March 26, 2004 Feature
Active
Student Government Has Positive Effect at Utah State
 A
new crop of student government leaders is hitting the ground
running as training for the 2004-2005 Associated Students of
Utah State University (ASUSU) executive council begins March
25 at Bear Lake.
According to Tiffany Evans, director of student involvement
and leadership, these 20 newly-elected advocates will play an
instrumental part in making a difference at Utah State.
"ASUSU fully participates in the governance of the university,"
said Evans. "These students are called upon by the administration
for input to solutions and challenges facing the university.
They represent Utah State students at faculty senate and the
board of trustees' meetings, giving student input for a better
campus."
The 2003-2004 council helped initiate the remodel of Romney
Stadium, influencing the stadium/spectrum bond issue. They also
worked on library funding, faculty and staff compensation, academic
advising and second-tier tuition concerns.
"A major initiative brought about by the preceding council
is the Service Learning Program, which was recently approved
by the board of trustees," said Evans. "This program
will have a long-lasting effect on Utah State students, and
the campus as a whole."
The Service Learning Program encourages hands-on learning by
giving credit and recognition to students participating in applied
learning courses and projects throughout campus.
"We are very fortunate here at Utah State to have administrators
who not only listen, but actively seek student input,"
said Evans. "I've seen a lot of great student ideas affect
the direction of the university. These students do make an impact."
ASUSU not only works on legislation but is responsible for
building a sense of community on campus. Activities like Homecoming,
arts and lectures forums, the student-selected Robins Awards
and each of the 15 organizations of the Val R. Christensen Service
Center help bring students together in building tradition, according
to Evans.
"This past year, Tyler Olsen, athletics vice-president,
did an outstanding job bringing the campus and community together
during athletic events," said Evans. "The 'A' shirts
he designed and sold for $5 brought a sense of pride and unity
to the spectators and the team. He built a tradition that will
hopefully carry on throughout the years."
 Evans
views ASUSU as not only an opportunity to govern, but also as
a supplemental learning experience for students. She believes
the communicating, delegating and budgeting responsibilities
of each office give students skills and abilities unique from
those they would gain in a classroom.
"These students are involved with real university issues
and challenges interacting daily with students, faculty and
administration. What they do has an effect," said Evans.
"Not to mention they each have stewardship over large amounts
of money. They have to be responsible in effectively using the
funds they are given."
The money for ASUSU comes solely from student activity fees.
Every semester, $23.75 of registered student fees goes to fund
the student involvement center and all ASUSU programs and events.
Evans said the goal is to do everything possible to offset fee
increases by creating contingency accounts. Currently, ASUSU
is looking into forming an advisory board to assist in raising
money for events and programs.
"We want to continue to give students opportunities to
lead, serve and participate in enhancing the university and
quality of student life here at Utah State," said Evans.
"ASUSU does this through academics, activities, service,
clubs, organizations and student representation. These elected
advocates work on things they truly believe will benefit the
university and its students."
 As
for the coming year, Evans said ASUSU President Les Essig is
looking to capitalize on the strengths of each executive member,
making a solid council that works as one. According to Evans,
Essig is a very experienced leader and isn't afraid to ask tough
questions.
"Utah State is lucky to have students willing to give
of themselves in such a way," said Evans. "Utah State
students are truly outstanding individuals. Faculty and staff,
as well as visitors to Utah State, frequently comment on the
high caliber of our students."
The 2004-2005 executive council includes: Les Essig, president;
Tagg Archibald, executive vice-president; Heidi Evans, academic
vice-president; Alyssa Lambert, student advocate; Kathy Leslie;
activities vice-president; Brittany Duke, arts and lectures
vice-president; Jimi Jorgenson, athletics vice-president; Gabe
Carter, campus diversity vice-president; Brett Thomas, extension
vice-president; Nic Gordon, organization and traditions vice-president;
Emily Bott, public relations vice-president; Sheldon Browning,
service vice-president; A.J. Rounds, graduate studies vice-president;
Chad Warnick, agricultural senator; Bryson Smith, business senator;
Shelly Ryan, education senator; Jason Pickup, engineering senator;
Brandon Halford, HASS senator; Jake Bonham, natural resources
senator; and Darin Humphreys, science senator.
For more information, contact Evans at (435) 797-2911.
Contact: Tiffany Evans (435) 797-2911, tiffanye@cc.usu.edu
Writer: Danielle London (435) 797-1350
Photos: Danielle London and John Zsiray, Utah Statesman
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