ASI meeting establishes new semester goals

The Associated Students Inc. (ASI) held their first meeting for the Fall semester on Wednesday, setting the stage for what could be an active school year.

ASI President Mackee Mason discussed issues that would take effect during the school year, including matters of public safety, student aid and the impending national election.

Mason hinted at an upcoming effort to increase students̢۪ political awareness and get the vote out. The campaign, known only as Why1509? should become an increasingly visible catchphrase throughout the semester, according to Mason. Little was said about the details of this campaign other than the fact that it should spark curiosity. Students are free to find out how it unveils at ASI̢۪s profile on facebook.com.

The uncertainty of financial aid for CSUs this year was also brought up. Mason announced that he would be traveling with ASI Vice-President Sandra Flores to Sacramento on Thursday to confront the California Student Aid Commission about its budget concerns.

California̢۪s budget is already two months late in being passed, causing students to wonder when or if they would receive the grants they need to get through the school year.

Representing Fresno State̢۪s 20,000 students, Mason said he would convey the experiences of every college student who relies on this funding for textbooks and living expenses. Neither Mason nor Flores received Cal-Grants this year as they had in years prior.

“It is hard enough to be a student and maintain good grades,â€Â Mason said later in a press release. “Some students have to take on multiple jobs in order to just get by and pay for textbooks. This makes it really difficult for students to have the time to get involved in clubs, student government, or even research projects.â€Â

Mason and Flores comprised the only group from the CSU system that spoke before the commission.
“It was interesting to see how the commissioners were happy to see us,â€Â said Flores, added that their testimonies were well-received in Sacramento.

The senate continued the process of appointing offices Wednesday as they named a new Chair and Senator of Activities. At the suggestion of Vice-President Flores, Beatriz Compuzano, who served as a senator last semester, was unanimously voted to fill both positions. She will be responsible for putting on activities like Fresno State tailgate parties. During the last ASI meeting on July 21, Alex Andreotti was named ASI Senate Secretary.

It may be well down the road, but the senate agreed already on a date of April 21-23 for ASI elections. However, it still remains for Mason to appoint an election commissioner.

During the public forum, Vice President for Student Affairs Paul Oliaro addressed the senate with some concerns and affairs that will demand ASI̢۪s attention in the near future.

Oliaro began by enlightening the senate of the university̢۪s debate over the Amethyst Initiative, the public effort to encourage national colleges to consider the possibility of lowering the drinking age. He informed them that University President John Welty did not offer his support for the initiative, but the subject is still fertile for discussion among students.

“Thanks for your willingness to assume a responsibility,â€Â Oliaro told the senate adamantly, “You will carry out a legacy.â€Â

Oliaro also took the time to thank senate members for the consistent dedication they have paid to the job of student government.