ASUAF approves funding, confirms senators, and backs anonymous course evaluation

By Amber McCain

The Associated Students of the University of Alaska Fairbanks, or ASUAF, convened for its weekly meeting Wednesday evening, Sept. 17, passing multiple funding bills, confirming two new senators, and preparing for several key campus initiatives.

Newly passed legislation includes $5,514 for upgraded office computers and monitors and $300 to support tabling at the upcoming Municipal Forum, co-hosted with the Honors College and UAF’s Political Science Department. Another bill allocated $499 to purchase ad space on the Nenana city school’s winter promotional T-shirts, continuing ASUAF’s tradition of local school support. These t-shirts get distributed to athletes, faculty and spectators during winter home games and events. 

Senators Rumi Patchkofsky and Avril Soonagrook were officially confirmed and sworn in, following unanimous approval by the rules committee.

President Jackson Nelson announced that interviews have concluded for both the contract manager and pub manager positions, with promising candidates expected to improve dining and campus services.

ASUAF passed a resolution supporting anonymous course evaluations to protect student privacy and encourage honest feedback. Senators expressed concern about recent faculty requests for screenshots to verify participation, which could compromise anonymity. The resolution also calls for fair and ethical incentive practices to motivate students without pressure.

Other highlights include updates to the student travel grant application, limiting funding to $500 per student per semester, and calls for volunteers for upcoming events such as Milkshake Monday on Sept. 30.

A tentative date of Nov. 21–22 was proposed for the Senate’s fall retreat, pending scheduling conflicts.

ASUAF meetings are open to all UAF students. If during a meeting, a student has something to say, they raise their hand, wait to be recognized by the chair, and then follow proper meeting procedures including staying on the topic being discussed and speaking to the chair, not the senate directly.

The next ASUAF Senate meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 24, at 5:15 p.m. in the Senate Chambers.

ASUAF Meetings
Open to all UAF students
Wednesdays @ 5:15 p.m.
Senate Chambers, Wood Center