Opinion: Letter
Student input can shape debate
Looking for a print version?
Simply use your browser’s ‘Print’ command and a printer-friendly document will be generated automatically.
Also by Letters to the Editor:
- Clegg absurd, biased on CFACT (May 5, 2009)
- Fund peer tutors (April 28, 2009)
- UW policy consistent with nation (April 23, 2009)
- Biddy's initiative not worth it (April 20, 2009)
- A plan for better advising (April 20, 2009)
Sharing tools:
E-mail this article:
Recently, Chancellor Carolyn “Biddy” Martin proposed a tuition increase called the Madison Initiative for Undergraduates. While some of the goals of this initiative seem worthy and noble, many students have found problems with parts of this plan and have voiced valid oppositions and concerns through the Madison Initiative for Undergraduate website’s forums (www.madisoninitiative.wisc.edu) and through local student newspapers.
While it is admirable that Chancellor Biddy Martin tried to collect student feedback through the Madison Initiative for Undergraduates website, thus far no action has been taken to change the proposal to accommodate the concerns of current and future students and their parents. Therefore, if students do not take real action to oppose this proposal, it will soon be passed by the Board of Regents.
Fortunately students also have the opportunity to voice their opinions to a governing student body that will listen to their concerns and take them into consideration. The Associated Students of Madison Student Council starts each of its meetings with an open forum where all UW Madison students are allowed to speak. At the next meeting, Student Council will decide whether or not to give The Madison Initiative for Undergraduates its full endorsement. Student Council endorsement is necessary for this proposal to go before the Board of Regents. However, if the initiative does receive ASM Student Council endorsement, it will surely go to the Board of Regents to be voted on, and then students will have missed the opportunity to express their concerns to the peers who represent them. The ASM Student Council provides the best outlet for students to express their disagreements to the proposal with the hope of action being taken.
For this very reason it is imperative all students attend the next Student Council meeting on Wednesday April 22 at 6:30 p.m. in the Hearing Room on the fourth floor of the Student Activity Center (333 East Campus Mall) and make their opinions known before Student Council makes an irreversible decision that may eventually cost them thousands of dollars.
Allison Wolfe
Psychology ‘10
awolfe2@wisc.edu
3 Comments | Leave a comment
Leave a comment
Herald Blogs
The Beat Goes On
Brother Ali makes an ‘Exclusive’ stop
Muckrakers
Report: Barrett to make decision by the end of the week
Extra Points
Top Classified Ads (view all)
HOUSES FOR Fall 2010. All houses are on W Dayton or N Bassett. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 bedrooms. All have parking. madisoncampusrentals.com
521 W Dayton 4BR/2BA. Marble showers, dishwasher, completely updated! madisoncampusrentals.com
1, 2, or 3 bedroom apartment available for spring 2010. meltzer@wisc.edu if you are interested!
ASM is a joke.
Regardless of how students personally feel about ASM, it’s apparent from this article and the end of Dan Rose’s column also in this issue that they play a huge part in deciding about tuition raises. Instead of calling them a joke, maybe people should be taking advantage of the opportunity they have to be represented by a student group that has influence on major decisions.
hey 11:19,
They supported the Initiative and it went through. I was right, ASM is a joke. They did their survey, the student body VOTED NO, and they still supported it. So when I tried to make my voice heard with the rest of the student body, it was ignored by a bunch of kids who are looking for a resume booster.
Congrats on the initiative ASM, now it has been confirmed you are a joke.