In support of the mission, the object of the Association is to be the official liaison between the students and the University Faculty and Administration; to act in an advisory capacity to the Faculty and Administration; to strive to make the University a continually more serviceable institution; to serve students as a resource in resolving concerns; to be the means by which the student body of the University communicates with the faculty, administration, and Trustees of the University; to be the approval authority for all petitions or referenda that students or student organizations wish to circulate among the student body; to be the means by which students influence the educational programs, processes, and the administrative management of the University; and to distribute funds from the Student Activity Fee to eligible student organizations. The Association is the means by which students are represented in the governance of the University. The Association is therefore the general interest group on campus advocating in the interest of all undergraduate students. At its electoral base are full-time undergraduate students currently enrolled in the University. The Association’s operational activities are carried out by three (3) active service branches that are open to all qualified students in the manner prescribed by the Constitution. The Association was established on the basis that it would be the representative group of the entire full-time undergraduate University community including all of its diverse views and peoples. It is our hope and duty that the Association respect, understand, and accept the differences and similarities that exist within and outside our University community.