Berquam: Vote in ASM elections

University of Wisconsin–Madison Dean of Students Lori Berquam is encouraging students to get involved in shared governance by voting in next week’s Associated Students of Madison (ASM) spring elections.

“Students demonstrated their commitment to our national community when voting in the recent presidential primary. Let’s do the same for our campus government,” she says. “ASM also play a major role in creating an environment where all voices are valued.”

The online elections are scheduled for April 1-3.

Students will elect members of the Student Services Finance Committee and a total of 29 Student Council members, proportionally representing each of the university’s academic colleges.  Additionally, the senior class will have the opportunity to elect officers, including class president, vice-president, treasurer, and secretary.  

The Student Services Finance Committee (SSFC) provides funding for student and non-student-run organizations on campus, like the campus Women’s Center and SAFE Ride. The committee makes recommendations to the ASM Student Council regarding the distribution of over $19 million in segregated fees.  The Student Council, with 33 elected representatives, serves as the legislative body for UW–Madison’s 40,000 students.  

ASM has served as the official student government since 1994, advocating for students at the municipal, state, and federal level.  ASM efforts include the establishment of a 24-hour library, a Madison Metro bus pass for each student, and the creation of a Shadow Day where high school students can spend a day with UW students.  ASM has also taken a lead in promoting social justice and diversity on campus.