ASNMU finished off the semester strong during Tuesday’s meeting as they wrap up several projects and prepared for the referendum year.During the fall semester ASNMU worked on several projects including reviving the Wildcat Market, starting a bike share program and creating the Seconds to Success career closet.
They also worked alongside the administration on parking issues, the Eagle Mine Trucking Route, the smoking ban survey and rebranding of the university.
At the meeting several members resigned due to time restrictions for next semester. Jon Martin, off campus representative, Courtney Case, down campus representative, and Jacob Bourdage, college of professional studies representative resigned during the meeting although not all were present at the time of the resignation.
“It’s bittersweet,” Lopota said. “Especially when somebody gets offered a great opportunity, it’s sad to see them go. They’ve been really hard working members and I wish them the best success. This won’t be the last semester for them, so I hope to see them back at the table.”
Along with resignations two new members, Matt Isham and Spencer Deering, were appointed to the board.
Vice President Abby Roche said this has been a transformation semester for ASNMU.
“I think that on the board there has been a change in the kind of attitude and vibes that have been going around,” Roche said. “I see it as a nurturing environment, people are OK with discussing ideas and getting them out there.”
President Amber Lopota also said this semester ASNMU focused on rebuilding their relationship with the administration and on campus groups to better the students in the following semesters.
“I think a lot of the work we’ve done as far as networking, laying a foundation, repairing relationships is going to start to be able to be seen in the resources that we’re going to be able to provide next semester,” Lopota said. “We’ve spent a lot of time in meetings, having discussions, starting conversations and doing a lot of work behind the scenes and so next semester is going to be a lot of visible action for us.”
Next week Lopota will be meeting with the Board of Trustees to give them student feedback on the branding and the tobacco-free survey.
“I’m impressed with the level of communication students have been making with their student government on these issues,” Lopota said. “They’ve been reaching out independently, students that are not affiliated with us and have not previously reached out for any reason have started to talk amongst themselves about how ASNMU is a resource for them and that’s huge for us.”
Roche also agreed there was a significant amount of student feedback on the issues this semester, especially pertaining the smoke-free campus ban.
“I was pleased that there was a survey that was put out and pleased that so many students voiced their opinions; that’s huge,” Roche said. “I’m with everyone else, I’m interested to see what the Board of Trustees does decide. It’s moving towards a change, there’s been communications and that’s all you can ask for in this kind of situation.”
Looking towards winter semester, Lopota said when they reassemble after winter break the first two meetings of the semester will focus on the finalization of the referendum.
“Essentially we’ll be having hearings with all the groups,” Lopota said. “They will be giving presentations on their hopeful budgets and we’ll be making final decisions on the wording for the ballot so students have the opportunity for their case and make some decisions about funding.”
As ASNMU continues to mend relationships and work on campus events, Roche is looking positively into the future semester.
“I think this first semester was about communicating and getting our feet underneath us,” Roche said. “Next semester you can expect a lot of good things from us.”
ASNMU will be meeting next semester at 8 p.m. in the University Center. Meetings are open to all students and can email ASNMU at [email protected].
