The President and VP met with the Co-Head Governors of Union Board of Governors (UBG) to discuss key initiatives for the year.

President Johnston began individual meetings with the senators to outline the projects for the year, focusing on the integration of senator-led ideas into the strategic plan.

President Johnston began the appointments of students to the university's institutional committees, ensuring student representation in key areas.

The President and VP met with SALT President Gabriela Rabboni and Vice President Sanju Gajmer to address the needs and demands of the organization, as well as its leaders. Talking points included:

• Ensuring compensation for leaders is consistent with other organizations created and maintained by ASA.

• Considering SALT events for FYS credit opportunities.

• Providing additional logistical support to transport students to off-campus events.

The President and VP met with the (then interim) Provost Dr. Joel Johnson to discuss ongoing collaborations and university-wide initiatives. They also initiate discussions for the potential consideration of the SALT events for the FYS credit opportunities, and discuss the process of the African Studies Certification. 

The President and Vice President officially joined the university's elections taskforce Curiosity, Courage, and Civility (CCC) upon invitation from the university administration.

The President and VP created the university's first-ever International Students Peer Advisors Committee (ISPAC) as an institutional committee, appointing 10 students from 8 different countries with Heather Reed as the committee chair. The committee acts as the advisory body to the President and VP on executive decisions.

The President and VP began planning the restructuring of the Viking Lyft program by integrating SAM services into the program. VP Adhikari called the first meeting of the ISPAC and presented the phases of restructuring the Lyft services. The plan was approved by the committee and sent to different stakeholders for further approval.

The President and VP attended several Welcome Week events. President Johnston addressed the 163rd Convocation Ceremony, and VP Adhikari opened the academic session by ringing the Eidsvaag Bell, alongside faculty council VP Dr. David Golemboski.

The needs assessment phase came to an end, and the strategic plan began to be constructed.

Conversations with Sioux Area Metro (SAM) and Via Transportation Inc. began to explore the potential integration of ride-share solutions between Augustana University and the city of Sioux Falls.

Recognition of the Ethiopian and Eritrean New Year event as a campus-wide event through the release of the first strategic statement.

The needs assessment period for the formation of the strategic plan ended, and the Johnston-Adhikari Administration Strategic Plan was prepared.

The President and VP attended the September Board of Trustees meeting and presented drafts of their strategic plan with visions for the year.

The President and VP continued the ongoing tradition of participating in the events of Viking Days.

A Statement of Unity was released on the eve of Viking Days 2024.

Phase I of the Restructuring of the Viking Lyft Program was announced. The restructured program was branded as the ASA Hybrid Transportation Program, integrating the Sioux Area Metro On-Demand and Transit services alongside a significantly reduced Lyft pass component.

President Johnston participated in a media interview with KELOLAND News, discussing the university’s efforts to navigate the election cycle through the Curiosity, Civility, and Courage (CCC) Taskforce. The President called on the student body to sign the civility pledge prepared by the taskforce.

Vice President Prince Adhikari was nominated by the Office of Faith and Spiritual Life and the President's Office to represent Augustana University at the Network of ELCA Colleges and Universities (NECU) Student Leaders Summit, held in Chicago, IL from Sept 6-8, alongside Chapel Staff Sammie Kross. The representatives highlighted Augustana’s efforts on student experience, the role of the student government, and faith-based learning practices on campus. Augustana University and the Augustana Student Association stood out as leaders amongst the network during the three-day summit.

The advocacy of the President and VP resulted in the successful inclusion of the Co-Director of the International Programs Office (IPO) Heather Reed in the CCC Taskforce and the inclusion of immigrant and international students as panelists in the discussion forums organized by the taskforce.

The Johnston-Adhikari Administration Strategic Plan was introduced in the ASA Senate by Senator and Chair of the Curriculum Committee Avery Gilman (4Y) on behalf of the President and VP, via Resolution 1065. The resolution also asked the Senate to formally transfer $6000 as an initial investment for the implementation of the plan. This broke the tradition of the executive bypassing the Senate to use ASA monies on executive projects and set a precedent for formally transferring the money, ensuring a standard check and balance between the legislative and executive branches of the ASA.

After multiple rounds of discussion with the university administration, the President and VP formally decided to scrap the solar panels project and reclaim the previously made allocation of $15000. The resolution was sponsored by Amy Kim (AL) on behalf of the President and VP.

In order to alleviate anxiety surrounding elections on immigration, visa compliance, and the Immigration and Nationality Act, particularly amongst international students, the President and VP, with the International Programs Office (IPO), hosted a safe space session for international students. The session allowed them to ask sensitive questions on immigration and the effects of the election while also learning about the US electoral and political system in general. Immigration Attorney and Director of South Dakota Voices for Peace Taneeza Islam, Associate Professors of Government and International Affairs, Dr. Emily Wanless and Dr. Jennapher Lunde Seefeldt facilitated the session.

