by Carley Litten
Members of Colorado Mesa University’s Associated Student Government (ASG) met Friday, Jan. 27, for the State of the Students Address, and press conference allowing for questions and discussion with ASG President Ben Linzey. Press conferences will be a new addition to the weekly schedule of ASG.
“The idea behind these press conferences is to keep you informed on what is happening within the Associated Student Government,” Linzey said. “But also [to] maintain an honest and open dialogue between the two of us, so that we feel and you feel like we can both represent each other.”
In the State of the Students Address, Linzey concentrated on informing what it means to be a Maverick and touching on what is to come.
“If you don’t think this school is great, then I challenge you to make it great. Let’s take responsibility for our futures,” Linzey said. “If you want a bigger crowd at sporting events, then I challenge you to be that bigger crowd.”
During the press conference, Linzey went into further detail on new aspects coming to CMU. Including a possible grant for mental health on campus.
“We’ve been talking with [CMU Vice President] John Marshall. They’ve been looking into a grant for mental health on campus,” Linzey said. “That is going to revolve around having a nurse practitioner, a psychiatric nurse practitioner, as well as many other services for students.”
Though the details of the grant have yet to be finalized, there will also be a push for increasing overall health on campus.
“I would like to have either a senate committee or myself reevaluate the tobacco policy on campus to make it a more inclusive policy,” Linzey said. “We’ve also been talking with level four nursing students about possibly working with STI prevention on campus as well.”
On top of the added press conferences, two new bills were passed at the last meeting that took place on Wednesday. This includes an increase in funding to Club Cross Country by $1,536, as well as providing $1,080 for buses to transport CMU alumni for an upcoming Student Life trip to Powderhorn.
“Part of these responsibilities we have as an ASG is overseeing a $1.4 million budget that affects all student-run organizations and clubs,” Linzey said. “Essentially we turn your student fees into fun.”
Press conferences will be held every Friday at 3 p.m. in Escalante Hall and their weekly meeting will continue to be held every Wednesday at 7 p.m. in room 231 of the University Center.
