Student Government

 I am running to be your next president of OCC Student Government. I am currently a first-year student at OCC, pursuing an Associate in Arts degree with a focus on political science, public policy, law, and urban studies. I currently serve as the Acting Vice President of Student Government, filling a vacancy that I began serving in December 2025. During my time in Student Government, I have worked to grow not only as a leader but also as a listener, seeking to better understand students’ concerns and experiences across OCC campuses. One of my priorities has been strengthening engagement across our campuses, including helping support the creation of Student Government office hours at Auburn Hills, Orchard Ridge, Royal Oak, and Southfield to make our organization more accessible to students.

Transparency and communication remain priorities for me as a leader, and I believe Student Government should maintain clear communication and ensure students know who we are, what resources we offer, and how to bring their concerns forward. If elected to serve as your next president, I will continue expanding student engagement through events, partnerships, and opportunities across our campuses by working closely with registered student clubs and collaborating with college departments to create more ways for students to connect and participate, while also advocating for mental health resources, accessible transportation, affordability initiatives, and inclusive policies that support all students.

I would be honored to continue serving our student body and working to strengthen our campus community together with you. Here to Listen, Here to Serve — Your Voice Matters!

I am running for the Vice President position in the OCC Student Government. I am originally from Iraq and fluent in both Arabic and English. I am currently studying to become a Mechanical Engineer. During my time at OCC, I have experienced a great sense of community. I have seen firsthand how the students around me work to create a great college experience for themselves and their peers. That dedication is exactly what makes this school so great and is the primary reason I want to take on a leadership role.

I want to work hand in hand with my friends in the Student Government and my friends from the various clubs across campus that I am a part of. My goal is to help cultivate an incredibly inclusive, engaging, and memorable college experience. I want to help build an environment that allows us all to connect with one another, not only giving us great memories to look back on with pride, but also helping us build a successful future.

I am eager to give back to the OCC community that has been so welcoming to me.

Furthermore, I believe in my capacity to plan, support, and manage the tasks and events needed for the role. I have experience in event planning, documentation, and financial management, so I am flexible and can adapt to any Student Government task.

I am an international student from the Philippines and am currently a peer mentor and PTK member. During my stay here, I have been observing the culture at OCC and have personally participated in student engagement activities, which I have found enjoyable. Because of this, I want to further immerse myself in community college life and give back by helping fellow students adapt, engage, and enjoy their time at OCC. One of my main goals, if elected, is to increase the visibility of the student government and its activities to ensure more students are reached and can participate.

I also believe in leading with compassion, so if I am elected, I will do my best to make sure students are supported and heard.

I came to OCC last semester, and my program is Pre-Engineering with a focus in Electrical Engineering. Aside from school, I work as a barista, and my hobbies include writing, playing the cello, and puzzles.

I'm running for secretary because I want to get more involved with OCC's student government, and I feel shadowing the leaders, keeping meetings and agendas running smoothly, and playing a supportive role is a great way to build my rapport with the team. Some ways I've participated in OCC include serving on the Venue & Logistics Committee/Finance & Budget Committee for the Emerald Gala 2026, being involved in the OCC Forensics Team and representing our school at official tournaments, and helping paint our Student Hub windows to advertise the dance!

I feel like my sense of leadership and my willingness to participate in the community and support others would make me a great addition to the student government, and I'm excited to see what I can do next semester!

I’m interested in running for the outreach/community service coordinator position. Some of my hobbies include watching movies, playing video games, reading, and following sports like football or the Olympics. I enjoy spending time with family, and simply being around people even if I don’t talk much.

As someone who’s used the Michigan Reconnect program, community college has been a critical second chance for me. 9 months ago, I was in such a bad place that I needed a wellness check performed on me. Now I’m on the dean's list, recently been invited to PTK, and a member of the Collegiate Student Advisory Task Force (CSATF) representing OCC.

I’m running because providing people with structure and opportunities to serve their communities lets me honor everyone who’s ever helped me through rough times in my life. As a member of CSATF, I hope to use my involvement in Student Government and PTK to promote non-partisan voter education/engagement. OCC helped give my life more meaning and guidance, and I hope I can provide that to others.

I am applying to run for candidacy for the Student Government Events Coordinator position. I am currently completing coursework to fulfill my MTA and plan to transfer to Oakland University to study Computer Science with a concentration in Game Design. I chose this pathway in hopes of blending my passion for hospitality with in-depth knowledge of worldbuilding, immersive mechanics, and narrative design for application across physical, digital, and hybrid spaces. In doing so, I aspire to create meaningful experiences that educate, challenge, and transform.

I am running for this position in hopes of contributing to the OCC experience for students by helping execute events that foster meaningful moments, support student life and engagement, and, in turn, student success. During this first semester at OCC, I have been able to get involved by participating in the Conversation Partner Program as well as serving as it’s Student Director, represent OCC as an events volunteer at the Japanese Consulate General of Detroit’s residence, volunteer for the Design and Decorations Committee for the Emerald Gala event, and had the honor of being nominated as one of OCC’s Outstanding Students for the 2025-2026 school year. I have a passion for creating safe, welcoming, and interactive spaces, and if given the chance, would love to be able to translate that into experience while serving as an officer of the Student Government.

• In 2023, the OCC Student Government helped donate many items as well as financial support to Hope Shelter in the Pontiac Area
• In 2023, OCC Student Government partnered with the Detroit Fire Department to help collect, wrap, and deliver toys to those in need in Detroit
• In 2023, OCC hosted many fellowship events for the student body throughout the year. From Yates Cider Mill to Guitar Hero Party, Student Government offered many opportunities for students to engage with other students and Student Government representatives

• Student Government meetings provide a platform for students to share ideas and address concerns, promoting a more inclusive campus environment.
• As a member of student government, you can advocate for your peers' needs and interests, ensuring that diverse perspectives are considered in decision-making.

You can email the Student Engagement Coordinator

• Throughout the winter semester: Candidates must apply to run for office when applications open
• March: Candidates must campaign
• 3rd week of April: A debate (if needed) will be held followed by voting
• End of April/May: New officers will be announced to the campus 

Student Government holds general and officer meetings where all students at OCC are welcome to bring their concerns or ideas to us. Then we collaborate with administration, other student orgs, and/or students to address those concerns or implement those ideas. We also support other student organizations on campus, plan campus events/activities, and organize community/charity projects in our surrounding community.

Here are some of the more specific tasks of our officers:

• President: oversees Student Government, fills officer roles, plans events, leads meetings
• Vice President: assists President, fills in when needed, participates in event planning
• Secretaries: manages paperwork, produces meeting agendas, takes notes, posts minutes
• Public Relations Coordinator: manages advertisement, promotes awareness, oversees Public Relations Committee
• Outreach/Community Service Coordinator: ensures member involvement, arranges community service projects
• Treasurer: manages organization's finances, works with executive board and advisors
• Student Government Liaison: maintains communication with other clubs and organizations, serves as a point of contact