ASSU talks Bon App, RedZone, Haiti

When people first hear of ASSU the question most often asked is, "What does ASSU even do?" This is a valid question, and I think the students of Seattle University deserve to know what their student government actually does for them.

Before going into detail about some of the issues the students in ASSU have taken up, I should preface it by explaining what ASSU's role on campus is. Our job at ASSU is student advocacy, which is an often elusive job. Many people do not understand what we do because there is no big culminating event that shows our effort, so it is difficult for students to see all we do on students' behalf.
Hopefully this will give students some clarity as to what we do: ASSU's mission is to be the official voice and advocate for students. ASSU communicates with students regarding their collective and constituent interests, promotes opportunities for student leadership and involvement, assists in the development of a cohesive undergraduate community, and provides the undergraduate community with political and financial support.

In order to fulfill our mission we have four executives and 13 representatives that work very hard to ensure that the best possible decisions are being made for students. The following are some of the issues that ASSU has been working on this quarter: promoting Global Outreach, getting student representation on university and Board of Trustee committees, creating a Student Veteran's memorial, ensuring and facilitating university wide budget transparency, increase Public Safety staff, increasing the number of print stations on campus, improving transfer student orientation and developing a Medical Amnesty Program. 
More recently ASSU has been working closely with Bon Appétit in order to identify and fully inform students about the reasons behind the new meal plan policy and ensure all student concerns and complaints are heard.

ASSU is also the host organization of the popular group RedZone, which along with the help of Athletics and ASSU, just purchased a giant inflatable Rudy to promote campus spirit and game days at the university, as well as to foster a sense of community on campus and create a symbol that all students can identify and connect with.

ASSU is also a large supporter of other student activities on campus. In light of the recent tragedy in Haiti ASSU will be promoting and help organize a benefit concert that will be held in Campion Ballroom on March 5. Players from the Sounders and several local bands will be coming to the concert to raise funds for relief. ASSU is supporting the students who are doing a wonderful job at organizing this concert.

If you are one of the people who wonder what it is that ASSU does, the best way to find an answer is to just ask anyone in ASSU. Feel free to contact us via our BeHeard e-mail, facebook or on campus note boxes. Our biggest hope is that your voice as a student will be heard.

Jesse David
ASSU President