ASUSU senators ask questions, discuss bills
A bill to require a “Truth in Student Fees” forum for students was presented to the Associated Students of Utah State University Executive Council on Tuesday.
Johnny Navarrete, ASUSU Education senator, presented the bill as a first reading item to the council. The purpose of the bill is to better inform the students where their money from student fees is going.
“It will help to give a form to report how student fees are being used and is a way to let students know exactly how their money is being spent,” Navarrete said.
ASUSU Executive Council would also be required to present the student fee breakdown in writing. They will ask questions concerning the bill Tuesday.
The council asked questions, as a second reading item, concerning a bill about the Service and Academic Student Scholarships.
“The purpose of this [bill] is to produce a scholarship fund from the revenues this council generates,” said Matt Ekins, student advocate.
If the bill passes, the scholarships will reward students who excel in community service and academics. Recipients will receive $500 each semester for one year.
Julie Dethrow, ASUSU Arts and Lectures vice president, asked if it would be possible to only allow students who do not have any other scholarships to apply. Half of the council voted in a straw (unofficial) poll against the possibility.
The bill will be under debate as a third reading item Tuesday.
Dependent use of the Student Health and Wellness Center facilities was approved by the council. The bill will enable students, along with spouses and their families, to use the facilities.
Robert Franckowiak, ASUSU Graduate Studies vice president, said, “I hope to make this a win-win situation for both the students and spouses.”
Celestial Bybee, ASUSU president, informed the council that Craig Petersen resigned as vice president of Student Services. He will become the director of Analysis, Assessment and Accreditation as soon as his current position is filled.
Ericka Ensign, ASUSU Academic vice president, presented several amendments to the Academic Opportunity Fund Allocation Committee charter.
The council was asked to help with the Midnight Breakfast sponsored by the USU Executive Committee. Before finals week, the committee will serve breakfast to students who live on campus.
Bybee said, “This is a good opportunity to meet new people and literally serve them.”
Among other information and discussion items, Bybee thanked all those who participated in the Executive Committee meeting Thursday.
“Everybody that presented did a good job,” Bybee said.
The council was also informed that a presentation on second-tier tuition will be Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. in the Taggart Student Center, Room 225.
Andrea Ekins, ASUSU Family Life senator, asked the council to help distribute 4,000 leftover student directories to students’ apartments Saturday at 10 a.m.
-mmackay@cc.usu.edu