The UNC-system Board of Governors is discussing significant changes to the structure of the system’s Association of Student Governments.
If the new policy is enacted, positions on ASG that have lobbying duties would be eliminated. Additionally, an adviser would be appointed to ASG, giving system President Thomas Ross more oversight of the association.
The board hasn’t initiated any changes to ASG in at least a decade, and the lobbying provision of this change doesn’t merit bucking that trend.
Banning lobbyist positions prevents ASG from advocating to the best of its ability.
Funded by a $1 annual student fee, the association serves as the main voice of students to the Board of Governors and the General Assembly in Raleigh.
The policy change is intended to ensure that money is spent correctly by ASG — which has rightfully been criticized for its handling of finances in the past.
The new adviser position would be a welcome addition to ensure that the students who serve as ASG delegates and officers are spending the money properly.
However, the new adviser should not replace the lobbying members. The Board of Governors should add the adviser position without sacrificing ASG’s ability to advocate for students.
As delegates represent 17 UNC-system institutions from across the state, it can be easy for miscommunication to occur.
