Spring Break
Editorial: Students shouldn't ignore ASI election
State Hornet Staff
Issue date: 4/22/09 Section: Opinion
Time and again in its editorials this semester, The State Hornet has implored students to become politically active on issues relating to them.
At this point, the most important example of this is the upcoming Associated Students, Inc., election.
On April 28 and 29, students will be given the opportunity to make significant decisions on the present and future of Sacramento State.
This university is trying to define itself as a premier institution of higher learning.
In good times this would be a tough task. But the state is in what Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger calls "financial Armageddon."
Saying it's an uphill battle doesn't begin to describe it; Sisyphus has an easier job than Sac State right now.
Because of the state's financial situation, budget cuts are the reality across the entire California State University system.
In this election, students will be asked to choose representatives who will fight on their behalf as Sac State implements its share of the budget cuts. Students will also have the chance to decide to increase the fees on this specific campus to move certain programs forward.
One of the missions of ASI is to represent students on various university committees that effect the operations of this university. The most important of these are the University Budget Advisory Committee and the Strategic Planning Committee.
Students need to make sure they elect leaders who will be integral members of these committees. These student leaders need to make sure student concerns and needs are met as Sac State attempts to scale back and move forward simultaneously.
In addition to electing student leaders, voters will also determine the fate of five referendums asking them to increase their Sac State student fees.
With these referendums, students are in the position to decide what's essential and vital to moving this university forward.
The Hornet feels this is the only real opportunity Sac State students have been given to determine the amount of money they are willing to spend on both the quality of their education and college experience.
This is why the Hornet feels it's critical for the majority of the student body to turn out and vote in this election.
Traditionally, voter turnout on campus is extremely low. Last year, less than 6 percent took the handful of minutes it takes to vote. To put those numbers in perspective, an election must have a turnout of 5 percent in order to be valid.
At a minimum, the Hornet would like to see half the student body participate.
Students, this election is about your education, the value of your degree and the future of your university.
Don't ignore this opportunity. Don't let less than 3,000 of the nearly 30,000 students on this campus make these decisions for you.
At this point, the most important example of this is the upcoming Associated Students, Inc., election.
On April 28 and 29, students will be given the opportunity to make significant decisions on the present and future of Sacramento State.
This university is trying to define itself as a premier institution of higher learning.
In good times this would be a tough task. But the state is in what Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger calls "financial Armageddon."
Saying it's an uphill battle doesn't begin to describe it; Sisyphus has an easier job than Sac State right now.
Because of the state's financial situation, budget cuts are the reality across the entire California State University system.
In this election, students will be asked to choose representatives who will fight on their behalf as Sac State implements its share of the budget cuts. Students will also have the chance to decide to increase the fees on this specific campus to move certain programs forward.
One of the missions of ASI is to represent students on various university committees that effect the operations of this university. The most important of these are the University Budget Advisory Committee and the Strategic Planning Committee.
Students need to make sure they elect leaders who will be integral members of these committees. These student leaders need to make sure student concerns and needs are met as Sac State attempts to scale back and move forward simultaneously.
In addition to electing student leaders, voters will also determine the fate of five referendums asking them to increase their Sac State student fees.
With these referendums, students are in the position to decide what's essential and vital to moving this university forward.
The Hornet feels this is the only real opportunity Sac State students have been given to determine the amount of money they are willing to spend on both the quality of their education and college experience.
This is why the Hornet feels it's critical for the majority of the student body to turn out and vote in this election.
Traditionally, voter turnout on campus is extremely low. Last year, less than 6 percent took the handful of minutes it takes to vote. To put those numbers in perspective, an election must have a turnout of 5 percent in order to be valid.
At a minimum, the Hornet would like to see half the student body participate.
Students, this election is about your education, the value of your degree and the future of your university.
Don't ignore this opportunity. Don't let less than 3,000 of the nearly 30,000 students on this campus make these decisions for you.
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