By Jeannette Cruz
GCU News Bureau
In response to student population growth, the Associated Students of Grand Canyon University (ASGCU) passed the University’s first-ever constitution Tuesday night.
Senate vice chair Colson Franse, one of seven members of the voting panel at the student government meeting, called the moment a “monumental point for the student body.”
“The senators were given the constitution a week before to look over and become comfortable with the document at hand, so there was no hesitation,” he said. “It’s something that we’ve been waiting to have for years, and this is a great time to keep growing and thriving.”
The constitution, written by ASGCU president Slate Herman, his predecessors, student government staff and University leaders, was a project that took roughly three years to complete and was introduced because of the increased number of students on campus. ASGCU is the primary student advocacy group on campus.
“What we have is really a holistic document that we can be held liable for years to come,” Herman said.
Key elements of the constitution explain the role of the student body president, the role of the student senate and the rights of students. It will be posted on asgcu.gcu.edu along with a set of bylaws.
“While we are going from a school of a few thousand students to approaching 20,000 students now, the University has always wanted to keep a close connection between students and administration,” Herman said. “We really wanted to reflect the way that we function as a University throughout the document and emphasize that communication is key.”
Herman said that while he doesn’t believe that the University infringes on any rights of the students, he wants students to know the roles that are given to them on behalf of the student government.
Alysha Clark, chief of staff for ASGCU, is in her fourth year with the group and said she has watched students' appreciation for the student government organization continue to grow, especially through its various campaigns, causes and partnerships on campus. That includes the “It's On Us” movement, a nationwide rally to prevent sexual assault and create a community of active bystanders.
According to Clark, ASGCU has grown into an organization that cares for students in a “focused” and “pointed” way because of its own increase in members.
“Because of the student population growth, ASGCU has also witnessed growth," she said. "With this growth comes large opportunity and that has affected us heavily, but in the most positive way. We have been blessed with added diversity, opinions and unique perspectives, and our goal is to continue demonstrating our love and commitment.”
Contact Jeannette Cruz at (602) 639-6631 or [email protected].
