Senate Branch

The Academic Senate branch of UVUSA reflects the different schools and colleges within the University. Student senators, with the help of department representatives, meet and work with deans and department chairs to advocate for student success in the classroom as well as their future careers. The student senate utilizes the student voice at the department and school/college level to help academic administration recognize and accommodate student needs.

2026-27 Student Leaders

Alfredo Medrano

Vice President of Academics

Tracee Jones

Assistant to the Vice President of Academic

Hyrum Forstrom

Senator – School of the Arts

Benjamin Laing

Senator – Smith College of Engineering and Technology

Grace Kunzler

Senator – School of Education

Emily Denfeld

Senator – College of Science

Gwen Martin

Senator – Woodbury School of Business

Natalie Howard

Senator – College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Lindsey Raymundo

Senator – College of Health and Public Service

Senate Branch Responsibilities

Vice President of Academics

The Vice President of Academics serves as an active advocate for all students with academic issues.

Works closely with the Faculty Senate, Academic Affairs Council, and deans of the different schools and colleges to ensure that students receive the education to which they are entitled.
Oversees the academic senate with representation from each school and college.
Collects feedback and runs initiatives based on student need.

The VP of Academics receives a full, in-state tuition scholarship and hourly pay as a part-time employee of the university.

Assistant to the Vice President of Academics

Provides administrative support to the Vice President of Academics and fulfills duties as assigned.
Plans and participates in volunteer recognition and morale initiatives.
Works with the Executive Assistant to report historical information for UVUSA records and documentation as assigned.

The Assistant to the VP of Academics receives a half, in-state tuition scholarship.

Senators

Meets with the dean and/or associate dean at least twice per month.
Acts as the voice of the students in their respective school or college to discuss and advocate for student needs and concerns.
Actively pursues student feedback on campus policy, specific college/school matters, and all other aspects of student life.
Recruits, retains, and oversees department representatives for each department within their school or college.
Coordinates and organizes monthly student forums within respective school or college.
Meets with department representatives at least twice per month to stay connected with each department.
Serves on various committees on campus as assigned.

Senators receive full, in-state tuition scholarships.

Department Representative Volunteers

Department representatives are an important part of UVUSA as they not only represent our organization to the wider Utah Valley University community but also are advocates for all the students that share their chosen major.

Become a Department Representative