Vote in the ASUI election — but wait, what’s ASUI again?
W
ith ASUI elections this week, there’s been a lot of talk about getting involved, voting and showing initiative to bring change to the University of Idaho.
But what, exactly, are students influencing when they open their emails and click the “vote” button? What does ASUI consist of, and what are these candidates vying for a chance to do?
This election season is the perfect time to brush up on the various responsibilities held by members of ASUI, and how exactly those responsibilities are parsed out.
The president and vice president oversee both the executive and legislative branches of ASUI. The executive branch consists of the president’s cabinet, which constitutes positions like chief of staff, ASUI lobbyist, faculty senate representatives, student defender and various directors.
These directors advise the ASUI president in policies related to topics relevant to the university, including athletics, diversity, violence prevention and more. The executive branch encompasses the ASUI funding board, communications board and Vandal Entertainment board.
The legislative branch consists of the senate, which currently has 15 senators. These student representatives, elected each fall and spring, write and pass legislation that promotes change at the university and state levels. These bills relate to issues like fund allocation, the operations of student government and stances on university-related issues. ASUI senate meetings are open to public and are held every Wednesday during the school year at 7 p.m. in the Whitewater Room of the UI Commons.
Vandal Entertainment’s chair and other members are not voted in by student election, but are instead appointed. Vandal Entertainment is responsible for an assortment of entertainment events throughout the year, with the most prominent being Finals Fest. This sect of ASUI also hosts movie nights, comedy shows and other musicians at events like Palousafest.
For students who want a more complete look at the actual operations of ASUI, agendas and meeting minutes are available to view online — as well as bills and resolutions — under the “Current Students” tab on the official UI website. The actual names of everyone holding the above mentioned ASUI positions are also available on the website.
Through all the election season hullabaloo, it’s easy to forget the finer points of exactly how ASUI works and what these student officials do. Just as important as who students vote for is the change those candidates are able to enact. Understand the system, and stay up to date on the real change ASUI makes.
— LK