Graphic By Maya Uribe
By Miggy Aguilar and Melisa Rodriguez
As the 2025–26 Associated Students Inc. (ASI) election approaches at CI, candidates for Student Government President, Vice President, Senator and the ASI Board of Directors are eager to share their platforms and plans for the upcoming academic year. Each candidate was asked a set of questions about their campaign goals and their vision for improving student life at CI. Additional questions were tailored to the specific responsibilities of the position each candidate is seeking.
Experience and Skills
Each of the four Presidential and Vice Presidential tickets brings a unique blend of personal experience, academic background and student involvement to their campaign platforms. Candidates emphasized their connections to CI, their leadership styles and how those traits prepare them to advocate for the student body.
Quinn Hodge and Stacy Ryan began their interview by highlighting their long-standing ties to student leadership. Hodge, a political science major with a pre-law minor, has been involved in student government since elementary school. “I’ve been doing student government work for a very long time—even before I came to CI,” she said, citing her time as a historian, club president and organizer for political candidates and advocacy events. At CI, she has further immersed herself as a resident, a sister in Zeta Pi Omega, a lieutenant in the Jugger team and an active member of student government.
Ryan, her running mate, brings both academic and interpersonal strengths. triple-majoring in political science, global studies and environmental communication, with minors in peace & conflict resolution and history, she spoke about her connection-building mindset. “Culture and community—these are things that I have followed my entire life,” she said. “I’ve traveled a lot and learned to engage with a wide range of people. That’s how I’ve come to understand that connection is the foundation you need to have a strong community.”
Steven Giles, a mathematics major with an emphasis in statistics and a computer science minor, emphasized analytical thinking and campus involvement. “As a first-generation college student, I’ve learned problem-solving and analytical skills through my courses,” Giles said. “But people are more than numbers. I want to apply that skillset to improve CI and make it more inclusive.” He also described how volunteering for the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEAM) Fair logistics team helped him appreciate the potential of the campus community and inspired him to run.
His Vice Presidential candidate, Jonathon Chang, a computer science major, spoke from his lived experience as an active participant in student life. “I’ve been part of the CSUCI Soccer Club and I won the Plot-A-Thon here,” he said. “That helped me see how much students want to participate but often feel like they don’t belong. My goal is to create security, inclusivity and great experiences at CSUCI.” Chang noted that he frequently hears suggestions from fellow students and wants to act as a bridge to bring those ideas forward.
Jonathan Dean, a psychology major, leaned into his track record of student leadership and commitment to authentic service. “I was sophomore class president, junior class president and ASB president in high school,” he said. “But more importantly, I know how to listen. I’m not here for ambition. I’m doing this to serve CI and make it feel like home for everyone.” Dean also noted his interest in using a data-informed approach to leadership, combining surveys and community dialogue to meet student needs.
His running mate, Efren Garcia, psychology major, comes from a professional background outside of student government. “I’ve worked in the mental health field for over five years,” Garcia explained. “I’ve worked with large groups, diverse perspectives and I know how to sit in a room, hear different opinions and guide the conversation toward a resolution.” He emphasized collaboration, empathy and results-driven leadership as the core of his vision for the role.
Emily Conde, a pre-nursing major with a minor in health science, brings two years of direct experience in ASI Student Government, currently serving as Chief of Staff. “I never thought I’d be here, but student government completely changed my college experience,” she said. “I’ve been in committee meetings, worked directly with administration and advocated for student needs since freshman year.” Conde described this history as central to her ability to represent students effectively: “I understand how things work behind the scenes and I’m ready to keep pushing for student priorities.”
Her running mate, Rocio Banda, is a psychology major with an art minor and currently works as a resident advisor. “I talk to students every day about their struggles,” she said. “I work with faculty, staff and residents—and that gives me insight into what students need from their university.” Banda stressed that her leadership is grounded in service and care: “I’m committed to listening, taking action and making sure students feel heard, seen and supported.”
