Jan. 13, 2014 — The Legislative Branch of the Associated Students of the University of Utah, or ASUU, will host the first Pac-12 Student Leader Summit, Jan. 23-25 to help create a unified student voice within the conference. As the first school to hold this type of event within the Pac-12, the summit will allow students to share ideas, initiatives and challenges to improve collaboration and leadership.

“We are thrilled to welcome Pac-12 student leaders to our campus and know they will find their time here to be valuable,” said David W. Pershing, president of the U. “I am very proud of ASUU for initiating this summit and recognizing the importance of increased collaboration among schools in the Pac-12.”

The two-day conference will include student leaders from University of Oregon, Oregon State University, University of Washington, Washington State University, Arizona State University, University of Arizona, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Southern California, University of California – Los Angeles and University of Utah.

“We decided to organize this summit because we feel it’s important for student leaders to work together in an environment of mutual learning,” said Sara Seastrand, vice president of ASUU. “We hope to increase communication between all the schools to benefit the conference as a whole.”

Throughout their time at the U, students will have the opportunity to share their successes and struggles while gaining ideas and insight from their peers. Through engaging events, breakout sessions and presentations, students will strengthen their management, communication and leadership skills by working together and with U administration.

Pershing and many administrators from the U will be actively involved in the conference by giving presentations on management, effective leadership, conflict resolution, ethics in leadership and marketing.

“As one of the newest members of the Pac-12, we are really excited to be the first school to host this summit,” added Seastrand. “Not only will it give us a chance to work with our peers, but it will also allow us to showcase the U’s strong academics, incredible opportunities, state-of-the-art facilities and the overall quality of our student life.”

About ASUU
The Associated Students of the University of Utah is led by elected officials, their appointed executive cabinet, elected representatives from each college and a supreme court. These groups are responsible for representing and providing support for all students at the University of Utah. Throughout the year they host free concerts, movies, dances, parties, speakers, service projects and family events. ASUU coordinates with more than 500 student groups and clubs offering more ways for students to connect with each other and share their interests. It also provides assistance with on-campus childcare, tutoring and legal services for students.