Illustration by Mike Padilla

Edgar Goyette, UA's first student body president, built the foundation for a formal student government. Nearly 100 years later, the Associated Students of the University of Arizona is thriving as the representative organization of nearly 38,000 undergraduate and graduate students on our campus.

This year the U.S. presidential election offered many opportunities for ASUA. Our Speaker Series attracted some of the most noteworthy state and national political players such as Gov. Janet Napolitano, Sen. John McCain and Michael Moore. The capstone of ASUA's "Civic Engagement" effort was the institution of the first early voting site on the UA Campus. This polling station attracted more than 2,500 voters and was the most heavily used site in Pima County.

The cancellation of commencement was also an issue important to students. After an ASUA Commencement Town Hall, students came to an agreement with UA President Peter Likins to reinstate the ceremony. Student leaders have been at the helm of other policy issues. The mandatory meal plan, online advising notes, book prices, and garnering additional financial aid are just a few examples.

Alistair Chapman ASUA president

The lives of our Wildcat family have been impacted by ASUA leaders since the inauguration of Edgar Goyette in 1913. Spring Fling, established by Ken Sobel in 1974, has evolved into the largest student-run carnival in the nation and last year generated nearly $70,000 for clubs on campus. The Arizona Student's Association, jointly founded by leaders in ASUA, is now the representative lobbyist group for the 135,000 state university students.

The success of our student government has been clearly driven by the elected positions of ASUA Senate (10), administrative vice president, executive vice president and president. Each of these positions has contributed uniquely to the development of student representation and change on our campus. Now is your chance to become a part of the team.

Adam Falck ASUA Elections Commissioner

ASUA Senate has played an active role in student government and has left its mark on campus. Former senator and student body president, Gilbert Davidson, started CatFest, an annual concert that opens the beginning of each year. Sen. Peter Wand focused on spirit. He created a T-shirt for all students to wear to athletic events. This is now called the Zona Zoo program and has more than 9,500 members.

Senators this year played an integral role in the restoration of commencement, voter registration and implementing the Nappy Roots concert and Michael Moore event. In the next several months, senators will deeply explore policy issues such as tuition proposals, university restructuring and class availability.

Senate positions have been known to spark additional interest for further involvement in ASUA. Many former senators have later assumed vice presidential roles, the presidential position, or other appointed directorships. Ben Graff, for example, served as a senator, executive vice president, president and is currently a student regent.

The administrative vice president is responsible for managing 15 programs and services. The most challenging aspects of this elected position include managing a staff of more than 200 students and overseeing a budget of nearly $400,000. Some of the most visible programs include SafeRide, Spring Fling, Pride Alliance and Legal Services.

The executive vice president has a dual role. This elected student first oversees the ASUA Club Resource Center, which provides financial and advisory support for the nearly 540 clubs on campus. Each year about $80,000 is allocated to campus organizations. The executive vice president also chairs the ASUA Senate. This individual serves as a non-voting member and must be an expert on all issues in order to provide consultation and support to the senate.

The student body president serves as the chief executive officer, chief financial officer, and most importantly, the chief spokesperson for all students. Some of the tasks that define these roles include managing a budget of more than $1 million, directly overseeing a cabinet that works on large scale programmatic and policy issues, and carving the route for student advocacy issues.

Past student body presidents have played a crucial role in major university changes. Some successful endeavors include securing $1.9 million for academic advising, designing the Arizona Financial Aid Trust, a program that provides millions of dollars statewide for direct need and has resulted in an endowment that is currently valued at $27 million, and lobbying for student representation to the Arizona Board of Regents.

Despite ASUA's history of success, many challenges still lie ahead. Every year ASUA has looked to the elections for an infusion of new and diverse leaders to improve the lives of students. We challenge you to become a part of the ASUA tradition. To influence positive change now, pick up your elections packet in ASUA.

Note: Elections packets available now, due Feb. 2. ASUA is located in the Student Union Memorial Center above the UofA BookStore.

Alistair Chapman and Adam Falck are molecular and cellular biology seniors. They can be reached at letters@wildcat.arizona.edu.