Get to know the candidates: AGRICULTURE SENATOR
TRAVIS MCNIVEN
Travis McNiven says his qualification comes from experience.
* Why should students care about ASUSU?
One of the problems with ASUSU is that it’s limited, McNiven says. But that’s no reason for students not to care.
“It’s the only student voice that’s campuswide,” he said. “It’s the only body that has an ability to put a vote to the Board of Trustees. If ASUSU wasn’t there, we’d have no option.”
* What research have you done for your platform?
McNiven said that he has been able to work with current College of Agriculture Senator Cade Davis to determine what his platform should include.
For the last two years he has served as president of the College of Agriculture Student Ambassadors, meaning he has worked closely with the associate dean. Because of that, he said, he is aware of his college’s issues.
* How do your platform and qualifications relate to the position you are running for?
McNiven said if elected he will sit on the Parking Advisory Committee and the Parking and Transportation Student Administration Fee Board.
“I’ve worked for Transportation the last two years,” he said. “I know everybody down there.”
McNiven also owns Rocky Mountain Gelbvieh, named for a breed of cattle. He does order-buying, consulting and marketing to different ranches for breeding.
“It keeps me aware of where Ag is headed,” he said.
McNiven also said that as president of the ambassadors, he has met with Ag Dean Noelle Cockett weekly.
The promotions committee for American Gelbvieh Association has helped McNiven know how to work with a fixed budget, similarly to how ASUSU runs.
–jmdo@cc.usu.edu
MILO ANDRUS
Milo Andrus isn’t going around with candy just to get students to change their vote.
* Why should students care about ASUSU?
Andrus said even though it often feels like there is a downward flow of information from the administration through ASUSU, representation is still important.
“You’re not going to get your way all the time, but it’s all part of the compromise,” he said.
* What research have you done for your platform?
“I think it helps if you know the system and know the people,” Andrus said.
He’s been to ASUSU Executive Council meetings as the current Ag senator secretary.
“I think the big thing that would set me apart is my experience with Ag Council,” Andrus said.
For the last year, Andrus has also been a member of the College of Ag Ambassadors and has met with the associate dean on a regular basis. Unifying his college is something he feels he can accomplish because there are new people in his college from the now-defunct College of Family Life.
* How do your platform and qualifications relate to your position?
Andrus has worked on committees on Ag Council to secure furniture for the college and also to find internships for College of Ag students. He said currently he is working on getting international internships for the college.
He has been working on the college’s displays and plans to continue working on future booths to inform students of the college’s exploits. He wants to continue providing such information to students “to let people know the College of Ag cares.
“Your experience at college is not just academic,” he said.
–jmdo@cc.usu.edu