Editor,
First off, I’d like to thank Rep. Joseph Dworak for his words of opposition to ”mud-slinging” in campaigns.
Though I get the distinct impression that he is running against my presidency, I appreciate his efforts to maintain decorum.
I think it is important to set the record straight on a few of his accusations.
He accuses the current GPSA administration of ignoring the big picture and instead focusing on one-item agendas.
My administration cares about New Mexico and our state’s future economic viability.
We believe that having a highly educated work force will draw high-tech companies to this state, enabling us to generate revenue and jobs.
Higher tuition and fees are barriers to education.
The National Center for Higher Education Management Systems reports that New Mexico students borrowed an average of $5,200 in 2007, the second-highest average in the nation. We need to keep education affordable for everyone.
Focusing our resources (e.g. student fees, capital dollars, Instruction & General, etc.) on entertainment instead of education diminishes the quality and quantity of our graduates. Currently, UNM reports a 13 percent four-year graduation and a 43 percent six-year graduation rate. This lags behind our peer institutions.
Closed meetings and backroom deals prevent students, staff, faculty and taxpayers from holding decision-makers accountable — which allows for corruption and pet projects that are not in line with the academic mission.
Videotaping the Student Fee Review Board meetings ensures that everyone can watch how our fees are being spent.
With regard to our efforts to represent students’ interests: In January 2010, the GPSA Council called a special election (not a poll, not a survey, but an election run by UNM Information Technologies) that had an unprecedented turnout.
More than 1,163 graduate and professional students (20 percent) participated, and more than 85 percent of those students that voted supported pulling funds from Athletics and redistributing them to programs more in line with the academic mission. In comparison, ASUNM reported only 12 percent of the undergraduate students turned out for their last presidential election.
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I appreciate Dworak’s efforts to hold the GPSA administration accountable, and I sincerely apologize if my “aggressive and outspoken” approach has offended him or any of his former ASUMM colleagues.
It is my hope, however, that UNM is better for it.
Lissa Knudsen
GPSA President
