Classes haven't been in session for long at the University of Washington, but the ASUW is already busy hosting events, providing services to students, and politically lobbying on behalf of students.
Over the summer, Office of Government Relations Director Austin Wright Pettibone was able to meet with dozens of city and state legislators to remind them of the student perspective. Wright-Pettibone and the ASUW Board of Directors wrote a letter to the Seattle City Council on housing affordability, seeing media coverage and action from Mayor Ed Murray. Murray recently installed a new investigative housing task-force comprised of 28 community members, and included OGR Assistant Director Mitch Brown on the list.
During Dawg Daze we held a variety of events around campus including a pizza bake from the Student Food Cooperative, informational involvement sessions from the Office of Volunteer Opportunities, and large events such as Quad Flicks and Fall Fling from Arts & Entertainment. We saw an estimated 4,000 students at Fall Fling this year!
Looking ahead, we urge students to get involved now! We have an abundance of opportunities available to students looking to develop their skills and give back to their fellow students. Almost every Diversity Commission as well as the Student Health Consortium, Arts & Entertainment, and Rainy Dawg Radio are looking for interns or volunteers! Coordinate models for the Everybody Every Body Fashion Show, host your own talk radio show, advocate on behalf of your unique community, or create new campus policies through the Student Senate. All opportunities are listed with applications at volunteer.asuw.org.
As employees, we spent 3 days together coordinating goals, brainstorming effective outreach strategies, and getting to know one another. We've got a number of events already in motion and can't wait to see as many students as possible engaged with our programs.
As an Association, this year we will strive to engage all voices, act as an intersection for cross-campus collaboration, and stay accountable to the students.
The ASUW Office of Government Relations and Board of Directors are taking an active part in the development of the U District Urban Design Framework and Strategic Plan. We urge the Seattle City Council to not only keep in mind student affordability, but to include us in discussions and establish a task-force to investigate different housing options. For more on Student Affordability, check out our Meet Us in The Middle Report, published May 2014. Please contact OGR Director, Austin Wright-Pettibone at asuwogr@uw.edu, with any questions.
Students of the University of Washington have faced new challenges with Seattle's recent rent hikes. Rising housing costs, in addition to soaring tuition and student debt levels, have had significant negative impacts on affordability at UW[i]. Now, as the city prepares to rezone the U District, we, the Associated Students of the University of Washington, call upon the Council and Mayor Ed Murray to incorporate student voices into the city planning process and establish affordability for students as a primary concern.
Authorize the formation of a Student Housing Affordability Task Force to advise the Department of Planning and Development in the affordable housing needs of students. We ask that this group be charged specifically with looking into the regulatory policy surrounding the U District Urban Design Framework, and be authorized to present their recommendations to City Council and DPD officials.
Ensure a reasonable proportion of funding is set aside in development projects to develop student-eligible affordable housing.
Without such measures in place, students will either be displaced or driven further into debt by the proposed rezoning. We believe that it is the joint responsibility of the city and our university to provide adequate and affordable housing for the 44,000 students of the University of Washington[ii].
Already, plummeting state support has made it harder for us to finance our education. With a 52% decline in public funding, tuition at UW has risen more than 75% in the past six years, placing an increased burden on ourselves and our families[iii]. Commensurately, average student debt at UW has risen 17%[iv], as have the average number of hours we must work to finance our education[v].
Therefore, it is of great concern to us when proposed plans to develop the University District threaten to further increase the cost burden for students already struggling to access the University[vi].
Some have argued UW should develop additional units of affordable housing priced for students. While we agree with this position and would like to see the University develop additional units, we must also note that neither now, nor at any time in our school's history, have there been sufficient units to house the entire student community[vii]. The simple truth is that we are expected to live off-campus, and we must have affordable places to live.
Unfortunately, that truth is becoming rapidly unattainable. The average student earns just $763 per month working part time at 20 hours per week[viii]. That money must be allocated to food, books, housing, and tuition in the cases where financial aid does not cover costs. Yet, housing rates are increasing at a rate of more than 7% per quarter[ix], which places current pricing in the University District at or above $1,000 per month/per student[x].
Consequently, even without the rezoning measure, students are forced to use student loans in order to afford housing near our University. At a time when student debt surpasses $1 trillion dollars, we are deeply concerned about housing costs further contributing to student debt.
