IU Student Association speaks out to students

The IU Student Association has always been a controversial group. As the representative body of the students of IU, it is in a position of great debate and great potential. IUSA represents the students' concerns and must address them accordingly. When an issue is raised, it is IUSA that must confront the administration and trustees to further the students' interests. With this, I believe IUSA to be making great strides toward a relevant and aggressive student governance organization.\nMany issues have been raised in the last four months. At the beginning of the current administration's term, issues regarding fees and student rights escalated quickly. The outcome certainly favored students. Universal bus transportation throughout Bloomington, national newspapers throughout campus and representation during the campus judicial process are now offered.\nAs we continue past the first month of school, there are a variety of issues confronting us. The first, and most pressing, is the issue regarding the athletics fee set to end at the end of this school year. This is something that IUSA has been fighting for the past two years, and finally the students were heard. \nHowever, it is now apparent what the athletics department must do to balance a budget that has been in the red for many years. We will be addressing the issue of lost seats in Assembly Hall, charging for soccer and all Olympic sports, and maintaining the accessibility of sporting events while heeding the voice of the students.\nAnother issue that is moving to the front of the collective IU conscious is the debate over admissions standards and increasing the profile of the freshmen class. IUSA will be making a statement regarding accessibility and will be active in the discussion until a firm policy is intact. \nOne of the more important concerns that IUSA will be addressing this school year is the orientation of the new Bloomington chancellor, who is set for appointment by Thanksgiving. The outgoing chancellor, Ken Gros Louis, has left a legacy of strong student involvement within the operations of this institution, and it is our job to ensure this legacy lives on with the next Bloomington chancellor.\nIUSA strives to be the voice of the students, but without your input, we fail to represent successfully. I am in my office (IMU 387 in the Student Activities Tower) everyday to address your concerns. So feel free to stop by and speak your mind. Let us continue to further the notion of advocating for the students and continue offering the finest University experience we can. \nFor more information, visit our Web site at www.indiana.edu/~iusa.