Top Priorities
The Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates laid out wide-ranging priorities for the 2025–26 academic year, spanning from campus culture and inclusivity to student services, academic resources and institutional transparency. While all tickets expressed a desire to improve the CI student experience, each proposed distinct areas of focus grounded in their personal values and vision for leadership.
Hodge and Ryan emphasized increasing transparency, strengthening cross-campus communication and building student engagement that extends beyond formal governance. “My top priority is increasing student engagement through as many means as possible and increasing the transparency of what we have available,” said Hodge. The pair wants to ensure that underutilized programs—like resume support, scholarship advising and student resources—are more visible to students. “Students don’t always know what they have access to and that’s a huge gap we can fix,” she explained. Ryan added that commuters need more flexibility to participate in campus life: “We want to time events so commuters can actually attend. That’s part of making CI feel like a place for everyone.”
Their platform includes hosting town halls, supporting resource centers like Basic Needs and the Learning Resource Center (LRC) and giving campus organizations clearer channels to voice concerns. “We’re focused on disability awareness, inclusive signage and revitalizing the way student government communicates internally and with the public,” Ryan said.
Giles and Chang prioritized affordability, student feedback mechanisms and campus inclusivity. “One of my top priorities is helping to decongest the parking on campus,” Giles said. “It’s something I hear a lot about and it affects students every day.” He also wants to advocate for reduced food prices in the Student Union Building (SUB) for low-income students and increase access to scholarships: “Some students don’t know where to start with applying—we want to open that up.”
Chang emphasized that many students don’t feel included or welcomed in CI’s existing student culture. “When I talk to people, they say they wish they went to events, but they didn’t think they’d fit in,” he said. Their plan includes more interactive sessions in the Central Mall, outreach through the GOCI app and environmental cleanup events to build school pride. “We want to hold regular open sessions where students can bring concerns directly to us,” Chang added. “We’ll take those ideas and turn them into action.”
Dean and Garcia placed heavy emphasis on building a “Dolphin Culture”—a concept rooted in empathy, pride and connection. “I want to make sure no one feels like a stranger on this campus,” said Dean. “A culture of kindness and belonging is foundational to academic and personal success.” Their platform includes initiatives like campus kindness challenges, Dolphin Meet-Ups and mentorship programs to bridge the gap between students, alumni and faculty.
Dean also discussed larger structural goals, such as increasing enrollment and expanding CI’s research capacity: “We were recently awarded RCU status, and I want more students to know about that. We should be promoting the amazing work done here.” In higher education, RCU stands for Research Colleges and Universities. This is a designation used by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education to identify institutions that engage in significant research activities. Garcia echoed this with a focus on academic and emotional support: “Our priorities are expanding mental health access, research opportunities and laying the groundwork for an NCAA athletics program to bring more spirit to campus.”
Conde and Banda spoke with urgency about engagement, mental health and campus visibility. “The number one thing we keep hearing from students is that they don’t feel involved. That’s where we want to start,” said Conde. “We want to build leadership and involvement opportunities across all walks of life.” She also emphasized the importance of mental health, recalling past events like therapy dog visits during finals: “I want to bring those back and add even more stress-relief initiatives that make people feel supported.”
Banda added that student enrollment and retention were also priorities, particularly through expanded programming: “I would love to collaborate with ASI and Housing to host bigger events that make people want to stay here.” Their platform includes expanding library hours, improving study spaces, advocating for more support for sport clubs and increasing representation in decision-making processes. “We want a campus where students feel empowered to speak and supported in every aspect of their academic journey,” said Banda.
Policy Platforms
While all four tickets share overarching goals like improving student engagement and mental health, each brings a distinct policy orientation shaped by their backgrounds and campaign priorities.
Hodge and Ryan’s platform centers on transparency, accessibility and government revitalization. They propose launching cross-campus collaborations to promote underused resources like CalFresh, DASS and CSU Fully Online. They also want to improve physical signage and introduce disability awareness training for student leaders. “We’re focused on making sure resources are not only available but visible,” Ryan said. Their revitalization plan includes public forums, clearer Senate reporting and earlier Lobby Corps deadlines to involve students in legislative advocacy sooner.
