ASCEND UNL PRIMARY POLICY POSITIONS

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Since 1974, each Student Body President of the University of Nebraska System’s campuses has concurrently served as a Student Regent on the Board of Regents. These Student Regents participate fully in meetings and receive the same information as the eight elected Regents, yet they lack voting power.

Ascend believes that Student Regents bring a crucial perspective that elected Regents cannot—the voice of the student body. As students contribute significantly to the university through tuition and fees, it is long overdue that their representation on the Board of Regents includes the power to vote.

Ascend is committed to a multi-year effort to secure voting rights for Student Regents through the following steps:

1. Laying the Groundwork – Presidential & Student Regent Candidate McDermott and current President Herbin have engaged in discussions with Regents, state legislators, and university administration to build support for this initiative.
2. Student Referendum – A university-wide ballot question will be introduced in the Spring General Election by McDermott to measure student support for granting Student Regents voting power.
3. Legislative Advocacy – If elected, McDermott will prioritize lobbying the Nebraska State Legislature to amend the Nebraska Constitution, enabling Student Regents to vote.
4. Public Support & Ratification – Ascend's successors will lead efforts to build public awareness and support, culminating in a statewide vote on this constitutional amendment during the 2026 election.

A vote for Ascend is a vote for student empowerment. By securing voting rights for Student Regents, we ensure that student voices are not just heard but have a direct impact on decisions affecting our university’s future.

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln, along with all federally funded institutions, has been directed by the U.S. Department of Education to evaluate “discriminatory practices” conducted “under the banner of diversity, equity, and inclusion” (DEI). In response, the NU system has initiated an immediate, chancellor-led comprehensive review of potentially relevant activities on each campus. This directive raises concerns about the future of DEI programming, initiatives, and services at UNL.

Ascend UNL stands firmly against any efforts to diminish or eliminate DEI programming. We believe that an inclusive campus culture is essential for student success, and we are committed to ensuring that UNL remains a place where all students feel supported and valued.

1. Accountability & Advocacy – Our team, specifically IVP Candidate Ahmed, has actively held the administration accountable for past DEI cuts by hosting a university-wide town hall and demanding transparency in how UNL plans to uphold its commitments to underrepresented students.
2. Codifying Student Rights – EVP Candidate Saalfeld spearheaded the creation of a Student Bill of Rights, outlining fundamental protections against discrimination and harassment to ensure student voices are safeguarded.
3. Preventing Unnecessary Cuts – If elected, we will scrutinize any proposed reductions to DEI resources, ensuring that the administration does not go beyond legal requirements in cutting vital support systems for students.

A vote for Ascend is a vote to protect and strengthen DEI at UNL. We will not stand by as critical student resources are threatened—we will fight to keep our university an inclusive and equitable space.

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Safe Ride program, 475-RIDE, was discontinued during the 2017-2018 fiscal year due to low usage. Since then, the university has not implemented an alternative, leaving students without a discounted transportation option to safely return to campus.

Ascend is committed to re-establishing a cost-effective Safe Ride program in partnership with Uber to ensure students have reliable, affordable, and safe transportation options.

1. Securing Funding – President Herbin successfully advocated at the Board of Regents for a measure allowing alcohol sales at Husker sporting events. As a result, Husker Athletics has committed $100,000 per year to student government, specifically to fund this Safe Ride program and other student initiatives.
2. Contract Negotiation – Presidential Candidate McDermott has already begun reviewing contract terms with Uber to establish a formal partnership for discounted rides.
3. Program Implementation – If elected, McDermott and EVP Saalfeld will oversee the launch and administration of a free and reduced-fare ride program, prioritizing late-night transportation and airport rides to enhance student safety.

A vote for Ascend is a vote for a safer student experience and a more accessible City of Lincoln.

Currently, UNL’s College of Business and several other universities provide Grammarly Premium to students free of charge. When purchased in bulk, these licenses are available at nearly a 90% discount. Presidential Candidate McDermott successfully negotiated a contract with Grammarly to launch a pilot program for 250 students, allowing UNL to assess how the service would be utilized if expanded campus-wide.

Ascend is committed to expanding Grammarly Premium access either institution-wide or to student populations with the greatest demonstrated need, such as students with English as a second language (ESL).

1. Continuing the Pilot – EVP Candidate Saalfeld will oversee the ongoing Grammarly Premium pilot program to gather data on student usage and demand.
2. Advocating for Expansion – EVP Candidate Saalfeld will push for UNL service providers to expand Grammarly Premium beyond the College of Business, ensuring more students can access this resource.

A vote for Ascend is a vote to prioritize student success and expand access to vital academic resources that help students thrive.

Currently, ASUN lacks a direct, structured way to engage with Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) and address their concerns. This responsibility has primarily been delegated to SLICE, leaving ASUN disconnected from the student organizations it represents.

ASUN must reaffirm its role as the primary advocate and overseer of RSOs by integrating them into the organization’s decision-making process. To achieve this, ASUN will establish a monthly RSO Presidents Roundtable, where RSO leaders or their designees can directly voice concerns, discuss student group challenges, and collaborate on solutions.

1. Immediate Legislative Action – On Day One, Ascend will introduce legislation to formally establish the RSO Presidents Roundtable as a recurring ASUN initiative.
2. Direct Outreach to RSOs – ASUN will communicate with all RSOs about this change and request each organization designate a representative for these meetings.

A vote for Ascend is a vote to empower student organizations, ensuring their needs are met within ASUN.