The Associated Students of the University of Wyoming (ASUW) have elected two new senators to their ranks as they face a growing workload and a number of vacancies persisting in only their second week back in session.
Tuesday’s ASUW Senate meeting covered a wide range of issues ranging from budget discussions, student issues, nominations, and a much anticipated visit from guest speaker and newly appointed Dr. Zebadiah Hall, Vice President for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.
VP Hall began his address to the senate with a description of his appearance in an effort to be inclusive of all abilities and of those attending on zoom. In his introduction, the vice president spoke to the ways in which he sees diversity, equity, and inclusion playing into areas of university life.
“Something that was said to me when I moved here is that UW is the only game in town. To be able to come to UW and really affect the state in every corner is really exciting to me because I care about the people,” said Hall.
“UW is in a position that is different from [universities] in other states so the opportunity that we all have to move not only this institution forward but the state– that’s what was really exciting.”
When asked about what he sees as his biggest challenges entering this new position, Director Hall focused on a central issue, respect.
“How do we have different dialogue and different viewpoints in a respectful way? How do we not let the political landscape dictate how we treat each other within the walls of the institution?”
According to Hall, the benefits of sharing respectful but differing opinions, and adopting a systematic perspective will help black and brown students in a predominately white space, LGBTQ+ students, as well as staff and faculty.
Newly elected ASUW senators Colter Anderson and Olivia Crooke seek to bring a fresh perspective to the budget and planning committee, informed by their own unique experiences.
Anderson has returned to student government after a year break following burnout during heated budget deliberations in 2021-2022.Colleagues then quoted him as saying I am done with ASUW and I will never be coming back.
“I am very excited to be back working for ASUW and more importantly for our constituents, the students of University of Wyoming,” he said, despite the break.
Anderson shares an interest in budget and planning leadership withfellow senator Crooke, a junior majoring in psychology with a minor in American politics who is currently serving as the president of UW campus’ college panhellenic association (CPH).
Crooke received praise during deliberations, with only a slight concern over her ability to handle the demanding schedules of a CPH president and ASUW senator.
“I do not doubt my abilities,” Crooke said of the criticism.
“Considering a lot of things that happened last year, I am very interested in the budget and planning committee,”she added, “I am also very passionate about mending communication gaps between higher administration and the student body as that can be frustrating.”
ASUW President Allison Brown presented an updated budget for the executive branch which included a pay raise correlating with UW’s raised minimum wage and earning of senators.
$1,000 is to be allocated towards the continued sexual assault prevention and education, with a promise that the issue will remain a priority line item for current and future administrations.
Brown also stated her own and ASUW’s support for gender and women’s studies programs on campus in light of state legislation which could remove funding for that and other such programs.