The Green Certification Program plan was prepared and presented to the Director of Student Engagement, Nathan McQuinn, which was subsequently approved and announced as a new initiative to go into effect in February per Phase I of the strategic plan's goals on sustainability.

Funding options for Viking Ventures started to be explored. The task to solidify the process on marketing and procedures was delegated to the Human and Public Relations Committee under the leadership of Chair and Senator Julie Seeley (AL). The executive announced the allocation of $1200 as seed funding for the project.

The ASA History and Heritage Conservation Initiative was prepared. The President and VP presented the plan to the History Department, Civitas Program, and the ASA Advisor.

The funding models for the revival of UBG's Big Event were prepared by the President and VP, with the consultation of Treasurer Noah Everson. The plan to revive the event through smaller injections of funds not exceeding $2500 was announced in the cabinet and subsequently in the full Senate, contingent upon the investment and implementation proposal received from UBG and the Office of Student Engagement.

The President and VP extended partnership with the Student Athletes Advisory Committee (SAAC) and discussed potential strategies to increase attendance at athletic events through an incentivization strategy, later announced in November as the Ole Advantage Loyalty Points Program.

The devotion and reflection senator-led session at the beginning of each Senate meeting, which was discontinued during the Chrystal-Moore Administration in 2021, was reinstated, further reaffirming the administration's commitment to the university's Christian core values and fostering interfaith dialogue.

Seals of the President, Vice President, the Executive Branch, the Cabinet of the President of the ASA, and the respective committees officially appeared in the formal ASA documents. The administration plans to standardize ASA's logos, seals, and insignia formally through a standardization code per the plan of the then-Technical Director Prince Adhikari (2023-24), which was continued by Technical Director Blen Lemma.

The President and VP extended a collaborative partnership with the Department of Campus Safety by meeting with Rick Tupper. Plans include addressing rising alcohol and substance abuse, comprehensive student well-being, installation of Narcan and Fentanyl testing kits, inclusion of campus safety liaisons in Senate meetings for frequent communication between the two entities, and other pertinent issues surrounding campus safety and security climate. The President and VP also clarified questions and rationale regarding the arming of campus safety personnel and received related briefings from Tupper.

The President and VP fulfilled the commitment made by the Alhasnawi-Arega Administration in 2022 to fund the newly established United Soul Salon Affinity Space in Solberg Hall. The executive resolution of $1000 was introduced by Senator JayVian Farr (BSU) on behalf of the President and VP, which was subsequently adopted. The President and VP both attended the inauguration event.

The President and VP attended the interfaith vigil organized by the Office of Faith and Spiritual Life in the Chapel of Reconciliation on October 7th, marking the one-year anniversary of the tragic attacks in Israel and the subsequent escalation of conflict in Palestine and the Middle East. They prayed for peace in the world and participated in the candle lighting ceremony.

Hindu celebrations Dashain/Navratri and Diwali were formally recognized as campus-wide celebrations through the release of strategic statements.

The budgeting and allocations for the further implementation of the strategic plan were prepared. The plan is now valued at $15,981.

The mentors, advisors, and faculty support for fellowships and research opportunities were secured across campus. The President and VP finalized different programs to be established under the strategic goals.

Phase II of the Viking Lyft Program goes into implementation. This phase adopts a cost-sharing model between SAM and increased Lyft passes to 12 passes per semester, addressing weather and temperature needs. The restructuring results in net savings of $7500, which is rerouted and invested into the fellowship programs.

VP Prince Adhikari released a call-to-action statement to all international students ahead of the historic 2024 US Presidential Elections, calling his international student peers to remain calm, civil, and curious – have the willingness to learn about issues – and honor the privilege of being in this country.

President Annie Johnston released a call-to-action statement on November 5th, the 2024 US Presidential Election Day calling the eligible students on campus to exercise their voting rights, stay engaged and educated with the issues at the local and state level, and embrace curiosity, civility and courage irrespective of the election outcome. 

Under the leadership of President Johnston, ASA, in collaboration with various student groups and departments on campus, hosts the Election Night Watch Party Extravaganza. The goal of the event was designed to bring the campus community together, united and engaged, to watch the results of the 2024 US Presidential Election in a fun and inclusive environment. Nearly 300 students attend the event. 

The Ole Advantage Loyalty Points Program is announced.

The ASA History and Heritage Conservation Initiative is formally announced.

Fellowships, experiential learning, and research opportunities: The Viking Global Review, ASA Media Initiative, Election Infrastructure Reform Project, American Forum at Augustana University, and Emerging Technology and STEM Research Fellowship are all announced, and applications are open.

