Editor,
I am writing in response to Beth Johnson's opinion about B. Lee Drake and, more importantly, ASUNM. Unfortunately, Beth is nothing but an example of the misinformed students that ASUNM tries to reach out to. Apparently, Beth, you have not done the amount of research that is necessary to make such bold statements, but instead you mask your lack of knowledge with brash tactics and vocabulary. So, Beth, allow me to educate you. ASUNM has done more for undergraduates and does not simply worry about Homecoming and dances.
I am currently an ASUNM senator and, although it might be confusing to a student like Beth Johnson who has probably never been to a full Senate meeting, it is important to understand that ASUNM has three major committees. The first is Finance Committee. Finance Committee looks to help all student-chartered groups by appropriating money, as necessity would demand, for things like travel. Finance helps those groups get to the conferences to help better themselves. Those Senators work hard and long to help students.
The second group is Outreach and Appointments. This group works hard to get feedback from students in order to see what the students' concerns are. After countless surveys and outreach hours, where senators go and talk to students, information is brought back to Senate and action is taken.
An example of this is the potential smoking ban on campus; O&A looked for student input. Lastly, there is Steering and Rules. Steering and Rules works on bills and resolutions that potentially impact students. One example of this is raising student fees so that more student groups can receive necessary money.
This group works hard to ensure that the needs of the students are being met, and unfortunately that work (and all the work of the senators) goes without thanks because of misinformed students like you, Beth.
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ASUNM has also sent a busload of students to Santa Fe on several occasions to lobby for students needs, including cheaper books and the availability of bus transportation. What you might not know but so brashly assumed, Beth, is that ASUNM has different groups called agencies dedicated to community service, student involvement, and many other important collegiate activities. Those groups help with retention, because if you didn't know (and I am guessing you don't) students who are involved on campus in groups like Lobo Spirit and Community Experience have higher graduation rates and enjoy school more than students who just go to class then work and then home.
ASUNM affects students by creating, supporting, and maintaining those important groups. As for B. Lee Drake, you are foolish to think that GPSA shouldn't work with ASUNM to get the best results. Too long have GPSA and ASUNM not worked together for the common good, and when Drake is elected GPSA president, I am sure that precedent will not continue. Beth, from now on, before you spout off rants like a new-age Bill O'Reilly about a "weight room" for students on Central Avenue, please research your talking points.
I would start by talking with the people who toured other schools of similar size and tuition prices and saw those recreational centers. Johnson is inadequate, and it hurts the school and its recruitment efforts. You attract more bees with honey and more students with nicer buildings and more functional working spaces. I implore you, Ms. Johnson, come talk to your senators or the people working in these areas. It will only help you.
Michael Westervelt
UNM student
