THE SEPT. 17 ISSUE OF THE COLLEGIAN FEATURED in its top story the admissions of Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) President Mackee M. Mason and Executive Vice President Sandra Flores to allowing underage students to drink in their hotel while on a retreat for ASI.
Additionally, Mason admitted to using his ASI credit card to pay for alcoholic beverages on two separate occasions, while on ASI trips.
Their admissions came to The Collegian as letters to their fellow students, delivered around 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 16.
That evening, The Collegian made efforts to contact both Mason and Flores, with regards to questions we had about their letters. Neither Mason nor Flores responded to our inquiries that night.
Since Sept. 16, The Collegian has made several efforts to arrange interviews with these two ASI executives. This included two calls to Mason and one call to Flores, placed through Director of University Affairs Tara Powers-Mead. We also sent e-mails directly to both Mason and Flores.
Late Thursday, in his first direct contact with The Collegian, Mason proposed an interview conducted by e-mail.
The Collegian believes e-mail interviews lack the same integrity and candidness as a direct interview, either face-to-face or over the phone.
Mason has, however, said he would give a direct interview regarding ASI’s “Why 1509?â€Â campaign.
We are not the only news organization that still has questions about the matter.
On Sept. 17, at an ASI Senate meeting, Mason also declined to grant interviews to The Fresno Bee as well as several local television stations present at the meeting.
Flores was also unable to be reached for comment.
Previously, on Sept. 8, The Collegian made an in-person visit to the ASI office to formally request documents including the ASI credit card statements of executives and executive expense forms dated between June 1 and Aug. 31.
The Collegian also requested an itinerary for the July ASI retreat, as well a list of attendees.
On Sept. 12, The Collegian hand-delivered a follow-up letter to the ASI office, again requesting these documents.
As of today, 11 days later, ASI still has not delivered these documents to The Collegian. They have told us, however, that they are compiling the requested documents.
President Mason has made the idea of an “open-door policy on student issuesâ€Â a cornerstone of his presidency. In his “President’s Message,â€Â located on the ASI Web site, Mason says he is “more than willing to meet with [students] in person.â€Â
Likewise, Executive Vice President Flores, in her recent letter to the student body, expressed a “personal belief in transparency.â€Â
We believe our recent experiences with these two executives have been far from “transparent.â€Â We have found very few open doors in trying to work with Mason and Flores.
We believe, first of all, that if these two are going to proclaim a policy of openness with the student body and the public, then they must subscribe to that policy 100 percent.
They should not pick and choose which issues should be transparent and which should not. They should not choose when to lock the gate in front of their “open door.â€Â
Further, we believe it is in the best interest of President Mason and Executive Vice President Flores to speak with The Collegian, whose staff is made up of their constituents, so that their stories might be clarified and their voices heard.
They owe it to themselves, and they owe it to the student body.
TB • Sep 19, 2008 at 3:57 pm
I agree, this is an editorial and they expressed their views. Not sure why you’re complaining.
TB • Sep 19, 2008 at 10:57 pm
I agree, this is an editorial and they expressed their views. Not sure why you’re complaining.
TB • Sep 19, 2008 at 10:57 pm
I agree, this is an editorial and they expressed their views. Not sure why you’re complaining.
The Joker • Sep 19, 2008 at 12:42 pm
Someone should look into the previous activities of former ASI executives. Who knows how far the corruption goes back. ASI executives have long showered themselves with the idea they are so important they deserve paid meals and trips. Ha, trips to San Diego. Right….not Mexico? Give me a break.
The Joker • Sep 19, 2008 at 7:42 pm
Someone should look into the previous activities of former ASI executives. Who knows how far the corruption goes back. ASI executives have long showered themselves with the idea they are so important they deserve paid meals and trips. Ha, trips to San Diego. Right….not Mexico? Give me a break.
The Joker • Sep 19, 2008 at 7:42 pm
Someone should look into the previous activities of former ASI executives. Who knows how far the corruption goes back. ASI executives have long showered themselves with the idea they are so important they deserve paid meals and trips. Ha, trips to San Diego. Right….not Mexico? Give me a break.
whatever • Sep 19, 2008 at 11:33 am
the Editorial section of a newspaper is intended to let editors voice their opinions. Anything called “editorial” or “opinion” is supposed to be biased.
You don’t have to like the opinion but to suggest that the newspaper’s opinion section is biased is self-evident and intended.
whatever • Sep 19, 2008 at 6:33 pm
the Editorial section of a newspaper is intended to let editors voice their opinions. Anything called “editorial” or “opinion” is supposed to be biased.
You don’t have to like the opinion but to suggest that the newspaper’s opinion section is biased is self-evident and intended.
whatever • Sep 19, 2008 at 6:33 pm
the Editorial section of a newspaper is intended to let editors voice their opinions. Anything called “editorial” or “opinion” is supposed to be biased.
You don’t have to like the opinion but to suggest that the newspaper’s opinion section is biased is self-evident and intended.
