2009-2010 Legislative Agenda

STATE FUNDING:

The Associated Students of the University of Washington (ASUW) believes increasing the level of state appropriations for higher education and to the University of Washington (UW) is critical to ensure that the University's instructional quality is of the highest caliber in all programs and courses of study. State funding should be competitive compared to peer public institutions. Education is a fundamental investment in our state's economy and must be protected from additional disproportionate cuts, regardless of budget shortfalls.

COST OF EDUCATION:

The ASUW advocates a tuition policy that provides affordable, reasonable, and equitable tuition for Washington state residents, non-residents and international students. We favor a legislative cap on tuition increases, oppose any proposal that permits tuition levels to rise unexpectedly, and support complete student control over all student fees.

FINANCIAL AID:

The ASUW believes the best form of financial aid is affordable tuition. The inability to pay should never be a barrier to access higher education. We support financial aid accessibility to all students in need.

DIVERSITY:

The ASUW supports a holistic approach to university admissions and believes that learning from those who have diverse experiences, beliefs, and perspectives is an essential component of a quality education. We support funding outreach programs for underrepresented youths and adults. We advocate retaining and expanding the diversity of the student body, faculty, and staff.

ACADEMICS:

The ASUW believes in a world-class, learner-focused, seamless higher education system that offers flexibility, choice, and the potential for personal development in every area of students' academic lives. ASUW supports recruiting and retaining a diverse, world class faculty. We support increasing resources that expand technology and academic programs and services.

HEALTH, SAFETY, AND WELFARE:

The ASUW advocates policies that increase the general health, safety, and welfare of the University community and their families. We oppose any impediment to the civil rights and liberties of students, faculty, or staff.

TRANSPORTATION:

The ASUW advocates policies that increase affordable regional transit service and expand accessibility options for students. We support environmentally-friendly measures that connect students to the region and emphasize moving people rather than cars.

SUSTAINABILITY:

The ASUW believes that environmental sustainability is a core value of the UW. We advocate support of the UW's core mission of teaching, research, and practice of environmental sustainability.

STUDENT ADVOCACY:

The ASUW advocates policies that allow students to represent their opinions and interests as responsible global citizens. The ASUW supports student involvement in decision-making processes that concern higher education. We support policies that strengthen the University of Washington's student voice and lobbying abilities and promote student voting accessibility.