Student Government
Overview
Is Student Government For You?
Student Government represents undergraduate, graduate and professional students at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. It consists of two branches, Executive and Legislative, and its primary function is to serve as an advocate on student issues and voice students’ concerns about campus issues.
Student Government's Governing Documents: Constitution and ByLaws
If you have an issue that needs to be addressed on campus please leave a message in the Virtual Suggestion Box and we will get in touch with you.
The office is located on the second floor of the Student Success Center, Room 1280. You may contact Student Government during normal business hours, Monday - Friday, 8am – 4:30pm or by calling 618-650-3818.
Committee Members Needed!
To inquire about open Senator positions, please contact Lucia Knapp (luknapp@siue.edu)
To inquire about open Executive positions, please contact Barrett Larkin (balarki@siue.edu)
Free Scantrons (Blue & Green), and Bluebooks are available in the Student Government Office.
Executive Board
2024/2025 Executive Board
Barrett Larkin, Student Body President Vision for Student Government: "The categories of academics, mental health, and community involvement well capture the student experience. Under my administration, students will notice improvements in these areas. Further, I will build up the SIUE Student Government into an organization that efficiently designs and implements bold, thoughtful legislation." Hobbies: Chess puzzles, reading mostly non-fiction, dealing with student trustees that act 12 years old. |
Lucia Knapp, Student Body Vice President Vision for Student Government: "Creating a feeling of solidarity while maintaining individuality and building connections throughout the student body are my highest priorities. Utilizing my position as Vice President, it is my goal to unite the SIUE student body by advocating for student concerns I see every day and emphasizing inclusivity on campus." Hobbies: I enjoy reading, hammocking, getting coffee with my friends, playing guitar, and curating the perfect Spotify playlists. Contact Me: luknapp@siue.edu |
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Kaia Ford, Student Trustee Vision for Student Government: "As Student Trustee, I aspire to unify the administration and students to ensure that voices reach both the Student Senate and the Board of Trustees." Hobbies: Doing the NYT games at 12:01 a.m., beating Ben in 100-meter dashes, playing with my kitties, and demolishing Barrett in chess matches daily.
Other Campus Involvement: Graduate Assistant
Contact Me: kfordaa@siue.edu
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Olivia Davila, Financial Officer Vision for Student Government: "I hope to encourage student organizations to apply for travel and program funding this year. Additionally, I plan to promote programming opportunities funded by Student Government. I also want to ensure that Student Government is an inclusive space where all students feel comfortable in the office." Hobbies: Lifting, baking, and hanging out with friends! |
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Aiden Kocher, External Affairs Officer Vision for Student Government: "As the External Affairs Officer, my goal is to strengthen the connection between SIUE and the local community by fostering partnerships that benefit both students and businesses. I aim to establish student discount programs with local businesses, helping students save money while boosting the local economy. I want to ensure that SIUE students feel the support of not just our campus, but the broader community. Through active outreach and clear communication, I hope to make student government an accessible resource for all, enhancing student life and reinforcing SIUE's role as a hub of collaboration and growth." Hobbies: 3D Modeling, 3D Printing, Technology, Hiking, Going to the gym, Being outdoors |
Brenden Auerbach, Head Justice Vision for Student Government: "I would like to see SG continue to grow and develop relationships with faculty, the student body, and local legislation. I will continue to help build SG into the best version of itself through active leadership and community outreach. I will revise and uphold our governing documents and hold all SG members to the highest standards as we reflect the will of the Student Body." Hobbies: Fishing, reading, biking, photography, hiking. Contact Me: bauerba@siue.edu |
Aly Abou-Zaid, Communications Officer Vision for Student Government: "Amplify Student Government Awareness through promotional materials and a social media campaign. I want to clarify the role and achievements of Student Government, making it more relatable and understood among the student body. Personalize Student Representation by frequently featuring senators and representatives in our communications. I want to build a stronger connection students and their elected officials." Hobbies: Napping on the library beanbags. |
Moayad (Mo) AbuZaneh, Student Wellness & Equity Officer Vision for Student Government: I'm passionate about uniting diverse student groups and ensuring our organization truly connects with them. Valuing student voices, I advocate for their platform. My focus is working together on projects that encourage teamwork and involve students from all backgrounds and moving our university forward. Hobbies: Riding motorcycles, fixing and working on cars. Photography.
Other campus involvement: Honors student association (HSA) - student worker at the honors office (photographer and social media management) - Co-Publicity chair, Muslim student association (MSA). - Arabic Club. - Member of the parking and traffic committee. - Member of the diversity committee.
Contact Me: mabuzan@siue.edu |
Benjamin Cole, Organization Relations Officer
Hometown: Moro, IL Year in School: Sophomore Major: Physics & Mathematical Studies Vision for Student Government: In education, you can learn through lecture, where you are taught information and you have to prove your knowledge on the subject, or you can learn through experience. At SIUE, students learn through experience by exploring student organizations and getting involved on campus. I will work with organization leaders to connect more students through extracurriculars and increase involvement on campus. I also plan to work with students who wish to form new organizations and push to resurrect inactive organizations that brought liveliness, knowledge, and community to our campus. Hobbies: From hiking the rough terrains to kayaking the white-water rapids, exploring the outdoors will always be my passion. I also am always down for some competition, especially on the track. If there is one challenge I will always win, it is beating Kaia in the daily puzzles. You can also find me at the gym, checking out new things happening on campus, or studying Korean.
