ASUSU hopes to increase responsibilities

As the new year begins, members of ASUSU Executive Council are looking to take their job responsibilities to the next level.

During their regular meeting Tuesday, council members discussed ways to improve student government and better accommodate students at Utah State University.

“I think everybody’s doing what’s required of them, but we’re not taking it to the next level,” said Spencer Watts, Academic Senate president.

As representatives of the students, members of the council have the ability to compile legislation to help students in many different aspects. Each piece of legislation is brought to the administration for review.

“This body is given a lot of power and authority,” ASUSU President Quinn Millet said.

Although some legislation has been passed this year, including a request to implement a one-day fall break in October during the school year, the council hopes to compile more legislation before its next meeting with members of the university administration Feb. 9.

However, council members were happy with ASUSU’s reorganization of senators and Executive Council members and plan on doing some fine tuning in order to better define the responsibilities of both groups.

“Its seems like there’s a real concerted effort to stay together and work towards the common good,” Nate Putnam, ASUSU executive vice president said.

In other items discussed by the council, Millet informed the council that Faculty Senate, during its regular meeting Monday, tabled legislation to implement a fall break for the 2007 fall semester.

“There will not be a fall break next year under the premise of research,” Millet said.

Council members felt the senate did not treat the legislation with the importance it deserved, but are hopeful that senate members will pass it in the future.

Public Relations Director Holly Scott also reminded the council that election packets will be available in the ASUSU office for those interested. The filing deadline to run for any ASUSU office is Feb. 13. Council members were urged to encourage students to run.

Noelle Cockett was also recognized for her efforts as interim provost since Stan Albrecht became USU president last February. The council gave Cockett a signed recognition of appreciation.

“I think ASUSU is incredibly valuable and I think you guys are a valuable part of this campus,” Cockett said to the council.

-mmackay@cc.usu.edu