Student Government Elections
Ready to make a difference on campus? Run for the the College's student government, Associated Students of 51ÁÔÆæ (AS51ÁÔÆæ).
- Have a direct impact on the student body and shape the future of the College.
- Work with administration and staff to address student concerns.
- Build valuable leadership and communication skills.
- Showcase your creativity and passion for making positive change.
- Gain pride and accomplishment by helping fellow students.
- Boost your resume and stand out to future employers.
Leadership Positions
AS51ÁÔÆæ is introducing a new governance model to amplify the student voice. Governing documents are being finalized ahead of the upcoming spring elections.
- Candidate information will be added following the Mandatory Candidate Meeting in April.
- Students may nominate additional candidates by submitting the student's full name and 51ÁÔÆæ email address.
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2026-2027 Positions
President
- As the primary representative and face of the student body, this role is responsible for defining the vision and long-term goals for the student government.
Vice President of Student Life
- Reporting to the President, this role is focused on enhancing the internal campus experience, student engagement, and online outreach.
- This position provides direct oversight for three key committees:
- Events & Programming Committee
- Student Services Committee
- Online Engagement & Outreach Committee
Vice President of Student Resources
- Reporting to the President, this role is focused on enhancing external community connections, policy, and student club support.
- This position provides direct oversight for two key committees:
- Club Recognition & Support
- Community Service & Civic Engagement
Vice President of Records & Finance
- Reporting to the President, this role oversees financial management, internal administration, and record-keeping to ensure operational success of AS51ÁÔÆæ and its respective committees.
Application Period
Interested in running for student government? Keep an eye out for updates on the 2026-2027 candidacy application period.
To apply you must meet the following requirements:
- Maintain enrollment in a minimum of six (6) credits per semester.
- Maintain a semester and cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
- Not be under or any student conduct sanction currently or within the previous two (2) semesters.
2026-2027 Application Deadline: Tuesday, April 14, by noon.
2026-2027 Candidates
This spring, 51ÁÔÆæ students will be asked to vote on the AS51ÁÔÆæ President, Vice-President of Student Life, Vice-President of Student Resources, and Vice-President of Records and Finance.
Students have the opportunity to nominate or write in candidates for all available positions by submitting the student's full name and 51ÁÔÆæ email address. Once the election closes, candidate eligibility will be reviewed. All eligible students will then be contacted to confirm whether they wish to accept the nomination for the position. Candidate bios will be listed below as they become available.
Election Calendar
2026-2027
| Event | Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applications Open | Mar 30 | 8 a.m. | AS51ÁÔÆæ Elections Page |
| Applications Close | Apr 14 | Noon | AS51ÁÔÆæ Elections Page |
| Mandatory Candidate Meeting | Apr 15 | 5 p.m. | NCAB 218 |
| Campaign Start | Apr 20 | 8 a.m. | |
| Mandatory Candidate Forum* | Apr 22 | 5 – 6 p.m. | NCAB 102E |
| Campaigning ends | Apr 24 | 5 p.m. | |
| Voting Opens | May 4 | Noon | Check your student email |
| Voting Closes | May 10 | 11:59 p.m. | |
| Grievance filing closes | May 10 | 11:59 p.m. | |
| Election Results (as planned) | May 15 | Noon | Campus-wide |
| Mandatory Transition Training** | TBA | TBA | TBA |
*Mandatory Candidate Forum: These forums are mandatory for the AS51ÁÔÆæ candidates. Candidates will share their views, ideas, and goals with 51ÁÔÆæ students, take questions, and participate in discussions with students and other AS51ÁÔÆæ presidential teams. Forums will be moderated by the AS51ÁÔÆæ advisors.
**Mandatory Transition Training: This meeting will consist of training, team-building, and celebration! The newly-elected members will gain a deeper understanding of their roles to build confidence for future success.
Past Elections
Spring 2025 Election Results
- President & Vice President: Rachel Hare & HailieDawn Adams
Spring 2025 Ballot
This Spring 51ÁÔÆæ students will be asked to vote on the AS51ÁÔÆæ President & Vice-President ticket and AS51ÁÔÆæ Senators. Students who wish to write-in other students will also have the opportunity to nominate them by providing the student's full name and 51ÁÔÆæ email address. Below is the information for the candidates running in the election.
