There are many ways to get involved on campus and Riley Tuft, a double major in political science and international studies with a minor in coaching, has chosen two seemingly-different avenues: playing and coaching hockey for the UMD club team, and serving on the UMD Student Association (SA) and as the student representative to the University of Minnesota Board of Regents.
As the 2022-23 assistant coach, she supports the team in a variety of ways, but mostly through keeping the lines of communication open, which has become a theme in her life at UMD. “I have met many of my good friends through hockey,” she says.
Like many students, Tuft is busy, but she enjoys advocating for her peers and jumped into the role early in her career at UMD. During her freshman year, Tuft joined the student association (SA), which is a group who has the responsibility to advocate for student concerns. “We stay in touch with what the students want, their needs, desires, and opinions,” she says.
Similarly, as the student representative for the Board of Regents, she advocates for students throughout the entire University of Minnesota system. The Board takes on dozens of issues in education, research, outreach, and other areas of concern. The role of the student representative is to act as a voice for the students of the University of Minnesota system.
In the past, all the campuses have expressed concerns regarding tuition, safety, fees, and recently issues surrounding COVID-19. Student representatives are required to attend meetings, give feedback, and voice concerns. “You make connections, gain leadership, and it’s an eye opening experience,” Tuft says.
Written By UMD student Eva Moua, who is majoring in communication. Eva works with Cheryl Reitan in University Marketing and Public Relations.