an important issue that the AS needs to address? I think for having such a small undergraduate population, we are not as close of a community a we could be and I feel like to an extent, we lack school spirit. I want AS to help improve these aspects that I have noticed through having more events and opportunities where we can build community and all support and have spirit for our school.
Class Vice Chair
Fleming, Tyra- See above for more info
Koch, John - See above for more info
Valdez, Marc Thomas
Why are you interested in joining AS? I am interested in joining AS in order to represent our class, improve student life, and make a difference for our community.
What is something that you feel is an important issue that the AS needs to address? An important issue we need to address is the communication and processes between departments of the school and with students. Many students have no clue how to interact with involvement departments and communication across the board has been detrimental to many students and has caused much division and heartache. We need to work on easing the process and making it more clear between students-to-students and between students-to-departments.
Class Senators
Caparroso, Daniella
Why are you interested in joining AS? I want to join AS to have a bigger voice in enhancing student experience & meeting students' needs to create an inclusive & supportive community. AS is a key organization in linking students with the school as well as creating impactful campus experiences. I am interested in being involved with AS, as it promotes clubs, provides support for events & supports the voice & needs of the student body, all of which contribute to building a positive and welcoming community. I enjoy meeting new people & creating inclusion, so I will add that energy as I support others in becoming connected & supported within the Saint Mary's community.
What is something that you feel is an important issue that the AS needs to address? One thing I think AS should work on is ensuring that students know what resources, clubs, and things to do exist on campus. Many students – particularly first-year and transfer students – are not always aware of what is available and how to get involved, which can make it harder for them to feel a connection to campus. AS could assist with this through better communication/outreach – such as having clear, consistent, and fully accessible information available regarding resources, clubs and events that all students can participate in. I also feel that having opportunities for students to participate in inclusive events/spaces is very important in assuring that students feel welcomed on campus and represented in campus life.
Fisina, Veronika
Why are you interested in joining AS? I'm interested in joining Student Government because I want to help people and develop leadership skills. I strive to contribute to the community’s well-being and safety and make students’ college experience as fun and memorable as possible. I also enjoy working with others and being involved in activities that bring students together.
What is something that you feel is an important issue that the AS needs to address? One important issue that the Associate Students need to address right now is that many students don’t ask for help when they are struggling, or simply don’t know who to reach out to or what campus resources are available. I think it is important to make information about resources more visible and encourage students to feel comfortable asking for support when they need it.
Fleming, Tyra- See above for more info
Koch, John - See above for more info
Mitra, Aaria
Why are you interested in joining AS? The reason why I am interested in joining AS because I believe in making all the staff, students and faculty feel all united as one group. Being in AS, I would make it my responsibility that every single student of the college voice is heard through concerns that they have in the campus and also making it my responsibility to find solutions to the said issues.
What is something that you feel is an important issue that the AS needs to address? An important issue that I feel that AS needs to address is diversity and making sure every single student who have disabilities and accommodations feel welcome in this college as well.
Ramirez, Jesse
Why are you interested in joining AS? At a school as small and interconnected as St. Mary's, the line between a "campus issue" and a "personal crisis" is incredibly thin. I am running for re-election as your Class of 2029 Senator because I believe our size should be our greatest strength, not a growing weakness, to make our community a community where every voice has the platform to be heard. The biggest challenges we face come from this small environment: as discrimination based on race, gender, or immigration status continues here, we see it affect our friends, our hallmates, our peers, etc. It is unacceptable and goes against the Lassalian values that this school is built on. This continued behavior demands a senator who doesn't act neutral on the matter but looks out to see what can best be done to elevate the voices of those discriminated against. I have spent this last year learning how to move from outrage to action, whether that was speaking with administration or connecting with my peers affected my on-campus actions. I want to use my leadership experience to keep fighting for a St. Mary's where no student is made to feel less than. The Class of 2029 student government has grown immensely this year. We've learned how much work it truly takes to get even the smallest thing done. But we are just getting started. I have more to learn, and much more to do. Re-elect me to ensure our sophomore year is defined by actual progress, not just promises.
What is something that you feel is an important issue that the AS needs to address? Campus neutrality and the lack of action taken by administration on important issues continues to be a huge problem on the St. Mary’s campus and I believe it's an incredibly important issue for AS, the student governing body on campus, to speak out against this neutrality and use collective action to persuade administration to do more. At a Lasallian institution that claims to value justice and community, neutrality in the face of student hardship is a failure of mission. I have seen too many important issues in just my first year met with careful, non-committal language, with little to no action taken afterwards. AS cannot accept this. We are not a student council that simply plans events; we are the voice of the student body. That means we have a duty to name what is wrong, to organize our peers, and to use every tool at our disposal to demand that the administration do more. Insistence to act is a must.
Valdez, Marc Thomas - See above for more info
Class Chair
Britton, Avery - See above for more info
Gates, Shasta
Why are you interested in joining AS? Being on AS this past year has allowed me to make much needed changes here on campus and I would love to be able to continue to do that as the Junior Class Chair.
What is something that you feel is an important issue that the AS needs to address? I feel that AS needs improved transparency on all fronts and better student representation and I would love to be able to make these changes.
Class Vice Chair
Britton, Avery - See above for more info
Farrell, Ethan
Why are you interested in joining AS? Because I absolutely loved my time this year as the sophomore senator!
What is something that you feel is an important issue that the AS needs to address? Implementing more of our organizations (tasc, rec etc)
Gates, Shasta - See above for more info
Terry, Brendan
Why are you interested in joining AS? I am interested in returning to AS as the Vice Chair for the Class of 2028 because I feel that it is a pathway to affect change on campus. The rest of the team and I have had several good ideas that we have pursued this past year to significant effect and I hope to accomplish even more in the coming year. I also believe in students having a strong voice in what goes on at Saint Mary's, and I am conisstently checking in with peers to ask if there is any top priority issues for them that Associated Students might be able to solve.
