Recap of the Sept. 28 ASUAF meeting
By Lilian Coy
As new senators settle into their roles, the senate body focused on reporting committee actions and discussing and passing legislation at the ASUAF meeting on Sept. 28.
Owen Guthrie, vice chancellor of student affairs, visited the meeting and expressed his gratitude for officials giving their time to help improve UAF. Guthrie mentioned high enrollment and program-based tuition as topics of interest.
Program-based tuition will eliminate the distinction between in-state and out-of-state tuition, effectively lowering the current out-of-state rates by about 50%, according to ASUAF President Sammy Bass. Bass explained the effects of the change happening next school year. “It doesn't matter where you come from, you're going to pay the same tuition as other people in your major.” This will help with cost transparency and consistency across the years of attendance.
ASUAF’s executive cabinet will be attending the American Student Government Association’s conference in Washington DC to learn how to improve the way the senate runs. “We should be able to learn a lot, make connections, and we are also looking to get some advice on our constitution,” Senate Chair Jesse Tyrell said.
Officials and committees reported on their current projects and goals. President Bass is working with advising staff on streamlining the class scheduling process in anticipation of spring semester. The spring course schedule will be available on UAOnline on Oct. 12.
Club Council reviewed and presented club funding measures, while the Rules Committee and Senate Chair facilitated a new senator orientation. Director of Student Advocacy Lilly Varney continued organizing and budgeting for the Halloween Rave.
The External Affairs Committee is focusing on Residence Life concerns, including revising the probable cause clause and considering putting out a residence life survey to gather public opinion. Sen. Levi Jobson expressed concern about state legislation pertaining to the drug Kratom, as it is possibly affecting student life.
A bill establishing the Constitutional Bylaw Review Committee passed unanimously after being discussed at previous meetings. Now in effect, a new committee of senators will meet to review and revise ASUAF’s governing documents until they are fully updated.
Funding was approved for the Permafrost Literary Journal to help cover rising printing costs.
French Club funding was also approved, after discussion on the concerns of their lack of a clear and itemized budget submitted with their request for funding. Clubs can receive up to $500 per semester in funding from ASUAF if they submit a request form and attend a Club Council meeting to propose their case. Once a club has received funding, they must submit progress reports demonstrating how the funds have been used effectively.
Students interested in participating in committee discussions can apply to become student members at large, subject to Senate confirmation. More information about a Student At-Large's role can be found in the recorded and established rules of ASUAF’s constitution, Bylaws 320 and 321, accessible through their website.
The Senate expressed their desire to hear the voice of the students they serve. They discussed the many opportunities for students to share their thoughts and experiences, including senate office hours, parking ticket appeal forms, and the Food for Thought event. Students are allowed and encouraged to attend senate meetings, share their opinions and ideas, and give feedback.
ASUAF meetings are held every Monday from 5:30-7:30 in the Senate Chambers, located in the Wood Center. Due to the officials attending the conference in DC, there will not be a meeting on Oct. 12.