Spring Break
ASI speaks out
Benjamin R. Schilter
Issue date: 12/3/08 Section: News
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ASI's projects have revolved around fulfilling the strategic plan, he said. Two of the five goals discussed during the address promoted environmental sustainability and instilling a sense of pride on campus.
"ASI has taken a strong stance in promoting an environmentally friendly and sustainable campus," he said during his address. "We are currently researching the possibility of adding more recycling bins on campus."
ASI is working with University Recycling to distribute more recycling bins throughout the campus. The student government is also looking into installing water bottle refill stations and more bicycle racks throughout the campus, he added.
Also as part of the strategic plan, the Student Relations Committee was reactivated in September to essentially take the pulse of the student population. The committee conducted student surveys to develop stronger and more consistent connections with students. The survey results will enable ASI to be more effective in governing the student body, he said.
The committee launched the Apparel Exchange Drive at the address. The drive allows students to trade in sweatshirts from other university campuses for Sacramento State apparel. ASI Executive Vice President Roberto Torres said pride was an important aspect on campus, since it helps build community, strength and prestige on campus. Students should feel proud to wear green and gold, Sac State's colors, he said.
"I saw the true beauty of those colors at the Causeway Classic. We were in a sea of blue and gold, and (the students) were so proud of their colors at Davis," Torres said. "Yet it was green and gold that won that day."
Torres said the perception of Sac State pride should be improved within students themselves, and that was the inspiration behind the exchange program.
Only 50 sweaters were available for trading at the address. Torres and ASI Arts and Letters Director Andres Peres will report the success of the program to ASI directors. The sweaters taken in during the exchange will be donated to charity. One student even told Torres that he'd "still give my coat just for the drive."
In the address, Cervantes challenged the audience to join ASI and help fight budget cuts, saying the 15 members of ASI cannot take on this task on their own. He said the governor has called for a combination of cuts and revenue increases to meet an $11.2 billion budget shortfall for the next year. The California State University system is already $215 million short of funding, according to the CSU Chancellor's Office.
"The lack of funding to the California State University system has impacted affordability, quality and accessibility," Cervantes said. "The CSU cannot bear any further cuts."
He said for many students, the proposed budget cuts could effectively put their education on hold. As fees have increased, students have resorted to working longer hours or taking second jobs to pay for their education, he said.
"It's important to remember that the 1960 Master Plan of Higher Education promised Californians a free, accessible, and quality education, which is no longer the case," he said.
The Master Plan is the blueprint for guaranteeing access for every student in the state university system. Cervantes said one of the biggest obstacles for students is the increasing cost associated with a college education. Cervantes said one of the biggest obstacles for students is the increasing cost associated with a college education. These expenses include textbooks, tuition and transportation.
Cervantes hopes that state legislators will restore funding to the CSU system.
He called on students to come to the ASI offices in hopes of becoming active members of the student government. He urged faculty, staff and administration to work together with the Alliance for the CSU to better serve students and to look after the well-being of the university.
Luis Cortes, freshman civil engineering major, felt Cervantes' address clearly conveyed the budget situation for students.
"I was researching about the budget cuts, but (the address) made me understand more about it," he said. "He stressed more about the situation we are in. It seems to me like a really horrible hole for us to get out of."
Other goals ASI hopes to accomplish include applying for membership to the United States Student Association, a nationwide organization advocating for student-related issues. ASI hopes to increase voter turnout in the upcoming student government elections and further integrate ASI programs within the campus community.
Olga Inozemteva, freshman chemistry major, said she felt she was better informed about the budget crisis and ASI's progress on the strategic plan.
"The five objectives (of the strategic plan) were very interesting to know about," she said. "Many students don't know what the ASI is really about and what they do there to help students."
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