Giles and Chang advocate for affordability, student advocacy and inclusivity. Giles proposed using CI’s mobile app to identify parking congestion zones and offer real-time updates. “The CI app is a service the school pays for—we should be using it to make daily life easier,” he said. They also plan to host open advocacy sessions in Central Mall and push for better food quality in the SUB. “We’re not just pushing inclusivity as a buzzword,” Chang said. “We want to create events that make people feel like they belong, no matter their background.”
Dean and Garcia framed their policy agenda around long-term institutional growth. Dean emphasized a phased plan for NCAA program development, increased funding for disability accommodations and expanded undergraduate research. “CI just got RCU recognition—our job now is to build on that momentum and show the world what CI students can do,” he said. Garcia added that student voices must lead the way: “We’ll partner with departments to make sure mental health, career services and academic resources are growing with the student population.”
Conde and Banda focused their platform on student engagement, well-being and infrastructure. “We want more study spaces, better library hours and healthier dining options,” Conde said. “We’re also looking at transportation and accessibility upgrades.” Banda emphasized funding transparency and collaboration with existing ASI programs like Basic Needs and CAPS. “It’s not just about launching new initiatives—it’s about making sure the things we already rely on get the support they need,” she said. Their platform also includes increased sport club visibility, expanded wellness programming and feedback systems for student input.
Biggest Challenges Facing CI Students
When asked what they see as the biggest challenges facing CI students, all candidates pointed to overlapping issues—low engagement, accessibility gaps, and a disconnect between students and campus systems. Still, each ticket identified specific pressure points they hope to address if elected.
Hodge said one of the most urgent challenges is the lack of communication between students and the university. “There are incredible resources and events happening that students don’t know about—not because they don’t care, but because it’s hard to keep up,” she said. Ryan emphasized this disconnect, especially for commuters and newer students. “We want to change that with better promotion, stronger outreach and a student government that’s actually responsive,” she said.
Giles pointed to structural frustrations like campus congestion and rising costs. “Parking is a daily stressor, and food prices are high for a lot of students,” he said. “That impacts whether people even want to stay on campus after class.” Chang added that many students feel disengaged from the community. “I talk to people who wanted to go to events but didn’t because they didn’t feel included,” he said. “That’s a culture issue. We want to change that.”
Dean emphasized CI’s declining enrollment and low graduation rate. “Budget cuts are happening because our numbers are going down,” he said. “That means fewer course offerings and fewer opportunities.” He also raised concerns about students feeling isolated or unsupported. “We need to make CI feel like home—not just a place you go to class,” he said. Garcia noted that students often face internalized barriers: “Sometimes students don’t even feel confident enough to reach out. That’s why culture matters—because belonging impacts performance.”
Conde said one of the biggest issues is the commuter-residential divide. “CI is a small school with a big commuter population, and that can make it harder to create community,” she said. Banda echoed that concern, noting that students often miss events or services because of limited availability or awareness. “We want to host pop-ups and bigger collaborative events to get students more connected, especially those living on campus,” she said. “Even something like having the dining hall open longer during breaks can make a difference.”
Student Voice in Administration
Each candidate was asked how they would ensure that student voices are heard in discussions with campus administration. While strategies varied, all candidates acknowledged the importance of building consistent, transparent, and approachable channels for student feedback.
Hodge stressed the need for balance between students, faculty, and administrators. “You can’t just have all teachers, all admin or all students in charge. If all three aren’t heard equally, the system won’t work,” she said. Ryan added that revitalizing student government starts with internal accountability: “We want clear communication across committees, open forums for feedback and real-time updates on what’s being done.”
Giles proposed regular listening sessions in Central Mall where students could approach elected officials with ideas. “We don’t want to be two people behind a screen,” he said. “We want face-to-face feedback.” Chang added that in-person surveys would help reach students who ignore email outreach. “I’d rather hand someone a survey in person than hope they open another Qualtrics link,” he said.
