ASG Facts & Figures
The Associated Student Government have had 225 active members within its branches, programs, and areas.
The Freshman Helping Our Government Succeed Program (Fresh HOGS) also had an active year. With a 78% completion rate, a more defined and full program schedule, a significant number of those who completed the program sought an Executive appointment or will seek to be elected in the fall election. More so, the program was honored with a NASPA Student Leadership Knowledge Community Spotlight Award. The program is on track to be one that develops and cultivates future student government leaders.
Members of ASG not only excelled within their roles, but, they are academic scholars. The overall average grade point average for Associated Student Government was a 3.45, with each area holding:
- Financial Affairs Board- 3.63 GPA
- ASG Judiciary- 3.56 GPA
- The Executives- 3.51 GPA
- Executive Cabinet- 3.51 GPA
- Fresh HOGS- 3.40 GPA
- The Senate- 3.34 GPA
The Safe Ride Committee approved of new language that clearly defined the roles ASG, Transit & Parking, the Safe Ride Committee, and the University plays in regards to the management of the program. More so, new processes including more effective staff training, software to assist in mapping out more timely, effective routes, and tightening the financial belt allowed the program to operate slightly under budget (13% of funds remained). The program finished the year with a total of 9,220 trips being given, 15,147 passengers utilizing the service, and 21,589 miles driven. Donations were not as high as compared to the previous year, with this year’s totaling $2,000.
Two dozen events were hosted by ASG Cabinet members, including:
- Health Week
- 17th Annual Family of the Year
- Faculty Appreciation Banquet
- Razorback Readership Breakfast Events
- Safe Ride Open House
- Razorback Baseball Foul Pole Event
- Advocacy Trips to Little Rock and Washington, D.C.
- Administration Town Hall
The year also brought in the second year of the new funding process for Registered Student Organizations. In the fall semester, 71.5% of budget money allocated to RSOs was utilized, while in spring, 79% was utilized for an average of 75% of funds utilized. As a result of this new process, the funding remaining in unused allocations remained consist with the previous year’s total. A total of 89 RSO’s were funded, with $22k funding conference attendance and $160k funding programming/ events. The goal for the upcoming year is more effective and concentrated marketing to shrink the remaining balance even smaller or completely utilize all funding.
Legislation this year was not as significant in numbers, as in the previous year. More policy-driven action came from the Executive Branch, with several new programs being implemented this year including: Work It Off Program, Meal Donation Program, the passing of the Razorback Medical Amnesty Program, and the expansion of the Grade Forgiveness policy.
Daily, 1,000 newspapers were picked up and read via the Razorback Readership Program.
ASG hit milestones via social media, with President Renner having a large increase in followers, Tweets, and Re-Tweets.
The Graduate Student Congress was finalized and will be gaveled into session for the first time in fall 2014.
ASG members spent over 4,000 hours in meetings with various university officials, members, groups, and the like.
ASG’s Hallmark Programs saw record growth, attendance, and achievement. The Chancellor’s Ball, held off campus had record attendance at the Fayetteville Town Center, Rollin’ with the Razorbacks took two busloads of students to the University of Alabama to cheer for the Razorbacks, the Welcome Week Cookout gave out over 1200 hotdogs and welcomed students back to campus, the Family of the Year, the Horner Family was honored, as were a dozen faculty member at the annual Faculty Appreciation Awards Banquet.
Student Activities facilitates a comprehensive yearly assessment piece to membership in ASG. Respondents indicated on 50 out of the 55 questions, moderate personal/professional growth. A student’s growth in time management, effective communication, personal growth, event planning, professionalism, goal setting, and peer interaction increased over the course of the year as a result of their participation in Associated Student Government.
This past year also saw the start of a new initiative for the student government functional area. ASG Alumni Engagement sought to form a new partnership with the Arkansas Alumni Association in establishing between ASG alum and current members. This new initiative started with the dedication of the ASG President’s Wall where we invited ASG alumni to the unveiling of the portraits of former ASG presidents followed by a reception. Following the reception each month, Coffee with Alumni brought back alum to discuss their ASG experience and how it helped them prepare for life after college. In addition, the quarterly newsmagazine, The Gavel updated alumni on ASG happenings, which included articles, photos, and interviews. Finally, the establishment of the ASG Alumni Society, which is a recognized alumni society with the Arkansas Alumni Association, will further strengthen the relationship and programming with alumni.
ASG Judiciary created structure by solidifying the Elections Packet, creating templates for their various documents, including their agenda, minutes, reports, opinions, and election certifications.
Nearly 10,000 students attend various ASG Programs and events throughout the year. These programs included the Welcome Week Cookout, Chancellor’s Ball, Rollin’ with the Razorbacks, and many more!