USU VP for Student Success Addresses USUSA Election

Editor's note: This message from Vice President for Student Success Kris Winter was sent via email to USU students on Tuesday morning.

Dear Aggies,

I’m writing to address concerns about this year’s Utah State University Student Association elections. While the elections followed our current process, this year’s concerns have made clear that parts of that process need additional clarity and refinement, particularly around how voter eligibility is defined and applied.

USUSA elections are student-led by design, giving students the opportunity to lead and shape the process themselves. At the same time, part of that responsibility includes regularly reviewing and improving how their processes work. For example, the election bylaws were updated in November 2025 based on feedback from the prior year, and we expect this year’s input will lead to further improvements.

Over the next few months, staff will partner with the USUSA student leaders to review this year’s concerns and make needed updates moving forward. This may include clarifying language in the USUSA constitution, revising election bylaws, and improving how elections are administered in the ServiceNow system. This type of review is a normal part of maintaining a fair and transparent process.

In the meantime, the election results as reported will stand for the upcoming academic year, and student representatives were sworn in last week. For clarity, the Student Elections Board did not receive any formal complaints related to voter eligibility during the designated period, and that window has now closed. As a result, the election was administered and finalized according to the current bylaws.

Because USUSA elections are student-led, student voice is essential in shaping what comes next. You can review the USUSA constitution on the USUSA website and the current election bylaws in the elections packet. We have also opened a student survey to gather additional input and ensure all students have an opportunity to share their perspectives on potential changes.

Complete the student elections survey>>

As we wrap up the semester, I wish you the very best on your final projects and exams. For those graduating, we are excited to celebrate this important milestone and will see you at commencement and convocations next week. For those returning, we look forward to continuing alongside you in your academic journey. Please know that all of us at Utah State University care deeply about your success, and please feel free to reach out if I can help direct you to resources on campus.

Kris Winter,
Vice President for Student Success