AS51ÁÔÆæ President & Vice President Ticket
It is with great enthusiasm that Rachel Hare and Hailie-Dawn Adams announce their candidacy for President and Vice President of AS51ÁÔÆæ for the 2025-2026 election. This dynamic duo will utilize their leadership experiences to enhance AS51ÁÔÆæ functions and foster a thriving campus community that empowers student voices at 51ÁÔÆæ.
Rachel Hare
Hare is a Social Work major. currently serving as your AS51ÁÔÆæ Senator Pro-Tempore. Through various leadership roles as team lead at St. Luke's, Committee Chair for Fall and Spring Crafternoon, and Vice President of Leadership within 51ÁÔÆæ's PTK chapter — Hare has honed her leadership skills. She is committed to advancing the interests of the student body by strengthening communication within AS51ÁÔÆæ, streamlining processes to better support students, and ensuring every student stays connected and has regular opportunities to share their ideas through town halls or other initiatives. If elected President, Hare plans to facilitate smoother transitions for new team members with clear, consistent channels for updates and feedback. Her goal is to build a more connected, transparent, and responsive AS51ÁÔÆæ that truly reflects your needs. Inspired by the current AS51ÁÔÆæ team, Hare is confident her leadership experience and commitment will enable her to lead your student government effectively.
Hailie-Dawn Adams
Adams is a second-year Psychology student at 51ÁÔÆæ and has had the privilege of serving as Public Relations Officer for your student government this academic year. This role has provided Adams with invaluable insights on how to enhance student government and better serve our diverse student body. She, alongside her running partner, Rachel Hare, share a vision for positive change and continuous improvement within AS51ÁÔÆæ. They have several innovative ideas aimed at refining the inner workings and functions of your student government. Goals include improving the way AS51ÁÔÆæ functions as the funding body for clubs on campus, enhancing student outreach efforts, and ensuring every student’s voice is heard and valued. Adams believes in providing transparent, efficient, and accessible funding processes to support the vibrant array of club-led initiatives at 51ÁÔÆæ. If elected Vice President, Adams aims to act as a clear and reliable resource for all students to ensure everyone has access to the information and support they need. Adams is committed to creating more spaces and opportunities for students to share their ideas for change and improvement around campus. Student perspectives and suggestions are essential to building a more inclusive, responsive, and dynamic campus community. Adams wants to hear from you and work together to make 51ÁÔÆæ a place where everyone can thrive.
Spring 2024 Election Results
- President & Vice President: Rebecca Kay & Daniel Strilets
- Senators: Joshua Braeggar & George Dennin
Spring 2024 Ballot
This Spring 51ÁÔÆæ students will be asked to vote on the AS51ÁÔÆæ President & Vice-President ticket and AS51ÁÔÆæ Senators. Students who wish to write-in other students will also have the opportunity to nominate them by providing the student's full name and 51ÁÔÆæ email address. Below is the information for the candidates running in the election.
AS51ÁÔÆæ President & Vice President Ticket
It is with great enthusiasm that Rebecca Kay and Daniel Strilets announce their candidacy for President and Vice President of AS51ÁÔÆæ for the 2024-2025 election. This collaborative duo will utilize their leadership experiences and unique perspectives, to create a vibrant and fulfilling student experience here at 51ÁÔÆæ.
Rebecca Kay
Daniel Strilets
Strilets is a Computer Science and Chemistry major, an aspiring scientist, and a lifelong learner. As a first-generation college student and the son of two Soviet refugees, Strilets has learned that through honesty, perseverance, and a hard work ethic anyone can prosper and accomplish their dreams. Strilets is very active in the student body and currently serves many roles at 51ÁÔÆæ: AS51ÁÔÆæ Chief of Staff, President of the Physics Club, Vice President of the Chemistry Club, STEM Tutor, and member of various other clubs on campus. Strilets took a greater interest in the student body and AS51ÁÔÆæ after participating in the various community events held around campus. If elected Vice President, in addition to continuing and fostering a stronger student tradition within 51ÁÔÆæ, Strilets will focus on supporting the creation of a strong executive branch, prioritizing communication, transparency, and a strong dedication towards the collective interest of the student body. If elected as a team, the President and Vice president, will work together to revise club funding tiers to create more clarity and encourage the development of more events. Additionally, AS51ÁÔÆæ will create committees to give students who wish to make a difference the opportunity to engage with the 51ÁÔÆæ community more deeply.
