Each semester, USG elects students to represent their peers. In the Fall semester, two first year students are elected to our First Year Senator positions. In the Spring semester, we elect our 7 Senators-At-Large, 5 College Specific Senators-one for each academic college-, 1 Residence Life Senator, 1 Senator for Off-Campus Living, 1 President, and 1 Vice President.
USG is hosting a special election to elect a President and Vice President for the 2026-2027 Academic Year! View the Candidates below and fill out their petition form!
Madilyn Shaw and Scott Spears – President and Vice President
Sign their Petition form here!: Madilyn Shaw and Scott Spears Petition Form – Fill out form
Hi Zips! My name is Madilyn Shaw, and I am a third-year Political Science major, with minors in Pre-Law Philosophy and Sociology, and a Manual Communications certificate. This year, I am seeking reelection for President within the Undergraduate Student Government. With this role, I have had the opportunity to become involved with multiple aspects of campus, including becoming a Student Representative in both the University Council and the Faculty Senate. Prior to presidency, I served as an Associate Justice for two years, a member of USG’s Mental Health Task Force, and a member of USG’s Ohio Student Government Summit planning committee. Along with this, I am the Secretary of the Honors Civics Club, and a member of the Pre-Law Society. I am seeking reelection as the Undergraduate Student Government President to continue the momentum that we have made with the current administration this academic year. Continuing the many different projects and initiatives currently in place, as well as creating new ones, helps the improvement and betterment of not just the undergraduate student body but to the university as a whole. Serving as the President of USG has been one of the most humbling experiences during my time at The University of Akron thus far, and I would be thankful to continue this work on your behalf. With the continued support of the four pillars under the All4UA platform, I am ready to continue my commitment of supporting students and encouraging success throughout campus.
Hello Zips! My name is Scott Spears, and I am a second-year student studying Political Science with a minor in Sociology. In USG, I am currently the Senator for Off-Campus Living, the Chair of the Student Engagement Committee, and a Student Representative in the Faculty Senate. I have been the President of the AK-ROWDIES for two years. I am also a UA Ambassador and a member of Honors Elevate, and I work on campus as a Student Assistant in the Department of Development. I am running for Vice President of the Undergraduate Student Government to help grow USG, continue the sustained growth of The University of Akron, and build a strong relationship between the University and Community. My main goal, though, is that I want to help grow Zips Pride; as President of the AK-ROWDIES, I have seen how important pride in a community is and how, without it, nothing can be accomplished and sustained. Under the All4UA platform, we will strive to ensure that all of these goals are met and exceeded.
Our Spring Election is happening now! See who your Senator candidates are below!
Sridevi Swaminathan – Williams Honors College Senator
Hello! My name is Sridevi (Sri) Swaminathan, and I am incredibly excited to be running to serve as your Williams Honors College Senator. I am a current freshman majoring in Biology and minoring in Chemistry who has served on the Senate as a senator at-large this past year. During my time in the Senate, I’ve passed initiatives to fix water fountains across campus and created awareness of UAkron’s amazing academic resources. I am excited to continue fostering change as a WHC senator. I believe every WHC student deserves the necessary resources to thrive academically, pursue their passions, and celebrate their achievements. As a WHC senator, I am committed to expanding support to foster a more connected WHC community!
Rylee Flickinger – Senator At-Large
I am currently the Senator for the College of Business and a first-year political science major with philosophy (pre-law) and history minors. I am seeking election because I care deeply about this campus and am dedicated to make it a better, more representative place for all students. I am also involved in French Club as the president, Zips Vote as a Democracy Fellow, Hiking and Outdoors club, Pre-Law Society, Ignite, and a Williams Honors College student. Outside of Akron I am involved with the League of Women Voters as a member and a creative lead, coaching high school debate, and volunteering at various other organizations throughout the year. I believe that my commitment to and experience within civic and political spaces has well equipped me for this position. My primary mission for the office is to create legislation that will benefit underserved students at UA. I am eager to interact with constituents and understand their concerns.
Tristan Musgrave – Senator At-Large
Im an electric engineering sophomore and im the current community service chair for phi delta theta. I am a head lifeguard at the akron natatorium. I am doing this to represent the akron student community and for the love of the game.
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Genevieve Shelton – Senator At-Large
My name is Genevieve Shelton, and I am a Junior studying Political Science in the 3+3 program. I have served as a Senator At-Large and as the Head of the FAST Committee, roles that have allowed me to advocate for students across campus and work closely with my peers to turn ideas into action. I am seeking reelection because I am passionate about student involvement and believe every student deserves to feel represented. Through my experience in the USG, I have learned how important communication, collaboration, and accountability are in creating meaningful change. If elected, i will continue to work for the student of the University of Akron diligently and attempt to serve as a strong advocate for the needs and interests of the student body.
Noah Sterns – Residence Life Senator
Hello! My name is Noah Sterns, and I am a second-year Chemistry major. I love the University of Akron, and I want to do my best to improve the campus environment for everyone. I am seeking election as a Residence Life Senator because I believe I can bring meaningful, positive change to the residence halls. My mission as Residence Life Senator would be to better understand the issues affecting residence hall students and to advocate for improvements. Go Zips!
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Keep an eye on our social media for any updates on upcoming Elections events and candidates!
If you have any questions, please reach out to the Elections Chair at usgelections@uakron.edu.