ASUA Pres. focusing on costs, Student Union issue

Davidson said he will work this semester for increased student financial aid and low tuition.

"I want to make sure tuition increases are as low as possible, and if there is a tuition increase, that it go towards the students," Davidson said.

He said the University of Arizona will try to send two representatives to Washington, D.C., in March in a joint effort between the UA, Northern Arizona University, Arizona State University and the state Associated Students Association, to lobby for these issues.

Davidson met Tuesday with Frank Farias, UA Associated Students Bookstore director, to discuss lowering general merchandise prices.

Farias seemed receptive to the idea of cutting prices on school supplies and UA-logo clothing, Davidson said.

Plans for a renovated Student Union will not be forgotten.

A task force of campus organization representatives will meet to discuss other renovation funding options, Davidson said.

The date for the task force's next meeting has not yet been set.

"If students don't want to pay for it (Student Union renovations), we have to figure out who will and how to get them to do it," Davidson said. "I hope they will be able to finance the project without using student money."

The Nov. 9 renovation referendum, which would have created a $40-per-semester student fee, failed 71.8 percent to 24.2 percent. More than 4,400 students voted in the election.

Before his term ends May 1, Davidson said he also hopes to make inroads into reducing campus parking rates and fines.

"The new focus is shoring up some things before I get out of office," he said.

Davidson said he is developing a five-year strategic plan to serve as a guideline for ASUA officers to come.

ASUA officials are also planning to rekindle the relationship with the graduate student council, enhance programs and services, and boost Spring Fling attendance.

The Graduate and Professional Student Council split from ASUA last spring with unresolved issues left dividing the two, Davidson said.

"We'd like to bridge the gulf the separation caused," Sen. Mary Peterson said.

As the governing body for graduate students, GPSC coordinates their campus programs and services.

Peterson said the two bodies are ironing out issues involving referendum voting and graduate student representation.

This month, ASUA's Escort Service will have a toll-free number, Tara Taylor, ASUA administrative vice president, said.

The number will allow students to call the service for free when they are off campus and without money, she said.

"We had an instance last year where a girl was assaulted - she didn't have any money on her and she couldn't call for help," Taylor said. "We just want to keep the options open."

The Senate will also go forward with a plan to post teacher evaluations online, Davidson said.

Taylor said planning for Spring Fling, the annual clubs and activities fund-raiser to be held April 2-5, has reached crunch time.

The annual event, which draws over 30,000 visitors, rakes in about $80,000 for more than 150 UA clubs and organizations.

To draw carnival-goers, Spring Fling organizers are planning to hire a big-name entertainer and offer special deals, Taylor said.