FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
1 December 2021
CONTACT:
Tyler Katzenberger, Press Office Director
press@asm.wisc.edu | 715-465-0289
ASM Creates Two New Coordinator Positions, Advocates for Student Workers' Rights
MADISON, WI — On Wednesday, the ASM Student Council approved legislation creating a new Sustainability Campaign Coordinator position, a new Anti-Violence Coordinator position, and a new shared governance committee promoting student workers’ rights.
Sustainability Chair Ashley Cheung introduced the Sustainability Campaign Coordinator legislation, which was supported by former Sustainability Chairs Natalie Tinsen and Sanauz Alaei during the open forum period. The legislation created a new paid position responsible for facilitating conversation and collaboration between sustainability-related organizations on campus and co-chairing the Sustainability Committee.
Chair Cheung sees her legislation as a way to unify campus sustainability groups. “In the wake of local and global issues of climate change and resilience, the creation of a new Sustainability Campaign Coordinator position will help unite student sustainability efforts across campus,” said Cheung.
Student Council Representative Erin Tritz reintroduced the amended Anti-Violence Coordinator legislation with the support of Promoting Awareness, Victim Empowerment (PAVE-UW) and the Student Title IX Advisory Committee. The legislation created a new paid position which will work alongside other organizations on campus to break down the oppressive nature of sexual violence and other forms of violence on campus.
“I am proud that ASM is taking a step to represent and advocate for survivors,” said Rep. Tritz in response to ASM’s approval of the new position. “Violence of all kinds on campus is a serious issue, and the Anti-Violence Coordinator is an important new resource which will elevate student efforts to combat it.”
ASM will appoint its first Sustainability Campaign Coordinator and Anti-Violence Coordinator during the 29th Session.
ASM also voted on Wednesday to create the Student Workers’ Rights Committee (SWRC), a new shared governance body which will advocate for on-campus student employees. The
legislation was introduced by SSFC Chair Maxwell Laubenstein with the support of Student Council Representative Jack Phillips and the Teaching Assistants’ Association (TAA).
“I am happy to see ASM moving to support more routes for advocacy for UW Madison students,” said Chair Laubenstein. “The SWRC will specifically work to directly address labor concerns for students on campus and provide a route for advocacy on their behalf.”
The SWRC consists of eight total seats, with three assigned to the SSFC Chair, the EIC Chair, and the Shared Governance Chair and the remaining five reserved for students appointed by the Shared Governance Committee.
ASM also approved the first draft version of its Fiscal Year 2023 budget on Wednesday. The budget will now be sent to the Student Services Finance Committee, who will review and edit the budget before sending it back to the Student Council.
Finally, on Wednesday, ASM hosted special guest speakers UW-Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank and Campus Area Neighborhood Association President Elias Tsarovsky.
Chancellor Blank addressed various student concerns, including COVID-19 vaccination requirements, preparations for the Omicron variant, progress on diversity and equity initiatives, and new student mental health resources. She also answered student questions on booster shot reporting, residence hall availability, dining issues, and UHS Survivor Services funding.
The next Student Council meeting will be on Wednesday, December 8 at 6:30 p.m. in the Hearing Room on the 4th Floor of the Student Activity Center at 333 East Campus Mall.
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-- Associated Students of Madison: Tyler Katzenberger