Dean said the foundation of his approach would be trust and integrity. “I will not be intimidated or compromised,” he said. “When I sit down with a legislator or administrator, I’ll ask what they’re offering CI—because that’s politics. It’s give and take.” Garcia emphasized direct outreach as a priority. “We can’t just send surveys—we need to walk around, ask questions, and be visible,” he said. “People don’t know how much influence ASI has until we explain it to them.”
Conde and Banda said that existing ASI structures already give students a seat at the table—what’s needed is broader participation. “In student government, we meet with department heads and the university president. We have those connections, and we want to use them to bring student concerns forward,” said Conde. Banda added that breaking down those barriers starts with visibility: “We want to host events where students can meet decision-makers—people from Housing, CAPS, ASI—and know who they’re talking to. It’s about familiarizing people with how the system works.”
ASI Student Government Senator Candidate: Elliana Escalera
Elliana Escalera, a sophomore majoring in Early Childhood Studies with a minor in Education, is running for ASI Senator with a platform centered on accessibility, mental health, and community care. As a member of the Muscular Dystrophy Association and a student living with muscular dystrophy herself, Escalera brings deeply personal insight to her campaign. “One of the main issues I’ve experienced was mobility—the school doesn’t offer any mobility aid,” she said. “If I fall, I don’t have a wheelchair. I only have a walker. I know I’m not the only one going through that.”
Escalera proposes implementing a golf cart system for students with limited mobility and creating more inclusive mental health programming. “Just because someone’s disability isn’t visible doesn’t mean it doesn’t matter,” she said. She believes current resources like CAPS and mental health peer support services are underused due to stigma or lack of awareness, and she wants to change that by normalizing conversations around mental health and well-being.
She also hopes to increase student involvement through more inclusive club fairs and events based on student survey input. “People say there aren’t enough events, but sometimes they don’t feel like the events are for them,” she said. “It’s about the right promotion and making sure people know what’s going on.”
When asked how she would ensure student voices are represented in campus decision-making, Escalera pointed to social media and direct outreach. “Being told information through Instagram or surveys means I can take those exact ideas to administration,” she said. “I want students to know their concerns are being shared at the highest levels.”
ASI Board of Directors Candidate: Genesis Hernandez
Genesis Hernandez, a senior majoring in Sociology, is running for the ASI Board of Directors with a campaign focused on equitable access, commuter advocacy and student-centered policy. Drawing from her experience as a Student Union Service Assistant, Hernandez said she’s developed the communication, collaboration and problem-solving skills needed to serve. “Working with different events and teams, I’ve learned how important it is to be a voice for students who don’t always feel heard,” she said. “I want to lead with confidence, compassion and understanding.”
Hernandez’s top priorities include improving campus dining options and hours, particularly for students who live on campus without transportation. “We need better food options and longer hours—especially on weekends. Students who stay here shouldn’t be limited just because services shut down,” she said. As a commuter herself, she also advocates for more flexible scheduling of campus events. “Big events happen too late in the day for a lot of us,” she said. “Why not have them in the morning or midday too?”
On affordability, Hernandez proposes more flexible parking and tuition payment plans. “Parking is expensive, and payment deadlines can be hard to meet. We need to make those things more manageable.”
When asked how she would ensure transparency in ASI budget allocations, Hernandez stressed open dialogue and accountability. “Students have a right to know where their money is going,” she said. “Good communication means answering their questions, providing feedback, and not getting defensive when people raise concerns.”
She also laid out her approach for student engagement in ASI decision-making. “Tabling works—students walk by between classes, and we can tell them what we do,” she said. She wants to supplement this with interactive content like short videos, Q&As, and one-on-one conversations. “We need to make ASI something students actually recognize and feel invited into.”
Looking Ahead
As the 2025–26 ASI elections approach, candidates across all positions have expressed a shared commitment to improving student life, enhancing access to resources and ensuring all voices are represented in decision-making processes. Voting opens April 15 at 8:00 a.m. and closes April 16 at 5:00 p.m. Students can vote online through their MyCI email or in person on the Student Union Dolphin Deck from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on both days.
For questions or concerns, students are encouraged to reach out to the ASI Elections Council at asielectionscouncil@csuci.edu.
By Broadcasting Team
