Associated Students form representation for students on the UA campus

By Rosa M. Concepcion
Arizona Summer Wildcat
July 31, 1996

The students' voice of the campus is in the form of their student government.

At the University of Arizona, the Associated Students of the University of Arizona represent every undergraduate student.

ASUA's main purpose is to accommodate the needs of students on campus. The organization is run by the Central Coordinating Council, the Graduate and Professional Student Council, the Undergraduate Senate, a student body president, the vice president for programs and services, and the vice president for clubs and organizations.

Though this does not seem like an ordinary student council that is solely made up of a president, vice president, treasurer and secretary, ASUA is distinct in that it tries to accommodate all the students' demands.

According to the ASUA home page on the Internet, "A student serves as the director, and other students work as chairpersons and staff members. Every program and service is constantly looking for enthusiastic students to help."

Undergraduate senator J.J. Rico, who is in charge of Club 21, said, "We try and get all involved in all activities. We need the students' support."

This year's student body president, Rhonda T. L. Wilson, took the oath of office May 1 and will now act as chief executive officer, chief financial officer and chief spokeswoman for the students.

The 1996-97 vice president for programs and services is Mindy McCollum. Her main duties for the year consist of organizing different programs and services that range from education on campus and issues concerning the bisexual, gay and lesbian community, to developing legal assistance to students, and driving disabled students to class.

ASUA undergraduate senators for the year will be Rico, Ryan Anderson, Casey Cuny, Gilbert Davidson, David Kramer, Kim Montanaro, Lauren Sliger and Maile Weigele.

These eight individuals will be working together on certain issues and independently on others. Rico is working on Club 21, an organization that provides an alcohol-free environment for all students of all ages.

Davidson is currently on the committee for any new developments concerning the Student Union, while Weigele works on a youth basketball league involving underprivileged Tucson youth and UA students.

However, they do work together on certain events like Academic Integrity Committee and Parking and Transportation.

"We listen closely to students. We try and encourage them to sit in on meetings and see what they want us to do concerning a certain project," Davidson said.

Last, but not least, this year's vice president for clubs and organizations is Erin Russell, who is in charge of over 250 clubs and organizations that the university supplies.

"It's good to know that if I don't agree with something, I can always express my ideas to the council and that my idea counts for something," said Kate Maynard, communications senior.

in on meetings and see what they want us to do concerning a certain project," Davidson said.

Last, but not least, this year's vice president for clubs and organizations is Erin Russell, who is in charge of over 250 clubs and organizations that the university supplies.

"It's good to know that if I don't agree with something, I can always express my ideas to the council and that my idea counts for something," said Kate Maynard, communications senior.

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