Meet the 2026 UCS Candidates

Four students vie for vice president role as Ariel Shifrin '27 runs unopposed for UCS president

Apr. 8, 2026 at 6:36am

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a student ID card repeated in a tight grid pattern, conceptually representing the student-focused priorities of the UCS election.The 2026 UCS election will shape how the student government advocates for the Brown community's interests in the year ahead.Providence Today

Though the presidency is uncontested, four candidates are vying for the vice president position of the Undergraduate Council of Students (UCS) in the Spring 2026 elections at Brown University. Ariel Shifrin '27 is the sole candidate running for UCS president, while Kyle Kavully '27, Dakota Pippins '29, Cindy Sun '29 and Meruka Vyas '28 are competing for vice president.

Why it matters

The UCS plays a key role in representing the student body and advocating for their interests to the Brown administration. The outcome of this election will shape the UCS's priorities and approach over the next academic year.

The details

Voting for the SGA's Spring 2026 elections began on Tuesday. Prior to ballots opening, the SGA hosted a candidate debate on April 4. Voting will close at 11:59 pm on Thursday, and election results will be announced the next day on the Faunce steps. The Herald spoke to the candidates to learn more about their goals and priorities.

  • Voting opened on Tuesday, April 8, 2026.
  • Candidate debate was held on April 4, 2026.
  • Voting will close at 11:59 pm on Thursday, April 10, 2026.
  • Election results will be announced on Friday, April 11, 2026.

The players

Ariel Shifrin '27

The sole candidate running for UCS president. He plans to strengthen the UCS's efficacy, increase transparency, and improve student engagement with the administration.

Kyle Kavully '27

A candidate for UCS vice president who aims to create more accessible financial aid, increase student engagement, and ensure minority groups feel advocated for.

Dakota Pippins '29

A UCS vice presidential candidate who wants to create 'sanctuary campus policies,' make the UCS take stronger political stances, and hold the administration accountable.

Cindy Sun '29

A UCS vice presidential candidate who wants to simplify the UCS structure, focus on providing tangible benefits for students, and not have the UCS take political stances.

Meruka Vyas '28

A UCS vice presidential candidate who aims to build a 'sanctuary campus,' give students swipe access across all dorms, and expand the role of UCS committees.

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What they’re saying

“Too many of those mechanisms slip through the cracks, limiting students' opportunities for involvement.”

— Ariel Shifrin, UCS Presidential Candidate

“Every institution has the responsibility to stand up.”

— Dakota Pippins, UCS Vice Presidential Candidate

“It should be the job of the UCS to focus on what students are saying.”

— Cindy Sun, UCS Vice Presidential Candidate

What’s next

The election results will be announced on the Faunce steps on Friday, April 11, 2026.

The takeaway

This election will determine the leadership and priorities of the UCS for the upcoming academic year, shaping how the student government will advocate for the Brown community's interests and concerns.