By Marli Diaz and Brenda Saimon
While most students have likely heard of the Associated Students of Eastern Oregon University (ASEOU), some might not be aware of the role the organization plays in campus life. Elaina Robison, President of ASEOU, and student Hartleen Kloulubak shared their perspectives on the importance of student engagement at EOU. Robison highlighted ASEOU’s efforts to increase visibility and transparency, while Kloulubak offered insights into how students perceive ASEOU’s role and impact on campus life.
ASEOU has had success with events designed to reach out to students, according to Robison. “We have hosted events to get out and reach more students,” Robison explained, noting that these efforts have fostered a positive environment and strengthened ASEOU’s presence on campus.
Robinson also highlighted their role in university policy, particularly regarding tuition. “We have a committee that focuses on budget and planning,” she said. “They help decide how much of the tuition is going to be raised every year.” She emphasized the importance of student involvement in these decisions, noting, “It’s our tuition, and we need to make sure it’s being used wisely.”
Regarding the budget, Robison explained that the organization allocates funds for key areas like wages, scholarships, and lobbying efforts for student-specific bills. Despite a modest budget, ASEOU has managed to make a significant impact with its resources.
Earlier this year, students expressed concerns about feeling unheard. Robison acknowledged this issue, saying, “It’s our job to be representing students.” To improve transparency, ASEOU pushes to invite students to public meetings. Robison also checks suggestion boxes around campus weekly and posts meeting minutes online.
In encouraging student involvement, Robison reminded students of the importance of utilizing the resources available to them. “You are paying for it. Your tuition and student fees go toward everything on this campus,” she said. She urged students to engage in activities and attend ASEOU-hosted events, saying, “College can be stressful, and attending events can help you relax and meet other students.”
Student Perspective
Hartleen Kloulubak, a student at Eastern Oregon University, shared her views on ASEOU and its impact on campus life. When asked about her familiarity with ASEOU, Kloulubak said “I know that it’s the Associated Students of Eastern Oregon University. I know that it’s a student government and how they’re involved with basically everything that students do here on campus.”
Kloulubak recalled ASEOU’s on-campus activities, particularly highlighting a stress-relief event. “They do a lot of on-campus activities. I remember one of the activities they did was for a stressless event. They had ‘smash a car’ in the quad area (2 broken cars) for the students to smash for a stressless event. It was so amazing” according to Kloulubak.
However, Kloulubak expressed concerns about ASEOU’s effectiveness in representing diverse student interests. Kloulubak said, “I know that ASEOU does advocate for students but not all students… As a pacific Islander, there is a gap between representation with how our community is and the representation with ASEOU and the students here,” she said.
Kloulubak suggested that ASEOU should focus more on on-campus students. “I feel like they should focus on the students that are here on campus. I understand that there are online students which are important to also focus on as well, but they should mainly focus on the students here because it is easier to connect with students that are on-campus.”
She noted improvement in ASEOU’s efforts this year compared to the previous year. “This year they’re doing better, 100% doing better. They’re somewhat actively reaching out to organizations or departments which is a good thing but as of last year they weren’t doing it at all.”
Kloulubak credited this positive change to the growing diversity in student representation within ASEOU. “We’re getting students that are representatives of the minorities joining this year. I think it’s one of the positives.”
“Overall, I want to say my impression of ASEOU is negative, at the moment. It is due to them making decisions based on students’ needs without students input. But this year I can see that they’re actually trying. They’re doing way much better,” according to Kloulubak.