Unless we take action now, the affordability of our education will continue to decrease at an alarming rate, threatening our vibrant student community. We believe that by working in partnership with local community officials we can find a solution that preserves access and affordability for students, while fitting within the city's master plan.
We look forward to partnering with the City of Seattle on this issue, and eagerly await the Council's action on these three requests.
[i] Kutz, Michael; McNerny, Jeff; Badger, Hailey, et al. "Meet us in the Middle: Affordability for the Working Student." Associated Students of the University of Washington, Seattle: May 14.
[ii] On average, public institutions of the UW's size tend to house just 25% of students on campus. The rest are expected to live in outside housing, making City-University partnerships critical in maintaining college access.
[iii] Office of Planning & Budgeting. "Twenty Year History of Tuition & Required Fees." University of Washington, Seattle.
[iv] Kutz, Michael; McNerny, Jeff; Badger, Hailey, et al. "Meet us in the Middle: Affordability for the Working Student." Associated Students of the University of Washington, Seattle: May 14.
[vi] "Draft Environmental Impact Statement." Department of Planning & Development, City of Seattle: April 14.
[vii] The UW's master housing plan, authorized by the Board of Regents, projects the University will house 21% of students.
[viii] Curtis, Kyle. "ASUW Wage Summary." Associated Students of the University of Washington, Seattle: 1 Jul 14.
[x] Housing & Food Services. "Market Survey, Private Sector Recap." University of Washington, Seattle: Sep 2013.
We need your help. New Subsidized Stafford Loan rates will double beginning on July 1st, leading to an average $1,000 tuition increase per year for students with these loans. Take a stand and write to your Representatives today by filling out the form on this facebook event.
See below for further information about student loans, campus events, and ways to get involved.
1. Don't Let Subsidized Stafford Loan rates double!
2. ExCo Classes are still available!
It's that time of year; the elections for next year's Associated Students of the University of Washington (ASUW) Board of Directors are quickly approaching. Last year, there was a record-breaking voter turnout of over 7000 students and this year, we'd like to see even more. In order for you to gain a comprehensive knowledge about what each of the candidates stand for, there will be a series of forums leading up to voting week, including the first-ever Presidential Candidates Debate. Your vote will decide who will lead the ASUW next year and how students' voices are represented to the administration and beyond.
The Voice is designed to bring ASUW Elections news and commentary to students. Providing coverage and opinions on election events, platforms and more. The Voice seeks to educate students about the candidates and the positions they are running for so students can make a more informed decision when they vote, and to keep the candidates accountable in what they say and do. The material is written by a group of students with many collective years of ASUW experience.
This year marks the 150th anniversary of the University of Washington. In celebration of this momentous achievement, the university is hosting HuskyFest, a three-day campus-wide event showcasing some of the amazing things going on at the UW. Below are some of the events showcasing students. You can find a complete list at the HuskyFest website here.
The UWPD will be hosting an open house on Wednesday, April 18th from 1-4 pm in the Bryants building room #111. Tours will begin at 2:30pm. Be sure to stop on by!
In honor of the University of Washington's 150 Celebration, the UW Class of 2012 Senior Class Gift is honoring the top 150 Seniors who have done exceptional work around this campus throughout their careers as Huskies. The 2012 Senior Class Gift is to create and sustain traditions on campus, to leave a legacy behind for future generations of students to enjoy and take pride in their university. With this vision in mind, we are searching for students with a mix of excellence in academic activities, professional achievements, student life and leadership roles, and community involvement both on and off campus. We want students who feel they have left a legacy, no matter how large or small that legacy may be. Apply via catalyst here.
sengift@uw.edu and check our Facebook page and donate today by visiting UW Foundation page! We look forward to all your submissions!
Apply for an ASUW Job!
Would you like to find a job for this next academic year?
Fantastic, because we want to give you a job.
Your student government is hiring over 55 paid positions this spring, all geared to provide programs and services to the UW student body for next year. Any UW student can apply for these jobs, no matter what year, major or residence you have. The best parts about these jobs?
Well, first off – you will get paid. Next – you get to work in the brand new HUB. Also – you get to set your own hours.
Already intrigued, well no need to wait. Click HERE.
Check out these exciting opportunities to get involved, including an opportunity to have your voice heard by the University of Washington Board of Regents.
