Name: Laura M. Johnson
Position: Senate Seat 19 (Journalism)
Age: 19
Hometown: Yankston, S.D.
Class standing: Freshman
Major: Journalism and Art
Arrests: None
Briefly explain your platform.
I believe that the ASUO has the ability to be more accessible for students.
What qualities and experience qualify you to be an ASUO senator?
I’ve always thought of myself as someone who becomes involved and isn’t afraid of taking on a lot of work. I was an intern for the Senate last term. I have a good understanding of parliamentary procedure.
What are your thoughts on the purpose and size of the student incidental fee?
I believe the incidental fee is there so student groups have the funding they need. I believe that while people come to college to be educated, it’s the student groups that become an incentive for students to pick a particular school.
How will you ensure that you are representing your constituents’ interests?
Journalism school is close-knit. It would be easier to become familiar with the people I am representing, if that means holding office hours in the school or sending constant updates of what I am doing.
What are some major issues facing journalism students and how would you address them?
The new Gateway program begins next year and I think a concern is that the program has been thrown together and it might just be a guinea pig program. If it comes across as not being a great program I hope to work with people developing the program and make students confident about the money they are spending on their education.