ASUSU encourages students to join them at rally
On Wednesday, students who skip classes may actually be helping improve their education.
The Associated Students of Utah State University Executive Council is asking USU students to join them in a rally at the Capitol in Salt Lake City Wednesday at noon.
The rally, “High Noon for Higher Ed,” has become an annual tradition for student governments and other interested students across the state. The goal is to encourage members of the state Legislature to approve more funding for the state’s institutions of higher education.
“The bottom line is we just need more money,” said ASUSU President Ben Riley.
So he and the rest of the council members say they want students to join them for the rally and show support for Gov. Mike Leavitt’s budget recommendation, which includes more than $100 million for colleges and universities.
A resolution passed by the council shows support for the rally by encouraging teachers to avoid major tests or assignments during the rally and allowing students who miss class for the rally to get their absences excused by the university.
The USU Faculty Senate passed a similar resolution at its monthly meeting Feb. 5.
Riley said excuse passes are available to students involved in the event through the ASUSU office.
“It’s school-excused so you can go without being penalized,” Riley said. But he said the council realizes that for some students to miss classes “there will be some sacrifice.”
To help students get to the Capitol, ASUSU is planning on hiring a bus to take the students to the rally. The bus leaves Logan at 10 a.m. Wednesday and will return at 3 p.m.
On Tuesday, several members of the council will join members of the Legislature for a dinner meeting featuring typical “college cuisine,” Riley said. The meager meal will hopefully remind legislators of the tight budget many students are on, Riley said.
“The increase in money would help maintain the quality of education in the state,” he said. “If we don’t produce graduates, it will affect the state. Having more graduates will make us more economically viable.”
ASUSU Executive Vice President Rex Hansen said in addition to raising money for education, the council sees the rally as an opportunity to improve students’ education by getting them involved in the political process.
“We want students to make an impact on their education,” he said. “We’re lucky to have this kind of system that works in our benefit.”
The rally will also include supporters from the University of Utah, Weber State University, Southern Utah University, Dixie State College of Utah, Snow College, Salt Lake Community College, Utah Valley State College and the College of Eastern Utah.
More information on the rally and the bus to the Capitol is available by calling 797-2912.