Constitutional Amendments Are On The Ballot!

The upcoming 2024-2025 ASUWT election is shaping up to be one of the most pivotal moments in our student government’s history. For the first time since 2014, the ASUWT Constitution is undergoing significant changes that could redefine how our student government operates, making it more transparent, efficient, and aligned with the needs of the student body.

What's Changing and Why It Matters

Among the most notable changes is the renaming of key positions to better reflect their roles and responsibilities. The Director of University Affairs will now be known as the Vice President, and the Director of Internal Communications and Affairs will be shortened to Director of Internal Affairs. These adjustments aim to clarify the functions of these roles, ensuring that students, staff, administration, and the community at large understand who does what within ASUWT.

There are also structural changes on the horizon as well. The ASUWT Senate, the backbone of ASUWT’s academic advocacy work, is set to become more streamlined. The proposed amendments would result in a reduction in the size of the Senate to free up the budget to fund other initiatives that better impact students regardless of academic program, such as the work of the ASUWT Task Forces. The other proposed amendments also introduce the formal establishment of ASUWT task forces and a mandate for regular surveying of the student body to ensure that ASUWT stays in tune with the evolving needs and concerns of students.

Finally, a new section dedicated to ensuring internal organizational accountability is being introduced. This amendment is designed to hold student government members to higher standards, ensuring that they remain true to their commitments and the trust placed in them by the student body. With these changes, ASUWT is taking a bold step towards a more accountable, functional, and transparent governance model.

The Road to Approval

These amendments were meticulously crafted in a committee composed of Executive Board and Senate members and officially approved by the ASUWT Senate on March 5th. However, these amendments are not yet set in stone. For these changes to become a reality, they must receive the backing of the UW Tacoma student body. In the upcoming election, students will have the opportunity to vote on each proposed amendment. A 60% favorability needed for any change to be formally enacted.

What This Means for Prospective Candidates

All candidates will be running under the 2014 Constitution. However, if any amendment that impacts position duties, title changes, or how many slots are available, the change will take place instantaneously. This is especially important to consider for those planning to run for Senate positions. With potentially only one senator per school, the stakes are higher, and candidates will need to approach their campaigns with a “winner-takes-all” mentality.

It is also important for potential candidates to stay informed and consider how these potential changes will affect their roles and responsibilities should they be elected.