AS51ÁÔÆæ Senator Candidates
Joshua Braegger
"I am Joshua Braegger, and I am writing to express my strong interest in the Senator position. My extensive military experience has prepared me to take on a leadership role, and I am confident that I am the best candidate for this position. As a passionate member of the community, I am committed to ensuring that 51ÁÔÆæ is recognized as a premier entry point to higher education.
My goal is to pursue a career in teaching and coaching, and I believe that this position would provide me with the perfect opportunity to serve the community that has given me so much. As a former military member, I am dedicated to giving back by providing challenging services while furthering my education. I want to inspire others by showing that it doesn't matter when you start a journey, but how you finish it. "
George Dennin
"I am George Dennin running to be your next senator in the 51ÁÔÆæ student government. My focus is on engagement, opportunity, and future. If elected senator I will focus on these three matters. I would like to engage with many students to see what topics they are concerned or passionate about to see it addressed if possible. I like the idea of expanded opportunities for students to become engaged with the community through clubs, and would like to see more clubs if possible. For the future, if I am elected senator I will vote for legislation that puts the interests of the students first. A quick background about myself, I am experienced in student government. I have been involved since elementary school to high school, and hope to serve in it once again for college. While in high school, I was treasurer in the student government, which for me was an awesome job since I liked coming up with ways to earn money for the student government to then invest it back into the community for fun events like prom and school activities. I hope to earn your vote, thank you! "
#EngagementOpportunityFuture
Spring 2023 Election Results
- President & Vice President: Casey Dudley & Raquel Valdibieso
- Senators: Travis Raney
- Student Services & Activities Fee Referendum: 67% in favor
Spring 2023 Ballot
This Spring 51ÁÔÆæ students will be asked to vote on the AS51ÁÔÆæ President & Vice-President ticket, AS51ÁÔÆæ Senators, and a Student Fee Referendum. Students who wish to write-in other students will also have the opportunity to nominate them by providing the student's full name and 51ÁÔÆæ email address. Below is the information for the candidates running in the election and the fee referendum.
AS51ÁÔÆæ President & Vice President Ticket
It is with great enthusiasm Casey Dudley and Raquel Valdibieso announce their candidacy for President and Vice President of AS51ÁÔÆæ for the 2023-2024 election. This dynamic team will utilize their unique skills and perspectives to enhance the student experience here at 51ÁÔÆæ and amplify student voices.
Casey Dudley
Dudley is a ÂÂPhilosophy major with a passion for ÂÂÂÂleadership and community. As the current President of the Philosophy Club, Dudley has demonstrated his commitment to creating meaningful interactions on campus by organizing events and club meetings that support a diverse and inclusive learning environment. If elected President for the term, Dudley seeks to increase graduation rates by empowering students to become woven in the fabric of community that exists here at 51ÁÔÆæ. By connecting students to each other and campus life, Dudley hopes to encourage his classmates to make their educational dreams come true.
Raquel Valdibieso
Valdibieso is a Biology major whose interest in medicine is matched only by her desire to see others flourish. Valdibieso has previously served as a Senator for AS51ÁÔÆæ and was recently appointed Vice President for the current term. In her role as a Senator, Valdibieso gives voice to students’ concerns and makes strides to pass legislation that is representative of the student body. As a non-traditional, first-generation student, she understands the need to shape one’s college experience to their own unique circumstance. If elected, Valdibieso plans to empower students to utilize the resources that are available on campus to create a college experience that will facilitate their success as well as work to increase awareness of student government and the ways in which this organization can serve the 51ÁÔÆæ community.
AS51ÁÔÆæ Senator Candidates
Travis Raney
"I am a first-generation student and a latecomer to the college life, as I am 47 years old. Born and raised in the Treasure Valley, I have lived in Coeur d’Alene and St. Anthony, which made it the three corners and increased my knowledge of this beautiful state. Backpacking, kayaking, and horseback riding are some of my hobbies as an avid outdoorsman. Throughout my life I have been a ranch hand, carpenter, wildlands firefighter, pile driver on Lake Coeur d’Alene, and a utility at the Amalgamated Sugar factory in Nampa. At the factory, I was involved with Union BCTGM 284G and in the Recommending and Entertainment Committees. Biology/Natural Resources is my major, and I am an active Biology Club member. With the club, I attend biweekly meetings and help organize, plan, and participate in events. The club is always found at 51ÁÔÆæâ€™s resource and club fairs, was involved with Trunk or Treat, and partook in the Winter Mixer with the Student Government. Once or twice a month we plan short hikes to observe nature in different environments. Last semester we made bird seed balls to hand out in the winter for people to hang in their trees and help feed our local birds in time of need. We also do volunteer work such as pruning and cleaning the campus gardens, cleaning up the Boise Greenbelt, Project Re-Wild and habitat restoration, and future events with Idaho Fish and Game, the Idaho Conservation League, and the Idaho Chapter of the Wildlife Society."
