ASMSU constantly is criticized for being detached from the student body and failing to voice their concerns. Those criticisms are correct. ASMSU needs to return to its original goals and take an active role in how the university engages with its students.

However, every ASMSU representative’s email address is available (and has been for years) on our website, and students need to take full advantage of this fact to let their voice be heard. This semester, representatives have taken steps to reach out to students through a town hall meeting and other events that allow students to connect with their representatives on a personal level; however, with the presidential election only a few days away, it is imperative that students who are disheartened about ASMSU’s shortcomings email their representatives about the direction ASMSU should head.

While it is rather unfortunate that students were not given ample time to know who exactly will be contending for the top spot this Thursday, it is this type of grievance that students must voice to their representatives for ASMSU to truly move forward.

The bike share program was the only time I have ever received any emails from constituents — they took the time to let me their thoughts and I greatly appreciated their input. However, after the dust had died down on that issue, I have to this day received no correspondence from a single student.

No issue is too small when it comes to getting in touch with your representative, whether it be your thoughts on trustee spending, tuition increases, or any other grievances you feel need to be addressed at a meeting of the General Assembly. Gripe all you want in the comments section, but while my inbox remains empty, I question whether students actually want to be involved in their government.

This coming semester is a wonderful opportunity to bring back the true purpose of ASMSU, but students must take it upon themselves to get involved, and it starts with the election this Thursday.