The transition to Associated Students University of Idaho’s new elected leaders is underway. ASUI President and Vice President-elect Kallyn Mai and Katie Hettinga will replace current President Lauren Carlsen and Vice President Joseph Garrett.
The Mai and Hettinga campaign took victory against Garrett and Julie Attinger two weeks ago April 21. Since then, the transitioning process has swiftly begun in anticipation for Mai’s swearing-in.
Mai, who ran on the intention of bringing some sense of normalcy back to Vandal life, has been working with Carlsen and University of Idaho staff to achieve those goals. Her goals include bringing back in-person events, classes and events. Though nothing is promised, early conversations with university officials have indicated that a partially mask-less, mostly in-person fall semester is a possibility, according to Mai.
Like Carlsen’s presidency, Mai and Hettinga will have the major task of dealing with COVID-19 responsibly and safely while managing to divert their attention to other goals.
Carlsen faced a largely unprecedented year, dealing with new health guidelines and restrictions that took the forefront of her original campaign.
Among her original list of goals, Carlsen wasn’t fully able to create a revamped UI student app due to Information Technology Services’ redirected focus on HyFlex classes. The conversation on enforcing timely grading proved to be a longer process to fully perfect and implement.
All things considered, Carlsen is happy with the work she was able to complete this year despite the COVID-19 curveball.
“I think we did everything we really could when it comes to properly handling it,” Carlsen said. “I’m really proud of the things ASUI did this year. I think we made great use of our time and the money we were given to provide for students. With the COVID-19 pandemic, it highlighted why student government is so important and I’m really happy we were there to provide that light.”
Though the list of things to get done continues to grow and the COVID-19 pandemic is miles away from a conclusion, Carlsen advised Mai to “roll with what you get handed.”
“I don’t think her term will be quite as turbulent because now we know more about the virus,” Carlsen said. “I think she is very ready and very capable to take on that problem and hopefully it’s something that will continue to decrease in severity.”
Moving forward, a topic of high concern for the future of UI is the Idaho’s Legislature’s plans to cut higher education funding, specifically $500,000 from UI’s budget. Carlsen, Mai and Hettinga are conjointly communicating to address the issue. Mai said they’re working on a resolution for ASUI Senate.
“Various things with the Legislature and a lot of issues happening there are really going to be a big focus of Katie and I’s work this year,” Mai said.
The transition between the two has been swift and smooth. By shadowing and maintaining consistent communication, Mai has observed through Carlsen’s presidency how to “best represent what ASUI needs moving forward.”
“Lauren has been really gracious on telling me what she learned the hard way,” Mai said. “She’s great with making sure the transition goes well and making sure that I feel well equipped for when I take over. I know that Garrett has been doing the same with Hettinga, as well, having those conversations.”
Mai seems confident during this transition period. Through the aid of Carlsen, as well as those around and above her, she’s become equipped to tackle the task and is more than excited to get into office.
“I’m just eager to get to work and get started and really hack down the goals that we talked about during our campaign,” Mai said. “We want brighter days for our Vandals and we’re going to do the work to do that.”
Carter Kolpitcke can be reached at [email protected]