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ASUW Senate: Winter Issue Update Isaac: As we begin to delve into new issues
this Spring quarter, we at the ASUW Student Senate want to give a quick summary of some
of the issues we considered this past Winter quarter.
This past summer, the Board of Regents voted to institute a $45 quarterly international
student fee to cover the cost of University services targeted at international students.
The fee went into effect this past autumn and funds services including advising through
the Career Center, the Center for Teaching and Learning, Student Life and FIUTS.
While University administrators sought student input through ASUW and GPSS last spring, many
international students felt inadequately represented in these bodies and therefore left out of
the decision-making process. In response, the international student community
united to submit a resolution in support of the reversal of the international student
fee. This resolution sparked thought-provoking
debate, new perspectives from students all over campus, and a public forum with Senior
Vice Provost for Academic and Student Affairs Gerald Baldasty.
Ultimately, the ASUW Student Senate passed the resolution, which supported the removal
of the fee by funding these services through a central operating fund.
Next, the senate also considered legislation in support of a new, tuition-funded life sciences
building on campus. Currently, 40% of UW students take at least
one biology class before graduating and 40% of biology students use lab space for research.
In a forum with Toby Bradshaw, Chair of the Department of Biology, current lab space is
aging and insufficient for the needs of many intensive research projects.
The senate voted to pass the resolution in support of the creation of a new life sciences
building, with the understanding that it would aid in faculty retention and promote a more
authentic research experience for undergraduate students.
Coming up on the horizon are ASUW elections and senate elections. Whether as a candidate,
voter or supporter, elections are an exciting way to take a stake in your student government!
The student senate will be hosting a forum with candidates for the board of directors
on Tuesday, April 29th at 5PM and senate elections will be held on Tuesday May 27th at 5PM.
Unsure of what ASUW is, how to get involved or how ASUW benefits you? Keep an eye out
for the upcoming "What is ASUW?" campaign! Isaac: Thanks for watching and as always,
we hope to see you at a senate meeting soon!