Column: This Side of The Fence; Want to make a difference at USU? Don’t rule out running for office
The time is fast approaching – election time – and, oh, what a joy.
Starting in March, after all the pre-election packets and papers are collected, the battle amongst the contenders will begin and the student body will be bombarded with bits of paper adorned with semi-clever slogan, bits of campaign gossip and cool toys or food coupons.
There will be bandanas, buttons and torn T-shirts, each with their own sponsor, but all with the same message: “We want you” to vote for me.
Campaign advocates and friends will mob you in the hallways, on the sidewalks and even at your home, presenting their candidate’s spin on the issues and plans for future, plus their own two cents about how wonderful this person is and what a good job they really would do.
Despite its trite outer shell, student elections are really a powerful time for students. Truthfully, how often to students get to cast their opinion on university issues, on how the money will be spent and how campus with be improved?
In order to cast your vote correctly, it’s important to understand the role ASUSU plays in the lives of students.
ASUSU Executive Council has three different bodies, each with a different responsibility toward students: legislators, senators and programmers. Legislators are responsible for representing students and student issues to the university administration. Senators work directly with and represent the students, dean, faculty and staff of the college they are elected to serve in. Programmers serve the student body by planning and carrying out most of the activities seen on campus, for example WOW Week, Homecoming and so on.
The Academic Senate meets Mondays at 4:30 p.m. and the Executive Council meets every Tuesday at 5 p.m. to discuss issues and pass legislation that often concerns students. These meetings are open to the public for you conscientious voters who would like to check them out.
All of this information is important to know, at least a little, about. But more important is the idea of ASUSU as an advocate for students. If something on campus or in classes isn’t working for the student body, the people that need to know about it, probably before going to the administration, are on Executive Council. They had the ability to bring problems to people’s attention, propose solutions and, hopefully – if the system works like it’s supposed to – alleviate the concerns and issues for students.
So, what’s the goal for this election? I would say the goal for every election is the same. We want better people to run and more people to vote. Without these two, progress has been diluted.
Therefore, if you are the kind who enjoys fighting for the good – run for office; make the effort to make a difference. If politics aren’t your thing, that’s certainly okay. But don’t let it stop you from casting your vote.
Sure, candidates can be persistent and elections tedious at times. But they are that way because ASUSU cares how this school is run and every student who attends should care as well.
Mikaylie Kartchner is a senior majoring in journalism. Comments can be sent to mikayliek@cc.usu.edu.