Editor’s note: This article was republished on Feb. 4, 2026 following an updated website transfer that caused it to be removed. The article was originally published on Jan. 14, 2026
The Associated Students of University of California, Irvine (ASUCI) hosted their Internal Vice President (IVP) debate at Emerald Bay Ballroom A on Jan. 12 at 5:30 p.m. The only candidate in attendance was interim IVP Spring Momeni.
The other candidates running for office are Kiyomi Wu-Inouye and Antoine Mbok.
According to the ASUCI website, the Office of IVP advocates for student resources. They oversee ASUCI internal management as well as multiple campus projects.
Momeni, a biological sciences pre-med student, has been a part of ASUCI for almost two years. She previously served as mental health commissioner under the Office of the President and the biological sciences senator. She was appointed as interim IVP in October 2025.
In the debate, she shared her campaign I.V.P, which stands for Implementing, Visioning and Programming.
“My personal philosophy is that I believe in shared leadership,” Momeni said. “When we are put in positions such as [mine] it’s not just you making decisions it should be a collaborative decision making process.”
When asked about what makes her a qualified candidate, Momeni noted her diverse perspective and devotion to student government. She also mentioned her familiarity with the new ASUCI constitution and her ability to create a smooth transition for the next IVP after she leaves.
“I have a lot of extra curriculars on campus that I’m involved with,” Momeni said. “I am a RCU leader as well as a transfer student so I get to interact with a diverse range of students and hear all of their concerns and feedback on our campus.”
Having the ability to foster a safe environment for students and other ASUCI members to voice their opinions is an important quality for the IVP to have, Momeni said.
“You should have a personality that allows students to feel comfortable to approach you and to discuss their issues with you,” Momeni said.
Momeni was asked about the current issues UCI students face during the debate. Momeni noted that the main complaints she has heard center around a lack of communication between administration and the student body, citing the delays in financial aid awards as an example.
“As IVP I get to meet with admin pretty frequently. I get to meet with the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs,” Momeni said. “So I can use this opportunity to voice out these student concerns to administration.”
If re-elected, Momeni said she would prioritize projects that are set to be completed by the end of the school year. Momeni commented that her and her staff have already drafted their agendas for this quarter.
During the debate, multiple questions were asked on the various committees the IVP serves as a representative for, including the Student Health Insurance Advisory. Momeni was asked about how she would advocate for its visibility and accessibility.
“This can be done in several different ways,” Momeni said. “One way that I think has been successful in the past is to hold information sessions on ring road as well as creating comprehensive pamphlets that include information about our insurance programs.”
Other advisory boards include the Anteater Recreation Center, Bren Events Center, Bus Love and the Student Center.
The debate wrapped up with Momeni giving out a closing speech and a Q&A session with the audience.
Students can cast their vote for this special election online, from Jan. 12 at 9:00 am until Jan. 14 at 5:00pm at elections.uci.edu.
Alejandra Rodriguez Zepeda is a News Staff Writer. She can be reached at alejar16@uci.edu.
Edited by Annabelle Aguirre
