It is officially election season at College of the Desert. Voting for the student senate, Associated Students of College of the Desert (ASCOD), is now open.

ASCOD is the college’s student government, made up of elected students who advocate for the needs and interests of the student body throughout the academic year.

Beginning May 4, students can cast their votes to select representatives for the 2026–27 academic year. Voting is conducted online only and will close May 7 at 11:45 p.m.

Students interested in learning more about the candidates can review profiles and campaign information before submitting their ballots.

Here are some of the candidates:

William Garcia is a first-year graphic design and digital marketing major running for Student Trustee. He is running because he wants to advocate for students at a higher level of decision making. Garcia said, “I believe students deserve someone who will genuinely listen, communicate their concerns, and fight for better opportunities and resources.” He believes the goal of ASCOD is “to make sure students feel heard, supported, and included while creating positive change through leadership, advocacy, and student driven initiatives.”

On campus, Garcia is part of College Corps Fellow and is a CBO Alliance Youth Rehabilitation mentor which has nurtured his leadership and communication skills. He believes he is fit for Student Trustee because of his involvement on campus and passion for representing others. Garcia expresses, “I care deeply about student success and making sure every student feels seen and valued.”

If elected, his goal is to spread awareness of campus resources and strengthen the connections between students and administration. In order to accomplish his goals, Garcia plans on “expanding legislative advocacy, improving communication between students and leadership, increasing ASCOD visibility, and making sure students are informed and involved in decisions that affect them.”

Garcia summarizes his campaign in one sentence: “Empowering students, increasing awareness, and creating lasting change.”

Santiago Villanueva Torres is a first-year sociology major running for Independent Senator. Torres is running because he wants to be part of something bigger. He is committed to being heavily involved on campus and creating connections while developing his personal and professional goals.

On campus, Torres enjoys being engaged and helping others out so he is involved in clubs and participates in events. He believes ASCOD’s goals are promoting education, student involvement, and being the voice for the students. Torres expresses, “In doing so, they create a tighter community at COD, throughout all campuses in the valley.”

If elected, Torres’ goal is to create a closer community at COD by extending the outreach of any future events, informing a larger number of students about the various opportunities, and voicing any and all concerns. He is passionate about creating a sense of community throughout all COD campuses saying, “We should bring more opportunities to the other campuses, after-all the people attending them are still COD students.”

Torres summarizes his campaign in one sentence: “Vote for me if YOU think I would be a good fit as a representative.”

Joselyn Gutierrez-Uribe is a second-year engineering major running for Executive Officer of Fiscal Affairs. She is running to ensure student funds are being used in responsible beneficial ways. She believes ASCOD’s goal is to “support students academically and socially while making sure their concerns are heard and addressed by campus leadership.”

On campus, she is part of multiple campus organizations that have developed her organization and detail-oriented skills which she believes makes her fit for the role. “Through my leadership roles, I have gained experience working with budgets, planning events, and making decisions that prioritize student needs,” said Gutierrez-Uribe.

If elected, Gutierrez-Uribe will make student funds more accessible and transparent by improving communication, support student-led events, and ensuring clubs and programs have the resources they need.  She is passionate about increasing student engagement, improving access to resources, and ensuring equitable funding for clubs and student programs all while “supporting STEM opportunities, leadership development, and creating more events that build community across campuses.”

Gutierrez-Uribe summarizes her campaign in one sentence: “Responsible funding, stronger student opportunities, and a voice that puts students first.”

Savannah Lee Paul is a Graphic Design and Digital Marketing major running for Independent Senator. She is running in hopes to “create a campus culture where asking for help is seen as strength, not weakness, and where every student feels seen, informed, and capable of succeeding.” Paul wants to focus on students individually and serve in an approachable, honest, and centered manner.  She believes ASCOD’s purpose is to “represent students, advocate for their needs, and help create a campus environment where every student feels supported, included, and empowered to succeed.”

On campus, she wants to improve resource visibility, increase student engagement, and make sure students feel comfortable seeking support without embarrassment. She wants to let struggling students know what is available for them. 

If elected, she hopes to increase awareness of campus resources and help students understand that success is for everyone. Paul wants to ensure students are informed and hopes “to break the stigma around asking for help—whether that’s academic support, mental health services, or financial aid.” She is passionate about mental health and academic support awareness and wants students to know ASCOD is here to support and represent them. 

Paul summarizes her campaign in one sentence: “Increasing awareness of student resources, breaking the stigma around asking for help, and reminding every student that success is for everyone.”

Audrey Elizabeth IsBell is a first-year theater arts major running for Student Trustee. She is running in hopes to put her passion for student government to use. IsBell believes ASCOD’s purpose is to maintain campus community and ensure needs are being. “ASCOD giving back to the COD community is what makes going to COD so beautiful and I would like to be a part of that,” she said.

On campus, IsBell has participated in theater productions such as “A Christmas Carol” and “Kiss Me, Kate.” With several years of leadership and an open mind, she believes these qualities make her fit for the position.

If elected, she hopes to spread awareness on student government and make coming to campus enjoyable. Isbell holds a passion for student government, clean campuses, and community. She expressed, “We are adults! We need to clean up for ourselves.”

IsBell summarizes her campaign in one sentence: “Campaigning for everyone to be seen and heard.”

Baroness Amber Vonnettelbladt Searles is a criminal justice major running for student body President. She believes ASCOD’s purpose is to be the official voice of the students and wants to make sure the voice does not “get lost in translation.”

On campus, Searles is currently an ASCOD independent senator and founder of Roadrunner Spirit Cheer Club. She is hoping to bridge the gap between campus resources and the students who need them.

If elected, Searles hopes to ensure the administration hears student needs by “swapping ‘distant committee vibes’ for real-time transparency and interactive advocacy that lives where you do.” Experience-wise, “I’ve spent my career managing retail chains, running restaurants, and operating my own business. This experience has taught me how to balance a budget and lead a team while keeping a cool head,” Searles said.

Voting for the 2026-2027 ASCOD is now live and will close on May 7th 11:45 p.m. All currently enrolled COD students can vote at ASCOD Elections.