University of Wisconsin’s Associated Students of Madison Student Council met Wednesday to discuss the University Health Services budget which was unanimously voted against by the Student Services Finance Committee Monday.
The budget was criticized as lacking transparency during the formulation process, as well as not properly meeting students mental health needs.
As need for mental health services ‘skyrockets,’ university officials look to meet demand
Chair Billy Welsh said ASM’s efforts for getting more mental health services is “taking a few different directions.”
Welsh encouraged members to get involved with the campaign at a grassroots level, specifically trying to create resources like counselors for marginalized identities.
To put pressure on UHS to provide the funding needed for these services, Welsh said he has been meeting with student organizations that advocate for and provide mental health resources. He is also working with Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Lori Reesor on forming a mental health task force as soon as possible.
The group also unanimously voted for the Reserve Reduction and Student Activity Center Debt Repayment Authorization, which will save students $17 per semester, or $136 over four years.
Student Services Finance Committee Chair Jeremy Swanson said it was rare to have the opportunity to save students money, calling it a “win-win situation” for students and the university.
Additionally, with rising student concerns regarding sexual assaults, ASM Equity and Inclusion Committee started a conversation about implementing more emergency “blue buttons,” which are buttons located across campus that can be pressed to automatically call 911.
A discussion surrounding the need for blue buttons started with a petition calling for the UW administration to “take further action to improve student safety” after a string of assaults took place near campus early February.
Though the university’s campus has the SAFEwalk service and approximately 140 emergency phones — including blue light phones in areas like Picnic Point and the Lakeshore Path, phones in parking ramps and in many buildings — the group talked about what more they can do to advocate for campus safety.
The committee will be meeting in the future to discuss resolutions.
