What has student government
done for you lately?

With much of the spotlight shining on the student

government’s efforts to increase funding for Boise State,

many of their more micro activities go unnoticed.

This semester ASBSU is working on issues ranging from improved

recycling methods to a teacher evaluation program accessible by

Boise State students.

ASBSU President Ali Ishaq said a system where students can

access teacher evaluations is a big issue for student

government.

“This is a service students have been requesting for a

long time, I think it’s very well warranted,” he

said.

After researching different methods and firms the ASBSU decided

to go with “Pick-a-Prof” – a firm with a

comprehensive and nationally recognized evaluation service, he

said. Ishaq said the program would help students to find teachers

best suited to their own individual styles.

The current teacher evaluations at Boise State are not

accessible to students. The trial run will cost $2,500 per year,

down from the company’s initial estimate of $5,000, and will

come from ASBSU’s budget, he said.

Also undergoing change in the near future is the method used to

fund Boise State clubs and organizations. Ishaq said the student

government is looking at ways ease fundraising efforts for

clubs.

“Instead of spending their time raising money, they should

be able to spend more time doing activities, going to conferences,

and holding events on campus,” he said.

Currently, ASBSU matches the dollar amount raised by clubs and

organizations. Ishaq said by working with club presidents and

researching how other schools fund organizations, they can come up

with an effective process. Ishaq said he expects to see change in

the method sometime next year.

Student government is also tackling campus recycling this

semester. Ishaq said ASBSU is working on a proposal to take to the

administration outlining a dedication to campus-wide recycling.

The current program is decentralized, each building is

responsible for their own conservation practices if they choose to

do it, he said. Ishaq said this causes much waste and inefficiency

at the university. After looking at different models of recycling

at other universities, he said, ASBSU should have a proposal

completed towards the end of the semester.

ASBSU Vice President Jim Wolfe said getting the administration

to match funds for the Idaho Promise Scholarship as part of the

Campaign for Students was also a proud achievement this year. The

Idaho Promise Scholarship provides $250 for Idaho high school

graduates who enroll Idaho institutions of higher education.

“I think we need to compete with schools from other states

and keep more Idaho high school graduates in Idaho,” he said.

“This is one way we can do that.”

By adding the scholarship to the student campaign, people

donating money for scholarships can now choose The Idaho Promise as

one of their selections.

Wolfe also said ASBSU is working to keep Albertson’s

Library open 24 hours during finals week, as well as the computer

lab in the multi-purpose building during dead week. Additionally,

he said they will push for extended hours at The Rec during finals

week.

“I think it’s something we should try out, and if

students respond to it, then we should keep it going,” Wolfe

said.

Kyle Gorham
News Reporter
The Arbiter

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