Get to know the candidates: PUBLIC RELATIONS VP
MIKE ROBINS
Mike Robins is a final candidate for Public Relations vice president.
* Why should students care about ASUSU?
“ASUSU represents the student. That’s my No. 1 priority as a candidate. I feel that the issues that I’m campaigning are what the students care about.”
* What research have you done for your platform?
“The reason I’m running for office is because I’ve been ripped off at the bookstore. I feel that every student wants lower book prices and as a representative of ASUSU, I want to present a solution. I’ve also talked to the director of parking and want to improve their relations with the students,” Robins said.
* How do your platform and qualifications relate to the position you are running for?
“The only thing that qualifies me to represent the students is that I am willing to tackle the issues that students care about. I feel that you don’t need to be in office to make changes, but being in office gives you a legitimate voice with the administration. I’ve been willing, in the past, to fight for students, and want to tackle the textbook prices and parking issues on campus,” he said.
* What kind of opportunities will give students access to cheaper books?
I believe in the online book exchange. Students should feel comfortable using the online book exchange as a workable and first option. If student government isn’t willing to look at this issue and provide a workable solution to the textbook problem, they are not representing the students. This is the issue that everyone talks about,” he said.
* What is your vision for the bimonthly recruitment opportunities?
“I feel there is a great opportunity through clubs and organizations for students to develop talent and contribute to the community and to specific colleges. But students are not aware of the activities or issues that surround these clubs and organizations. There needs to be more regular contact between the clubs and the student body. A bimonthly meeting with club representatives to get information and meet someone face to face will help students feel comfortable enough to get involved. During the warm months, we would meet out on the Quad, and in the winter, we’d meet in the TSC,” Robins said.
–julie@cc.usu.edu
ASHLEY STOLWORTHY
Ashley Stolworthy is a candidate for ASUSU Public Relations vice president.
* Why should students care about ASUSU?
“ASUSU is our link to the administration and Legislature. Students should realize even if they feel they are not specifically a part of ASUSU, they are still part of the university. They have a say in what happens and an effect in the political process. [In the primary elections] there were some races determined by one vote. Their voice does count. The only way the university will grow in these financially trying times is through the students and ASUSU’s ability to communicate,” Stolworthy said.
* What research have you done for your platform?
“I’ve done a lot of research and observations over the past few years. I’ve talked extensively with Camey Hatch, the current Public Relations vice president over things she’s done in office and what the charter for the office actually says,” she said.
* How do your platform and qualifications relate to the position you are running for?
“My platform is based on the Public Relations office and its expected duties and the committees the vice president is required to sit on. All the committees are instituted to receive feedback from the students and relay it to ASUSU and the university. My qualifications tie in exactly with what the position requires — advertising and media relations knowledge, interpersonal skills, leadership, committee organization and follow through,” Stolworthy said.
* What would be the duties of your Public Relations Council?
“I would like to establish a council where representatives from each college and major student organizations meet more than just once a semester and become familiar with the different advertising mediums available to them. Their duties would be to target each group and make sure their needs are being met. This would help eliminate overlapping in scheduling and increase the effectiveness of their advertising,” she said.
* What are the drawbacks to the student information hotline?
“The drawbacks are that there are so many different views and sides. It is hard to meet all of them. They will need to compromise. At the same time, it is a plus to be able to get so many inputs,” she said.
–julia@cc.usu.edu