For Jacob Lockhart, the decision to join ASUI — University of Idaho’s official student government — was an easy one.
“I wanted to have a part in my community,” the UI junior said. “I wanted to find a place in Moscow, and if at all possible, work my way to make it a little better by giving a voice to issues I thought weren’t really being represented … I found that in ASUI.”
Having participated in similar groups during high school, Lockhart was aware of the importance of organizations like ASUI, before arriving to campus.
Founded in 1904, UI’s governing body is comprised of a legislative and executive branch, whose members advocate for students’ needs through a variety of methods, such as allocating funds or influencing administrative policy.
They also facilitate various entertainment and service events, such as Finals Fest, Party at the Polls and Dance Marathon.
“ASUI really tries to (support) students in every way we possibly can … fulfilling whatever need they have at a particular moment,” said Nicole Skinner, ASUI president.
Elected last spring, Skinner oversees the latter branch with the help of her appointed cabinet, which includes 11 positions, ranging from chief of staff to director of diversity.
She said the cabinet works to inform the president on campus issues and complete projects in order to achieve “the overall vision of the administration” who prevails in the election.
Olivia Heersink | Argonaut
ASUI senators outline committee plans before the first meeting of the fall semester Wednesday, Aug. 29.
The executive side, which Skinner said is “a lot more specialized than the legislature,” is also comprised of the funding, public relations and vandal entertainment boards.
As a freshman, Lockhart served on the public relations board — then known as the communications board — before running for a senate seat at the end of his first year.
The ASUI Senate, where he is currently serving his second term, is made up of 15 senators, who meet at 7 p.m. each Wednesday in the Whitewater Room of the Idaho Commons.
“Every senate meeting is its own event — anything can happen,” Lockhart said. “These are a group of 15 individuals who are making decisions that do impact students’ lives on campus.”
Lockhart said senators are responsible for making weekly reports to the various living-groups on campus — residence halls and Greek houses — about ASUI happenings and events, as well as university-wide issues.
“Since senators are elected, they have a lot of free reign over what they do and can focus on campus issues or projects they feel particularly passionate about,” Skinner said. “Usually, it’s a really great place for students to start if they are interested in getting involved in student government.”
Elections are held each semester for these positions. Skinner said ASUI is looking to fill an open seat on the senate, which will be appointed through an application and interview process — “a great way to join without having to go through the campaign process.”
Skinner said they are also looking to appoint an ASUI lobbyist, who will advocate on behalf of students at the Idaho Legislature in Boise during the spring. Past initiatives include medical amnesty and reduced hunting and fishing fees for out-of-state students.
Both applications can be found through VandalSync, she said.
“Getting involved can be absolutely transformative to your experience at any university,” Skinner said. “What you learn in the classroom is obviously so important, and that should definitely be your first priority here, but you’ll learn very quickly that a majority of growing you’re going to do is outside the classroom.”
“(ASUI) is the best opportunity to take leaps and risks while you have such a great support system around you … you have nothing to lose.”
Skinner said involvement in ASUI is not limited to one major and doesn’t require any past student government experience — “all walks of life” are welcome.
Lockhart and Skinner encourage anyone interested — or remotely curious — in joining the organization to engage with those currently involved or contact members via email and social media.
“Everyone has something they care about, and you don’t have to be the most political person or the most governmental person in order to be involved in something like this,” Skinner said. “We really want everyone to just get engaged and do whatever they care about.”
Olivia Heersink can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @heersinkolivia