LETTER: ASUSU was unprepared to support tuition increase
Dear Editor,
This letter is not intended to support or denounce the proposed tuition increase; it is intended to condemn the frivolous and irresponsible way ASUSU reached its decision. As one of only a few students who attended Tuesday’s ASUSU meeting, I was surprised at the conspicuous lack of insight and effort that went into the decision to speak for the students of USU in supporting the increase.
President Hall proposed the tuition increase to the group a week prior with the realization that it would ruffle some feathers and a good-faith gesture to the student leaders that he would consider their input before acting further on the matter. They convened with the intention to consider it for a week, solicit student input and decide at the next meeting.
For a decision with so much potential impact, there was surprisingly little discussion on the part of ASUSU, and the debate that did take place revealed that very little research or substantive thought had been invested in the topic by the body. A mere handful of people ventured to speak about the bill, pro or con. Only two representatives mentioned they had talked to the student body about the increase, and they indicated the feedback they’d received was not favorable. Incidentally, they were two of the three who voted no.
On the other hand, not a single proponent mentioned they had sampled student opinion at all, let alone received overwhelming student support; they based their support on information presented by President Hall.
Maybe students should support the increase. Maybe they shouldn’t. The point is that ASUSU officials are elected by the student body of USU. These elected representatives have an obligation to represent USU students. Not President Hall. Not their own opinions or vanities.
Attempts on the part of ASUSU to speak for the students should reflect the real attitudes of the student body, not the unexamined assumptions of a select group.
Anyway, it’s done now. However, President Hall will be holding an open forum at noon on April 13. Whether you support the increase or not, make sure he hears the real student voice.
Rob Peterson