The Associated Students of the University of Montana (ASUM) is a dedicated group of elected students who advocate for student issues, manage vital campus agencies and facilitate student groups and club sports.
The ASUM is an excellent outlet for building community and driving change on campus, and it also looks great on resumes thanks to its abundant hands-on experience. There are several ways to get involved, including running for an ASUM Senator position or as a Student-at-Large.
Scroll on to learn more about the many vital roles of ASUM and discover the pathway to get involved:
During the 2025-2026 Academic Year, ASUM Senate Meetings take place weekly on Wednesdays at 6:30 pm in the University Center (UC 225). Senators and the Executive Branch run these open-to-the-public meetings and hold time for public comment (in-person, virtually or written).
These weekly meetings are the nuts and bolts of ASUM. Every aspect of ASUM is under discussion, from budgetary matters to agency presentations and so much more. At the root is student advocacy, spanning campus equality and providing essential services.
Past Minutes from ASUM Senate Meetings
ASUM oversees several vital campus agencies, offering a wide array of programs, services and employment opportunities. These programs and services are funded by the ASUM activity fee and are intended to make life as a student easier and more enjoyable:
Child care, preschool and family resources offering quality care for your child while you attend The University of Montana. (Learn More)
Campus agency that supports students who are experiencing basic needs insecurities, including financial, food and housing needs. (Learn More)
Open-to-all, choice-method Food Pantry in the University Center alongside six satellite locations. (Learn More)
Campus agency offering low-cost legal assistance for students across a wide range of issues. (Learn More)
Under Legal Services, the Student Resolution Officer provides resources for academic grievances and the complaint process. (Learn More)
“The Last Best College News” – The Montana Kaimin is UM’s Student Newspaper providing the latest, greatest and most pressing student news (Learn More)
Commercial-free, college radio with live DJs and real music. (Learn More)
Resource for students to help promote, develop and implement sustainability efforts and activities. (Learn More)
Oversees transportation, including bus lines, bicycle advocacy, and parking enforcement. (Learn More).
There are over 150 ASUM-recognized student groups across campus, ranging from academic and professional groups to spiritual, cultural and community groups. ASUM funds the majority of these groups and oversees the student group network that gives our campus life.
The University of Montana has an extensive and growing collection of Club Sports, open to any and all students. Club Sports follow the same support and funding guidelines as student clubs, needing ASUM approval and funding.
ASUM also has a strong role in the Montana legislative session. Every year, ASUM conducts a Legislative Priority Survey of the student body to help shape its Legislative Priorities. ASUM represents the voice of the student body, heard by lobbyists, senators and directly influencing bills introduced to the Montana House of Representatives and Senate.
Student elections happen in April, where students vote for President, Vice President, Business Manager, Office Manager and Senators. This voting process occurs online through the ASUM website, social media, and a campus-wide email.
All candidates are introduced in the Montana Kaimin or through their own marketing materials, such as social media posts. Students who are elected have direct control over student fee dollars, somewhere near a million dollars most years.
Students run for ASUM positions in April and at various times throughout the year as seats become available:
The Executive Branch of ASUM come with greater responsibilities and recognition and are only for those who are ready to shoulder the responsibilities of running ASUM.
See a problem on campus? Desire better services for the student body? Want to build your resume with a leadership position? Run for ASUM Senator and be the change you seek. Becoming a Senator is one of the best ways to get involved and have your voice heard.
Give ASUM a try before jumping all in as a Student-at-Large (SAL). You have the same voting power and voice as senators on ASUM committees, but it is less of a time commitment. It’s a great introduction to student government for those who want to dip their toe in.
The Senate meets every Wednesday at 6:30 pm for 2-3 hours. Additionally, Senators are expected to serve on at least two committees and to hold a weekly office hour. Most Senators will spend 5-10 hours a week tending to their duties, with varying schedules and commitments throughout the school year.
ASUM has a real impact on campus as the official representation of the student body, and campus leaders are quick to include ASUM in decision-making. ASUM also has a strong history of stepping up to fill gaps otherwise left empty by other campus entities.
There are numerous ways to get involved, whether through ASUM agencies, student groups, or club sports, or by taking an active role and running for student government positions. And like everything across campus, your returns depend on how much you put in.