Remember JP...He was a true ASI leader!!!! • Sep 19, 2008 at 11:06 am
I second that Educated Joe…I was an associate of both organizations and there has always been a hate-hate relationship between the two (ASI and the Collegian). Indeed Mason and Flores will pay for their poor decisions. Further investigation from proper authorities will unravel any corruption between the two inexperienced government officials. I am disappointed in both organizations. Ethics is essential to the entire situation. Ethical decision making include: Recognize a moral issue; get the facts; evaluate the alternatives from various moral perspectives…oh wait as a journalist or official this rule is pretty much common sense. Ending on a positive note… GO Fresno State 2008 NCAA Baseball Champs
Remember JP...He was a true AS • Sep 19, 2008 at 6:06 pm
I second that Educated Joe…I was an associate of both organizations and there has always been a hate-hate relationship between the two (ASI and the Collegian). Indeed Mason and Flores will pay for their poor decisions. Further investigation from proper authorities will unravel any corruption between the two inexperienced government officials. I am disappointed in both organizations. Ethics is essential to the entire situation. Ethical decision making include: Recognize a moral issue; get the facts; evaluate the alternatives from various moral perspectives…oh wait as a journalist or official this rule is pretty much common sense. Ending on a positive note… GO Fresno State 2008 NCAA Baseball Champs
Remember JP...He was a true AS • Sep 19, 2008 at 6:06 pm
I second that Educated Joe…I was an associate of both organizations and there has always been a hate-hate relationship between the two (ASI and the Collegian). Indeed Mason and Flores will pay for their poor decisions. Further investigation from proper authorities will unravel any corruption between the two inexperienced government officials. I am disappointed in both organizations. Ethics is essential to the entire situation. Ethical decision making include: Recognize a moral issue; get the facts; evaluate the alternatives from various moral perspectives…oh wait as a journalist or official this rule is pretty much common sense. Ending on a positive note… GO Fresno State 2008 NCAA Baseball Champs
An Educated Joe • Sep 19, 2008 at 9:58 am
I’ve worked for newspapers before and I thought it was great the the Collegian published its findings into the wrong doings of these two ASI executives. However, with this editorial from the Collegian staff, it very much seems like the Collegian is taking this way too far. The Collegian is a newspaper that is supposed to leave its opinion out. Aren’t newspapers supposed to provide facts of the situation and not have a biased. I know that this rarely is the case, but this is a college newspaper that is supposed to be teaching students the way things should be.
I know that there has always been some hostility between the Collegian and ASI for a long time. This instance was the Collegians opportunity to finally get something against ASI, and they did that, and did it in a respectful and journalistic way, by printing the truth about what happened and letting the students read about it and voice their opinions. That is the way it should be done.
But this editorial just lost the Collegian journalistic credibility. Why not go out and get STUDENT opinions over the matter. This editorial is simply a way for the staff of the Collegian voice how they feel about people they more than likely don’t even like. Isn’t this biased? How could the editors allow this editorial to come out, an editorial just screaming the fact that the staff does not like Mason or Flores, or probably anyone at ASI.
I”m glad that the original story came out. Mason and Flores messed up and they should be held accountable and reprimanded. I’m also glad that the Collegian was the first to bring the story out. But this editorial reminded me of how the staff of the Collegian can truly be, petty, immature and unethical.
An Educated Joe • Sep 19, 2008 at 4:58 pm
I’ve worked for newspapers before and I thought it was great the the Collegian published its findings into the wrong doings of these two ASI executives. However, with this editorial from the Collegian staff, it very much seems like the Collegian is taking this way too far. The Collegian is a newspaper that is supposed to leave its opinion out. Aren’t newspapers supposed to provide facts of the situation and not have a biased. I know that this rarely is the case, but this is a college newspaper that is supposed to be teaching students the way things should be.
I know that there has always been some hostility between the Collegian and ASI for a long time. This instance was the Collegians opportunity to finally get something against ASI, and they did that, and did it in a respectful and journalistic way, by printing the truth about what happened and letting the students read about it and voice their opinions. That is the way it should be done.
But this editorial just lost the Collegian journalistic credibility. Why not go out and get STUDENT opinions over the matter. This editorial is simply a way for the staff of the Collegian voice how they feel about people they more than likely don’t even like. Isn’t this biased? How could the editors allow this editorial to come out, an editorial just screaming the fact that the staff does not like Mason or Flores, or probably anyone at ASI.
I”m glad that the original story came out. Mason and Flores messed up and they should be held accountable and reprimanded. I’m also glad that the Collegian was the first to bring the story out. But this editorial reminded me of how the staff of the Collegian can truly be, petty, immature and unethical.
An Educated Joe • Sep 19, 2008 at 4:58 pm
I’ve worked for newspapers before and I thought it was great the the Collegian published its findings into the wrong doings of these two ASI executives. However, with this editorial from the Collegian staff, it very much seems like the Collegian is taking this way too far. The Collegian is a newspaper that is supposed to leave its opinion out. Aren’t newspapers supposed to provide facts of the situation and not have a biased. I know that this rarely is the case, but this is a college newspaper that is supposed to be teaching students the way things should be.