What is something that you feel is an important issue that the AS needs to address? A big topic that I feel should be examined by AS is the attendance policy for classes fi students are ill. While I completely understand the school's attendance structure in order to ensure a thorough and quality education amongst its students, it can at times feel unecessarily punitive when student must choose between going to class ill or suffering an automatic grade penalty for missing class. I think that this is an issue that has many potential and viable solutions that we as a student body can come together to solve.
Senators
Britton, Avery - See above for more info
Farrell, Ethan - See above for more info
Gates, Shasta - See above for more info
Nelson, Kelly
Why are you interested in joining AS? I’m interested in joining AS because I feel like I can bring a new perspective to the table being a student athlete. I think that I can add to the already diverse range of opinions that are shown, but I also have a great love for bettering the SMC student community.
What is something that you feel is an important issue that the AS needs to address? An important issue that I think should be met is more inclusivity on campus. If elected, my first mission would be to edit or update the ways of communication for events on campus.
Terry, Brendan - See above for more info
Class Chair
Silva, Aidan
Why are you interested in joining AS? I want to be able to use my voice to bring about changes that the student body wants and deserves. In addition, as a STEM student, I want to be able to represent this area of academia, considering that there are very few STEM representatives on AS. I can be that change.
What is something that you feel is an important issue that the AS needs to address? Housing. We have very few housing facilities that are renovated and serve our student body adequately. Examples of issues that majority of the student body can attest to are black mold on walls, uncleaned windows upon move in, poorly installed doorknobs/hinges, very unclean and unsanitary restrooms (more applicable for freshman dorm arrangements), and ant problems/pest infestations. These are all on top of the fact that housing costs increase every year and so for incoming students, we are doing them a disservice by providing housing that has not changed for the past several years/decades.
Class Vice Chair
Palmer, Isabelle
Why are you interested in joining AS? I am interested in joining AS because I want to help make a bigger impact on campus. I want to contribute to the community and help my fellow students.
What is something that you feel is an important issue that the AS needs to address? An important issue that needs to be addressed is the overall wellbeing of students. This includes mental health, physical health, and food security.
Silva, Aidan - See above for more info
Senators
Alberto, Natalie
Why are you interested in joining AS? I’m interested in serving as a senior senator because I see it as a role that requires both awareness and responsibility. Over my time at Saint Mary’s, I’ve learned to be someone who listens to understand, not just to respond, and I think that’s essential when representing a class with a wide range of experiences. Being part of both the School of Liberal Arts and the School of Business has also shaped how I see leadership. I’ve been exposed to different ways of thinking, communicating, and approaching problems, and it’s taught me the value of bringing perspectives together rather than choosing one over another. I want to bring that into AS by being someone who students feel comfortable coming to, and someone who can represent them thoughtfully while contributing to decisions that impact the broader student body.
What is something that you feel is an important issue that the AS needs to address? One important issue AS should address is the lack of connection and communication across different groups and experiences on campus. While Saint Mary’s is diverse, that diversity isn’t always experienced in a connected way. And diversity goes beyond just racial background, it also includes diversity of thought, perspectives,ideas, and even lived experiences. Right now, many students stay within their own circles, whether that’s by major, background, or involvement, which can create a sense of separation and even disparity in how supported or included people feel. As a result, some voices are heard more than others, and opportunities for collaboration and understanding are missed. I believe AS can play a key role in bridging these gaps by creating more intentional ways for students to engage with one another and ensuring that representation feels active and meaningful.
Cruz, Yasmine - See above for more info
Haddad, Saif
Why are you interested in joining AS? I am interesting in joining AS because I want to make a positive difference on campus and represent my fellow classmates, ensuring that they feel heard and respected. I want to provide a different perspective to AS and I create a positive impact on the school and my peers. I think AS would provide me the opportunity to do that on a larger scale.
What is something that you feel is an important issue that the AS needs to address? I think that AS needs to address how to keep students involved on campus with fun activities both during the week and on weekends. I would love for students to get more involved with all aspects of campus life, wether that be through events hosted by SMC or CAB, all the DI and club athletics, or other events hosted by any of our clubs. I would love for our students to get more involved and attend more events our school hosts during school days and on the weekends.
Palmer, Isabelle - See above for more info
Silva, Aidan - See above for more info
Velasquez, Rose - See above for more info
2025-2026 Election Results
Previous election results, including 2025-2026
Thank you to all who participated in the 2025 Associated Student Election!
Senior Class Senator Results
Kaylin Holliman 52% (elected)
Tyler Campos 40%
Olivia Song 4%
Sam McLeod 4%
Sophomore Class Chair Results
Brendan Terry 57% (elected)
Shasta Gates 43%
Sophomore Class Senator
Shasta Gates (elected)
Ethan Farrell (elected)
First Year Class Results
Note: If elected to Chair or Vice Chair, votes for those candidates were not counted in the Senator vote.
Chair
Oliver Halstead 59% (elected)
Tyra Fleming 27%
Oscar Zavala Roman 14%
Vice Chair
Johnathan Bokum 46% (elected)
Tyra Fleming 32%
Oscar Zavala Roman 14%
Xander Martinez 8%
First Year Senator
Jesse Ramirez 25% (elected)
Aaria Mitra 19% (elected)
Marc Thomas Valdez 19% (elected)
Tyra Fleming 16%
Xander Martinez 8%
Diego Hafizi 8%
Oscar Zavala Roman 5%
Thank you to all candidates!