“We have spent some time pointing out the flaws and shortcomings of Associated Student Government. However, there are things our elected representatives could do, if they wanted to. The campus needs better lighting. Anyone who has been on campus for any reason after sunset knows this.”
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We have spent some time pointing out the flaws and shortcomings of Associated Student Government. However, there are things our elected representatives could do, if they wanted to.

The campus needs better lighting. Anyone who has been on campus for any reason after sunset knows this. Must this be delayed any longer? Forget organizing safety walks and dragging your feet into next semester. If need be, we can put the paper on hold and stroll across campus and e-mail you our observations. Let’s not put safety on the back burner any longer.

Speaking of safety, how about some security cameras in the decks? Parking decks are notoriously dangerous places to be. A few strategically placed security cameras could cut down on that risk. Sure, it costs money. But what price do you put on safety?

Be a strong presence in Student Judicial Affairs. Students who have to deal with SJA are often in a vulnerable position. Having an ASG representative who is open-minded and not afraid of making waves or disturbing the status quo might be a benefit. If you’re going to appoint a representative who is a kiss-ass, administration lackey, don’t bother.

Communicate! Sure, you don’t have the luxury of having your voice heard in a twice-weekly newspaper, but you could actually publish newsletters. And don’t give us any nonsense about how you already put together newsletters. We’ve seen them. Really, don’t expect any credit for them.

Be a one-stop shop for university information. When a student is looking to apply for a scholarship, student housing or graduation, maybe you can be the go-to group. That can be your thing. If anyone has a question or concern about anything, ASG should be the first place they turn.

Expand the recycling program. The university is making an effort, but much more can – and should – be done. As you walk across campus, how many recycling receptacles do you see? And, no, you don’t need to organize any recycling walks to determine where they’re needed.

Develop a course waiting list system. From time to time, students try to get into a class that they need or want, only to discover it’s already full. With a course waitlist, they’ll have a chance to get into the class, and they won’t have to spend every waking minute on Zipline to do so.

Get day care for students with children. The university already has a day care center for faculty members. There are plenty of students, though, who could utilize the same kind of service.

Stop patting each other on the back. Do you really need some arbitrary awards dinner to recognize fellow ASG members? No. Do you need to spend money on meaningless awards? Of course not. Perhaps you could funnel that money to some worthwhile cause that will benefit the campus or the community.

Trim your salaries. Does the ASG president really need to be raking in that kind of dough? As we’ve pointed out already, his stipend of 1.5-times tuition puts him in the neighborhood of some instructors. If the president were earning full tuition, or three-quarters tuition, it would still be appealing.

After all, if making UA a better place is the real motivation, then your compensation shouldn’t be so darn important, should it?

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