Mission Statement
We the Senate of the Associated Students of The University of Montana shall work diligently toward a more involved student body, thus becoming a more influential liaison between students and the University administration.
While being dedicated and striving for excellence as a political body, we maintain our expectations as students desiring quality education for all The University of Montana. We will do all in our power to achieve this goal.
In achieving any of our goals, we shall assertively take thoughtful and informed actions while never losing perseverance. At all times we shall never forget that we must be open-minded, ethical and accepting to all.
The Associated Students of The University of Montana
The Associated Students of The University of Montana (ASUM) is the student government for The University of Montana-Missoula campuses. ASUM is recognized as the representative voice for UM students and is administered by three elected officers the president, vice president, and business manager as well as a 20 member senate elected each spring for a one year term. This body meets on a weekly basis to discuss student issues and is governed by the ASUM Constitution, Bylaws, House Rules, Personnel and Fiscal Policies.
By paying the ASUM activity fee every semester, students are entitled to a number of different programs and services administered by ASUM and its agencies. These include the Off-Campus Renter Center (which provides mediation and advice dealing with tenant/landlord disputes), ASUM Legal services, ASUM childcare, access to ASUM Transportation services such as bike purchase loans, bike check-outs, and shuttles to and from campus, and reduced rates (when available) to UM Production events.
One of ASUMs primary functions is the allocation of money to student groups through yearly student group requests and a once a year budgeting process. In order to be allocated money, a student group must submit a request with 15 valid student signatures, governing documents, and be approved by the senate. There are currently over 150 different student groups which range from academic, political, spiritual, sports, and special interest topics. For a complete listing of approved student groups and information regarding their meeting time, location, etc., please see our Student Group Section.
ASUM participates in a number of different University committees including Sustainable Campus Committee, University Center Board, Scholarship and Financial Aid Committee, and University Court. Student participation is an important part of this institution and ASUM strives to involve both elected senators and students from the general population who are interested in various issues. If you would like to be considered for a student at large position, please fill out an application found at our office in UC 105 or go here.
One of the primary functions of ASUM is the annual allocation to student clubs, organizations and services of over $500,000 collected through the student activity fee. These ASUM-recognized groups represent a wide variety of academic, pre-professional, political, spiritual and sports clubs, and UM student publications. Currently there are over 150 ASUM-recognized clubs and organizations, of which approximately three-fourths are receiving direct funding from ASUM. A complete list of ASUM-recognized clubs and organizations (with contact emails) for your participation is available by visiting our web site at the following location: http://www.umt.edu/asum/government/studentgroups.htm.
ASUM also coordinates activity within over 35 student and University committees involving the participation of approximately 125 students. A sampling of the committee system includes the ASUM Board on Budget and Finance, UC Board (which oversees the University Center), Constitutional Review Board, Academic Standards and Curriculum Review Committee, Campus Development, Publications Board, and the ASUM Student Political Action Committee. Each committee varies in time commitment and objective and allows students the opportunity to gain valuable educational and practical experience.
ASUM is your student government, and through it you can play an active role in what happens on campus. ASUM is an organized, effective student government that offers a variety of opportunities for enhancing ones university education. If you are interested in finding out more about ASUM or would like to become involved, you are invited to stop by the ASUM offices located in the University Center, Room 105, or phone 243-2451 or 243-ASUM. We look forward to hearing from you!
