Nicole Asmussen’s column (“It’s time to recognize all that GSB does for us,” Feb. 2) is another example of the hard knocks the Government of the Student Body takes in public view. Before joining GSB last April, I might have even agreed with much of what Nicole wrote. With almost a year on GSB, however, I have seen firsthand many of the activities that go on behind the scenes in which GSB is a critical part.

Some examples:

* PIRG — I know you are thinking this is not the best example, but GSB (since the veto was upheld) has been working with activist leaders on campus to bring activism to campus in a form that is best for students.

* Regents Day at the Capitol — Before GSB took action a couple of years ago, the Iowa Legislature would make decisions concerning students without any student input on those decisions or how they are made. This is no longer the case. Now, all through the year, and especially with this event, lawmakers in Des Moines actually speak and meet with students on a variety of issues.

* Meet the Future of Iowa — This is a similar event where legislators and members of the Board of Regents meet some of the best and brightest that Iowa has to offer through the three regent universities. The GSB at Iowa State has been a leader in making this event happen — and this event has made a large difference in how decisions affecting students are made.

How, you might ask. Well, in the same edition of the Daily that Nicole’s piece appeared, there was a story on how Gov. Vilsack has included in this year’s budget funding for the regents’ tuition proposal, which would increase funding for the regent universities by $40 million and keep tuition increases at a low, fixed rate during the next four years while ensuring the universities get more efficient.

These two efforts have been led by the ISU Ambassadors, which was started by GSB for government relations purposes. This organization is leading the effort to represent students across the state and get others to help with causes like tuition.

Ah, but there is even more. One need only look to the aftermath of the Veishea disturbances to see GSB step in and represent students well. Not only was there real and meaningful student representation on the numerous committees formed in the wake of Veishea, but most of these students have either been on GSB in the past or are now on GSB. In the days following Veishea, it was GSB taking the lead in having a community forum to address city/student relations.

And if you expand the scope of the Veishea question to one of city/student relations, you will see members of GSB organizing an effort to shorten Ames City Council terms so students can run for the council easily. Because of GSB, we have a student as a member of the City Council.

Nicole also talked heavily about funding student groups in her article. GSB is planning a series called “Where to Find the Money” to help student organizations get not only student resources, but outside resources.

With academic issues, GSB has worked on a better way to rate professors and worked with many different academic organizations and boards.

I would encourage Nicole and everyone else to take the advice at the end of the piece: Get informed!

The easiest thing to do is get on the Web site www.gsb.iastate.edu, look up anyone on GSB and meet your GSB members — they are more than glad to talk (at length) about issues important to students.

Louis Kishkunas

Chief of Staff

Government of the Student Body