ASUWT Legislative Advocacy Commission offers student involvement opportunities

The October meeting informed students of ways to get involved in campus politics.

By Ella Walken

On Oct. 21, Associated Students of UW Tacoma (ASUWT) presented their annual legislative agenda for the 2026-2027 school year. ASUWT advocates for legislation “that improve(s) student affordability, basic-needs security, educational access, civil rights, safety, wellbeing and meaningful participation in government and university decision-making.”

ASUWT separated their legislative priorities into Tacoma, state and federal categories. A few of their Tacoma priorities include advocating for increased student parking” and push for transparency whenever ICE conducts enforcement activity in Tacoma.

On the state front, they plan to work towards protecting and expanding financial aid supporting stronger statewide standards for disability accommodations in higher education. In terms of federal priorities, ASUWT mentioned advocating for Pell grants and federal financial aid and international and immigrant student safety, among other priorities.

In terms of the Legislative Advocacy Committee (LAC), the committee gives UW Tacoma students an opportunity to “create a clear, organized, and sustainable structure for student legislative advocacy, civic engagement, and campus-based organizing.”

LAC’s greatest obstacle at the moment is lack of student involvement. This results in UW Tacoma student voices not being present in important legislation directly impacting students.

One way students can get involved in ASUWT activity is through the Legislative Communications Committee which will “assist with voter engagement efforts, create reels and other digital content during the legislative session and help the Director of Legislative Affairs and hired staff draft campus communications.” The committee will require five officers.

Another way students can get involved is through the Field Committee. This committee will be chaired by the Campus Organizer and will “consist of ten or more field organizers.”

Field organizers will be responsible for understanding legislative priorities and their target audiences. They will also be responsible for gathering signatures, and directing students
interested in involvement to the WSA and legislative advocacy.

More information about getting involved with ASUWT can be found on their website.