With graduation looming, I've thought a lot about my years at the University of Arizona. The UA is not without flaws, but I couldn't have asked for a better undergraduate experience. As president of the Associated Students, I endeavored to make student go vernment both effective and responsible. This year, ASUA had some success and a few failures but, in general, I think student leadership is in a strong position to influence administrative decisions as the university enters a critical phase.

The major reason student government has been successful on projects such as publishing student evaluations of teachers, gaining more student control over the recreation center fee and changing basketball ticket distribution is that the UA administration i s open to student input. The biggest misconception that UA students have about their university is that administrators don't listen to or care about students. After spending a year working with administrators I can testify that they do care and that they do listen.

First and foremost, there's President Manuel Pacheco. Based on numerous meetings with the student body presidents at the other universities in the state, I know that I had more access to the president of my institution than any of the other student presid ents had to their university presidents. Dr. Pacheco met with me frequently and gave serious consideration to my proposals, some of which were implemented. Other administrators like Dr. Saundra Taylor of Student Affairs, Provost Paul Sypherd, Vice Preside nt Joel Valdez of Business Affairs, Athletic Director Jim Livengood and Dean of Students Melissa Vito were all very helpful and attentive. If student leaders do their homework and try to understand the institutional perspective, administrators will listen .

I have purposely not led protests or engaged in character assassination, because with the current UA management there are more effective means. I urge students to continue to engage in meaningful and frank debate about issues, and resist the temptation to ridicule or begin empty protests. In the end, administrators and students are on the same team on most issues. The real battle to be fought is convincing the people of Arizona and their elected leaders that university education is important and should re main a priority.

The biggest lesson that I learned as a student at this university is that nothing is as important in life as initiative. The UA offers tremendous opportunities which are superior to most universities. Students, however, will not be handed these opportunit ies, rather, they must be sought. The university needs to do a better job of informing students about these opportunities, but students must also take a more active role in seeking activities outside the classroom. This principle will also apply in the re al world, so it is a lesson best learned early.

This year has been relatively quiet in terms of campus controversy. But the minor flare-ups that did occur could have been handled much better. For example, from my perspective, the Kappa Sigma/MEChA incident could have been resolved much sooner. I hope t hat all student leaders will be bold enough to tackle difficult issues in a professional manner. Next year's student leaders will have to be more courageous in preventing problems as budget cuts bring greater controversy.

Students returning to campus in the fall can expect an interesting year. There will be significant discussion on a major renovation of the Student Union and on new computing capacity for students. Students may be asked how much they are willing to contrib ute to these projects. Students will have to decide what services they want and at what cost. Also, further changes to improve undergraduate education will occur. Students need to voice their assessment of these changes. Additionally, tuition could be inc reased significantly next year after three years of modest increases.

My greatest hope for this year's graduates is that they become active alumni. UA alumni have been instrumental in this institution's ability to expand and improve. As much as we now desire better education, career training and student services, we should be willing to share our talents and resources, if possible, to future students. Also, we need to try and convince others that universities are important and remind our elected officials that their constituents want public support for universities. To do o therwise would be hypocritical. If we want a better university now, then we need to tangibly support the university in the future.

Be proud of the UA, it is a great school. Take advantage of the opportunities provided and seek to improve your own education.

Bear Down!

Ben Driggs is a political science and Latin American studies senior and 1995-96 Associated Student of the University of Arizona president.