Other campus involvement: Rotaract Club and Honors Scholar |
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Legislative
2024-2025 Legislative Branch
The legislative branch of Student Government consists of 35 senators elected by the Student Body during annual elections held during Spring Semester or appointed, pursuant to the Student Government Constitution. Two of these thirty five elected Senators are graduate students; and two freshman senators are appointed during the Fall Semester.
Meet Your Senators
Mitch Baldwin, Freshman Senator Hometown: Waterloo, IL Year in School: Freshman Major: Political Science Vision for Student Government: I want to see more positive reinforcement from the students attending SIUE. I see school spirit as a huge problem that can be fixed with a greater community morale and drive for spirit. School spirit is not just showing up to events, it is feeling connected with everything happening with SIUE, and wanting to be a part of its family. Hobbies: Running, socializing, problem-solving, Hiking, Traveling. Other campus involvement: ROTC, Greek Life -more to come! Contact Me: alebald@siue.edu |
Stacia Tillison, Freshman Senator
Hometown: , IL
Year in School: Freshman Major: Vision for Student Government: As a Freshman Senator I hope to create an initiative that includes all freshman and allows them to socialize, making the transition to SIUE easier despite the class’ majors or current social groups. Hobbies: I enjoy being creative in all aspects weather it be with food and baking or with pen and paper or paints. I also enjoy working car shows to raise money for local charities with my friends and family as well as playing with my dachshund, Harley. Other campus involvement: As of now I am currently not involved in any other campus organization other than the Honors Program.
Contact Me: stillis@siue.edu
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Iyanuoluwa Fatunmbi, Graduate Senator Vision for Student Government: As a Graduate Senator, I plan to bridge the gap of communication between the graduate students and the management of SIUE campus. I want to represent them at different bodies and be their voices. Hobbies: Traveling and table tennis |
Victoria Magbagbeola, Graduate Senator Vision for Student Government: "My vision for Student Government is to serve as a bridge that strengthens the communication between students and the university. I am committed to intensifying Graduate students' voices and ensuring that all students' concerns and needs are represented. Through proactive engagement and advocacy, I aim to foster a more inclusive and transparent dialogue, enabling us to address challenges and create opportunities that enhance the student experience." Hobbies: I enjoy watching comedy movies, singing, and relaxing indoors. |
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Zach Entwistle, Senator at Large Vision for Student Government: "I would like to help SIUe further strengthen the bonds between faculty and students while carrying forward the ideas and suggestions of the student body to continue making campus a great place.." Hobbies: Fishing, hiking and spending time outdoors |
Heaven Watkins, Senator at Large Vision for Student Government: I want more students to feel comfortable with speaking up with problems on campus. Hobbies: Basketball Contact Me: heawatk@SIUE.edu |
, Senator at Large Hometown: Year in School: Major: Vision for Student Government: ub, Students for Reproductive Rights. Contact Me: ariejoh@SIUE.edu |
Emma Ebbeler, Senator for the School of Business Vision for Student Government: My vision for Student Government is to positively represent my peers in the School of Business. I would like to help improve student's academic performance in the School of Business, as well as the rest of the students on campus. I also want to focus on helping students feel at home on campus and encourage them to get involved! Hobbies: I enjoy making plans with friends and family, boating, painting, and other outdoor activities. Contact Me: eebbele@siue.edu |
Tonanzi Montoya, Senator - College of Arts and Sciences-People and Culture Vision for Student Government: I want to make the campus a vibrant environment for everyone. I want the students to feel heard and supported. Hobbies: I love to go on hikes and hang out with friends. I also love taking photos and hang out with friends |
David Ferier, Senator for the College of Arts and Sciences-Science & Math Vision for Student Government: "I want to learn as much as I can about Student Government and make a difference at SIUE. Alongside my fellow senators and with the students of the College of Arts and Sciences, I want to help be make changes to our Science and Math programs to make sure our students have what they need to succeed." Hobbies: Playing sports, Working out, Being Outside. |
Nicholas Yuhas, Senator for the School of Dental Medicine Vision for Student Government: I want to work on more initiatives to bring the SDM closer to main campus and vice versa. Hobbies: Weight lifting, Camping, Hiking, Playing pool |
Devin Willis, Senator for the School of Ed., Health, and Human Behavior Vision for Student Government: My vision for student government is to see more support for the upcoming organizations and clubs. Continue to see more Black students involved, and have student government cater more to the well being of the students. Hobbies: Working out, Hanging out with friends when I can, Being isolated |
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Nicholas Young, Senator for the School of Ed., Health, and Human Behavior Vision for Student Government: "In my eyes, student government should be about creating a campus environment where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. I aim to prioritize mental health initiatives, promote diversity through inclusive practices, and foster meaningful connections within our community.” Hobbies: I enjoy biking, hiking, camping, canoeing, reading, writing, playing video games, exercising, and hosting D&D campaigns. I also like to play instruments, like guitar, bass, and piano. |
