Student Government Elections

Are you ready to make a difference on campus? Running for student government is an exciting opportunity to have a direct impact on the student body and help shape the future of the College. As a member of student government, you will have the chance to work with administration and staff to address issues and concerns of the students and develop valuable leadership and communication skills. Serving in student government is a chance to showcase your creativity and passion for making a change and gain a sense of pride and accomplishment for making a positive difference in the lives of your fellow students. It's also a great resume builder that will set you apart from the competition and show future employers your ability to lead, problem-solve, and work with a team. Don't miss this chance to make an impact — run for student government today!

Spring 2024 Results

  • President: Rebecca Kay
  • Vice President: Daniel Strilets
  • Senators: Joshua Braeggar, and George Dennin

Spring 2024 Ballot

This Spring CWI students will be asked to vote on the ASCWI President & Vice-President ticket and ASCWI Senators. Students who wish to write-in other students will also have the opportunity to nominate them by providing the student's full name and CWI email address. Below is the information for the candidates running in the election.

ASCWI President & Vice President Ticket

It is with great enthusiasm that Rebecca Kay and Daniel Strilets announce their candidacy for President and Vice President of ASCWI for the 2024-2025 election. This collaborative duo will utilize their leadership experiences and unique perspectives, to create a vibrant and fulfilling student experience here at CWI.

Rebecca Kay

Kay is a Business major with a passion for helping people succeed. As a current ASCWI Senator and former elected senator at Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington, she has prior experience that brings forth a new perspective on various ideas for CWI. Kay currently works with the Senate to provide students with a sense of community through events that bring together students, clubs, and community members. If elected President, Kay will continue to develop events, provide consistency from year to year, and create committees for students to serve and make a difference in the school community without being an ASCWI officer. With a team over the summer, Kay seeks to plan events in advance in effort to create more opportunities for student involvement. The future President and Vice President will focus on prioritizing communication, transparency, and a strong dedication to the collective interest of the student body. They will work together to clarify the language for the club funding tiers and encourage more clubs to submit funding requests and foster more events.

Daniel Strilets

Strilets is a Computer Science and Chemistry major, an aspiring scientist, and a lifelong learner. As a first-generation college student and the son of two Soviet refugees, Strilets has learned that through honesty, perseverance, and a hard work ethic anyone can prosper and accomplish their dreams. Strilets is very active in the student body and currently serves many roles at CWI: ASCWI Chief of Staff, President of the Physics Club, Vice President of the Chemistry Club, STEM Tutor, and member of various other clubs on campus. Strilets took a greater interest in the student body and ASCWI after participating in the various community events held around campus. If elected Vice President, in addition to continuing and fostering a stronger student tradition within CWI, Strilets will focus on supporting the creation of a strong executive branch, prioritizing communication, transparency, and a strong dedication towards the collective interest of the student body. If elected as a team, the President and Vice president, will work together to revise club funding tiers to create more clarity and encourage the development of more events. Additionally, ASCWI will create committees to give students who wish to make a difference the opportunity to engage with the CWI community more deeply.

ASCWI Senator Candidates

Joshua Braegger

"I am Joshua Braegger, and I am writing to express my strong interest in the Senator position. My extensive military experience has prepared me to take on a leadership role, and I am confident that I am the best candidate for this position. As a passionate member of the community, I am committed to ensuring that CWI is recognized as a premier entry point to higher education.

My goal is to pursue a career in teaching and coaching, and I believe that this position would provide me with the perfect opportunity to serve the community that has given me so much. As a former military member, I am dedicated to giving back by providing challenging services while furthering my education. I want to inspire others by showing that it doesn't matter when you start a journey, but how you finish it. "

George Dennin

"I am George Dennin running to be your next senator in the CWI student government. My focus is on engagement, opportunity, and future. If elected senator I will focus on these three matters. I would like to engage with many students to see what topics they are concerned or passionate about to see it addressed if possible. I like the idea of expanded opportunities for students to become engaged with the community through clubs, and would like to see more clubs if possible. For the future, if I am elected senator I will vote for legislation that puts the interests of the students first. A quick background about myself, I am experienced in student government. I have been involved since elementary school to high school, and hope to serve in it once again for college. While in high school, I was treasurer in the student government, which for me was an awesome job since I liked coming up with ways to earn money for the student government to then invest it back into the community for fun events like prom and school activities. I hope to earn your vote, thank you! "

