The Associated Students of the University of Arizona started their weekly meetings back up this year with plans for the year that focus on the basic needs and safety of students. 

ASUA met on Wednesday, Aug. 31, to discuss campus issues. The meeting was called to order at 6:06 p.m. and adjourned at 7:12 p.m.

Basic Needs

During a discussion on current ASUA committees, Senator Amy Gaudet, who represents the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, proposed a new committee which she called the “basic needs and outreach committee.” 

Gaudet suggested that the committee would work with campus cultural centers, student organizations and Campus Pantry to analyze the greatest needs and challenges of the UA’s students.

“We have limited resources, and we should be trying to use them as effectively as possible,” Gaudet said.

Senator-at-Large Lady Elli suggested that ASUA work to evaluate the needs of students by using surveys that could be emailed to the student body.

UA Alerts and Gunman on Campus

ASUA President Patrick Robles suggested that ASUA work with the UA and the UA Police Department to implement an alternate warning system than UA alerts, in the wake of an incident last week where UAPD detained a suspect at the Student Union Memorial Center after responding to reports that an armed individual was seen on campus.

“The text message stuff, some folks don’t get it, some folks don’t get it in time and God forbid something worse happens,” Robles said. 

Robles proposed a siren that could be played by speakers throughout campus that would alert students to shelter in place in case of a similar situation.

Multiple members of the senate suggested alternatives to a siren, claiming that sirens often insight panic rather than instruct students. Alternate solutions suggested included instructions over campus speakers or an amber alert style warning.

Honorable Mentions

Administrative Vice President Kaleb Nichols discussed fundraising for a potential New York Times subscription for the entire UA student body and faculty. He suggested that senators meet with leadership of their colleges to obtain funding. According to Nichols, the subscription would be a four-year basic subscription, and after that period, the UA would fund the subscription based on student engagement.

Robles stated that President Dr. Robert C. Robbins may join him for a ride on the Sun Link streetcar in an effort to keep the service free.

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