AS President
Annika Wolters
Double-majoring in Communication and Journalism. Critical thinker, coffee drinker, safe space keeper. Office located in VU 504D. If you know nothing about me, I’m a team member. Making Western’s campus more inclusive relies on people like us. Most students here have never been involved in the Associated Students. I’m out to represent these people. I’ve worked as a student reporter for The Western Front and AS Review, asking administrators and students about their opinions on the issues which affect us all. I’ve had the pleasure of hearing your opinions, let’s act on them. I’m driven by this objective. By learning from each other, we can build a more inclusive home away from home. With your help, we can do it. We can empower students to empower students.
VU 504D // 360-650-3265 //
ASVP for Academic Affairs
Jaleesa Smiley
Hello all. I am Jaleesa Smiley and I’ll be serving you all as VP For Academic Affairs for the 2014-2015 school year! I am a Senior this year, majoring in American Cultural Studies with a Minor in Education and Social Justice; with the hopes of getting a career in teaching. There is nothing that I love more than curling up in bed with a good book. This is what I do during a portion of my free time. The other half I spend attending many of the clubs, events, and services provided by the Associated Students. I have, and continue to be, a member of a number of clubs in the Ethnic Student Center; I was the Secretary for the Black Student Union this past school year. Last year I also attended Viking Lobby day, was selected to attend the Oregon Students of Color Conference, attended the annual Ethnic Student Center Conference, and was present at numerous events sponsored by the offices within the AS Resource and Outreach Programs (ROP).
These experiences afforded me the opportunity to gain invaluable knowledge about the student body and student issues here at Western. But it has been made increasingly clear to me that this is not the case for a majority of students. Only a small percentage of the student body are knowledgeable about student issues, on and off campus. Therefore, my main objective as VP For Academic Affairs will be to raise student awareness of the problems directly and indirectly facing them today, by making information, services and myself, as accessible as possible. In doing so, students will have a heightened understanding of the services and resources provided and that are not provided, here at Western.
Awareness begets change. And students do have the power to facilitate it.
I am excited to be serving you all this year!
VU 504E // 360-650-2941 //
ASVP for Activities
Giselle Alcantar Soto
Hello Western students and welcome to those who are new!
This is my third year at Western and if all goes well, I will graduate in the Spring with a double major in French and Spanish and a minor in Education and Social Justice. After I graduate, I plan on teaching abroad in a francophone country and then come back to get my Masters in Teaching. Ultimately, I want work in the public schools K-12, teaching languages but still further my education and see where that gets me. I love running and sports in general (tennis and swimming are some big ones). I was born and raised in Mexico and I absolutely love languages and different cultures, therefore I take every opportunity I get to travel.
Now that you know me a little bit, I want you to walk in to VU 504, tell us about yourself and ask questions. Here are some suggestions: What is the Board of Directors working on? What are you spending student dollars on? What does the Board of Directors and the AS even do?! Any and all questions are welcome. I know far too many students who don’t know about the Associated Students but did you know that by being enrolled in just one credit, you are a member of the Associated Students? So don’t be afraid to come check us out and use what you are paying for.
Again, we are here because you wanted it to be that way. Do not hesitate to come into our office and talk to one of us, we all have office hours. We are here to serve you in any way we can or point you in the right direction.
VU 504B // 360-650-3463 //
ASVP for Business and Operations
Chelsea Ghant
Hey you, YOU reading this, thank you for making my position worthwhile and special. I’m Chelsea Ghant, your 2014-2015 Associated Students Vice President for Business and Operations! I am earning a Bachelor’s degree in International Business with a minor in Chinese. I’ve been involved with the Associated Students for two years as an Office Assistant for the Ethnic Student Center, and now going into my 3rd year as Vice president. I feel grateful and honored to be representing Western Washington University’s student body.
I’ve held past positions as: Budget Authority for the Black Student Union and Program Support staff for the WWU’s Faculty Senate. I am a driven leader and an ambitious woman. Now that I’ve been elected I will remain true to ensuring that students’ needs are at the forefront when making financial decisions and asking myself and others “Is that a responsible use of student dollars?” I have many exciting hobbies and one of which is helping and connecting with people, so feel free to stop by and say hello, my office is located in VU 504E. See you then!
-Chelsea Ghant
VU 504E // 360-650-2941 //
ASVP for Diversity
Cristina Rodriguez
VU 504B // 360-650-3463 //
ASVP for Governmental Affairs
Sarah Kohout
Hey all! My name is Sarah Kohout and I am the Vice President for Governmental Affairs for 2014-2015 school year! I am Senior at Western majoring in Political Science and minoring in Women Studies.
This year I want to increase student representation at the local, state, and federal level, secure funding for Carver Academic Facility, and make college more affordable while preventing cuts to higher education. A lot of students on campus don’t know what the Representation and Engagement Programs Office or Western Votes is and I want to change that. I want all students to feel empowered, know that they can make a different. I want all students to know they have a voice and that people will listen.
So far at Western I have worked in the Representation and Engagement Programs Office as the Committee Coordinator, sat on the Legislative Affairs Council, and been President of Western Votes! I’ve really enjoyed my experiences in the Associated Students and that is why I decided to run for this position.
My hobbies include registering voters, watching shows like House of Cards, the West Wing, Orange is the New Black, and Scandal on Netflix, searching for the best tofu pad Thai in Bellingham, and being with friends and family.
I’m really looking forward to this upcoming year and if you want to be involved with committees, the REP, Western Votes, or Viking Lobby Day please come down to the board office or call me at 360-650-3736.
VU 504C // 360-650-3736 //
ASVP for Student Life
Zach Dugovich
Hello Vikings! I’m Zach Dugovich and I will be serving you as the 2014-2015 Associated Students Vice President for Student Life!
I am currently a senior here at Western studying Political Science and Public Relations.
This year I look forward to increasing Western’s sustainability, improving transportation and fostering stronger relationships between the AS and overall student population.
Please feel free to stop by my office or shoot me an email with any questions, concerns or just to talk!
VU 504C // 360-650-3736 //
AS Elections Coordinator
Mayra Guizar
I’m a junior studying Business Management and I will be starting a minor in Law, Diversity, and Justice this year. I was raised in Sunnyside, Washington and I am the oldest of 3. I came to Western as a first generation student with the help of the Yakima Valley’s Upward Bound program. I know that without their assistance, I probably wouldn’t be at Western today! I’m passionate about helping others and contributing to my community in any way that I can. I love this university and the people I have met because of it. I ‘m excited to work hard this year alongside the rest of the Board members, and thank you all for electing me to be your Vice President for Diversity. Feel free to stop by my office to chat or say hey!
VU 435 // 360-650-4267 //
AS Board Assistant for Representation Committees
VU 504 // 360-650-3281 //
AS Board Assistant for Internal Committees
VU 504 // 360-650-3281 //
AS Board Assistant for Club Committees
VU 504 // 360-650-3281 //
AS Assessment Coordinator
Matt Smith
VU 520 // 360-650-6445 //
AS Board Assistant for Viking Lobby Day
VU 504
AS Board Assistant for Fall Information Fair