With the creation of three marketing director positions in ASUA, student leaders hope next year will mark the end of student apathy toward student government.

Earlier this month, the Associated Students of the University of Arizona Senate approved the bylaws for three new marketing directors, positions created by Alistair Chapman, president-elect; Sara Birnbaum, executive vice president-elect; and Jordan Miller, administrative vice president-elect.

Chapman said it became apparent during the March elections that students were not aware of ASUA, so the three student leaders quickly became committed to solving the problem.

"Our number-one hurdle is how to promote ASUA," he said. "The marketing directors are our solution to the problem."

Cassi Sonn, appointed marketing director, said the main goal of the position is to make ASUA appeal to the student body.

She said when the average students are asked what they know about ASUA, they usually don't know much. They don't even know what the

letters stand for, she added.

"It's our job to let them know what we do," she said. ÎÎWe have good resources for students that students don't know about."

Chapman said the position is the next step to raising student awareness of ASUA.

"We are finally creating three positions solely dedicated to solving the problem," he said. "They are directly responsible for the marketing problem."

The directors will design and distribute fliers and handbills. They will also be required to update the ASUA Web site as well as work on Web sites for various ASUA committees.

They are also responsible for speaking to clubs and students, and meeting with directors within their area on a regular basis. The directors will assemble a volunteer task force to help them with their jobs.

"There is a broad range of different responsibilities," he said. "They need to be responsible for any marketing and promotional activity."

The marketing directors have to work 15 hours per week.

This year, President J.P. Benedict created a technology director position, whose job was to market ASUA.

Chapman said the position was not as successful because many of the responsibilities overlapped with other ASUA positions. Moreover, directors within ASUA did not even know the technology director was available as a resource.

But Chapman said with the new marketing directors, parameters have been set. A presentation to ASUA about the marketing directors will be conducted so that everyone is aware of the positions.

"There will be accountability measures," he said. "They will be supervised closely since it is their first year."

He said there will be a contract to hold the directors accountable.

Sonn, a pre-physiology junior, said she is excited for the position and is ready to take on the job.

"I want to set the precedent for years to come," she said. "I want to be the voice of ASUA and have face time with students."

The other two marketing directors are Joshua Potterton, a marketing senior, and Melissa Austin, a marketing senior.

"Their skills complement one another," Chapman said. "Without a doubt, it will be a great year because of them."

Students interested in serving on the volunteer task force can fill out an interest form in the fall.