Senator Avery Gilman (4Y) introduces an appropriation resolution 1068 in the ASA Senate on behalf of the President and VP, to increase the investment into the strategic plan from $6000 to $15,000. The Senate unanimously adopts the resolution and funds the executive.

The President and VP welcome the Director of the NECU, Rev. Lemont Wells, to Augustana and discuss ASA's role and potential avenues for partnerships for the development and engagement of the broader ELCA network.

A soft opening of the Ole Advantage Program is held through the Women's Basketball Game. The program witnesses early success, marked by the rise of engagement in non-traditional athletic games.

Phase II of the Johnston-Adhikari Administration Strategic Plan concludes 75 days prior to the earlier scheduled deadline of January 31, 2025. The plan is amended, and Phase II-B is announced, running throughout December-January to outline comprehensive hiring and recruitment standards, compensation review standards, and the addition of other programs into the strategic plan. Phase III is also amended to III-A and III-B.

The President and VP acquire the leadership and responsibility of the university's Campus Cupboard to make it more of a student-led initiative and place it under the oversight of the Sustainability in Housing and Dining Committee of the ASA.

The CCC Taskforce is dissolved. Nonetheless, the President and VP affirm their commitment to fostering a positive and civil political environment throughout their term and helping strategically in the US political process.

The President and VP announce the first-ever Mid-Year Event, and a program to Reward Exceptional Leadership and Service, and the Recognition of Service to the community by the leaders of the Organizations Created and Maintained by ASA, which will be held on February 10th, 2025. This event will celebrate collective milestones, recognize the efforts of student leaders, and honor the leadership and service of exceptional community members. A committee comprising senators from the Human and Public Relations Committee, the Student Engagement Office, and the International Programs Office is convened to select individuals for the awards.

President Johnston accepts resignations of Senator Avery Gilman and Senator Domanic Dick. 

The President and VP participated in the December 2024 Board of Trustees Meeting and briefed the Student Life Committee on the administration's fall semester efforts and the progress of the strategic plan. The Board of Trustees commended their work, recognizing them as the most innovative, distinct, and strategic leaders in recent history.

The President and VP convened three J-Term taskforces: Governing Documents, Student Well-Being, and the Diversity Summit 2025. The Transportation Taskforce was discontinued following the yearlong takeover of the ASA's Transportation Program under the Vice President and the Treasurer.

Senator Susana Gebrekidan (3Y) was appointed as the Chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Social Justice Committee, replacing Senator JayVian Farr (BSU).

The administration announced the construction of the official website for the President and VP, aligning with the strategic plan. This platform will enhance transparency and provide regular updates to the student body.

An initiative began to standardize the existing ASA Seal and Media Code of Conduct into a formalized code, reinforcing professionalism and ensuring effective communication standards within the organization.

J-term committees convened by the President of ASA begin to meet and explore issues within their assigned areas. 

The President, Vice President, and the Treasurer solidify budget projections for the upcoming semester, determine fellowship and research stipend amounts and available spots, further issue evaluate the transportation program, and begin thorough budget review process.

The President and Vice President convene the fellowship and research applications review committee. Senators Anna Pirrung (2Y) and Gracen Juffer (3Y) were extended invitations to join the committee to guarantee inclusive decision making and balance between the executive and the legislative branches. 

The Administration releases major updates and highlights of the Fall 2024 semester as "Mid-Year accomplishment) available to the student body.

The President and Vice President convene an ad-hoc executive committee comprising of the President, Vice President and Senators Julian Seeley (AL), Lydia Valenzuela Rylaarsdam (2Y), and Maggie Mckeown for the planning of the mid year update. The committee will also explore different award categories and awardees, and provide recommendation to the President.   

President Johnston accepts the resignation of Senator Afomiya Dejene (1Y).

President Johnston accepts resignation of Senator Anushra Shrestha (ASO). 

President Johnston and Vice President Adhikari appoint Sen. Abigail Smith (2Y) as the chair of the ASA Senate Curriculum Committee. 

President Johnston nominates John Mortrude (1Y), Ian Kelly (4Y) and Elijah Schipper (4Y) to fill mid-year vacancies in the ASA Senate.   

The President and Vice President announce the recipients of the fellowship programs. 

The President and Vice President announce the recipient of the Viking Ventures Grant. 

The President and Vice President issue another executive action to restructure the transportation program. 

The President, Vice President and Technical Director officially establish the ASA Media. 

The President and Vice President launch this official website to further elevate transparency, streamline communication, and empower student engagement. 

The President and Vice President issue commendation in honor of Heather Reed's Outstanding Service of the Student Body.