USUSA Academic Senate holds first meeting, push to include under-represented students in college councils

In their first meeting on Monday, the newly inaugurated members of the Utah State University Student Association Academic Senate discussed student representation at Utah State.

The USUSA Academic Senate is comprised of senators from each of the nine colleges at Utah State and is chaired by the executive vice president. They discuss and vote on issues related to the academics of USU students. 

Porter Casdorph, the executive vice president, said the senators are focusing on bringing less-represented students onto their college councils, such as freshmen, graduate students and students from statewide campuses.

“That’s going to make this whole experience of being part of a college council so much more enjoyable,” Casdorph said. “And I think we’re going to be able to fully represent the student body with it this year.”

This is following recently proposed changes to the USUSA constitution about expanding representation for statewide campuses. According to the Huntsman School of Business senator, Drew Thorngren, this push for statewide inclusion may be because of increased connection between Logan and statewide campuses in online classes.

“Being able to really get to know them has made a huge push and desire from especially these upcoming council positions to make sure they’re represented,” Thorgren said.

Celeste Rodriguez, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences senator, felt confident the senate would be able to represent as many students as possible. She said diversifying her college council is important to achieve that goal. 

“I want every major represented, I want all of our statewide campuses represented and then I want all of our students of different backgrounds represented on my council,” she said.

The USUSA Executive Council meets for the first time Tuesday at 4 p.m. It is open for all students to attend.

@willistheginger

-william.bultez@aggiemail.usu.edu