I know that there has always been some hostility between the Collegian and ASI for a long time. This instance was the Collegians opportunity to finally get something against ASI, and they did that, and did it in a respectful and journalistic way, by printing the truth about what happened and letting the students read about it and voice their opinions. That is the way it should be done.
But this editorial just lost the Collegian journalistic credibility. Why not go out and get STUDENT opinions over the matter. This editorial is simply a way for the staff of the Collegian voice how they feel about people they more than likely don’t even like. Isn’t this biased? How could the editors allow this editorial to come out, an editorial just screaming the fact that the staff does not like Mason or Flores, or probably anyone at ASI.
I”m glad that the original story came out. Mason and Flores messed up and they should be held accountable and reprimanded. I’m also glad that the Collegian was the first to bring the story out. But this editorial reminded me of how the staff of the Collegian can truly be, petty, immature and unethical.
TB • Sep 19, 2008 at 9:45 am
Hello! They violated the law! They wrongfully terminated an employee! They inappropriately used student funds to purchase alcohol! That is something MAJOR, and I am damn glad that the Collegian is investigating.
Most students ARE NOT over it, you idiot. Read the posts on here. People are pissed!
Its time for accountability, and right now the Collegian is the only one providing for it.
Britney Spears • Sep 19, 2008 at 9:45 am
Have most students “gotten over” that the ASI President and EVP broke California law? I’m not sure if I qualify as “most students,” but I certainly have not “gotten over it.”
And I think it’s irrelevant as to whether or not students read the Collegian–its job is to report, and they have done so as fairly as they can with the interviews and information that they have been given.
TB • Sep 19, 2008 at 4:45 pm
Hello! They violated the law! They wrongfully terminated an employee! They inappropriately used student funds to purchase alcohol! That is something MAJOR, and I am damn glad that the Collegian is investigating.
Most students ARE NOT over it, you idiot. Read the posts on here. People are pissed!
Its time for accountability, and right now the Collegian is the only one providing for it.
TB • Sep 19, 2008 at 4:45 pm
Hello! They violated the law! They wrongfully terminated an employee! They inappropriately used student funds to purchase alcohol! That is something MAJOR, and I am damn glad that the Collegian is investigating.
Most students ARE NOT over it, you idiot. Read the posts on here. People are pissed!
Its time for accountability, and right now the Collegian is the only one providing for it.
Britney Spears • Sep 19, 2008 at 4:45 pm
Have most students “gotten over” that the ASI President and EVP broke California law? I’m not sure if I qualify as “most students,” but I certainly have not “gotten over it.”
And I think it’s irrelevant as to whether or not students read the Collegian–its job is to report, and they have done so as fairly as they can with the interviews and information that they have been given.
Britney Spears • Sep 19, 2008 at 4:45 pm
Have most students “gotten over” that the ASI President and EVP broke California law? I’m not sure if I qualify as “most students,” but I certainly have not “gotten over it.”
And I think it’s irrelevant as to whether or not students read the Collegian–its job is to report, and they have done so as fairly as they can with the interviews and information that they have been given.
Who really reads the collegian? • Sep 19, 2008 at 8:21 am
What does the collegian have against ASI and Mackee and Sandra?
Why didn’t they just title todays paper Mackee and Sandra, they are using them three articles and the correction is posted way deep in the paper!
Did Mackee and Sandra take someone on the collegian’s staff’s girlfriend/boyfriend?
Most students have gotten over it and the collegian post more completely biased articles posting these students faces on the front page again, Jesus!
Who is in charge of the collegian? They should enforce more journalistic integrity on their part, and stoop headhunting, if the administration says they reviewed it, let it go, they are stretching a 1 day story into as many as possible.
Who really reads the collegian • Sep 19, 2008 at 3:21 pm
What does the collegian have against ASI and Mackee and Sandra?
Why didn’t they just title todays paper Mackee and Sandra, they are using them three articles and the correction is posted way deep in the paper!
Did Mackee and Sandra take someone on the collegian’s staff’s girlfriend/boyfriend?
Most students have gotten over it and the collegian post more completely biased articles posting these students faces on the front page again, Jesus!
Who is in charge of the collegian? They should enforce more journalistic integrity on their part, and stoop headhunting, if the administration says they reviewed it, let it go, they are stretching a 1 day story into as many as possible.
Who really reads the collegian • Sep 19, 2008 at 3:21 pm
What does the collegian have against ASI and Mackee and Sandra?
Why didn’t they just title todays paper Mackee and Sandra, they are using them three articles and the correction is posted way deep in the paper!
Did Mackee and Sandra take someone on the collegian’s staff’s girlfriend/boyfriend?
Most students have gotten over it and the collegian post more completely biased articles posting these students faces on the front page again, Jesus!
Who is in charge of the collegian? They should enforce more journalistic integrity on their part, and stoop headhunting, if the administration says they reviewed it, let it go, they are stretching a 1 day story into as many as possible.