Chaya Jensen

About Me

Year: Senior

Major/Minor: Music Business - Horn; Arts Entrepreneurship Certificate, Vocal Secondary

Involvement:UNC Dining Services Student Cook, Performing and Visual Arts Student Senator (Sp 2021-Sp 2022), Chamber Choir, Concert Choir, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Public Relations Officer for UNC's Chapter of Colorado Collegiate Bands Association, Pride of the Rockies (POTR) Marching Band, POTR Squad Leader, PVA Mission/Vision Committee, School of Music Director Search Committee.

Why I want to be a part of Student Senate: This is my second year serving on Student Senate and it has been an amazing pleasure and honor to be a part of this group. While serving, one of the biggest goals of each individual college senator as well as the cabinet of senate is to bring the presence of the Student Senate to the student body because our entire purpose is to serve you, as the student body. I have thoroughly enjoyed representing student voices and it’s something I want to continue doing. I want to move forward as a student leader to make sure the University is upholding their "Students First" vision and doing what is absolutely best for its students. I see a stronger relationship with the student body as well as a unity among Senate members in the future of Student Senate and I know that I can foster that growth.

Qualities/Experiences: My experience on Student Senate for the last 2 years will be extremely helpful and useful for representing the student body. A large percentage of the current Student Senate is going to be graduating this spring, and I want to make sure that someone who knows how this organization runs can not only lead the next year of representatives but also assist the rest of the student body. With that, I have no fear or hesitation to call upon administration and hold them accountable so they are deeply listening and understanding the struggles of their students and doing what is best for the university as a whole. I've also been extremely active across my college, participating in multiple ensembles and serving on different committees, acting as a student voice for PVA. One of the qualities I take pride in is that I am very personable. I try to present as someone who is easy to talk to. I also work hard to provide clear communication and give clarity and honesty throughout all situations. With that, I hope to continue to strive and act with integrity and confidence.

2022-2023 Goals

While being a PVA Senator, my base of operations was solely for that college. I want to be able to provide that same support for the entirety of campus and provide a voice for all students from all colleges, fostering inclusivity among all students. I want to also bring attention and aid to the Graduate Students that work so hard for all of our departments for the university and get them the assistance they need. I plan to continue to uphold the "Students First" initiative from the "Rowing, Not Drifting 2030 Strategic Plan" and hold the Administration accountable in upholding that vision as well. Part of that plan will be to bring attention and aid to the UNC Counseling Center and make sure that students are able to get the assistance they need, especially after the last few years. Additionally, I want to highlight and collaborate with the different cultural and resource centers to provide support and have a good relationship between the Senate and them. By doing so, we will furnish higher visibility and awareness for students, which will directly correlate with the University’s Strategic Plan by putting “Students First”, specifically underrepresented students. I also want to make sure that the university and its students are always having clear communication and that the students feel represented and that their voices matter. With that, I want to work with all the individual college senators to establish a good connection between me and them and get them the resources to take care of their colleges on a more personal and individual basis. While being a student from the school of Performing and Visual Arts, I want to also make sure that those students are being represented and that the rest of the university will have more opportunities to experience the hard work and amazing performances those students create. To add, I would like to create a better relationship between the Student Senate and the student body. Since Student Senate's entire purpose is to serve the student body, it's important the way to communicate and connect with this entity is easy, seamless, and recognized for the student body, to not only give you all a sense of support but to know that we are here for you no matter what and we will do everything we can to support and assist you.