The Rocky Mountain Collegian

Until I was an elected member of ASCSU, I never realized how many students didn't know what ASCSU was. I found it hard to believe that such a large number of students were unaware of such an important decision-making body.

For those you you who are still unaware of what ASCSU stands for: it's the Associated Students of Colorado State University. Or, in one word, it stands for STUDENTS!

When deciding who you will vote for in the upcoming election, it is important to understand the amount of power these particular individuals will have once they are in office. Their decisions are supposed to reflect the general student population.

Do you realize that whatever decisions are made next year by ASCSU representatives will have an immense impact on the value of your degree at Colorado State University?

Here's an exaggerated example of what I'm trying to get across:

Let's say ASCSU decided that there should be no math requirements needed for graduation except for math majors. Without math as a part of each student's core college education, what kind of statement would we be making about the value of a well-rounded education?

Do you think the value of a Colorado State University degree would hold the same level of prestige that it currently does? I hardly think so.

Unless the elected representatives are willing to hand out candy (and all the other "freebies" they are known for during election time) to employers when said employers learn your degree is not highly valued, I encourage you to let the candidates know that merely giving out free stuff is not enough to get your vote.

Situations such as this show why it is extremely important to think carefully about whom you would feel comfortable having to represent not only you, but the value placed on your degree.

I encourage you to take advantage of the situations of those running for an office.

However, because of the candidates' unique situations, be prepared for a lot of lip service.

I have been approached numerous times by candidates who are seeking more information about diversity issues on campus. Although I am glad that interest and concern are being shown by the candidates, I am disheartened that it is only because of elections that these individuals are willing to listen and take a stance.

Where were these people during the events of a Hate Free Millennium and Hate Free CSU? Where are these people during advocacy office functions and presentations? Tokenizing diversity issues for short-term campaign purposes is disrespectful.

As a senator, I witnessed so much apathy among students in general that I now understand how easy it really is to tokenize student concerns.

I believe that it is not the candidate's platform that will win the election for him or her, but the amount of money spent on the campaign. Think about it a minute. Isn't money another way of playing on student apathy and tokenizing real concerns?

In sum, I'd just like to re-emphasize the importance of your participation in the upcoming elections. Don't just ask the candidates questions, but follow up on them. Be sure to evaluate their reliability.

Tell them your vote doesn't lie with who spends the most money now, but who will spend the most time representing your concerns next year.

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