OUR VIEW: What’s ASUSU up to these days?
In Fall Semester 2003, the Associated Students of Utah State University approved an Academic Bill of Rights, reviewed plans for the new Merrill-Cazier Library, a child care center and the Student Living Center, and allocated funds to student clubs and a veteran memorial erected by the ROTC. They passed their first bill on September 8.
In Fall Semester 2004 ASUSU tackled the ever-present issue of car booting, brought in the band Switchfoot to perform for students in the Spectrum, and allocated funding for a TV lounge in the TSC which now houses a tutoring center. They also proposed changes to the structure of ASUSU which were implemented the following year.
Fall Semester 2005 was equally busy, with a bill proposing a fall break in the works by mid-October, the implementation of the organizational changes approved the year before, the opening of the ASUSU help booth on the first floor of the Taggart Student Center, and fundraising for a memorial and scholarship in honor of the victims of the van crash in September. Last year’s crew also advocated students’ rights in the issue of car booting.
What happened in Fall Semester 2006?
The Statesman regularly sent a reporter to Executive Council meetings last semester, and only ran three stories: one when ASUSU signed a letter supporting the creation of the new Department of Retention and First Year Experience, one when the fee board presented to the Executive Council, and one when they supported Civic Awareness Week in September by encouraging students to register to vote.
An examination of meeting minutes shows ASUSU also discussed possible names for the Marketplace in the TSC, establishing a student radio station, refurbishing the third floor, and implemented a Salt Lake City lobbying internship for USU students.
Sounds like they’re pretty busy working on lots of projects. But with a few exceptions, it seems like lots is being discussed, but not much wrapped up on the third floor. What has been done to rescue the flailing health insurance program, for example? How’s that student radio station coming along? There are greater issues than what to name the Marketplace.
What happened to all the campaign promises that carried the 16 elected members of ASUSU to office? In an article published by The Statesman during last spring’s campaign, Student Body President Noah Riley said his main goals were to move ASUSU’s offices to the second floor of the TSC to increase exposure to the student body and to help increase enrollment. Due to the fact the TSC is already overcrowded and space is at a premium, his first goal could not be accomplished. Other as yet unaccomplished promises by other members of ASUSU include Trent Duffy’s goal to renovate the HPER building, Michelle Lundberg’s goal to bring back the ASUSU representative assembly, and Correy Mikkelsen’s goal to create a position over club sports to make things easier for the teams. What’s next on ASUSU’s list?
Is it a lack of funds? Time? Input from students? Or is it just a quiet year (something we’ve noticed ourselves at The Statesman)? Whatever it is, we suggest ASUSU figure out how to get to the heart of the issues.