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For the second year in a row, the ASUWT Constitution is undergoing significant proposed changes that aims to position student government to better serve the UW Tacoma student community—this time with a strong emphasis on representation, equity, and structural growth.
Summarization of Changes and Why It Matters
Among the most substantial changes is a proposal to double the size of the ASUWT Senate—from 9 to 18 members. This expansion includes additional seats for School of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences by academic division and the introduction of new Senate seats representing historically underrepresented student groups in student government and to allow for the ASUWT Senate to be more responsive to the needs of students. This change intends to increase the number of voices at the table by removing the existing cap on Senate size, instead allowing flexibility to add representatives as needed per the ASUWT bylaws. The only requirement is that each academic school remains represented at minimum. Newly proposed Senate seats include:
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Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences: Culture, Arts, and Communication
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Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences: Politics, Philosophy, and Public Affairs
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Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences: Science and Mathematics
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Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences: Social, Behavioral, and Human Sciences
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Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences: Social and Historical Studies
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First Year Student Senator
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Transfer Student Senator
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Court 17 Resident Senator
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First Generation College Student Senator
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Veteran Student Senator
Any additional senate seats may be added to the ASUWT Senate subject to funding by the Services and Activities Fee Committee (SAFC) and approval of changes to the ASUWT Bylaws by the ASUWT Executive Board and ASUWT Senate.
Additionally, the proposed amendments would un-cap the size of the ASUWT Executive Board, allowing for the creation of three new Director positions to better serve students:
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Director of Undergraduate Affairs
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Director of Graduate Affairs
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Director of Equity and Accessibility
Each of these new roles aims to address long-standing service gaps in uplifting student concerns in the classroom, concerns of graduate students, and student concerns regarding equity and accessibility. The Directors of Undergraduate and Graduate Affairs will allow ASUWT to better understand and respond to the distinct needs of each population. The Director of Equity and Accessibility will focus on dismantling barriers to engagement for students with disabilities, first-generation students, and other systemically marginalized communities.
Minor but meaningful changes are made to existing job descriptions for the Vice President, Director of Internal Affairs, and Director of Student Technology. These updates are designed to clarify expectations, reduce redundancy, and better align the roles with their current functions.
The Road to Approval
These amendments were crafted by a subcommittee of Executive Board and Senate members and received full approval from the ASUWT Senate and ASUWT Executive Board. But before any of these changes can be adopted, they must receive a majority support from the student body. During the upcoming ASUWT General Election, students will be asked to vote on the proposed 2025 ASUWT Constitution. A 60% majority in favor from the student body is required for this constitution to be approved and enacted.
What This Means for Prospective Candidates
All candidates in this election will be running under the current 2024 Constitution. However, if amendments that impact job duties, titles, or available positions are approved, those changes will be implemented immediately. This is particularly important for students running for senate seat for the School of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences where they are currently running for one seat. Should this constitution be approved, they may be eligible for a new seat. At the same time, potential Executive Board candidates should consider how these structural changes might influence their work next year—especially as new Directors are added and roles are redefined.
Want to dive into the details? Click here to read the proposed 2025 ASUWT Constitution and view the contingently approved ASUWT Bylaws that reflect these changes.