As the middle of the academic year rolls around again, it’s time judge to the quality of work of the ASUO Executive. We’re happy to report that we’re impressed with this year’s administration. ASUO President Rachel Pilliod is a bundle of energy, excited about the work she does and intelligent in explaining the content of that work to non-“wonky” types like us. We were not able to meet with ASUO Vice President Ben Buzbee in preparation for this report card, and as there are issues of leadership still outstanding in our minds until he has his day in court, we relied on Pilliod as the head of the ASUO Executive. We rated the administration based on its campaign platform from last year.
Legislative issues: A
Many students may not realize it, but an important part of what the ASUO Executive does is to represent students in lobbying efforts from the state level to the federal government. Pilliod has been very active in legislative issues, and under her leadership, Oregon was represented at the federal level through the United States Student Association, fighting for, among many other things, increased Pell Grants in the Higher Education Funding Act.
Also, we were impressed by ASUO’s record-breaking voter registration numbers for the November election.
Student leadership resources: B
Pilliod’s office has worked hard to replace the defunct Student Activities Resource Office, which was defunded last year. A new proposal to offer resources to students seeking leadership opportunities on campus has been forwarded to Vice President and Dean of Students Anne Leavitt as a suggestion for the president’s capital campaign, but realization of this program could be a long way off.
One the other hand, Pilliod created additional opportunities for leadership in the ASUO office and handles requests from students seeking opportunities. That is a concrete accomplishment.
Continuing the work of last year’s ASUO Executive: B+
Pilliod’s office has kept the energy fee from being increased any further, and we call that a success.
The administration also has continued last year’s work on a housing code. While Pilliod said the Eugene City Council hasn’t been willing to take on initiatives that could cost the city money, the ASUO has taken over the efforts of the Rental Information Office, which closed last year. The Executive is in the process of publishing a comprehensive rental information guide, as well as making resources available on the Internet.
Health Care: B+
As part of the USSA, Pilliod lobbied in front of the U.S. Congress for additional funding for women’s health care. The intiatives died, but giving students a voice is important.
Pilliod also has been working to change the billing system at the University Health Center, which currently requires students to bill their own insurance companies. Regular doctor’s offices perform this function, and the Health Center should as well.
Increasing diversity: B
Pilliod told us herself that the ASUO could prioritze diversity issues higher. Her office has continued past events, such as “Weaving New Beginnings,” and it joined in the National Take Affirmative Action Day in October. Also, Pilliod has added new positions in her office for multicultural outreach. While we would like to see more, diversity efforts are hard on such a homogenous campus.
Overall: A-/B+
This year’s ASUO Executive has been informed, involved and accessible — even in times of minor “scandals.” Pilliod has arranged her staff and conducts ASUO business professionally, and it shows.