PURPOSE: To create a coalition of higher education institutions in the state of Missouri to effectively advocate for students across the state of Missouri.

 

WHEREAS, The Missouri Students Association Senate is charged with representing and advocating for the students at the University of Missouri – Columbia; AND

 

WHEREAS, The aforementioned body is one of several representing students of public institutions of higher education in the state of Missouri; AND

 

WHEREAS, These representative bodies have been historically lacking a means of communication, coordination, and strong advocacy; AND

 

WHEREAS, The General Assembly of Missouri may pass legislation that has a direct impact upon all students enrolled in public institutions of higher education; AND

 

WHEREAS, There are student organizations that are dedicated to advocacy on behalf of some students in Missouri, such as the Associated Students of the University of Missouri; AND

 

WHEREAS, These existing organizations are not inclusive of representatives from all public institutions of higher education; AND

 

WHEREAS, Organizations that have been inclusive of students from all public institutions of higher education in Missouri are now defunct; AND

 

WHEREAS, there is now a desire for inter-campus communication, collaboration, and a unification of the student voice on certain legislative issues relating to higher education; AND

 

WHEREAS, this unified voice shall not use its voice to conflict with the priorities of the Associated Students of the University of Missouri; AND

 

WHEREAS, all legislative issues being addressed by this coalition shall receive prior approval from their institution’s legislative body of their student government.

 

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MISSOURI STUDENTS ASSOCIATION THAT the Missouri Students Association hereby supports the creation of the Missouri Students Coalition.