TUESDAY,APRIL 8,2003
NEWS
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN = 5A
Referendums for freshman, University representation
Freshmen voice critical for democracy
By Cate Batchelder
cbatchelder@kansan.com
Kansan staff writer
In just two days, Delta Force freshmen/sophomore candidates rounded up more than 1,000 signatures for a petition to put freshman representation on the ballot as Referendum 1.
"It's about direct democracy, basically," said Kevin McKenzie, Association of University Residence Halls' senator and Delta Force candidate.
Almost 600 students signed the petition outside of Mrs. Es. Megan Becker, McPherson freshman, signed the petition in an English class.
"We should have a voice," Becker said. "We're not given the opportunity to say what we want
because we're looked down upon."
The referendum would try to give the freshmen class a voice, according to Becker. In the referendum, which can be viewed at http://www.ku.edu/-election, only first-year undergraduate students could vote in an online October poll to elect five freshmen senators. The new seats would not take away freshmen/sophomore positions elected this spring; it would add five seats to the 80 already in Student Senate.
"There are concerns that Senate is too large now, but at the same time, we want to have some power in Senate," McKenzie said.
McKenzie was the only voting freshman senator in Senate last semester besides Chris Entwhis-
tle, Queers and Allies senator. Both positions were appointed. Three more freshmen became replacement senators at the beginning of this semester.
McKenzie has brought three different proposals to Senate to give freshmen representation. The proposals either failed in committees or were amended not to include freshmen in the bills.
Jenny Ternes opposed the proposed bills. As a Nunemaker senator, she said she was doing her job to represent both sophomores and freshmen.
Andy Knopp, business senator and KUnited student body presidential candidate, said earlier proposals of freshmen representation were thrown together.
"I think freshmen representa
tion is great," he said. "You just have to do it right."
Even though freshmen representation is not on the Delta Force handbill, Drew Thomas, Delta Force student body presidential candidate, said it was one of coalition's larger concerns. Direct freshmen representation makes sense, he said.
"One of the ways that we can make sure that the freshmen who go to this University are represented is to have freshmen representing freshmen," he said.
McKenzie echoed his sentiments.
"Freshmen are an important part of this University," McKenzie said. "Our voices must be heard."
Edited by Melissa Hermreck
Referendums
Student Senate
These two referendums will appear as below on the ballot tomorrow and Thursday:
[Handwritten Markdown]
These two referendums will appear as below on the ballot tomorrow and Thursday:
[Handwritten Markdown]
Referendum 1
A STUDENT INITIATIVE TO ADD FIRST YEAR REPRESENTATION TO STUDENT SENATE
This initiative will accomplish the goal of allowing first year students to have a direct voice in the governance of their campus through electing first year student senators in October Online Elections.
Student Senate Rules and Regulations shall be amended as follows:
ADD: 6.5.1 F Administer an online election in October for five first year student senators, for which only first year undergraduate students can vote.
ADD: 2.1.2.1 Five first year student senators, who must be newly enrolled in the fall semester, will be elected in October via online election open only to newly enrolled
Referendum2
undergraduate students.
REFERENCES
A STUDENT INITIATIVE TO ADD A 50 CENT STUDENT FEE TO FUND UNIVERSITY MEMBERSHIP TO THE UNITED STATES
STUDENTS' ASSOCIATION PURPOSE: Should a 50 cent per semester student fee be enacted to fund university membership to the United States Students' Association (USSA)? The Fee will not be assessed during summer term. USSA is the oldest nation-wide student association that as a multi-identity, multi-issue grassroots organization, organizes and advocates on issues impacting all student communities. The membership provides student access to legislative research, national
Students to vote on fee for membership into United States Student Organization
conferences, multiculturalism consultation and representation on a federal level.
By Cate Batchelder
catchelder@kansan.com
Kansan staff writer
Student Senate Rules and Regulations shall be amended to reflect this fee.
The USSA is oldest nationwide student association in the country that is the only recognized student voice in Congress, said Jo'ie Taylor, USSA president.
Students can vote on Referendum 2 tomorrow and Thursday on whether to institute a mandatory 50 cent per semester student fee, which would give the University membership in the United States Student Association.
Taxation without representation won't be happening at the University of Kansas.
"We believe that all the universities should have a voice at our table in order to have a voice at the bigger table," she said.
The referendum states that membership would mean access to legislative research, national conferences, multiculturalism consultation and national representation.
The referendum was presented to Student Senate on Feb. 26 by the Student Legislative Awareness Board.
After hearing about the referendum, Ryan Faulconer, finance committee member, went to the USSA Web site, www.usstudents.org, and found a 40-page list of issues it fights each year as determined by its membership.
Faulconer said he agreed with most of USSA's stance but the rest of the student body might not. The list might be too long, he said.
"By fighting for so much, you may hurt the student cause at the same time." Faulconer said.
In an e-mail to other Senate members, Faulconer pointed out
USSA issues, like intellectual colonialism, the national drinking age and its view on the North Korean famine. Focusing lobbying efforts on higher education matters, like the tuition increases, is a realistic approach to finding results, he said.
Jeff Allmon, community affairs director for SLAB, said the variety of issues supported by USSA was one of its benefits.
"USSA would be a great way to bring in diversity and connect that to every student at KU," he said.
The USSA has a voice on
higher education issues on Capitol Hill with members of Congress looking to USSA for the student opinion, Taylor said.
Also in question is the constitutionality of whether a university can have a mandatory student fee on a referendum to pay for lobbying efforts. The Supreme Court case Southworth vs. Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System addressed the issue at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Although the referendum was withdrawn, the Supreme Court
decided student fees could be used for political speech.
Brian Thomas, University Affairs committee member, said constitutionality of the referendum was a murky subject. USSA has merits, he said, but no one outside Senate knew what they were.
Adam Klaus, USSA training coordinator, will be on campus tonight through Friday morning to take questions from students and talk to organizations about the association.
— Edited by Molly Gise
Tournament Sale
Lawrence Athletic Club will reduce its enrollment fee by $1 for every point KU scored in its last tournament game. *Some Restrictions Apply*
Offer Expires April 9,2003
LAC North
3201 Mesa Way
785.842.4966
LAC South
2108 W.27th St.
785.331.2288
Go 'Hawks!
LAC East
1202 E.23rd St.
(behind Kantronics)
785.841.8200
Career Takes Flight
the insolibilities
Come to a place where your career can take flight. You'll be surrounded by professionals ready to help you at a moment's notice. You'll develop working relationships that feel like family. At the end of the day, you'll know you've made a difference doing what you love to do.
Degree in Special Education & certification in MR, SMD, will consider certification in BD with experience in multiple disabilities or additional special ed. cert., K-12 Comprehensive salary based on education & experience. Excellent employee benefits. Contact Julie Noller for information at jillnerhearp.com or to submit resume. ECOFM@
SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHERS – Provide year-round instruction to children with low incidence disabilities, autism, sensory impairment, moderate to severe learning and behavior problems. Train students in classroom design and implement instructional programs to meet individual student needs based on a functional curriculum. High staff rank ratio with medical, psychology & therapy support unit with diagnostic technician. Experienced teacher assigned for training & support.
HEARTSPRING
8700 East 21st Street North - Michaela K. 67226
8305-013-149 | badmujk.com - Michigan.ks/67226 + heartprint.org
YEARS OF KU BASKETBALL TRADITION HAVE LED TO THIS MOMENT...
THANKS FOR A GREAT SEASON, 'HAWKS!
623 VERMONT
749-5067
I