#EngagementOpportunityFuture

 

2024-2025 Election Calendar

 

Event Date Time Location
Applications Open Feb 1 8:00 a.m. ASCWI Elections Page
Applications Close Feb 21 5:00 p.m. ASCWI Elections Page
Mandatory Candidate Meeting Feb 22 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. TBA
Campaign Start Feb 26 8:00 a.m.  
Mandatory Candidate Forum* Feb 29 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. NCAB 122
Campaigning ends Mar 15 5:00 p.m.  
Voting Opens Mar 15 5:00 p.m. Check your student email!
Voting Closes Mar 21 11:59 p.m.  
Grievance filing closes Mar 21 11:59 p.m.  
Election Results (as planned) Mar 22 Noon Campus-wide
Mandatory Transition Training** May 15 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. TBA

*Mandatory Candidate Forum: These forums are mandatory for the ASCWI candidates. Candidates will share their views, ideas, and goals with CWI students, take questions, and participate in discussions with students and other ASCWI presidential teams. Forums will be moderated by the ASCWI advisors.

**Mandatory Transition Training: This meeting will consist of training, team-building, and celebration! The newly-elected members will gain a deeper understanding of their roles to build confidence for future success.

  • 2023-24 Election Information

    Spring 2023 Election Results

    President & Vice President: Casey Dudley & Raquel Valdibieso

    Senators: Travis Raney

    Student Services & Activities Fee Referendum: 67% in favor

    Spring 2023 Ballot

    This Spring CWI students will be asked to vote on the ASCWI President & Vice-President ticket, ASCWI Senators, and a Student Fee Referendum. Students who wish to write-in other students will also have the opportunity to nominate them by providing the student's full name and CWI email address. Below is the information for the candidates running in the election and the fee referendum.

    ASCWI President & Vice President Ticket

    It is with great enthusiasm Casey Dudley and Raquel Valdibieso announce their candidacy for President and Vice President of ASCWI for the 2023-2024 election. This dynamic team will utilize their unique skills and perspectives to enhance the student experience here at CWI and amplify student voices.

    Casey Dudley

    Dudley is a ­­Philosophy major with a passion for ­­­­leadership and community. As the current President of the Philosophy Club, Dudley has demonstrated his commitment to creating meaningful interactions on campus by organizing events and club meetings that support a diverse and inclusive learning environment. If elected President for the term, Dudley seeks to increase graduation rates by empowering students to become woven in the fabric of community that exists here at CWI. By connecting students to each other and campus life, Dudley hopes to encourage his classmates to make their educational dreams come true.

    Raquel Valdibieso

    Valdibieso is a Biology major whose interest in medicine is matched only by her desire to see others flourish. Valdibieso has previously served as a Senator for ASCWI and was recently appointed Vice President for the current term. In her role as a Senator, Valdibieso gives voice to students’ concerns and makes strides to pass legislation that is representative of the student body. As a non-traditional, first-generation student, she understands the need to shape one’s college experience to their own unique circumstance. If elected, Valdibieso plans to empower students to utilize the resources that are available on campus to create a college experience that will facilitate their success as well as work to increase awareness of student government and the ways in which this organization can serve the CWI community.

    ASCWI Senator Candidates

    Travis Raney

    "I am a first-generation student and a latecomer to the college life, as I am 47 years old. Born and raised in the Treasure Valley, I have lived in Coeur d’Alene and St. Anthony, which made it the three corners and increased my knowledge of this beautiful state. Backpacking, kayaking, and horseback riding are some of my hobbies as an avid outdoorsman. Throughout my life I have been a ranch hand, carpenter, wildlands firefighter, pile driver on Lake Coeur d’Alene, and a utility at the Amalgamated Sugar factory in Nampa. At the factory, I was involved with Union BCTGM 284G and in the Recommending and Entertainment Committees. Biology/Natural Resources is my major, and I am an active Biology Club member. With the club, I attend biweekly meetings and help organize, plan, and participate in events. The club is always found at CWI’s resource and club fairs, was involved with Trunk or Treat, and partook in the Winter Mixer with the Student Government. Once or twice a month we plan short hikes to observe nature in different environments. Last semester we made bird seed balls to hand out in the winter for people to hang in their trees and help feed our local birds in time of need. We also do volunteer work such as pruning and cleaning the campus gardens, cleaning up the Boise Greenbelt, Project Re-Wild and habitat restoration, and future events with Idaho Fish and Game, the Idaho Conservation League, and the Idaho Chapter of the Wildlife Society."

