ASNMHU
Upon entering the senate chambers in the student center, visitors are welcomed by decades of group composite pictures. These are of the Associated Students of New Mexico Highlands University, or the Student Senate, who have represented the student body over the years and set the precedent for future senates.
Each spring the student body elects the next school year’s ASNMHU, which includes twenty senators and four executives. The executives are made up of the President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. The senate is also charged with electing a President Pro-tempore, who is a member of the executive board and the direct link between the senators and the executives.
The senators are responsible for representing the students to the executives, while the executives are responsible for representing the student body to the university officials. Each senator is accountable to 100 students. Once the total student enrollment is verified, within weeks of the first day of class, a senator is added for every 100 students over 2,000 students, via presidential appointments.
The senate has proven to be a powerful force on campus, advocating for student needs. As one looks across campus, they can see the many projects the senate initiated. Some of the more recent projects are the “Flagship of Diversity” located at the Centennial Tower, between the Felix Martinez building and Rogers Administration. The 2006-2007 ASNMHU secured the funding from the state legislature to create the Flagship of Diversity. Here, students can view the flags from the various countries from which NMHU students hail. The senate was also accountable for acquiring funds for the blue security poles around campus to help students have a greater sense of security on campus. Another project the senate took upon themselves to begin was the creation of Club HU. Club HU is located in the student center and is an alcohol free dance club for students to enjoy. During the day, the area is utilized for games and has a cyber café environment.
Throughout the school year, the ASNMHU is relied upon for hosting many activities. The ASNMHU usually holds Rush Week for the clubs and organizations on campus. Traditionally, rush week has been used for fraternities and sororities, but the ASNMHU opens it to all clubs and organizations. Rush Week is a chance for the student body to see what campus life at NMHU has to offer and for the clubs and organizations to showcase their best. There are a variety of activities throughout the week and the ASNMHU encourages all students to participate. The ASNMHU also assists with Homecoming week.
The senate has a loud voice on campus. The ASNMHU President sits on the Board of Regents meeting, providing input from students to the Regents. When there is to be a policy change or anything of that nature, the voice of the students is reflected through the ASNMHU President. Past issues covered by the ASNMHU include certified campus police officers carrying fire arms and changing of the grading scale.
The ASNMHU’s budget is comprised of student fees paid by each student. At the beginning of the year, the senate approves a budget with several items covered. Some of the line items include the intramurals program, activities board, and La Mecha . Clubs and organizations can solicit the senate for money.
The ASNMHU meetings will be televised through Comcast. If you can’t make it to a meeting to see what’s been happening and how your leaders are representing you, feel free to watch the meetings on the television, free of charge. Make sure your voice is heard and your leaders are doing their job.
Students interested in being a part of the ASNMHU, must submit a letter of interest and resume to the ASNMHU President’s office in the Student Center.
Please keep checking back as the site is updated and more information for the 2009-2010 academic year is added.
Student Senate Constitution (PDF)Student SenatorsMeeting Minutes