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ASM hails ‘student power’ at kick-off extravaganza
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by Nick Penzenstadler
Thursday, September 21, 2006
"Student Power!" was the activist cry Wednesday night when the Associated Students of Madison recruitment campaign fired up at their kickoff meeting.
ASM Shared Governance Committee Chair Patrick McLeod said students hold the key to making their learning environment what they want it to be.
"Students at this university have the right and the responsibility to be actively involved in policy implementation and review," he said. "We have spots to fill in over 150 committees."
By taking an active role in their own education, ASM member and kickoff emcee Tim Leonard said, students have the opportunity to make their opinions heard.
"It's a voice for students. It's important for students to realize what we can do with one of the most powerful student government organizations in the country," he said. "We are unique because we go head-to-head with the regents, chancellor and other administration."
A central part of ASM's role on campus is to allocate funding to various organizations and student groups throughout campus. ASM members said such responsibilities provide an opportunity for students to develop their leadership skills and gain important experience.
And according to ASM member Stephanie Biese, the organization is also a great résumé builder. UW freshman Breanne Schuster said she attended the meeting to continue her tradition of student government involvement from high school.
"You can't really complain about anything unless you're willing to do something about it," she said. McLeod said freshmen like Schuster represent an opportunity for the organization to grow and continue to provide strategic planning for UW.
At the meeting, ASM members discussed the student organization's many goals and plans. This academic year, ASM is tackling several current issues at UW including safety concerns and student apathy.
"We're here to get people excited about advocating student power," Stella Luong, co-chair of the Vote 2006 Coalition, said. "Here, and around the country, there is not enough student turnout." As for the semester to come, ASM Chair Dylan Rath said he is looking forward to a redevelopment plan for a Student Activity Center that would accommodate meeting rooms for student organizations, restaurants and study areas.
