Vote Elevate UIC

Forging your future with action today!

Explore Our Platform

About Elevate UIC

Working together to create a stronger, more inclusive university experience.

About Elevate UIC

Elevate UIC are Undergraduate Student Government (USG) leaders running to continue elevating the student experience by strengthening UIC’s community and advocating for the needs of you, the student. Led by current USG Student Success Director Nathan, USG VP Dilay, and UIC Student Trustee Quinn, Elevate UIC is committed to pushing the momentum forward in advocating for lowering the cost of our education, addressing food insecurity on campus, and fighting for student rights.

Our Core Pillars

Protecting Student Safety & Wellness

From campus safety to mental health resources, we ensure that every student's fundamental needs are met.

Forging Student Success

We focus on expanding academic support, professional development, and inclusive advising services.

Strengthen Our UIC Community

We strive to bolster student organizations, encourage athletic attendance, and foster campus pride.

Elevating Campus Life

Through spirited events, stronger student org support, and revitalized spaces, we’re building a more vibrant and connected UIC community.

Meet the Team

Working together to create a stronger, more inclusive university experience. To forging your future with action today!

Our Candidates!

Nathan Photo

USG President

Nathan Thokkudubiyyapu

Nathan is a sophomore Computer Science major from Elmhurst, Illinois, committed to elevating the student experience for every Flame. He currently serves as the Director of Student Success in the Undergraduate Student Government, a Student Senator on the UIC Senate, and Vice President of Professional Development for Alpha Kappa Psi. Nathan focuses on addressing academic concerns, improving access to professional development, and advocating for open educational resources. Outside of academics, Nathan enjoys exploring the city, playing spikeball, and building initiatives that leave a lasting impact on campus.

Dilay Photo

USG Vice President

Dilay Heybeli

Dilay is an international student from Turkey pursuing a major in Industrial Engineering at UIC. She currently serves as the Director of Diversity and Inclusion in the Undergraduate Student Government. Dilay focuses on igniting UIC’s campus culture and fostering connections within the student body. Fun fact: Dilay volunteered as a kindergarten teacher in 2 different countries this past year and loves to solo travel!

Quinn Photo

Student Trustee

Quinn Basta

Quinn is a Chicago native pursuing a major in Finance at UIC. On campus, he is a Business Scholar and President of the Portfolio Management Team, as well as Chief of Staff of the Undergraduate Student Government. Quinn hopes to be UIC’s next Student Trustee to continue advocating for student experience, campus safety, mental health, and more professional development opportunities. For fun, Quinn loves spending time with his dog and playing baseball and golf with friends!

Representatives Candidates

Allie Photo

Representative

Alissar "Allie" Salem

Allie is a first-year Criminology, Law, and Justice and International Studies major on the pre-law track. As a current student representative, she advocates for inclusivity and student success. She's passionate about amplifying diverse voices and improving the student experience. She’s an Illinois Global Scholar and GPPA Law student. She enjoys working out, traveling, and spending time with friends.

Mehdi Photo

Representative

Mehdi

Mehdi is a sophomore studying Information and Decision Sciences and Finance. He aims to create an inclusive environment by enhancing career development and networking opportunities for students. As Recruitment Chair of Tau Kappa Epsilon, he brings leadership experience and a passion for community. He enjoys weightlifting, discovering music, and exploring Chicago.

Kamran Photo

Representative

Kamran Shafi

Kamran is a freshman Management major with a passion for leadership and event planning. He wants to enrich campus life through more engaging events and better support for commuter students. Kamran currently serves as Director of Administrative Affairs for Light The Way and is a Campus Ambassador for the Chicago White Sox. He enjoys watching sports and exploring the city.

Ohik Photo

Representative

Ohik Kwon

Ohik is a second-year Biology major on the pre-dental track and a returning member of USG. He advocates for mentorship and career development, particularly in support of students' academic and professional goals. He is involved in the Korean American Student Association, Pre-Dental Club, and is a future Honors College Peer Mentor. He enjoys volunteering and trying new restaurants around Chicago.

Aya Photo

Representative

Aya Belhandouz

Aya is a first-year Neuroscience major on the pre-med track. She focuses on improving tutoring and research resources, especially for first-year and transfer students. She is active in MSA, SFP, and is a research assistant in an oncology lab. Aya enjoys playing badminton, baking, and spending time with loved ones.

Anvi Photo

Representative

Anvi Shevade

Anvi is a first-year Integrated Health Studies student with aspirations of becoming a physician. As a USG Representative, she is passionate about making sure student voices directly influence meaningful change. Anvi is focused on expanding access to academic and social resources, and she’s committed to addressing campus concerns through thoughtful legislation and advocacy.

