The Utah statesman, February 18, 2011

Page 1

Friday, Feb. 18, 2011

UtahStatesman The

Campus Voice since 1902

Utah State University • Logan, Utah • www.utahstatesman.com

Voting for ASUSU officers begins Tuesday They must also be prepared to

By CATHERINE MEIDELL and make decisions concerning the MEGAN BAINUM proposed student recreation news editor, assistant news editor center.

With 2011 ASUSU election officially beginning Tuesday, Feb. 22, candidates and their campaign teams are getting the word out across campus that the race is about to begin. USU President Stan Albrecht said, “These leaders are going to do things that will affect the lives of every student. Voting is (the students’) chance to really express him or herself. If we do not exercise the right to vote, we are not exercising the voice that is granted to us.” James Morales, vice president for student services, said voting is a chance to practice democracy that students should take full advantage of. He said students need to vote for candidates that share the same goals because officers have a direct impact on what happens with the university. “The fact that these officers make decisions that effect the entire university is reason enough for students to vote. The ASUSU president is on the board of trustees and has a vote in everything ranging from parking to faculty salaries,” Morales said. ASUSU PR Director Lacey Nagao said the biggest thing students should care about is the fact that ASUSU officers have a direct say in where students’ money goes. “As we have seen this year, ASUSU decides on what events come to campus and what legislation gets passed. These things directly or indirectly affect every student. If you aren’t voting, you can’t complain about things that happen because you never got your voice out there,” Nagao said. Albrecht said this year the candidates who win would have heavy responsibilities, including continuation on creating a quality academic atmosphere with pending budget cuts.

“I think we have had a great relationship with the student executive council,” Albrecht said. “I think it’s about a relationship of trust as we work together on legislative issues, tuition issues and other policy related things. We’ve been really fortunate with those in student office positions, and I think we have attracted students who reflect this value of trust.” Morales said one of the most important issues officers will face will be “maintaining and improving the quality of Utah State.” He said the student recreation center will continue to be a key initiative as well as the possible new Ph.D. vet program. He said there will always be something important come up every year for ASUSU WITH 2011 ASUSU ELECTIONS ON their way, the seats in the Senate Chambers, pictured above, will soon be home to new faces. ALLISON OSTLER photo officers and it gives student government a chance to listen to students. Primary campaigning will begin promptly at 7 a.m. on USU’s campus along the sidewalks located between the Quad and the Taggart Student Center, and dispersed throughout the rest of campus. Candidates will display their campaign logos and be available to speak with students who pass by on their way to class. Nagao said students should become actively involved in meeting the candidates and seeing what each can bring to the table. She said students should look for someone who brings new ideas to the table, and who can follow through with their plans. Morales agreed saying a lot of people can “talk the talk” but not all can “walk the walk.” “We need people who are able to carry through with their visions and promises. A lot of people make promises, espe-

ASUSU 2011 Election Schedule

Elections Set-up Primary Campaigning Primary Elections Primary Debate Statesman VP Debate Primary Announcement Final Campaigning Final Elections Final Debate Election’s Party/Dance Final Announcement

Monday 2 p.m. Tuesday 7 a.m. Tuesday-Wednesday Tuesday 1 p.m. TSC HUB Wednesday 12:30 p.m. TSC Aud. Wednesday 4 p.m. TSC HUB Wednesday 4:30 p.m. Wednesday-Friday Thursday 1 p.m. TSC HUB Thursday 8-11 p.m. Friday 5 p.m. TSC HUB

- See STUDENT, page 2

Bill created from Tier Green fee goes to vote II tuition postponed

which the fee will be attached will plateau at 12 credits. “The fee is both ideal and the last resort,” Sustainability council has proposed stusaid Jacob Buckner, student sustainabildents pay a fee – 25 cents per credit ity council director. “We hour – to be voted upon in the 2011 tried all the other options ASUSU elections. The fee’s purpose “The disadvanbecause we didn’t want to is to “save dollars and enrich per- tages of this ask for a student fee if we sonal health, the health of others, are low. I mean, didn’t need it. We explored as well as the natural environother things including Tier it’s three dolment,” according to the submitted II tuition and weren’t able lars for full-time to get funding from any fee proposal. students. We “The disadvantages of this other source.” are not trying are low. I mean, it’s three dollars He said the reason for full-time students,” said John to make people why the student fee is ideal Rentschler, a sustainability council change.” is because students will be member who originally initiated – John Rentschler, relied on more to head susthe fee proposal. “We are not trytainability initiatives and Sustainability Council projects. ing to make people change, but member think maybe we can influence them The fund cultito change some habits over time.” vated from the Blue Goes If passed, the fee would take Green fee would be similar effect Fall 2011 and would not be impleto the Academic Opportunity fund, which is mented during summer semester. The fee will be continuous until its five-year evalu- See BALLOT, page 3 ation, and the number of credit hours with

By CATHERINE MEIDELL news editor

By ROUCHELLE BROCKMAN staff writer

The ASUSU executive council postponed making a decision about a bill that would allot $30,000 to student clubs and organizations at their Wednesday meeting. The ASUSU discretionary fund for clubs and organizations would create a fund from Tier II tuition money that could disperse up to $30,000 to student clubs and organizations annually. Tier II tuition comes from students’ tuition rather than state and federal funding. The state dictates how Tier I tuition is spent, but Tier II funds are spent at the student leaders’ and university president’s discretion. The bill was postponed due to concerns about additional hours and responsibilities for the ASUSU executive council and advisers, and to clarify whether this fund would be available to distance education students and

Inside This Issue

students at regional campuses. According to the bill, a member of ASUSU must co-sponsor an event held by any student clubs or organizations and an adviser must be present for liability reasons. The advisers expressed concern that this bill would add more hours to their already full-time positions. Kevin Webb, an ASUSU adviser, said he supports what the bill aims to accomplish but wants the council to discuss it further. “We need to fine-tune the purposes of the fund so the advisers don’t have to stay on campus longer,” said Kaho Fiefia, ASUSU diversity vice president and one of the bill’s sponsors. Rachael Anderson, ASUSU extension representative, said she wanted to know if students at regional campuses or in the distance edu-

- See EVENT, page 3

2/18/11 Outdoor rec program hosts film festival again after 15 years. Page 8

Men’s basketball beats Montana– Western 100-66 in crazy night at the Spectrum. Page 11

www.utahstatesman.com Check out the first look at ASUSU candidates included in today’s issue. There will also be a debate next Wednesday. Official Student Newspaper of Utah State University • “It’s All The News You Need!”


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The Utah statesman, February 18, 2011 by USU Libraries - Issuu