The Arizona Students' Association evolved in 1974 from what was the Arizona Student Federation, which folded due to a lack of interest.

The new student organization was the brainchild of the then student body presidents of the three public state universities, Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University and the University of Arizona.

One of the organization's stated goals was lobbying the state legislature and Arizona Board of Regents. It also became one of its most controversial goals.

The regents objected to ASA as a lobbying organization, and the campus student organizations at UA and NAU were prevented from appropriating funds to the newly formed ASA.

To ASA, the regents' opposition represented a double standard that allowed the universities to lobby state government, but prevented students from having a voice in their future.

As the student lobbying organization in the state, students need to participate in the organization, said Christine Thompson, ASA's current executive director.

"ASA advocates for things that directly affect students' lives," Thompson said. "It represents all university students across the state."

The regents did finally establish an annual allocation of tuition and fees to fund ASA, allowing the nonprofit organization to be created with an original budget of $9,000 for students.

The current policy is for ASA to present its budget to the regents. Once approved, the amount is paid in equal shares by the three state universities from tuition and fees.

In May, the regents approved ASA's $127,600 budget for the 1996-97 academic year. It now represents nearly 101,000 students.

ASA is currently attempting to change its funding through a referenda on the campuses. The measure replaces ASA's past funding sources with an additional $1 fee charged per student per semester. The fee is refundable to the student in the same way the rec reation center fee is.

"If a student does not want to contribute or doesn't like what we are doing, all the student has to do is request the refund," Thompson said. "This is going to increase accountability for students we are representing."

Thompson said all of the funds will be used to assist students, perhaps even in the form of scholarships. Votes are yet to be taken on the ASU and UA Sierra Vista campuses, but Thompson said passage of the referenda on the other campuses has been "over 80 percent approval."

Among ASA's proudest achievements was in 1989, when the student regent was given full voting power. Though many states have student members of regent and trustee boards, ASA claims Arizona is one of a few states to give its student member voting power. Th e regent, who serves a one-year term, rotates among the three universities. UA agriculture and resource management senior Jonathan Schmitt began his term July 1.

Over the years, ASA has earned respect from those who work with the organization.

Regent Eddie Basha said he thinks ASA has represented students' interests well.

"ASA has been an effective, articulate voice for students, most especially on affordability issues and accessibility," Basha said. "I think they are the conscience for the state when it comes time to evaluating the state's commitment to higher education a nd the student body. They are, in fact, constituents and voters in many instances. They are residents of Arizona. They have a right and obligation to be heard."

UA President Manuel Pacheco said ASA gives the board the advantage of having the perspective of students. That is especially important on issues such as tuition.

"ASA student leaders provide me with information," Pacheco said recently during a break from an Arizona Board of Regents meeting. "ASA provides me with a broader perspective because it represents all three campuses."

ASA can be seen on campus during voter registration drives. The "Students Are Voting Everywhere" program not only registers students to vote, but also makes campaign materials available to students. To Thompson, it is one of ASA's most important programs.

"Students need to be involved in all elections, from the student body elections, Arizona legislature, Congress and president," she said. "This empowers the students we represent."

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Wildcat Web Link: Arizona Student's Association

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