September Recap: ASUAF Senate Focuses on Accessibility, Housing and Rural Outreach

By Amber McCain

Capping off a busy month of discussions and decisions, the Associated Students of the University of Alaska Fairbanks senate addressed a wide range of student concerns throughout September that includes accessibility, residence life, rural outreach, mental health services, dining, and student funding.

Accessibility remained a central focus as a need for expanded American Sign Language interpretation at campus events. The senate emphasized the importance of improving physical accessibility, including better wheelchair access around campus. A resolution supporting these changes is in the works, aimed at ensuring a long-term commitment from the university administration.

Residence Life was also on the discussion table as senators discussed concerns about delayed maintenance, minimal budgets for the resident assistant programming, and the unclear timelines for dorm renovations or new housing construction.

Another reoccurring topic was mental health services where some members called for stronger collaboration with organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness to broaden support for students.

The senate is looking to strengthen its ties with rural campuses, including UAF’s Northwest Campus in Nome. Suggestions included hosting hybrid meetings and coordinated events to better involve rural students in campus life and student government. Senators stressed the importance of system-wide advocacy through groups like the University of Alaska Coalition of Student Leaders.

Several funding measures passed during the month to include new computers in the ASUAF office, support for rural high school athletic programs through sponsored t-shirt ads, and $450 for a campus-wide Friendsgiving dinner scheduled for Nov. 20. 

Senators revisited student feedback on dining services and study spaces, acknowledging ongoing concerns and considering options for future improvements.

ASUAF meetings are open to all UAF students. At the beginning of meetings, guests have the chance to address the room. If during a meeting, a student wishes to speak, they raise their hand and wait to be recognized by the senate chair, and then follow proper meeting procedures including staying on the topic being discussed and speaking to the senate chair, not the senate directly.

ASUAF Senate meetings are held on Wednesday evenings at 5:15 p.m. in the Senate Chambers, and on zoom. Past meetings and recurring zoom links are available at www.uaf.edu/asuaf/meetings.

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