Safa Photo

Representative

Safa Fathima

Safa is a first-year Neuroscience student minoring in Political Science, with aspirations of becoming a physician. As a USG Representative, she is committed to embedding the values of advocacy and service in her work. Safa is passionate about increasing transparency, amplifying overlooked concerns, and driving initiatives that improve student health and campus safety.

Iessa Photo

Representative

Iessa

Iessa is a junior majoring in Information and Decision Sciences with a minor in Economics. As an international student passionate about data analytics, business strategy, and student advocacy, he aims to strengthen the connection between students and administration. Iessa is especially focused on improving access to resources for first-generation and international students through mentorship, tailored workshops, and better support systems. Outside of academics, he enjoys working out, exploring the city, and keeping up with the latest in tech and the automotive world.

Artur Photo

Representative

Artur

Artur Vlasenko is an international student from Ukraine majoring in Finance. He believes that every student should have the chance to grow, push their limits, and take full advantage of everything college has to offer. Artur is committed to making valuable opportunities accessible—whether in undergraduate research, sports, on-campus employment, or extracurricular activities. He firmly believes that opportunity should always meet ambition.

Senators Candidates

Ruqaya Photo

Senator

Ruqaya Ogaili

Ruqaya is a junior Political Science major and transfer student pursuing a career in immigration and family law. She is passionate about expanding student resources and ensuring student voices are heard. She serves as Executive Director of the Student Political Engagement Network. She enjoys music, art, and staying up to date with current events.

Hope Photo

Senator

Hope Davis

Hope is a second-year Political Science major with a minor in Public Policy. She co-founded the Student Political Engagement Network and hosts a radio show exploring the history of rock music. Passionate about civic engagement and student involvement, she loves vintage shopping, trying new restaurants, and attending live music events.

Ian Photo

Senator

Ian Hunt

Ian is a junior Political Science major with a minor in Economics. As a transfer student, he understands the challenges of campus integration and aims to improve access to student resources. He is a member of the Student Political Engagement Network and passionate about ensuring events and services are truly student-centered. He enjoys rock climbing, hiking, skiing, and immersing himself in soccer culture.

Our Platform

Our comprehensive plan to improve student life at UIC.

Reducing Your Costs

Reducing Your Costs

Student-focused review on reducing the cost of higher education at UIC

  • Comprehensive task force: Establish a task force to review UIC’s financial practices and ensure accountability in tuition and fee use.
  • Better advising: Improve our financial aid/loan advising to work for all students.
  • State support: Advocate for increased state financial support for UIC students.
  • Free textbooks: Champion open educational resources (OER) to expand access to free or low-cost textbooks.
  • CTA & Metra U-Pass+: Work toward permanently establishing the U-Pass+ at UIC, reducing commuting costs and improving transit accessibility.
  • UIC student discounts: Launch a centralized discount guide, connecting students with deals across the city.
Protecting Student Safety & Wellness

Protecting Student Safety & Wellness

Creating a secure and healthy campus environment for every student

  • Review & improve safety: Utilize the Campus Safety Commission to enact change with admin and UICPD.
  • Expand Night Ride: Push for extended Night Ride service times and coverage for late-night transit.
  • Enhance campus lighting: Upgrade and expand lighting across walkways, parking lots, and common areas.
  • Mental health services: Continue improving service capacity with tailored solutions for all students.
  • Healthy food options: Provide cost and dietary-friendly food options on and around campus.
  • Digitize your I-Card: Advocate for digital mobile I-Card and secure swipe access for buildings.
Forging Student Success

Forging Student Success

Ensuring every student has the resources to excel academically and professionally

  • Interview meeting rooms: Provide quiet, private booths for virtual meetings.
  • Improve campus Wi-Fi: Advocate for stronger, more reliable connectivity in all buildings.
  • Professional development: Offer skill-building workshops, networking events, free headshots, and resume reviews.
  • Enhanced advising & tutoring: Expand resources to ensure exceptional academic and career guidance for every major.
Elevating Campus Life

Elevating Campus Life

Building a vibrant, engaged, and spirited community at UIC

  • Support & fund student orgs: Streamline SAFC funding processes and support campus events.
  • Develop UIC’s spirit: Promote athletics with tailgates, giveaways, and athlete-student interactions.
  • Frequent free events: Organize free food days, bowling nights, and activities to unite the community.
  • Activate our Chicago network: Expand partnerships with local firms, events, and alumni to enrich campus life.
  • Improve public spaces: Transform underutilized areas into lounges and social spaces for students.

Contact Us

Have questions or suggestions? Reach out! We'd love to hear from you.

© 2025 Elevate UIC. All rights reserved.