This or That is a new feature to the Daily Wildcat in which members of the Perspectives staff weigh in on a campus-related topic and give their final verdict between two options. The first topic is ASUA — powerful or pathetic. ASUA commands a budget of roughly $1 million and represents a student body of around 30,000 undergraduate students. Though often bashed for blunders and scandal, ASUA is still heralded for all its efforts to increase campus involvment and create a much more unique college campus experience.

From poster painting, giving speeches, and deciding on what to improve at the UA, the Associated Students of the University of Arizona epitomizes what it means to be a Wildcat. ASUA has represented the student body since 1913, organizing events to make the UA more of a thriving community. For years, ASUA and their representatives have been unacknowledged and under appreciated for their work. There are those who find our student government to be pathetic but it is simply because they do not know what it takes to support our large student population. Together ASUA helps more than 500 clubs on campus and aids the largest student section in the Pac-12.

Their officers are in charge of overseeing student funds and making sure all of the students are equally represented at the UA. Throughout the year, ASUA makes decisions that ultimately benefit our school, and directly impact the student body. Even though they don’t publicize every action and decision they make, it doesn’t mean they are not working to improve higher education at the UA. ASUA speaks on behalf of all students and those words are powerful in their own right.

-Jackie Abad

I know a little something about being in student government. I was an avid member on both my elementary and junior high schools’ student councils. If ASUA is anything like my two experiences, they do some work, but it’s really more of a social activity that looks nice on the resume. The majority of our campus doesn’t pay attention to them. Therefore, ASUA might not have power with the students, but they certainly have power behind the scenes. I know of a past ASUA president who would get free tickets to both football and basketball games. Hell, they even flew him and his friend out to a USC game in Southern California. Speaking of presidents, I can’t help but remember our current ASUA president, James Allen’s election controversy last semester. Despite some students having a bad first impression, Allen currently stays in touch with the UA on his blog, Blogging with the ASUA President. Conveniently, his most recent post was on June 15.

-Kelly Hultgren

ASUA is like the freshmen class: full of bright people, with bright futures and idealistic natures. However, like the freshmen, members of ASUA aren’t quite sure of all the ins and outs of college and are out of touch with the majority of students.

ASUA is a powerful entity and has the ability to help thousands of students. But often I’m shocked at the senate proposals and projects, and how few of them are of real benefit to students today.
Senators say things like, “I want to sell T-shirts to benefit these children!”

Hello! We’re college students. We’re broke, constantly being required to buy things or pay fees, and are more interested in ASUA benefiting us instead of some off-campus organization.

Also, in my time as a news reporter, some of the dumbest statements I’ve heard have come from people in that office. One ASUA member said, “Yeah, we get a stipend but we pretty much just use them to buy our polos and then fro yo after meetings.” Now every time I see that cardinal red polo I just think, “what a waste of money.”

-Michelle A. Monroe

ASUA has the power, they just need to use it.

The University of Arizona is extremely privileged to have ASUA as a powerful and useful resource on campus. ASUA, our student government, provides a lot of valuable services and resources to students.

For a nominal fee each semester, students get access to legal services, Safe Ride and sponsored events such as Family Weekend and Spring Fling. ASUA also gives students the opportunity to get involved on campus in leadership opportunities through programs like SeniorCats, Freshman Class Council, and ASUA Senate and executive positions. ASUA is also responsible for all official clubs on campus. All of these programs are designed to make students succeed during their undergraduate careers.

ASUA is fortunate to have strong funding and a supportive faculty. This gives students wonderful opportunities to lead in hands-on activities, meet people and build their resumes. Students should embrace ASUA and all of its wonderful contributions.

-Joshua Segall

Anyone who spends time on campus should take a moment to acknowledge ASUA.

Without ASUA, we wouldn’t have Safe Ride, which provides students with a safer means of transportation around the campus area after dark.

Our lovely campus has numerous clubs that cover just about every niche of student interest. Whether you’re looking for something related to your field of study, a hobby, or you’re just trying to meet new people, there are clubs available to you and these are thanks to ASUA in one way or another. ASUA is there to help clubs and make sure they have the resources they need.

The free legal services ASUA provides to UA students, gives students a chance to get advice on debt difficulties, problems with their landlord, auto accidents and other things that plague many college students.

Every year, ASUA runs Spring Fling, which is organized and operated by students and has been going on for decades. Thousands of people attend the carnival every year to enjoy the festivities. The event also helps to raise funds for UA clubs and organizations.

So the next time you’re enjoying an event on the UA Mall, be grateful that our school has such a dedicated group of people who want to make campus a place for so much more than academics.

-Miki Jennings