3rd Year, Chemical Science Major, Chemistry Emphasis, Transfer Student

My interest in this position stems from my wish to aid this campus and provide the students with the opportunities to grow as is so important in college. For this to happen the ASUCM needs a strong Internal VP in order to facilitate the cooperation of the legislative and executive branches and allow new ideas to be enacted. As a STEM major and a transfer student I have had many unique opportunities which requires the ability to moderate in an unbiased and impartial manner so that project may run smoothly, regardless of personal differences. The role of this government is to serve all students and the factions which sometimes form hinder the ASUCM's ability to do so. In this vain, I have worked with the Merced Junior College in aiding the physics department to find a space for the students to study and work together. As well as organizing events with Extra-Life, a 24 hour gaming marathon fundraiser which donates to provide games to hospitalized children. The position of Internal Vice President provides me the opportunity to share these experiences and bring a strong but fair voice for groups on campus who feel that they are not fully represented by the current government.
 

3rd year, Sociology major, Treasurer of Sociology Club, LAMBDA, Senator At-Large, SLATE: ReVAMP (Main Rep)

Hello! My name is Marissa Martinez and I’m running to be your 2018-2019 Internal Vice President. I am currently a sociology major and am actively involved with the Sociology Club as the Treasurer, LAMBDA alliance as a general member, and am a current Senator At-Large within ASUCM. With my third year at this institution coming to an end, along with my term as a senator, I have had the time and experience to reflect on how the Associated Students of the University of California, Merced functions to adequately serve its student population. Similar to this university, the organization does not adequately serve the needs of its students, especially the student population who has been historically most under severed. As the Internal Vice President, it is my responsibility to ensure that this organization functions to its fullest capacity to empower not only the students but the elected and appointed officials as well. My organizing experience with the Organizing Branch of the External Office of ASUCM back in the 2016-2017 school year, along with involvement in different mobilization efforts on campus since, has allowed me to see and work alongside many of the communities and leaders of this university. As a senator, I was able to use legislation and statements to voice the students' concerns whom I represented. Being a senator and the Senate pro tempore, I was very active with legislative reform, goal setting for the Senate, and advocacy both within the organization and outside. Channeling my experience as a senator and my experience with organizing at this university. I am a candidate that knows what it takes to serve the students and navigate bureaucratic systems at this institution. It is with this reality that I know I will be able to train a Senate that is fully equipped to advocate for you and create a foundation that will maintain the internal functions of the organization. I’m here to help restructure this organization because right now, it’s crumbling. It needs someone who has a vision for this organization, someone who has experience navigating the conflicts within this organization, and who can help rebuild a foundation for this organization so that it can effectively serve students. If elected Internal Vice President I will systematically and institutionally ensure that ASUCM will no longer overlook the students’ frustrations and concerns. My focuses will be on objective accountability of all members within ASUCM, help to carry out a centralized agenda made by the president, and systematically uplifting this organization so it can effectively serve its students. Ultimately, I see strong potential in this organization and it needs a strong Internal Vice President to help reach its potential. I will strive to be that Internal Vice President.