“If there's something you want to see happen at CUI, this is your chance to put them into action,” said Samuel Schult, ASCUI president and fourth year.

The time has come. ASCUI elections are around the corner for both president and vice president. Voting will take place online on Wed., Jan. 24 and Thurs. 25, followed by the announced winners on Fri., Jan. 26. On Wednesday, students will be sent an email explaining how to vote for the candidates, and voting will remain open until the next day. Additionally, ASCUI will be promoting
the election outside of the cafeteria on both days.

Interested in being a campus leader but missed the deadline to apply for president or vice president? It’s never too late to apply for other roles on campus, including but not limited to a PAL Coordinator, Residential Assistant or a member of LEAD and abbey west.

ASCUI is just one of the many student leadership groups on campus. The team's goal is simple, which is to “be the pulse of the student body and find out what improvements students want, whether that's physical spaces, events or feelings,” said Amanda Norris, Director of Student Life and Leadership
Development.

Norris, who was named a Greater Irvine Chamber 40 Under 40 Honoree in 2022, is in the fifth year in her role at Concordia and she points to the value of “students getting a pulse for the students.” “Many people think we are just another leadership group that plans events. That's a big misconception. We actually don’t plan events... everything consists of weekly meetings with administration to discuss what students like and don’t like,” said Norris.

It’s Schult's first year on the ASCUI team, with previous leadership experience in Concordia Cares and intramurals his sophomore and junior
PICTURED ABOVE: Current ASCUI representatives! Photo courtesy of: cui.edu
year. While he has been in lead roles before, ASCUI serves as a, “group of five people that summarize the voices of students on campus, connecting with students and being the voice of what the student body is and then bringing that to administration,” said Schult.

“It’s definitely the best job I’ve had,” the ASCUI president continued. “It's not difficult and you get to hang out with a lot of cool people. The staff who oversee you and the connections you make are really awesome. It's very rewarding to have your say on campus and then see it get done.”

ASCUI is transformative and rewarding, not just for the individuals running the organization as a team, but for the whole student body to see change come to life on campus before their eyes.

“I love seeing the growth from when they initially come together as a team. It changes from awkwardness to becoming a family. By the middle of the semester, we are a little family. Before you know it, they are scheduling meetings with Dr. Thomas on their own, taking initiative and making things happen,” said Norris.

One of Norris’s favorite parts of her role is being an advocate for students. “Hearing concerns on campus holds weight when coming from the students, so being able to back them up and give them
confidence is huge,” said Norris.

Getting easily involved is one of the greatest opportunities Concordia provides. It may sound overwhelming or nerve wracking to run for roles on campus, but Schult assures that fresh and new ideas are always wanted and welcome.

“CUI is in a cool spot where you have the ability to build new traditions and culture, and that's needed in student leadership. We need new voices,” said Schult.

“If you are even an ounce interested in running for a role, schedule a meeting with me. I meet with people all the time to talk about any leadership position. We talk about what you’re interested in, your strengths, what you're nervous about... I always say, ‘Apply! What’s the worst that can happen? Just do it,’” said Norris.

For more information on upcoming elections, applications and all things ASCUI, reach out to Amanda Norris at amanda. norris@cui.edu or head to the Concordia website under Student Leadership to find current ASCUI representatives.

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