All students are part of USUSA
What the heck is USUSA and what is its purpose?
You’d be surprised — or maybe not — at how many times I’ve had to field those questions. At first, I was unsure what the best answer would be. After much pondering, I’ve decided the answer is simpler than I once thought.
Contrary to popular belief, USUSA isn’t the group of 21 student body officers. The acronym stands for Utah State University Student Association. Yes, you guessed it. Every student at USU is part of USUSA. There aren’t just 21 people, there are over 17,000 members. Anyone taking classes and paying tuition is a member of USUSA. I like to think of it as an official name for our Aggie family.
Every student has the opportunity during spring semester to run for an elected position within USUSA. I’m sure we’ve all noticed these folks standing outside day after day, freezing (and sometimes boiling, depending on the weather’s mood that day) to pass out flyers and tell you to visit vote.usu.edu. Once students cast their ballots, the votes are tallied and the next year of leadership is announced. I’ve heard time and time again that these elected officers are USUSA.
In reality, those 21 people elected and appointed to serve are not USUSA, they are your representatives. Their positions were created, and their sole purpose while in office is to improve your life, whether that’s on a large or small scale. They live and breathe enhancing your experience as an Aggie. If you’ve ever wandered through the third floor of the TSC, you’ve probably seen these passionate people. If you’ve ever stopped to listen to their conversations, you may have heard them discussing how to get more people involved, how to reach students that have fallen through the cracks, or even what campaigns and legislation will best help you this year.
I am truly amazed by the efforts of each individual who is part of USUSA. Both officers and members have come together to create something truly special this year. When I think of what we’ve already been able to accomplish, I think about Sawyer Hemsley, Programming VP, who spent countless hours to make sure non-traditional students enjoyed the Aggiefest Fair and his volunteers who make the magic happen behind the scenes at events. I think about Madison Maners, PR and Marketing Director, who dedicates loads of time, along with her staff of USUSA members, to make sure no student feels left out and knows that officers are here to help. I think about Luis Armenta, Diversity and Clubs VP, who plans events that include all students, no matter how different, all while keeping track of more than 80 student clubs. I think about Ty Aller, Graduate Studies Senator, who works to improve the lives of students who are affected by mental illness in any way — his team wants every student to know their life is worth living.
I could go on and on about these individuals, but I only have so many words I’m allowed to write for this column. Every single officer of USUSA has made the decision to dedicate this year of their lives to you. And they need you. Give them suggestions. Tell them what you want to see at USU. I can promise you they will not rest until they’ve accomplished the work you give them. We are all members of the Aggie family and USUSA. Together, we are a powerful group that will change the world.
— Trevor Sean Olsen is the 2015-16 USUSA President. He is a senior majoring in International Business and Finance who hails from Tremonton, Utah. He loves soccer, is addicted to yogurt, and speaks French. His office is in the Taggart Student Center, room 326C. Students are always welcome to visit or email him at president.ususa@usu.edu.
Twitter: @tseanolsen