Associated Students of Pacific Lutheran University - Update 4/29/26

On behalf of the ASPLU Program Review Team, we are writing to inform you that the Program Review Team has determined that due to a variety of factors ASPLU will not be continuing in the next school year. These factors have been long standing issues that we have tried to address within our program review this year relating to student interest in ASPLU, and these issues do not reflect on any of the candidates or program review members this year. Thus, ASPLU will be entering a season of hiatus. 

It will be a priority of Student Life to maintain mechanisms for student voice to be present in various capacities, including university committees and operations. We are working with staff in Student Life to determine the best way forward with keeping student voice at the center of university functions. We would also like to recognize the additional opportunities for representation that are available for students beyond ASPLU. Students are in roles all across campus where they serve and reflect the interests of the student body. We encourage students to continue to get involved as they are able, through student employment, clubs, organizations, and other avenues available through shared interests, identities, and goals. Other divisions of the institution connect with students through a variety of hired and volunteer roles, all of which we encourage all students to participate in and engage with as they are able. 

The work of the ASPLU Program Review team this year allowed us to feel confident that this is the right decision for ASPLU and the PLU Student Body. While it’s not the decision that any of us would have hoped for, it is the one that allows us to serve the student body best. We want to ensure that spaces of representation truly represent the interests of the student body, and appreciate all students that engaged with us in that process. 

Anyone who has questions about this decision or the Program Review process are encouraged to email Alexis Austin (alexis.austin@plu.edu), who can meet with students directly or connect them with the appropriate individuals to answer their questions. 

We once again would like to express our appreciation for your time, energy, and engagement in our review process. We are grateful for the way PLU’s students show up for each other and feel honored to have worked with you all this year. 

Best, 

ASPLU Program Review Team