ASUNM a multifaceted group that aims to serve all students

Editor,

It is disappointing when reading opinions from people who are either misinformed or so blatantly biased that they fail to acknowledge another's point of view. An opinion article from two weeks ago was a perfect example of why there has been so much mistrust and finger-pointing at our University. While it is important to voice an opinion or concerns for our UNM community, it is far more important to do the appropriate research when writing on a personal opinion, while coincidently claiming them as fact.

Election day was Wednesday, and I think it is important to clear up several misconceptions about ASUNM, its role in the University, and the countless students who help facilitate the day-to-day workings of the organization.

Firstly, the role of ASUNM is extensive. The funding process of the organization is also intricate and its abilities are great. Complexity does not imply corruption, and it most certainly does not mean that the money all goes toward funding homecoming activities. The large Spring Budget process just took place, and 128 chartered student organizations went through the process. Student organizations ranging from engineering and service-based organizations to pre-med and club sports are allocated funding in this process. With more than 400 chartered student organizations on campus, ASUNM is often a great source of support for campus involvement, academic and research competitions, as well as many other activities.

If anyone has questions about the funding that ASUNM is responsible for redistributing back to the undergraduate student body, I strongly suggest that they ask questions to the Finance Committee instead of making uneducated or misinformed assumptions. Furthermore, ASUNM is extremely multifaceted, and it is not controlled by one demographic of the student body but instead a melting pot of students who all fill special niches, yet all share a common denominator of wanting to be involved in campus life. ASUNM is much more than a 20-member Senate, a president and vice president. There are seven student-service agencies that range from the Craft Studio and the Southwest Film Center to Student Special Events and Community Experience. These agencies have dozens of student leadership positions and literally involve thousands of students across campus in activities throughout the year such as Spring Storm, fiestas, weekly independent-film showings and a plethora of other activities that encompass much of the University. I encourage students to question what their student government is doing, but I also stress the importance of asking questions and getting involved. The Outreach and Appointments Committee plans surveys and holds town-hall meetings, but without student input and support, these activities struggle to maintain a lasting relationship with the general student body.

I urge all students to take a moment to learn a bit about ASUNM and what it does. Take a minute to talk with a member. When only 10 percent of the student body votes in elections, it is important to make your voice count and be involved, but equally important is being open-minded and making informed decisions.

Joseph Dworak

UNM student