Open season has finally started for student government, as 11 grievances were filed against ASUO Senate Treasurer Nathan Perley on Nov. 18, marking the first official complaint regarding a student government official this year. While grievances may cause grief for those accused, it is important that students not only pay attention to the actions of our elected officials, but hold them accountable for fulfilling their duties.
Sen. Perley’s case has not yet been reviewed by the Constitution Court and there is no definite timetable for when a verdict will be made. But the grievances – which in part pertain to Perley’s duty to make budget information available and facilitate communication of financial matters – are a timely reminder that the ASUO holds a great deal of power when it comes to students’ money.
And we need to be watching, closely.
During the next few months, three ASUO committees will allocate almost $10 million – straight from your pocket via the student incidental fee – to fund student groups and contracted services for the 2008-09 school year. Students have the right, if not the responsibility, to understand the processes of the ASUO and to participate as an educated student body.
All ASUO meetings discussing decisions that affect students are public, meaning anyone can attend, observe and have the opportunity to speak. Rarely, though, are students other than ASUO members and campus media present.
While campus media like the Emerald and the Oregon Commentator play an important role in documenting what happens within the ASUO, they should not be the only watchdogs of student government.
Any University student also has the right to file a formal grievance if he or she believes a member of student government has acted in non-compliance with policies and procedures, exceeded authority or abused discretion. The grievance then goes to the Constitution Court for review. It is important to know your rights as a student, and you can find out more about them by visiting the ASUO’s Web site.
Grievances should not be filed haphazardly or be used for political purposes, but they are the most direct and efficient way to demand transparency in student government business and fulfillment of responsibility for those involved.
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