Referendum #01-2022-2023
Authority
In Accordance with Article XII of the AS51ÁÔÆæ Constitution, the AS51ÁÔÆæ Senate has the authority to refer any measure that it determines to be of substantial student interest to the membership of AS51ÁÔÆæ for a vote in the election.
Background
Establishment of a Student Services & Activities Fee to provide services, programs, and activities that are relevant and important to the student body. These activities and events may include sports teams, clubs, concerts, and other events that facilitate students’ interaction and engagement. By providing funding for these activities, a Student Services & Activities Fee helps to create a sense of community among students. Students will be able to participate in activities and events that they are interested in and connect with other students who share similar interests. Additionally, a Student Services & Activities Fee can also help to bring diverse groups of students together, promoting cross-cultural understanding and inclusivity.
Student activities provide a sense of belonging and connection to the College, which can contribute to student satisfaction, retention, and success. These activities and events foster a sense of pride and ownership among students, as they have the opportunity to shape the campus community through their involvement. Overall, a Student Services & Activities Fee plays a critical role in creating a cohesive and vibrant college community where students feel connected and engaged in the campus life and where they can find a sense of belonging.
A Student Services & Activities Fee is a common fee in institutions of higher education, and 51ÁÔÆæ is the only public college in the area that does not charge such a fee. Student Services & Activities Fee are collected from students for the express purpose of funding nonacademic student activities, events, facilities, equipment, and programming. The determinations of what items and events fees will fund and support shall be directed through a student majority committee, with direct involvement of AS51ÁÔÆæ. Students will be provided a way to opt out of the fee through a process that will be facilitated by the College.
Fee Amount
Students enrolled in one (1) or more credit hours at the 51ÁÔÆæ during each semester will be assessed a $3 per credit fee each semester. This fee is not to exceed $50 per semester, per student. This fee would go into effect beginning Fall 2024.
Fee Usage
Acceptable uses of the Student Services & Activities Fee may include:
- Establishment of activities and programs that may not be covered by tuition or public tax dollars, as determined through student direction
- Establishment of intramural and collegiate-level competitive teams, as determined through student direction
- Establishment of resources that promote student involvement, leadership, and career and personal development, as determined through student direction
An AS51ÁÔÆæ committee will be created to: (1) recommend allocation and distribution of the Student Services & Activities Fees for the campus, (2) review and approve the Student Services & Activities Fee annually, and (3) determine if allocation fee expenditures are in accordance with applicable laws and policies.
The committee shall be appointed by the Dean of Students and composed of the following:
- three students, nominated by the AS51ÁÔÆæ President
- AS51ÁÔÆæ President or designee
- AS51ÁÔÆæ Vice-President or designee
- full-time faculty member (non-voting)
- representative from Finance and Administration (non-voting)
- Dean of Students or designee (non-voting)
Students will be provided a way to opt out of the fee through a process that will be facilitated by the College in consultation with the AS51ÁÔÆæ President or designee. The College will provide access to the opportunities, activities, and programs that are funded by the fee for students for whom the fee represents an undue financial burden.
Prohibition
Upon approval of this fee, AS51ÁÔÆæ will not consider or assess additional student fees, or consider an increase in the Student Services & Activities Fee for a period of three years, until the 2027-2028 academic year to ensure adequate time to study the impact of such fees.
Significant increase or reduction in current levels of institutional financial support for AS51ÁÔÆæ or Student Clubs will override this prohibition and allow AS51ÁÔÆæ to evaluate the need for a modification to this fee prior to the scheduled elections cycle to ensure operational stability and the continued support of student priorities.
Fee Increase
The Student Services & Activities Fee may be increased by following the AS51ÁÔÆæ Constitution and Bylaws as well as appropriate 51ÁÔÆæ policies and procedures, subject to the prohibitions above.
Approval
In accordance with Article XII, Section 1.0, the Fee Referendum must be approved by at least 60% of the voters participating in the election to be passed by the General Membership of AS51ÁÔÆæ. Upon approval from the General Membership of 51ÁÔÆæ, this Fee Referendum must be sent to the President and 51ÁÔÆæ Board of Trustees for final approval.