Seattle University Spectator

Issue: 7/14/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Isaac Ginsberg Kai Smith, president of ASSU, has already negotiated a spot for a student representative to sit in on a Board of Trustees committee.

As Seattle University prepares to welcome another large freshmen class in September, the Associated Students of Seattle University, ASSU, are gearing up for another year of student advocacy and repre­sentation. Though current students of Seattle U are familiar with ASSU and its mission, new faces joining the Seattle U community might find themselves a bit confused about the organization.

The ASSU mission statement describes itself as the "official voice and advocate for students." The or­ganization's duties include commu­nication with students, promoting opportunities for student leadership on campus and fostering a cohesive undergraduate community.

"This mission manifests itself in actions such as appropriating money to clubs, writing resolutions, hold­ing open meetings, holding councils and writing letters of support," said Matisse Fletcher, at-large represen­tative for ASSU.

Programs under ASSU's ju­risdiction include "Be Heard," a comment card program where stu­dents can voice their concerns and opinions directly; the State of the Student Survey, an annual survey seeking students' opinions on issues such as bus passes and book pric­es; and the Collegiate Readership Program, which allows for free

newspapers to be distributed on campus.

"The most important aspect of the ASSU […] is our ability to be the student voice on issues," said Kai Smith, student body president. "We always have someone in our office during normal office hours. We will also be featuring free coffee and bagels or doughnuts on certain days of the week."

This year's ASSU officers are proud of accomplishing several goals already. Smith mentioned the $85,000 in appropriations were given to student organizations last year, as well as securing a student voice on the Board of Trustees.

"It will prove especially beneficial to have a business student in direct communication with the Board of Trustees and ASSU," said Smith.

Smith went on to say that several new goals for the upcoming year in­clude advocating for serious issues on campus on behalf of students and the necessity for engagement between the organization and the student body.

Continued...

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