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Show ASWSC Government Text: Susan Walker N ew legislation in the Senate at Weber State College took interesting and sometimes controversial turns in 1985-1986. One of the most debated issues was the Computer Literacy Resolution, passed by the Senate on Jan. 13, 1986. The benefits of this resolution include increased accessibility and improved technology with the new computer system and will allow faculty to have more current information they can integrate into their course work. "We kept the students' interests in mind. We protected their rights," said J Todd Anderson, ASWSC president. Student legislation served as a lobbying tool to bring the issue before the Utah State Legislature. The result was an agreement by the legislature to provide matching funds for the computer system. As a result, WSC students will see a tuition increase of no more than $7 per quarter for the next three years to provide the necessary funds for the computer system. Another resolution that became a heated issue was a proposed ban of formal prayer at ASWSC or CAB activities. While the resolution failed to pass, "it made students think about some things they hadn't thought about before," Anderson said. Additionally, an amendment to the ASWSC Constitution passed the Senate, stating that the ASWSC executive officers should not be allowed to participate in any varsity extracurricular activities. Opposition to the amendment was voiced by Mark Russell, a student at Weber. The WSC Supreme Court took the matter under consideration, voting to invalidate the Senate vote which nullified the original amendment. Teacher's Day was proclaimed by a resolution passed by the Senate on Feb. 10, 1986. It was resolved that every year on Jan. 28, the flag at WSC would be flown at half-staff in honor of the seven astronauts who died in the NASA space shuttle disaster. Recommendations were made to the WSC administration by the WSC student Senate concerning the proposed change from the quarter system to the semester system. Because of the advantages in the quarter system, it was decided to retain it. Support by WSC for Red Ribbon Week was part of another resolution passed by the Senate. The week of May 18-25, 1986 was declared by the Utah State Legislature as the time to indicate support for an end to illegal drug abuse. Many students and faculty wore red ribbons on campus to show their stand against drug abuse. Also, resolutions concerning a course survey, computer-assisted courses, Declare a Major, support for KWCR FM 88, and Women Athlete Appreciation Week were also considered by the Senate. Bills about an International Student Handbook, the ASWSC marquee, the ASWSC Short-Term Loan Committee, ARO support, cable advertisement, a planning and evaluation report, the kiosks at WSC, and a loan to the National Association of Home Builders were other legislation that was considered this year. Editorial: J Todd Anderson This year, over 300 students sought to improve their student life at Weber State College by involving themselves with the ASWSC. Literally thousands of other students enhanced their lives on campus by participating in the Residence Hall Association, LDSSA, fraternities, sororities, academic and professional associations, intramurals, sports clubs, the Signpost, minority groups, athletics, debate, music, dance, theatre, and a myriad of other organizations and activities. There are also thousands of students who, because of family and work responsibilities, had very little time for such involvement. During the past year, student government (ASWSC) has worked extremely hard to improve many aspects of student life at Weber State. I feel that our efforts to implement new programs and sustain existing ones have made a positive impact on the quality of our education. A few of the more notable ones include implementation of the Open Hour program to enhance the campus community and provide students with out-of-class educational opportunities; a computer-literacy proposal that created $400,000 from student fees and Legislative matching funds to upgrade ASWSC EXECUTIVE OFFICERS for the 1985-86 school year included vice presidents Mike Waldron and Kelly Miles, and President J Todd Anderson. (Signpost photo: Scott Miller) ELECTIONS for the 1986-87 school year gave the vote to vice presidents-elect Scott Baxter and Joni Berger, and President-elect Jonathan Wright. (Signpost photo: JaNae Barlow) slor preside tt I 1 . . i N 1 V ft f j ' computer facilities and integrate them into the classroom; an ASWSC Short-Term Student Loan program was implemented to assist students with financial difficulties so that they can remain in school; leadership training for students was enhanced by creating the Campus Leadership Institute and ASWSC Applied Leadership Series; and our Convocation program was the best ever as attendance was increased by over 300 percent. Students should also be aware of the representation, activities and services that ASWSC has provided in many other areas. Many students have made great contributions to the college by improving the service and programs offered, to name only a few: the ASWSC Student Senate, the College Activities Board, Association of Registered Organizations, Campus Liaison Committees, the Publicity Coordinator, and the many committees and Area Councils that function in each of these areas. I have been very impressed throughout the year to see the dedication and sacrifice that many of the students make as they strive to improve the Weber State experience for each of us. This year, ASWSC has received tremendous support from the facujiy, staff and administration. Those things we have accomplished would not have been possible without their support. The cooperation, professionalism towards, and support of ASWSC by the Signpost has also been exceptional this year. They have made a concerted effort to represent ASWSC fairly and to always keep students informed and aware. I have personally enjoyed the opportunity of working with the editors and members of their staff this year. For me, the past year has provided many challenges and opportunities for growth. I hope that you likewise have enjoyed your experience this year. Weber State College is a great institution, and it has rewarded each of us immensely. We who are involved in ASWSC this year have appreciated the opportunity to return to Weber State, in a small way, the talent and skills that it has helped us to learn. |