ASPSU has a long history of working with students at the university and state levels students to solve issues that affect them. As mentioned in your editorial, this fall we mobilized over 100 student volunteers who registered more than 2,500 students to vote.
Your editorial gives the sense that after this campaign we ceased reaching out to students, however, this is not true. Students come to our office to work with us on issues that are important to them. The Senate and Executive branches work closely together to gather information from the diverse PSU community and to disperse information. We are planning on tabling, visiting classrooms, and holding town halls.
ASPSU is a student run organization that prioritizes the success of its students. Sometimes students need to take a step away from the organization to succeed personally. We now have a full, experienced staff that is advancing the goals of ASPSU and the students.
We would like to clarify some inaccuracies in your editorial. The current ASPSU administration took office on June 1, 2010, not in May. While running for office, President Markey never made campaign promises. She ran on three themes: 1) Student Voice in Restructuring, 2) Student Dignity, and 3) Inclusive Spaces. Students have been involved in restructuring all year:
Over 600 student testimonials have been collected. We are mobilizing students to educate and engage them in restructuring (as shown in the Vanguard, Jan 28, 2011, “Restructuring gains momentum on campus,”). We have hosted Days of Action to educate students and gather their opinions. Senators are engaging their constituents in discussions about restructuring.
Two areas on campus have changed signs to promote gender-neutral awareness. The room in ASPSU was converted into an office for SFC and the president to provide a secure location for files and supplies. OSA is a valuable ally and tool that we use to lobby and organize with other public universities, however, the needs of PSU students have always, and will always, take precedence over OSA’s agenda.
In order to avoid future inaccuracies, we invite the Editorial Board to meet with us so we can provide you with accurate information. For more information on past ASPSU activities that engaged students, please refer to previous issues of your publication. ?