ASUSU backs Scholarship Fund
Associated Students of Utah State University passed the first two bills of the school year Tuesday evening.
Having discussed and passed the Inaugural Scholarship Fund Contribution from a second reading item to a third reading item, ASUSU unanimously voted and passed the proposal as a bill.
“There are no negatives with this,” said Public Relations Vice President Nollie Haws. “Students win every way we do it.”
This bill creates a means through which USU students “have the opportunity to give back to the university while getting something in return,” Haws said.
The way in which students can do this is by attending various activities ASUSU will be holding next week in which all proceeds will go to the Inaugural Scholarship Fund and will then be matched up to $5,000 by the Capital and Support Fund, Haws said.
The Inaugural Scholarship Fund was created by President Kermit L. Hall upon entering office. Instead of throwing an inaugural party, Hall donated the $50,000 budgeted for the party to create scholarships for USU students. Hall then proceeded to donate $10,000 of his own money, while encouraging others to contribute to the scholarship fund as well.
The revolving funds will allow “students who wouldn’t normally get a scholarship” to attend USU. The students who will receive funds are “good kids, but not 4.0 students,” Haws said.
The Inaugural Scholarship Fund currently has adequate money to pay tuition for 15 students. Haws said if students donate to the fund, more of the student tuition will be paid.
Any student, both incoming and returning, can apply for the one-year tuition scholarship. The scholarship will continue for years to come based on the interest accrued from the principle.
“I think this is a great idea,” said Extensions Vice President Tad Thornton. “Speaking as a student who wasn’t exactly the greatest student in high school, I think it is a great opportunity.”
“It can be a good opportunity for us to teach students to give back to the university for more students’ benefit,” Michelle Larson, Education senator said.
The second bill passed by ASUSU yesterday evening was the Policy Paper proposal which will “help to clarify communication and help everyone be better informed,” Academic Vice President Andy Haws said.
The bill requires council members to construct a detailed description of a proposal’s pros and cons before it becomes a third reading item.
The bill will help stimulate discussion and debate on the legislation before it is passed, Andy Haws said.
Bethany Allen, College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences senator spoke in favor of the new bill.
“It’s a good idea. The more educated you are on something, the better it is going to be,” she said.