New Semester, Same Old Student Government… Part ll
“Make a difference about something other than yourselves” — Toni Morrison.
Augsburg Day Student Government (ADSG) advocates for the ideas, interests, and concerns of the Day Student Body. It is composed of three branches: The Day Student Senate (who has voting power), the Executive Board (which handles administrative duties), and the Judicial Board (which provides review over certain Student Government decisions). Every year, members of the Senate are elected by the Day Student Body to hold a seat at the table and represent their respective classes. Members of ADSG are held to the highest standards by the Day Student Body, the University Administration, and our own ADSG Constitution and Bylaws. ADSG is required to follow strict guidelines outlined within these Bylaws, as it is a part of the official governance structure at Augsburg University. This allows ADSG to have official representation on various University committees, including the University Council, Resource Committee, Design Committee, Faculty Senate Assessment Committee, Faculty Senate Academic Affairs Committee, and more. ADSG representatives are often the only student voice invited to attend these committee meetings. At these meetings, Student Senators are exposed to and advocate for the needs of the Day Student Body. For example, topic discussions include the Augsburg Smoke-Free Plan by 2021, which led to the implementation of five designated smoking areas and the Clear Air Policy Violations, which is specifically directed to the use of electronic cigarettes. Other examples include: advocating for new classes, majors, and minors at the University, measuring student learning in the classroom, University budget allocation, and deciding on new facilities projects on campus.
ADSG’s Bylaws and Structure implements checks and balances to assure that ADSG follows proper procedures when conducting business. An example of this system occurred on December 11, 2019. On this day, members of the Day Student Senate voted to reduce the stipends of the executive board of Augsburg Student Activities Council (ASAC) due to complaints brought forward by student organizations and some day students. This motion passed on the Senate floor by a Majority. Under ADSG’s Bylaws, ASAC was able to appeal this decision by bringing it forward to ADSG’s Judicial Board, which overturned the motion, giving the ASAC board members their full stipends.
“You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step” — MLK Jr.
ADSG has upheld Augsburg University’s commitment to sustainability through a variety of different initiatives, leading to a more environmentally-friendly student body. This year, ADSG has stopped printing meeting agendas on paper, saving roughly 500 pieces of paper throughout the academic year. On October 28th, 2017, an idea was created to reduce transportation issues for students who commute to campus and those who live on campus. The idea focused on providing bus cards for students to check out at the library, in order to reduce parking on campus. After three Student Government, a motion was finally brought forward to increase the Green Fee from $15 to $20, in order to fund the now more developed idea of bus cards .Following this, a partnership was established with Metro Transit, leading to the creation of the unlimited transit pass. This pass is known as the Auggie Pass, which is available to all undergraduate Day students who pay the semester Green Fee. Another initiative created by the Student Government within the last four years is the Augsburg Bike Share Program, a sustainable and cost-effective measure to address the transportation needs of Augsburg University students, faculty, and staff. Augsburg’s ban on plastic water bottles was not an emotionally-driven decision, but rather an initiative to eliminate the sale, reimbursement, and provision of bottled water on campus. The main goal of this initiative was to reduce waste and greenhouse gas emissions, as well as emphasize the idea that water is a human right and not a commodity through the use of locally sourced tap water. You can read more about the initiative by visiting us during our tabling events.
“Big Visions are realized throughout small steps” — Mike Glenn
ADSG has continued to advocate for accessibility on campus. Within the last four years, ADSG has funded multiple projects on campus totaling about $32,000, with $14,000 still allocated. Another way that ADSG shows support is by passing resolutions. Through these resolutions, ADSG has an opportunity to take a stand on an issue.
ADSG also funds events hosted on campus by recognized student organizations. Because we strive to be a space that is accessible to all students, we host weekly meetings and tables twice a week throughout the school year.
“The future belongs to those who prepare for it today” — Malcolm X
As we have seen with the successful projects of ADSG, change doesn’t happen overnight. This year, we have continued to set ambitious goals to move Augsburg forward. Beginning as ideas, these goals are researched by students, in order to transform it into a campus proposal.This year, some of our goals have made substantial progress at our meetings. Some of these goals include: requiring professors to take a diversity/inclusion/equity training with an annual recertification, improving benefits for Resident Advisors, working with A’viands (now known as Aladdin) to improve the dining experience for students, and allowing students to take more than 10 free sessions at the Center for Wellness and Counseling if needed.
ADSG has worked on making changes that positively affect the entire student body. These changes include increasing the Student Activity fee to $125 and advocating for physics labs to be counted for academic credit. To the Anonymous Augsburg Senior, we invite you to use your last semester to become more involved with your community and visit us during our tabling times to tell us about your experience at Augsburg. Things are always changing and we invite you to become a part of it.