Associated Students of Oregon State University is the school’s student-led government that plays a role in shaping university policies and managing services that impact campus life.
According to their website, ASOSU aims “to promote academic excellence, support student interests, and ensure democratic representation.”
All Oregon State University students enrolled in a Corvallis-based course are technically members of ASOSU; however, ASOSU officers are elected or appointed to positions outlined in the ASOSU Constitution.
“We represent every student here on the Corvallis campus, not just the students who have time and desire to show up to our meetings,” said ASOSU President Audrey Schlotter.
ASOSU follows a shared governance model, with University Policy 02-300 mandating that students play a large role in OSU’s governance.
“It gives students a seat at the table in key committees, fosters leadership skills and ensures transparency and accountability in the decision-making process,” Schlotter said.
ASOSU has five units: Student Government, the Office of Advocacy, ASOSU SafeRide, the Student Advisory Board and Student Legal Services.
Student Government comprises the Executive Branch, the Senate and the Judicial Council. The Student Fee Committee is an independent entity within the Executive Branch.
The SFC is in charge of proposing the termly incidental fee. They also handle the allocation of that fee to each fee-funded unit, such as ASOSU, the Memorial Union, Recreational Sports, the Basic Needs Center, the Family Resource Center, Student Experiences and Engagement and Performing Arts.
The SFC currently meets every other week on Zoom, Thursdays at 6 p.m. Regular meetings are accessible to the public.
The Student Advisory Board provides recommendations for the ASOSU budget. Meetings are open to the public, with participation from students encouraged, especially in the fall.
The Senate holds all legislative and monetary authority. The officers are responsible for creating procedural rules, managing incidental fees and structural changes within ASOSU.
Senate legislation requires presidential approval or veto, with vetoes subject to override by a two-thirds majority. The Senate determines its own rules and maintains public meetings.
The Executive Branch is led by the ASOSU president and vice president, who serve one-year terms. The president is responsible for the administration, including budget management and staff supervision. The vice president presides over the Senate and succeeds the president if needed.
The Judicial Council resolves constitutional ambiguities and interprets ASOSU rules. The JC reviews legislation and provides advisory opinions on constitutionality. The JC also handles disputes and can rule on the constitutionality of Senate acts.
The Elections Committee, formed by Week 6 of fall term, sets election procedures, deadlines and rules. Elections are held by secret ballot, and committee members cannot run for office while serving. The Appointments Committee, led by the JC chair, is responsible for filling the Senate and other vacancies.
Amendments to the ASOSU Constitution can be initiated by a signed petition of a minimum of 5% of students or a two-thirds Senate vote and approval by a two-thirds majority of voters.
The Office of Advocacy, funded by student fees, provides professional staff advocates to represent students accused of Student Code of Conduct violations.
The office works alongside the ASOSU executive branch to advocate for student-centered policies, and for more equitable processes within the Office of Student Conduct & Community Standards.
ASOSU SafeRide, another student-fee-funded initiative, is a service dedicated to providing OSU students alternative safer rides within Corvallis and around campus. SafeRide service will begin this year on September 23.
Student Legal Services, provided through Access the Law and paid for through student fees, provides legal advice and representation to OSU students.
According to Schlotter, both she and Vice President Zachary Kowash are in the primary phases of bringing Project Healthy Campus to OSU, which would bring STI testing, NARCAN and increased mental healthcare to OSU’s campus.
“There is so much going on, both big and small (within ASOSU), but the only thing that would make it better is everyone to be back on campus,” Schlotter said.
Editor’s note: This reporter became an ASOSU senator in August 2024 after this story was written.