Sarah Bullard

Sarah Bullard, a junior majoring political science, decided for ASUNM Senate because she felt she could make a difference.

"I had seen other people get involved and felt I could contribute to the Senate," she said. "I have lived on and off campus and been involved in a variety of different groups, but no one really knew much about ASUNM. I want to make it more accessible to the general student population."

Bullard said a key part of being a senator is communicating with student groups and keeping those groups informed about major issues, such as their funding and the ASUNM budget process.

"The other part is really keeping your eyes and ears open in UNM community," she said. "A senator also represents the University when attending functions or speak with the Board of Regents. And of course, they are responsible for the budget."

She said being a student helps qualify her for the Senate.

"I also know quite a bit about student government and have held offices before, plus I have a serious interest in UNM," she said.

Bullard said she is running on The Connection slate because the students running on that ticket want to make the Senate accessible to students.

"We want to develop a Web site that would make information about the Senate available to students," she said. "We would include agendas, minutes, times and dates of meetings, how senators vote and what issues are coming up."

She said she also is interested in developing a listserv similar to the one used by the Bursar's Office to reach all students and let them know about key events.

"Basically I just want more communication and to reach a broader audience," she said.

She said the biggest challenge facing ASUNM will be dealing with increasing division between minorities, athletes and Greeks.

"I would encourage Student Special Events to bring in diversity speakers, hold open discussions on the topic and make sure everyone is sensitive to those issues," she said.

When asked to name the UNM president, three members of the Board of Regents and three student groups, Bullard identified William Gordon as president; Eric Anaya, Jack Fortner and Larry Willard as regents; and the Pre-Law Association, Pre-Medical Organization and Golden Key National Honor Society as student groups.