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The University of ÌÇÐÄlogoÈë¿Ú is governed by a 22-member . Seventeen (17) members of the board are appointed by the Governor and five (5) members are UMass students elected by the student body on each of the five campuses. 

The University of ÌÇÐÄlogoÈë¿Ú Board of Trustees sets the UMass system’s strategic direction, establishes policies, and approves campus budgets and other routine matters. The Student Trustees from each campus are full-fledged members of the Board and provide student perspectives on matters coming before the Board. As Board Members, they are also expected to be good ambassadors for UMass and to play a role in a range of annual campus ceremonies. 

All applicants will be interviewed for the position. Final candidates will be submitted for inclusion on the official SGA Election Ballot and will be responsible for meeting all election guidelines. Students will elect the Student Trustee for the next academic year in concert with the SGA Elections process, which will begin in early April 2025.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications at the time the application is submitted:

• Be an undergraduate, graduate, or law student enrolled full-time and remain full-time during year of service
• Completed a minimum of 30 credit hours at UMass Dartmouth at the time of application.
• Be in good academic and conduct standing, i.e., have no record of Student Code of Conduct or law violations.
• Must attend all required Board of Trustees meetings

Student Trustees may not hold a Student Government Association, Graduate Student Senate, Student Bar Association, or Class Council position concurrently with Board of Trustee position.  

If you have any questions or need additional information, contact Kimberly Scott at kimberly.scott@umassd.edu in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor for Student Affairs or call (508) 999-8640.

Run Off Elections 

Student Trustees from each UMass campus serve as members of the Board, bringing the student voice to the table on critical decisions. They’re also proud ambassadors for UMass and play key roles in major campus events throughout the year.    

Now’s your chance to help shape the future of the UMassD community. Cast your vote for the candidate (featured below) you believe will best represent UMass Dartmouth.

Select the candidate who you believe will best represent UMassD. 

Deadline: Monday, April 20 at 11:59 am.  

Candidates

Ali Mustafa, Class of 2028

Accounting & Business Analytics 

Ali Mustafa is a sophomore majoring in Accounting and Business Analytics who is committed to representing student voices and strengthening the connection between students and university leadership. He is interested in the Student Trustee position as an opportunity to ensure that student perspectives are thoughtfully considered in decisions related to academic programs, campus resources, and student support services.

Ali brings a strong interest in governance, financial accountability, and strategic planning, along with a desire to better understand how institutions balance the needs of diverse stakeholders. He views this role not only as a leadership opportunity, but as a responsibility to listen, advocate, and serve with integrity.
His commitment to service is reflected in his involvement with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, where he helps members of the local community—particularly low- to moderate-income individuals—prepare and file their tax returns. Through this work, Ali applies his academic knowledge while making a meaningful impact, developing skills in communication, patience, and attention to detail.

Ali is dedicated to being a dependable, thoughtful advocate who will represent UMass Dartmouth students with professionalism, empathy, and pride.

Shalyn Peterbark, Class of 2028

Law 

Shalyn Peterbark is committed to serving as a strong advocate for students and ensuring their voices lead to meaningful action. Her interest in the Student Trustee role is grounded in firsthand experience recognizing that student concerns are often heard—but not always advanced. Through her time in law school and engagement in student leadership, she has seen how important it is to move beyond barriers and push ideas toward solutions.

As a member of the executive board of the Black Law Students Association, Shalyn has demonstrated reliability and leadership, stepping in to manage treasury responsibilities during a transition to ensure programs and initiatives continued without interruption. She has also supported her peers academically by helping lead a review session, creating space for collaboration and building student confidence.

Shalyn’s commitment to service extends beyond campus. As a former teacher and active community member, she believes leadership is rooted in consistency, accountability, and a willingness to put others first.

She is running for Student Trustee to serve as a bridge between students and university leadership—ensuring that student perspectives are not only heard, but respected and reflected in the decisions that shape the UMass Dartmouth experience.