Higher Education Partnership Volume 2 Issue 5 Aug./Sept., 1998 In support of and working together with Alabama A & M Univ Alabama State Univ Univ of Alabama Univ of Ala at Bham Univ of Ala at Huntsville Auburn Univ Auburn Univ at Mtgy Jacksonville State Univ Univ.of Montevallo Univ of North Alabama Univ of South Alabama Troy State Univ Troy State Univ Dothan Troy State Univ Mtgy Univ of West Alabama  Inside this Issue Membership Task Force Completes Workshops Communications Task Force STARS: Off to Great Start for 1998-99	Partnership Update No Time to Waste
	With the election on the horizon, it is important that all members of the Higher Education Partnership recognize that they play an important role in encouraging their peers to actively “Take a Stand.” The Partnership reminds all higher education supporters that they have a potentially powerful voice. Based on data taken from each campus during a May, 1998 survey, the following statistics were gathered: * Alabama’s public university community has 7,987 full and part-time faculty. The number of full and part-time staff employed at the state’s public universities is 29,338. * The number of students in the university population is 118,988. When these three groups are added together, the total number of individuals within the university family that are eligible to vote is over 150,000. From these numbers, it is easy to see that Alabama’s universities have the potential to influence elections. What can you do to see that university supporters do not miss this chance? * Recruit members to the Partnership so these potential voters will be informed.	Through the Partnership, their energy and enthusiasm to “Take a Stand” will be put to maximum use. * Participate in voter registration campaigns. Contact the Partnership office to see who is actively holding voter registration drives on each campus. * Involve your family and friends. Remind your acquaintances that universities are important. Let them know how you feel about election decisions. * Encourage people to GO TO THE POLLS. The number of potential voters is not nearly as impressive as the number of votes cast. If the campus polling places have "all-time" records for the number of voters, then we will make a strong statement to the state’s politicans. * Attend as many rallies and forums as possible. Listen to the candidates, voice your opinion, make sure you discover where they stand on higher education issues. Call the Partnership for additional insight on this point. * Take an active role in Partnership events. For example, attend the Candidate Forum in Montgomery at the Civic Center on October 1. The forum is at 1:00 p.m. We have invited Governor Fob James, Lt. Governor Don Siegelman, Senator Dewayne Freeman and Senator Steve Windom. If you have questions or suggestions about this list or would like to add to the list, fax your suggestions to the Partnership at 334-832-9995.
	P. O. Box 761, Montgomery, AL 36101-0761334-832-9911Fax 334-832-9995