Americans have never shied away from criticizing their government. As 2014 Gallup polls have indicated, Congress’ approval rating is at an atrocious 15 percent. This kind of overwhelmingly negative statistic begs the question: if Americans are so concerned with the way politicians are spending tax money, shouldn’t students be concerned with the way student senators are spending their student fees?

The Associated Students of the University of Nevada voted last Wednesday to censure College of Science Sen. Jeffrey Dominguez after receiving 6.67 censure points based on his absence from two senate meetings, one committee meeting and five office hours. With this many absences, Sen. Dominguez has not only been underserving the senate but the students that elected him as well.

ASUN senators have a wide range of responsibilities including the power to propose alterations to its $2.3 million budget. Between the capital account, which is used on one-time expenditures, and the general account, which funds continuous programs and services like Campus Escort and programming boards, senators have the ability to make a huge difference on campus.

They can also write legislation to support or oppose school and state policies; for example, the 81st session took an official stance opposing concealed weapons on our university’s campus, a measure that was taken into consideration by the Nevada’s state senate. These are two among many responsibilities that the senate has. In short, senators serve a critically important role in representing the voice of students on this campus, and yet, many students do not seem to care.

At the beginning of each senate meeting, which is held  every Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. on the third floor of the Joe Crowley Student Union, students have the right to be heard in a section of the meeting called public comment. Regardless of major or class standing, students may voice concerns or make requests to the senate. Unfortunately, there was not a single student that participated in public comment during the last three meetings.

This is a chance for students to ask their senators why they are missing meetings and if they are actually holding themselves accountable for the projects they set out to accomplish. And if you don’t believe in the work that the senator for your college is doing, tell them. Shout it from the rooftops if you have to. You voted for these senators to improve your college, so you need to tell them how to represent you.

Students are missing an invaluable opportunity to make a statement about the changes they would like to see on campus. Whether they have a recommendation for a new program to help students or a concern with a university policy, this is the time to speak up. Moreover, with the mandatory $5 per credit going to the student government, senators are spending money in ways they hope will help the campus. However, it is the responsibility of students to express to their senators how they feel the money should be allocated. If you cannot make the 5:30 p.m. meetings, then email your senator with concerns. You can find each senator’s email and platform at www.nevadaasun.com.

Sen. Dominguez is closely followed by two senators each racking up 3.33 points. This trend of senators missing meetings without an excuse is simply unacceptable. When your senators miss these meetings, they are leaving the members of their college unrepresented and unheard.

During your four to five years in college, this campus will serve as your home, and you should take it upon yourself to work with the people who have the power to make your home better. If you cannot even name the representative for your college, then you have no right to complain when you disagree with the decisions being made. You have the power to be heard: so do it.

Sen. Dominguez was given the minimum sentence for his censure: a written apology to The Nevada Sagebrush, so keep an eye out for it. And if you do not find the apology sufficient, it’s time to head to public comment.

The Nevada Sagebrush Editorial staff can be reached at cboline@sagebrush.unr.edu.