    Referendums

    Referendum #01-2022-2023

    Authority

    In Accordance with Article XII of the ASCWI Constitution, the ASCWI Senate has the authority to refer any measure that it determines to be of substantial student interest to the membership of ASCWI for a vote in the election.

    Background

    Establishment of a Student Services & Activities Fee to provide services, programs, and activities that are relevant and important to the student body. These activities and events may include sports teams, clubs, concerts, and other events that facilitate students’ interaction and engagement. By providing funding for these activities, a Student Services & Activities Fee helps to create a sense of community among students. Students will be able to participate in activities and events that they are interested in and connect with other students who share similar interests. Additionally, a Student Services & Activities Fee can also help to bring diverse groups of students together, promoting cross-cultural understanding and inclusivity.

    Student activities provide a sense of belonging and connection to the College, which can contribute to student satisfaction, retention, and success. These activities and events foster a sense of pride and ownership among students, as they have the opportunity to shape the campus community through their involvement. Overall, a Student Services & Activities Fee plays a critical role in creating a cohesive and vibrant college community where students feel connected and engaged in the campus life and where they can find a sense of belonging.                                 

    A Student Services & Activities Fee is a common fee in institutions of higher education, and CWI is the only public college in the area that does not charge such a fee. Student Services & Activities Fee are collected from students for the express purpose of funding nonacademic student activities, events, facilities, equipment, and programming. The determinations of what items and events fees will fund and support shall be directed through a student majority committee, with direct involvement of ASCWI. Students will be provided a way to opt out of the fee through a process that will be facilitated by the College.

    Fee Amount

    Students enrolled in one (1) or more credit hours at the CWI during each semester will be assessed a $3 per credit fee each semester. This fee is not to exceed $50 per semester, per student. This fee would go into effect beginning Fall 2024.

    Fee Usage

    Acceptable uses of the Student Services & Activities Fee may include:

    • Establishment of activities and programs that may not be covered by tuition or public tax dollars, as determined through student direction
    • Establishment of intramural and collegiate-level competitive teams, as determined through student direction
    • Establishment of resources that promote student involvement, leadership, and career and personal development, as determined through student direction

    An ASCWI committee will be created to: (1) recommend allocation and distribution of the Student Services & Activities Fees for the campus, (2) review and approve the Student Services & Activities Fee annually, and (3) determine if allocation fee expenditures are in accordance with applicable laws and policies.

    The committee shall be appointed by the Dean of Students and composed of the following:

    • three students, nominated by the ASCWI President
    • ASCWI President or designee
    • ASCWI Vice-President or designee
    • full-time faculty member (non-voting)
    • representative from Finance and Administration (non-voting)
    • Dean of Students or designee (non-voting)

    Students will be provided a way to opt out of the fee through a process that will be facilitated by the College in consultation with the ASCWI President or designee. The College will provide access to the opportunities, activities, and programs that are funded by the fee for students for whom the fee represents an undue financial burden.

    Prohibition

    Upon approval of this fee, ASCWI will not consider or assess additional student fees, or consider an increase in the Student Services & Activities Fee for a period of three years, until the 2027-2028 academic year to ensure adequate time to study the impact of such fees.

    Significant increase or reduction in current levels of institutional financial support for ASCWI or Student Clubs will override this prohibition and allow ASCWI to evaluate the need for a modification to this fee prior to the scheduled elections cycle to ensure operational stability and the continued support of student priorities.   

    Fee Increase

    The Student Services & Activities Fee may be increased by following the ASCWI Constitution and Bylaws as well as appropriate CWI policies and procedures, subject to the prohibitions above.

    Approval

    In accordance with Article XII, Section 1.0, the Fee Referendum must be approved by at least 60% of the voters participating in the election to be passed by the General Membership of ASCWI.  Upon approval from the General Membership of CWI, this Fee Referendum must be sent to the President and CWI Board of Trustees for final approval.