2026-2027 Candidates for SCC President
Ethan Thompson
Amid uncertainty across campus, student leaders must step up to ensure that academics remain student-centered and that UT remains a world-class institution for years to come. Senate has the power to bring together students from all backgrounds and colleges, providing them with the support and resources needed to make their academic journeys more accessible. As the current Vice President of the Senate of College Councils, I have witnessed firsthand the impact the Senate can have through legislation, initiatives, resources, and collaborations with university departments.
More importantly, I understand what needs to be amplified and addressed in the coming year to better serve students coming from my background in Communication Council. Senate is most effective when our councils collaborate, share successful strategies, and tackle university-wide challenges together. To continue strengthening student voices and addressing key issues such as affordable course materials, student representation in university decision-making, and overall community across campus, Senate must evolve into the central hub for change not only for councils, but for all students. I hope to continue the work I have started as Vice President as President, using the lessons I’ve learned and the experiences I’ve had to drive Senate towards success for all students.
Nithila Sathiya
My involvement in the Senate of College Councils has grown alongside the organizationitself. From serving on the Academic Policy Committee during the implementation of SB 17 toleading as Policy Director, I have seen how sustained advocacy, collaboration, and institutional knowledge shape meaningful academic change at UT. These experiences have grounded mybelief that effective leadership is rooted in collaboration, accountability, and informed action.
As President, I will prioritize strengthening Senate internally and externally. I aim tomodernize communication and branding, deepen inter-council collaboration by providingstrategic and operational support, and strengthen long term partnerships with various academicentities within UT. A strong Senate begins with empowered councils that feel connected,informed, and supported.
I am equally committed to advancing faculty relations, academic freedom forums, andaffordability initiatives. By establishing structured faculty–student relations, promoting broaderadoption of Simple Syllabus and low-cost course markers, and advocating for equitableacademic policies, Senate can play a role in shaping transparent and inclusive academic spaces.
Through partnerships with the Provost’s Office and intentional student representation, wecan ensure student voices remain central in academic decision-making.
My goal is to lead a Senate that fosters collaboration, protects academic values, andadvances meaningful, student-driven reform
2026-2027 Candidates for SCC Vice President
Jasmine Arias
In recent years, UT has experienced significant changes that have left many students feeling disconnected and unsure of where to turn when decisions directly impact them and their communities. These communication gaps create a lack of representation. As a first- generation Mexican American student, many of these changes have impacted me directly and pushed me to advocate for myself and those around me, leading me to pursuing student leadership.
Through my experiences as Liberal Arts Council Vice President and Senate Representative, I have seen the power that councils and Senate hold to mobilize, educate, and uplift students during moments of uncertainty. As Vice President, I am committed to increasing transparency, so students not only know what is happening on campus, but also feel empowered to ask questions and comfortable to seek out student leadership for support. I want to strengthen the communication and relationships between Senate, the college councils, and the greater student body by serving as a consistent and accessible liaison, where I’ll work to facilitate collaboration on initiatives, encourage dialogue, and ensure student voices are heard.