ASBSU reaches 1K mark

ASBSU has collected over 1,000 signatures for the petition calling for university president Ruch’s voluntary resignation last Tuesday, and will now officially call for Ruch to step down. The petition was in circulation for one week and garnered 1,129 verified signatures.

The ASBSU Senate passed a resolution on Jan. 29 stating that Dr. Ruch be asked to resign upon the collection of 1,000 signatures. Reasons listed for Ruch’s resignation included a disregard for BSU students, a history of financial irresponsibility, lack of leadership during the current budget crises, and the loss of faith and confidence by the student body.

Peterson announced the petition drive during a press conference on Jan. 29. As a result of meeting the goal of 1,000 signatures, the resolution calling for Ruch’s resignation will be sent to Ruch, the four university vice presidents, and all members of the State Board of Education.

Peterson will personally present the petition to Ruch at some point next week, but a meeting had not been set as of press time. Peterson said on Friday that the ASBSU might back off from calling for Ruch’s resignation if Ruch was willing to address their concerns.

Peterson has also criticized the administration for not providing a web site with budget info as had been done by the University of Idaho. In response, a new web site providing information was added last Thursday.

Larry Burke, University Relations Director, said that the web site was a result of Peterson’s press conference.

“Nate Peterson mentioned it in his press conference and we thought it was a good idea,” Burke said.

Burke also said the administration hopes students use the web site to make suggestions to the university on how to deal the budget crunch.

In a gesture to students, Ruch will also begin holding weekly lunches with select members of the student body. According to Peg Blake, Vice President of Student Affairs, the lunch meetings would allow Ruch to talk with a couple of students each week. Blake announced the new weekly lunches to the ASBSU senate last Tuesday.

When asked how students would be selected for participation, Blake admitted she hadn’t thought that far out yet. However, she did indicate that a mix of student leadership and student body members would be desirable.

Andy Benson

Related Posts:

1. Ruch formally asked to resign
2. ASBSU: Ruch should resign
3. Budget information link added to BSU home page
4. Letters to the Editor
5. Student leaders want Ruch fired