Here at Andrews University, we are all aware of the many roles that students can take on in order to help the school and their attending peers. From jobs like working in the cafeteria, to becoming an elected leader within AUSA—anyone is able to leave their mark on campus through all kinds of service. However, there is one job out there that many of us may not realize is quietly changing Andrews University for the better: the AUSA Senators. These students are voted for and elected at the beginning of the year, but what is it exactly that they are doing after the nomination? In a behind-the-scenes look into an AUSA Senate meeting, I was able to look into how these world changers are solving our campus’ problems, and what the student body can do to get involved.
Even with the pandemic, the Senate still gathers. Like life now for many of us, meetings are currently held through Zoom, where current Vice-President (and President-elect) Dongchan Kim (junior, religion) is charged with heading them. First, there is a prayer, then announcements. Kim explains events, deadlines, and reminders to the senators that are relevant to anything that they may be working on. Afterwards, the discussion goes to Spirit Grants, one of the larger responsibilities of the Senate. Current Senator (and Executive Vice-President-elect) T Bruggemann (sophomore, computer science and physics), explains that, “Spirit Grants are given to clubs or senators to assist them with a project that benefits all or most of the student body… The Senate evaluates whether the request does benefit the student body and may work with the club to get more information or talk about alternative options. Then, we vote as to whether or not to approve the grant.” Requests for Spirit Grants can range from funding for clubs, cultural events, to even equipment for live streaming. Senators can also request grants for their own individual or group projects. Ultimately if you or your club has an idea, the Senate may have the money to make it happen.
The next part of the meeting covers projects. Each senator, from the start of the year, is assigned to a committee where they are each trying to tackle a certain issue that needs to be fixed on campus. Senator Abraham Bravo (junior, political science) finds this to be the most valuable responsibility in the role and says, “While we don’t have the power to enact major change on campus, we can implement minor changes to help students/clubs as much as we can. These small changes that we make can one day lead to a more significant impact on this institution.” Some of the projects currently being worked on involve improving school wi-fi, lighting on campus, and air vents—all subjects important to the comfort and lives of the student body.
Now that you know what it is the Senate does, how can you get involved? One major way to stay updated on Senate happenings is through their Instagram, @ausasenate. The account posts election dates, events, and which projects are being worked on and who is a part of them. Another way you can seek to bring change through the school is talking to your Senate Representative, who you can find through Dongchan Kim. Take some time to discuss with them an issue that you feel needs to be fixed, or something that you feel would benefit the school. Do you want something addressed? Your Senators can help get that to happen. Current Senator (and future Senator-at-Large) Karenna Lee (sophomore, business and English) says, “I enjoy being a part of Senate because I get to see behind-the-scenes of campus life. From the mundane such as purchasing new cameras for Zoom classes to the creative such as funding major club events, it's awesome to see how students have a real hand in what goes on.” If any of what you’ve read so far has struck an interest in your heart, consider becoming a senator next year. You’ll have access to a numerous amount of opportunities to change the campus for the better, and allow you a chance to serve the community in a way that few at the school may be able to do.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.