Most students believe that ASM in its current state is nonfunctional and unresponsive to student needs.
From the many articles in both student-run papers, you have probably learned of the proposed structure, which is comparable to that of the federal government of the United States. However, despite all of this commentary, I still urge every student to do two things: 1) Read the proposed constitution at http://asmconstitution.wordpress.com and 2) Vote online during the special election to be held in mid-February.
If students are not knowledgeable about the situation, we may have another Union South issue at hand, where a decision was made contrary to the student majority. Whether you are in favor of or against the proposed model, I urge you to become informed, identifying the facts and ultimately allowing you to make an educated decision.
It is only once you are familiar with the plan and problem at hand that you can critically ask the questions needed to identify if this change is beneficial to you as a student. This should be the sole reason that you would adopt this, for the outcome of this special election will affect you as a student whether you realize it.
Most importantly, if you do not like the current structure or functionality of ASM, there is no better chance than now to partake in making a change that will allow for greater ASM functionality. Apathy in this instance will only hinder current and future student interests. If you do not vote in favor of this new model, you are only allowing ASM to continue in its ineffectual operations.
As a student who has attended numerous listening sessions and participated in the feedback process, I find great merit in the centralizing of responsibility found in the proposed structure.
Yet, hasty decisions on the matter should not be made. It is important to note that the constitution merely provides the structure for ASM - the hows are provided in the bylaws, which the student body has no control in approving. Therefore, it is imperative when forming a decision about the constitution that the bylaws are provided prior to the special election to ensure that the student body is not merely providing a rubber stamp for the ASM reorganization. This would be comparable to purchasing a car that does not have an engine. Personally, a lack of bylaws would be the only reason that I would vote against the proposed constitution. However, after discussion with ASM members, it seems that bylaws should be completed within the next three weeks.
By all means, this will not solve all the problems associated with ASM and the means of dispensing segregated fees (which is another complete undertaking in itself), but this is a step in the right direction.
Even if passed, many changes will need to be made to tweak the structure and functionality of ASM over the first few years of inception. This will not be a quick fix, but will require that qualified student leaders who take on top ASM roles be willing to evaluate the effectuality of the newly adopted structure.
Sean McMaster is a junior majoring in biochemistry and mathematics. Please send responses to opinion@dailycardinal.com.
