Board of Governors may ?play stronger role in Association of Student Governmens

The UNC-system Board of Governors could soon take a more active role in the leadership of system’s Association of Student Governments if policy changes are approved.

The board’s personnel and tenure committee will discuss the potential changes Thursday, which include the elimination of any ASG member with lobbying duties and more oversight from system President Thomas Ross’ staff.

Committee member Dudley Flood said the board and ASG, which represents the system’s 17 institutions, enjoy a strong but carefully managed relationship.

“From time to time, we might be more inquisitive of their operations,” he said.

But ASG Vice President Alecia Page said the organization needs its autonomy to fight against policies which are negative for students.

“ASG is a vital part of advocating for the UNC system and the only liaison for UNC and the General Assembly,” she said.

ASG’s General Assembly is composed of 68 delegates who represent each UNC-system institution.

With the changes, Ross would consult with ASG to create a new advisory position.

This adviser would aim to ensure that ASG operations are compatible with system policy.

“An adviser position would be helpful and help to get ASG on track with a concrete purpose,” Page said.

Currently, ASG has only one full-time employee.

ASG President Cameron Carswell said an adviser could help the organization influence system policy more effectively.

“As students, we have a lot on our plates,” she said. “A professional adviser would relieve us of a lot of petty day-to-day work we are currently responsible for.”

Carswell sits as ASG’s one representative to the Board of Governors but cannot vote.

The changes also call for ASG to more closely adhere to system policy with regard to its use of student fees.

ASG is funded by a $1 annual student fee.

The association has been criticized for its financial management. Last September, it was revealed that ASG had not issued about $1,700 in previously approved checks for campus programs.

Burley Mitchell, vice chairman of the board’s personnel and tenure committee, said ASG needs to have students’ interests at heart.

“ASG purports to speak for students, but at the same time we are seeing large student groups taking opposing positions,” he said.

Flood said the board has to continue to monitor its relationship with ASG.

“I am in my 12th year on the board, and we have never initiated policy which would alter the ASG,” he said.

Page said ASG needs to continue to promote its own agenda.

“It is important as we rethink N.C. education over the coming years,” she said.

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