Today marks the start of the ninth session for the Associated Students of Madison. The 2001-2002 council received widespread criticism and acclaim for their actions this year, but chair Jessica Miller said she was pleased with their end results.
“We accomplished some amazing things this semester, especially at the Capitol,” Miller said. “Our statewide campaign got the Legislature to put language linking financial aid to tuition increases in the budget reform act. Over 400 students turned out to our rally against tuition hikes, especially those affecting out-of-state students.”
Miller said ASM’s most important victory was the University’s approval of the University Health Services/ Student Activity Center building as their number one building priority.
“We have had a great relationship with the administration, and they have been very supportive of this project,” she said.
Other ASM projects this year included working on diversity issues, lobbying for tax-free textbook legislation, educating students on sexual assault and running a successful Worst House in Madison contest.
Tenant’s Rights intern Chris Tatarowicz said although the initial winners of the Worst House Contest chose to withdraw after receiving threats from their landlord, the contest was a success.
“We wanted to educate students about negligent landlords and raise awareness about housing problems,” he said. “Unfortunately, the true winners of the contest didn’t get the prize, but maybe they did — they revealed a sub-par landlord for what he really was. Hopefully this year’s contest can serve as a call to arms for future tenants to not tolerate abusive landlords.”
Miller received mixed reviews for her position as chair this year. Matt Modell, former member of SSFC, said Miller’s actions as chair were unimpressive.
“I didn’t see a lot of the successes that we had seen the year before,” he said. “I don’t think we helped students as much this year, although we did succeed in taking money out of students’ pockets.”
Lamont Smith, chair of SSFC, said Miller stayed strong as a leader.
“Jessica was a great chair,” Smith said. “I think she set a shining example for how one should treat their position on ASM. She upheld her position with dignity and professionalism.”
Roger Howard, interim dean of students, said he was impressed with the amount of time this year’s student government spent on issues.
“Being a student leader is a hard job, but I can say I’ve been impressed with this year’s group of students,” he said.
Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, agreed Miller was in a tough position.
“She suffered in comparison to her immediate predecessor Mike Dean, who was in the limelight a lot,” he said. “But by no means did she neglect her job or do anything worthy of criticism.”
Mike Dean, chair of the 2000-2001 ASM, said the council fills a significant void in campus life.
“I think having ASM exist is important because it’s a direct link to the administration and the university at large,” he said. “You’re able to organize on issues that have effects on students. There are a variety of student organizations, but they don’t have the power ASM has.”
Some students doubt the influence ASM has at UW. UW sophomore Claudia Sanchez said she has never heard of the organization.
“I’m not very active in campus politics,” she said.
Verveer said this is a common mindset.
“I strongly will say that ASM is an invaluable organization,” he said. “Most students think it doesn’t make a difference in their lives, but I beg to differ.”
Dean said ASM does not receive enough credit for their accomplishments.
“There are misconceptions about ASM,” he said. “Every year ASM works very hard, it’s just a question of whether they get credit for those things.”
Miller agreed said ASM’s accomplishments were innumerable.
“It was an incredible year for ASM. Regardless of what you may have read, we did a lot more than facilitate conversation,” she said.
