Students looking to get more involved this semester might be able to find what they are looking for in one of ASUU’s 16 student boards.
Ian Bradley, director of the Government Relations board, said student boards are a great way to boost résumés and connect with other students at the U.
“Our board helps prepare students to have their voices heard,” Bradley said. “Government affects students in all majors and all walks of life.”
To help make the transition from high school to college easier, the First Year Council was established. Leo Masic, a director on FYC, said the board is comprised of 35 freshmen and first-year transfer students who develop and plan campus-wide events specifically aimed at freshmen students. Masic said students should also try to get involved in other ways.
“Apply for as many things as possible,” he said. “Spend less time in your dorm room or in your parents’ basement and more in and around our one-of-a-kind campus. You’ll get so much more out your college experience, an experience that only comes once and seems to end as quickly as it starts.”
Aubri Tuero, director of Rock the U, agreed involvement is key to a superior college experience. Rock the U is a student-run philanthropy project, with all proceeds going to the Huntsman Cancer Institute. The major event for the year is a 12-hour dance marathon.
“It is our mission to empower and unite students,” Tuero said.
Anthony Fratto Oyler, director of Academic Affairs, said his biggest goal for the year is to make sure students are represented on university committees and task forces.
“Many policies and decisions at [the U] are made without student representation,” Oyler said. “However, these decisions directly impact us as students. As long as student advice is being given, we can have meaningful policies that positively impact students, as well as being supported by them. Rather than being players on the sideline, students need to aid in the creation of [these policies].”
Florence Fernandez, senior class president and director of the Campus Traditions board, said this board is new and that a lot of things still need to be accomplished with its development.
“I truly believe the Campus Traditions board will run most effectively from the creative ideas that students provide,” Fernandez said. “Students can participate in the planning stages of events or in the actual implementation of them.”
Justin Spangler, ASUU president, said his experience at the U has been enriched by his participation with ASUU boards and other programs.
“Involvement in ASUU helps to make you a better leader in the real world,” Spangler said. “Involvement in ASUU will give you real world experience and teach you how to collaborate with others. If you are a finance major, you can help with our finance board. If you are a marketing major, you can serve on the marketing board and take part in weekly think tanks. Political science majors can find their place on the Government Relations Board. Environmental studies majors can work with the Sustainability Board.”
Madison Black, vice president of ASUU, said she is always open to help students who wish to become more involved.
“I believe there is a home for every single person in ASUU,” Black said. “If students want to get involved, I would highly encourage them to talk to me. I love helping students find a home on our campus. Each student deserves the best college experience possible. I believe this is achieved when students take part in making this campus thrive.”
More information about ASUU student boards can be found online at www.asuu.utah.edu under the ‘Get Involved’ tab. Students may also stop by the ASUU office on the second floor of the Union at any time to inquire about involvement.
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