An increase in state funding for higher education was partially caused by students voicing their opinions to Michigan legislators, students and legislators said.
ASMSU sought to expand funding for MSU by 2 percent, and the state surpassed the request, giving the university a 3 percent increase in July.
ASMSU is MSU's undergraduate student government.
Julielyn Gibbons, vice chairperson for external affairs for the Student Assembly, said the funding increase is proof of the organization's work during its Advocacy Week in March. The political science senior added that the organization hopes its strides will give more students access to higher education in Michigan.
Gibbons said 150 students were bussed to the Capitol in March to meet with more than half of Michigan's legislators. Students requested more funding for MSU and began to form a better relationship with the state government, she said.
"I don't think it's a stretch to say legislators would rather hear from students themselves rather than someone who works for the university," said J.C. Kibbey, assistant director of governmental affairs-state and a political theory and constitutional democracy junior.
Rep. Rich Brown, D-Bessemer, said hearing students' concerns can influence decision-making more than speaking with administrators because they are meeting people directly impacted by high tuition costs.
"(MSU students) have probably been the most visible and have been very effective at conveying their issues to the Legislature," Brown said.
A roundtable discussion in November 2005 with representatives from 11 public universities in Michigan and state legislators in attendance revealed students' concerns, Gibbons said.
"We put a face on higher education for Michigan," she said. "We said education needs to be a priority and we will remember you in the fall election."
Cuts in state funding have prompted students to be more active in governmental affairs than in the past, Brown said.
The additional 1 percent in state funding will make a big difference to many students, Gibbons said, and added she is proud of the hand ASMSU had in acquiring those dollars.
"It's scary to think what a big difference that (1 percent) makes for some people," she said.
Kibbey said ASMSU aims to inform students and make them more politically active, as well as develop a more direct relationship with legislators.
Rep. Bill Caul, R-Mount Pleasant, said students also gain a better understanding of state affairs from speaking with state government officials.
"I think that it may have been more beneficial to (students) to get a perspective on how the process works and talking about the various stages of the budget development," Caul said.
ASMSU and legislators are hoping to reinforce the Michigan job market as well.
Gibbons said a statewide economic summit is in the works for spring or fall 2007, which would bring students, business leaders and legislators together to discuss how they can secure jobs in Michigan for college graduates.
"Our goal as a legislator — and as parents — is to keep as many graduates around in the state of Michigan … that (students) can stay here and keep close to home," Caul said.
To continue its activism in governmental affairs, ASMSU is launching VoteSmart — a Web site focused on state issues directly affecting students. Gibbons said the site will disperse information about the November election, including candidates' views on specific issues.
She said the site will include candidates running for the House of Representatives, Senate, governor and Board of Trustees and will cover the entire state, not just candidates in Lansing and East Lansing.
"We're making it next to impossible not to be informed," she said.
The site will pose about 30 questions to candidates on topics that affect students, ranging from their stance on smoking in dorms to their take on funding for higher education.