1. Apply to be the next Student Regent!
The UW Board of Regents is holding a special forum to hear students' comments about the budget and tuition rates Wednesday, Feb. 15 from 3:30-5:00 pm in the William H. Gates Law School Room 133 (see campus map here). This is your opportunity to learn about the budget and give the Regents your opinion before tuition goes up. For more information, see the attached notice or check out the Facebook event here.
9. Speak up in support of funding your education!
10. Protect your rights as a tenant!
Tuition increases got you down?
Are you tired of the tuition increases? Do you want to do something about it? Check out the ways below to get involved right now to Save Our State and other ways to impact your campus.
1. Save Our State Rally and Huskies on the Hill- Sign Up and Attend!
2. Are you interested in performing drag?
Welcome back and a happy 2012 to you all. See below to find out how you could win a $50 gift card to the U Bookstore and how you can hear Max Brooks, son of the infamous Mel Brooks, discuss how to survive the Zombie Apocalypse!
1. Help Improve the ASUW Experimental College, win a $50 U Bookstore gift card!
2. Feedback needed for a Student Food Cooperative on campus!
4. The ASUW Office of Government Relations needs your help. Save Work Study and keep landlords accountable.
5. UW Relay for Life needs you to fight cancer at Kickoff and Chipotle!
Do you want to have a say in the future of the Odegaard Undergraduate Library? If tuition increases or financial aid is cut, will you still be able to attend school? See below for two important actions you can take right now.
Please take a few minutes to complete a short survey on the renovation of the Odegaard Undergraduate Library. The Washington State Legislature has provided a little over $16.5 million in the 2011-13 biennium to renovate Odegaard to support 21st Century students and learning. No tuition dollars from students are being used to fund the renovation and future renovations are dependent on additional state or outside funding. In order to ensure that students have an opportunity to participate in the renovation, please follow the link below and fill out the student survey.
Wonder what our new UW President, Michael K. Young, has planned out for the University of Washington? Well now is your chance to find out! See below for how you can meet him and other amazing opportunities happening across the UW campus this week!
2. Take a Stand Against Budget Cuts.
The ASUW Student Senate is having a forum with new UW President Michael K. Young this coming Tuesday, November 1st in Gowen Hall 301 from 5:30 pm to 6:30pm. This is a rare opportunity for students to engage in a direct conversation and meet our new husky leader. Come ask questions and listen to President Young's agenda for your university. Senate meetings are always open to the public.
In an effort to effectively inform you without overwhelming you, please refer to this table of contents and check out all the important information below at your convenience.
2. Where the Hell is the Pell Grant?
Thank you for taking the time to inform yourself and I hope you have a great weekend.
Even though its not a Presidential Election, there are many important issues and elected positions on the ballot. Ballots were mailed out YESTERDAY and the election is November 8th. This means you have three weeks to send in your ballot. Check it, stamp it, and mail it. Buy stamps at the U-Bookstore (Odegaard Branch) and at the post office at 42nd and University Way.
There are three important state initiatives on the ballot this year. Please educate yourself on these by checking out the "Yes" and "No" arguments so you can make an informed decision.
I-1125: Concerning state expenditures on transportation. Click Yes and No to stay informed.
I-1163: Concerning long-term care workers and services for elderly and disabled people. Click Yes and No to stay informed.
I-1183: Concerning liquor: beer, wine, and spirits (hard liquor). Click Yes and No to stay informed.
I'd like to briefly introduce myself, my name is Conor McLean and I am your 2011-2012 Associated Students of the University of Washington (ASUW) President. I want to welcome you into this historic year as the University of Washington celebrates its 150th birthday. This is a tremendous achievement not only for the university itself, but for the students, faculty, and staff that have shaped this university into the top-ranked institution it is today.
During the upcoming weeks, this campus will open its doors so you can experience it like never before. As you read this email, events are both being planned and are occurring across campus to engage students and provide opportunities for you to get involved and find a community among your fellow Huskies. Here are some out of the hundreds of events and services that you can take advantage of before classes begin Wednesday!
ASUW is excited to announce that voter turnout among students in the 2011 ASUW elections increased by 32 percent from the previous record in 2010!
Read the ASUW Annual Report!
ASUW has released its first ever Annual Report to keep students and the UW community informed about our activities and successes from throughout the year. We would love to hear your thoughts! Leave a comment or send us an email at asuw@uw.edu today!
Special thanks to the ASUW Publicity & Programming Committee for your hard work in compiling and designing the report!
President, University of Utah (2004-2011), during which time UU has led the nation in the number of business startups spawning from university research.