Grace (front row, second from left) with last year’s ASAPU board
Grace Schultz took the reins of ASAPU – APU’s student government – at an odd time. Elected this spring, she became president of a student body that had quickly departed into an uncertain summer. Yet she’s been actively engaged from her hometown in Minnesota since the spring, communicating with university leadership and joining APU staff to host a Zoom session for students and their families. As ASAPU president in an uncertain year, she’s had a bit more to consider this summer than previous presidents. Thankfully, she already has years of experience.
Grace, a marine and environmental sciences major, served as ASAPU secretary during her first two years on campus. Now president, she’s energized about the potential of the year ahead.
“I’m really excited to be president this fall and make sure we are effective and accurately representing the student body,” she said. That means assessing everything ASAPU provides – events, engagement, office hours – to make sure they best serve students during a unique year.
Interested students can still get involved. The pandemic distracted from the general election process in spring, meaning several of ASAPU’s 10 positions are still open for the fall. Those positions include: vice president and treasurer on the executive board; representatives for the first-year, sophomore, and junior class; and representative for the early honors program.
“I think any student who’s interested in becoming an active member in such a close-knit community should consider running,” Grace said. Members attend ASAPU meetings and hold office hours in Atwood Hall. They plan events during the year and help student clubs be active and effective. Every member of the board receives a leadership award, providing financial assistance for their contribution to campus.
ASAPU also connects students with university leadership. After two years as secretary, Grace now has a ready list of references for her post-college résumé. But she’s also built strong connections with senior staff like the provost and dean of students. “It’s been a nice support system outside of peers,” she said. “There’s definitely the ability to create really meaningful relationships with people at APU.”
ASAPU elections will take place this fall, and Grace encourages all students to participate. “Being directly involved in the community can make this semester – especially one that will seem a little more disconnected – more meaningful,” she said. “If you’re a student … and you want to feel connected to a community that’s already close-knit, this is a good way to do it.”
