In the last ASASUD Senate meeting of the year Friday, the majority of the two and a half hour meeting was spent discussing the ASASUD operational budget for next year.
Several new positions to ASASUD were proposed during the meeting, including an election director as well as a community outreach specialist.
The election director position would, essentially, remove the director of administration’s responsibilities over the election process.
However, the Senate voted to keep this position out of the proposed budget because the director of administration’s main duty is to preside over elections, as stated in the constitution.
They said applicants for the director of administration position know what they’re getting into.
The ASASUD community outreach specialist would be responsible for keeping up to date on issues at the city level that will impact the Downtown campus. The Senate said the goal of this position is to better the connection between Phoenix and the Downtown campus.
President-elect Joseph Grossman spoke during the meeting, saying he has already had discussions about implementing a position similar to the community outreach specialist.
The current Senate can only recommend an operational budget for next year, and next year’s ASASUD Senate will vote on the official budget.
The Senate also took an official stance against the proposed student fee increase.
Several weeks ago, ASASUD surveyed students on Taylor Mall about the proposed $100 increase to the fee. Students were overwhelmingly against the fee increase, with two-thirds of students saying they were opposed to a fee increase of any kind.
“We did the survey, they don’t want it,” Freshman Sen. Daiyaan Colbert said. “I think students are expecting us to take a stance on it.”
For the third straight Senate meeting, Active Minds at ASU requested funds. This time, it was for five members to attend the annual American College Health Association conference since Active Minds founder and director, Alison Malmon, will be speaking at the conference and agreed to meet with the ASU members after her presentation.
The $770 they requested was granted without amendment and with full support.
The other organization that received funds at Friday’s meeting was Downtown Phoenix Campus Aware. Their two requests were for the “Red Watchband Program,” for $450, and for end-of-year training, amounting in $300.
Progress on implementing water filters in buildings on campus, changes to the executive bylaws and various end-of-year celebrations were also discussed during the meeting.
President Christian Vasquez closed the meeting.
“Thank you all, it’s been an incredible ride,” Vasquez said. “I think we’ve definitely made a positive impact on the Downtown campus.”
Contact the reporter at connor.radnovich@asu.edu
