At midnight on Wednesday, crowds of people came together along Bruin Walk to cheer and scream in between speeches, shout-outs and 8-claps in anticipation of the upcoming undergraduate student government elections.
The transition from Wednesday to Thursday marked the first time candidates could start campaigning, which started with setting up signboards along Bruin Walk.
“I’m excited because I know the people whose faces will be lining Bruin Walk for the next two weeks are individuals who can truly make UCLA a better place,” said Michelle Lyon, a current general representative on the Undergraduate Students Association Council.
Before setting up, students supporting the two major slates, or groups of people with similar campaign goals who share money, got together to energize the crowds.
Bruins United gathered at the base of Bruin Walk for a speech by presidential candidate Matt Sandler and a celebratory 8-clap.
“This is the kickoff for the campaign. We’re really excited to support our Bruins United candidates and once again promote the ideas of Bruins United by creating tangible change on our campus,” said Jenn Lorsh, a fourth-year Jewish studies student.
Students First! advocates formed a circle outside Kerckhoff Hall, chanting “Whose university? Our university” before doing a roll call with their nominees.
“(The circle) was really exciting. It’s the first time we’re allowed to show that type of energy. The slate has been working really hard to make sure we’re doing something great for the students at UCLA. It’s the first time (this year) we’re able to work with our supporters and engage students,” said Evan Shulman, the Student’s First! candidate for internal vice president.
After the initial excitement, candidates and supporters moved to Bruin Walk to set up their signs in a mass operation of digging, hammering and yelling.
Each candidate received a signboard location at random last week during the candidate orientation night.
Students First! candidates based their signboards off of pop culture references such as “The Godfather” and “Abbey Road” to show the individual character of each candidate, while Bruins United presented uniform profiles of candidates and their positions to emphasize the unity of the slate and its beliefs.
Sherlyn Mossahebfar, the current Facilities commissioner, wanted to give candidates the same support she felt while running last year.
“Being someone who was a candidate last year and has experienced this process, it’s such a rewarding feeling to come back and see Bruins United individuals who are passionate about making UCLA the best it can be and continuing our legacy,” Mossahebfar said.
Mossahebfar’s enthusiasm was mirrored by Gregory Cendana, former internal vice president and current Students First! campaign manager.
“I’m actually more excited now than I’ve ever been. We have a group of candidates who are ready to change UCLA for the better,” Cendana said.
Along with students campaigning for USAC positions, supporters of the referendum The Green Initiative Fund were out to increase recognition of environmental concerns and gain support for their cause.
“None of us have run a campaign at UCLA, so we don’t really know what to expect, but we feel really confident that students will support us and put the environment over their money,” said Alisa Ahmadian, a third-year political science and English student.
The referendum, if passed, will raise student fees by $4 per quarter and use the money to make UCLA more environmentally sustainable through new technology like solar panels and light sensors in classrooms.
“We waited until we felt we had the right issue to promote, and now is the time and place to get excited about moving forward on environmental issues,” Ahmadian added.
Voting begins Monday, May 5, at 7 p.m. on MyUCLA and ends Thursday, May 8, at 7 p.m.