The ASUI web page lists the goal of student government as an organization that “helps Vandals of all disciplines be engaged leaders of tomorrow and craft a bright future for Idaho and beyond.”
While it doesn”t always feel like ASUI serves as a voice for Vandals, student government has stepped up its game in the last couple of years. In the past year in particular, ASUI has worked with the Idaho legislature to push for a bill that would grant legal protection to underage drinkers in the case of a medical emergency. ASUI chose to lobby for the bill itself, which is not a small undertaking.
Medical amnesty is not only relevant to current and future students, but it is also something students have expressed a desire for.
In addition to the medical amnesty bill, ASUI also prompted a trial run of a free student taxi service for a weekend, took a step toward transparency by showing students how their fees are distributed and generated online polls to take student opinions into account when making legislative decisions.
While new ASUI leaders will assume office for the upcoming academic year, those running for president and vice president have also shown promise. Rachael Miller and her running mate McKenzie MacDonald and Austin Karstetter and his running mate Cruz Botello have openly spoken about their hopes for the future of the university. The pairs might vary on their stances for the future, but a desire for increased student involvement runs through both of their campaigns.
These candidates have not only frequently spoken about their platforms, but also have attempted to engage students of all types while campaigning.
Between classes and work, students might not have the time to invest in state or national politics. However, they should make an effort to be informed about university politics and student government. Usually, only a small portion of UI students vote in ASUI elections.
If students want to see UI”s environment change for the better, it”s important they vote for individuals who will go on to be inclusive student government leaders.
Former ASUI leaders have set the precedent that they will try to serve students to the best of their abilities. Now incoming leaders need to meet that same standard, but more students need to speak up and tell them how to serve.
Student voices do have power and ASUI has shown that if we work together, we can start to build a better university environment for future Vandals.
– CB