ASPSU sets agenda for new school year

Establishing a textbook exchange program is the top priority among 1,000 students, according to data from surveys conducted by Portland State’s student government.

About 269 students, or 26 percent of those surveyed, listed the textbook exchange program as their first or second priority from a list of five issues they would like to see the members of the Associated Students of Portland State University (ASPSU) work on over the next year.

ASPSU has not yet established any specifics for the potential textbook program, said student body president Rudy Soto, but it could be anything from the basic “give a book, take a book” method, to a book rental program run through the PSU bookstore. Tamera Kennedy, ASPSU’s campaign coordinator, is currently researching possible structures for the program, Soto said.

Access to a 24-hour library came in second to the textbook program. A more affordable health care plan, a universal student bus pass and avenues for connecting students to one another and campus resources came in third, fourth and fifth, respectively, according to the surveys.

Beyond surveying more students, Soto said that the 11 members of the ASPSU executive staff plan to complete multiple goals from Soto’s campaign platform by the end of fall term.

Those include registering 3,000 voters; launching an events calendar on their website by Nov. 26 (www.aspsu.pdx.edu); working with the Oregon Student Equal Rights Alliance and the Oregon Students of Color Coalition to establish PSU chapters; surveying students and faculty about a 24-hour library; revamping interest in www.ratepsu.com, a professor rating website, and Higher One, PSU’s financial card; possibly restarting a homecoming dance; filling all university committees; and organizing forums with candidates for local and state government.

For additional information or contact information for ASPSU, visit www.aspsu.pdx.edu.