The Associated Students of Colorado State University convened Feb. 25 for the 22nd session of the 55th senate.
Following the swearing-in ceremonies of new senators and associates, senate moved to gallery input, in which several students expressed frustration about the 2026 commencement ceremonies. Speakers were concerned about certain majors’ recognition ceremonies being hosted in a ceremony tent: the Colleges of Agricultural Sciences, Natural Sciences and most Liberal Arts ceremonies.
Speakers said the commencement changes point to larger transparency issues from the CSU administration.
“I think CSU is ashamed of this,” said Brayden Albrecht, co-chair of CSU’s Young Democratic Socialists of America. “I think the administration has, for a long time, acted like someone who cannot look you in the eyes when they give you a handshake.”
Many students also expressed support for Bill #5540, “Funding the CSU Lavender Cabinet.”
The executive, judicial and legislative branches then gave their respective reports.
During reports, newly elected Speaker Pro Tempore Ferrin Jaudon shared her goals, touching on culture shifts, accountability and leadership in the senate.
Next, College of Liberal Arts Sen. Annelise Dusterberg was nominated to the Legislative Strategic Advisory Board. Following Dusterberg’s presentation, Q&A and discussion and debate, Dusterberg was ratified with unanimous consent.
Moving into old business, Bill #5530, “Establishing Term Limits for University-Wide Elected Positions Within ASCSU,” was revisited. The bill will establish one-year term limits for student body president, vice president and speaker of the senate. ASCSU Student Body President Jakye Nunley, who is running for re-election this spring, vetoed the legislation.
Following discussion and debate, senate voted 26-6-4 to override Nunley’s veto.
Moving into new business, Bill#5545, “Funding Caminos End of the Year Event,” was visited. The bill would allocate $2,500 to the Caminos Spring Leadership Conference. Caminos is a partnership between El Centro, CSU and Fort Collins High School that aims to prepare Latinx/é and Indigenous students for college and career planning curriculum.
Following Q&A, the bill was sent to the Budgetary Affairs, University Affairs and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committees.
Bill #5540,“Funding the CSU Lavender Cabinet,” was next visited, requesting $7,500 for the cabinet to fund a wide variety of items, including gender-affirming garments and hygiene products.
Following Q&A, the legislation was sent to the Budgetary Affairs, University Affairs and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committees.
Lex#5542, “LSAB Lex,” was then introduced. The Legislative Strategic Advisory Board advocates on behalf of student voices in legislation going through the Colorado General Assembly.
“This lex aims to mitigate the inconsistencies of prior edits to the LSAB Bylaws that have yet to be reflected in the ASCSU Constitution,” the bill reads.
Following a Q&A, the lex was sent to the Internal Affairs Committee and the University Affairs Committee for review.
Next, Bill #5541, “Ratification of the LSAB Bylaws,” was visited. The bill ratifies the LSAB bylaws, which, according to the ASCSU Constitution, must be ratified within four weeks from the first LSAB meeting of the semester.
Following Q&A, Bill #5541 was sent to the Internal Affairs Committee for review.
Lex #5538, “Renaming and Redefining the Students of the Oval Caucus,” was then introduced. The bill aims to rename the Students of the Oval Caucus to the Community Action Caucus in order to create a clear and actionable purpose for the caucus, as well as to better visibility and engagement.
Following Q&A, the legislation was expedited, moved into discussion and debate and ratified with unanimous consent.
Next, Bill#5539, “B/AACC Commencement Ceremony,” was introduced. The bill aims to allocate $3,000 to help the Black African American Cultural Center host its end-of-year celebration by purchasing stoles and securing a venue for the celebration.
Following a period of Q&A, the bill was sent to the Budgetary Affairs, University Affairs and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committees for review.
Resolution #5543, “Establishing a University-Wide Artificial Intelligence Policy,” was then introduced. The resolution calls on CSU administration to establish a universitywide AI policy for students and faculty. Currently, AI policy choices are up to the discretion of individual departments and professors.
Following Q&A, the resolution was sent to the University Affairs Committee and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee for review.
Lastly, Bill #5544, “Office Hours Reform Bill,” was introduced. The bill aims to reconstruct senator duties “by replacing the former office hour system with a more outcome-determined model centering direct constituent engagement.”
Following Q&A, the bill was sent to the Internal Affairs Committee and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee for review.
ASCSU Senate will reconvene March 4.
Reach Chloe Rios at news@collegian.com or on social media @RMCollegian.
