The students of the University of Montana Western elected new senators, a president and vice president for the Associated Students of the University of Montana Western (ASUMW) Student Senate.

Tyler “Chicky” Wines was re-elected as Student Senate President. Wines said he ran for re-election to continue making changes on the Montana Western campus.

“I think the students are in need of representation more than ever this year,” he said. “I hope to increase student representation through the campus, advocate for student rights, and make all Montana Western students proud to be Bulldogs.”

Cash Yount was elected as vice president. Senators elected include Stacy Chilcott, Dana Christensen, Brett Christian, Elida Craven, Megan Crist, James Durney, Aubyn Geser, Ben “Mainerd” Gilboe, Anthony Harris, Chelsea Hyde, Brian Jacobson, Michael Keefner, Kody Lahaye, Kayla Schmid, and Desi Seal.

James Durney, an elementary education major, ran for student senate because he saw a need for change at Montana Western.

“The student senate and the various other clubs on campus are a great way to get involved with the community and witness your own positive impact,” he said.

Campus changes Durney would like to see include stronger lines of communication between students, faculty, administration and other organizations on campus; more collaboration between the different campus groups in order to make events more effective; and helping students get involved in the Dillon community.

Environmental sciences major Brett Christian wanted to further his role as a student leader. In the past, he has been a part of the Tobacco Free Task Force and a resident assistant in the residence halls. As a senator, Christian said he wants to continue to make the students’ role a central focus at Montana Western and to further the campus’ commitment to sustainability.

A common focus among elected senators is to increase student involvement not only in campus events and clubs but also in the various changes that may affect their experience at Montana Western.