Peyton Lovel, Senator for the School of Engineering Vision for Student Government: "Create a new big family within the senators and representatives. Change school policy for meal plans." Hobbies: Hunting, sports, fishing |
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Ray Ehrenhaft, Senator for the School of Nursing Vision for Student Government: "I am working to increase the retention of SIUE student nurses, while promoting diversity and representation among students in the nursing field. I will also use my position to make our campus a stronger and healthier community promoting physical mental and spiritual health." Hobbies: Paddle boarding, hiking, reading, painting. |
, Senator for the School of Nursing Vision for Student Government: "I would like to accomplish more mental health awareness and strengthen the School of Nursing’s students and their needs to become great nurses." Hobbies: My hobbies include working and resting when I can. |
Rebecca Loftus, Senator for the School of Pharmacy Vision for Student Government: "I hope to continue my work as Pharmacy Senator to strengthen the relationship between the pharmacy school and main campus. I also hope to help the Pharmacy School continue the Student Health Fair that was started in the 23-24 school year to provide information and health resources to students on our campus." Hobbies: My hobbies include knitting/crocheting, spending time with my friends and family, and trying new restaurants! |
Roman Becker, Senator for Non-Traditional Students Vision for Student Government: "I wish to further push initiatives related to diversity, equity and inclusion on campus that were created since the inception of identity-based senator positions." Hobbies: Heavy metal guitarist, Learning about mythologies, Reading current literature about neuroscience |
, Senator for Non-Traditional Students Vision for Student Government: "I aim to help my fellow non-traditional students, in particular, those who were homeschooled, with any difficulties they may face as a result of not fitting the cookie-cutter pattern. In my own experience, coming from a homeschool, the first year can be full of culture shock and adjustment. Simply sharing a class with a dozen students is quite a change of pace. I hope to create an avenue for the voices of homeschoolers and other non-traditional students to be heard. And forge a path for this new Senate position." Hobbies: Home Theater Audio Subwoofer and speaker design Sailing Golf. |
Franzine Cole Salas, Senator for International Students Vision for Student Government: "My vision for SG is to contribute in creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for international students wherein they can reach out to the student government with no hesitation whenever they have concerns that needs to be addressed." Hobbies: Listening to music, singing, taking photos of beautiful sceneries and nature walks. |
Abdulsalam Odofin-Kamorudeen, Senator for International Students Vision for Student Government: "My vision for SG is to do more to enhance international students' experience at SIUE." Hobbies: Soccer, Tennis |
Nina Harris, Senator for Military and Veteran Affairs Vision for Student Government: "I want to grow the Student Veteran of America Club." Hobbies: Building Legos, Reading and Biking |
Aseanti Boone, Senator for Student Athletes Vision for Student Government: "To help the student body feel more cared for and to make sure that their voices are heard and valued. Student Government is a place for student by students so that they are not overlooked." Hobbies: Modeling, Poetry, Cooking |
Jasiah Andrews, Senator for the Diversity Council Vision for Student Government: "Getting more African Americans involved and aware of what student government is." Hobbies: - Praying, working out, listening to music, traveling |
Natasha Kabir, Senator for the Diversity Council Vision for Student Government: " I have dedicated much of my time to the protection of the rights of women and people with disabilities in Bangladesh. During my activism and the insights I gained into the machinations of society, I realized how different power players facilitate, obstruct, or otherwise shape policy outcomes, especially regarding the empowerment of those who are lagging and less privileged." Hobbies: Traveling, Watching Movies, Gastronomy and exploring new culture |
Alexis Allen, Senator for the Diversity Council Vision for Student Government: "I want to see the campus come together as one and recognize that although we are all different, we are still one in the same." Hobbies: Crafting, cooking, writing. |
Ashton Carter, Senator for the Diversity Council Vision for Student Government: "My vision for student government is to orchestrate initiatives to improve our entire school community." Hobbies: Shopping and trying new restaurants. |
Megan You, Senator for the Diversity Council Vision for Student Government: "My vision is to bring forth a more inclusive and judgement-free zone for all students. Being the guiding hand for multicultural and identity-based organizations, I hope to bring forth an equitable forefront in change and collaboration. By ensuring that students feel welcome and included, I will devote my time to assure everyone has a sense of belonging on campus." Hobbies: Playing piano, cycling, being a house music connoisseur, and crackin jokes. |
, Senator for Students with Disabilities Vision for Student Government: "." |
Advisors
Staff
Linda Eilerman, Office ManagerPhone: 618-650-3818 |
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Sydney Wesselman, Senate Secretary Phone: 618-650-3819 |
Morgan Capelle, Student Secretary Phone: 618-650-3819 |