AS elections this week

By Benjamin Baxter, Katrina Garcia & Katie Hicks

The Collegian

Every semester, $15 of each student’s tuition goes into an account to be used by Associated Students throughout the semester. But many students are in the dark when it comes to understanding what that money does for them.

“People should understand that AS many times holds the resources needed to solve many problems on campus, and it is up to whoever is in charge to use them appropriately,” said AS President Jennifer Reimer. “The average student has the ability to use all of our programs, including recreation and intramurals, library laptops, club funding, educational and research program grants, free issues of The New York Times and The Fresno Bee and more.”

AS is the recognized student body government at Fresno State, Reimer said and it provides a means for students to participate in the governance of the university and have their opinions heard.

Some students think voting in the AS elections can be a waste of time. Janet Lorenzo, an interior design major, said since there have not been any crucial issues to vote on, there is no reason to vote in the school elections.

“I don’t think it’s important,” Lorenzo said. “I’ve been going to school here for three years now and I don’t see any changes or anything that needs to be changed.”

Lorenzo said one of the reasons why many students fail to cast their votes in student government elections is because the voting days are not advertised enough.

Elaine Venter, a public relations major said she is voting in this year’s AS elections because they have been more widely publicized than in previous years.

“I’ll definitely vote this semester having known more about it,” Venter said.

What does AS do?

Each semester AS begins with a budget of $650,000 and throughout the year decides how much money each organization or event will receive.

The tower of televisions in the middle of the student recreation center is just one of the projects that AS recently funded. Reimer said there are many projects and positions that AS has taken this semester that will directly affect the future of Fresno State.

But what exactly will be done next semester depends on the students who are elected, she said.

Committees are formed each semester to target specific issues and find a solution to problems like parking, student fees, textbook prices, alcohol on campus and many more.

Reimer said the one thing AS is always in need of is student volunteers. She encourages every student shows an interest to call 278-2656 and ask what he or she can do to help.

“Just say you want to get involved,” Reimer said. “We are always accepting applications for a number of positions.”

AS also helps Fresno State students beyond the campus.

“AS works hard to protect students on a campus and state level. We also work against fee increases and additional financial aid,” Reimer said. This year a group of students sponsored by AS went to the state capital to lobby the state congress for more financial aid for students

Why students don’t vote

Bethany Campbell, a senior liberal studies major, said while she votes in presidential and state elections, she has yet to vote in an AS election.

“I’ve never once voted in the elections in the four years I’ve been here,” Campbell said. “Nobody has ever informed me that they were coming up.”

Campbell said if candidates made it more apparent why they are running and the changes they would make if they were elected, she would be more likely to vote in the elections. She also said a way for the school to get more students voting in the elections is by sending out an e-mail informing students when and where they can vote.

“I get e-mails for everything else, so why doesn’t the school send out an e-mail before elections?”

Campbell said.

David Muro, a senior history major, said he understands why there is low involvement and participation and does not personally plan to vote.

“I don’t feel like I’m informed enough to make a good decision,” Muro said. “If the issues were stated in a clear-cut manner, with their pros and cons listed, and not wishy-washy, I would feel better informed.”

Why students should vote

Jamie Buckner, a junior public relations major, is in charge of public relations for Associated Students.

“I think that there’s a lack of awareness among students,” Buckner said. “All of the AS senators have been trying to increase awareness this year.”

“We probably won’t know how effective the senators were until after the election,” Buckner said.

Amy Mouanoutoua, a freshman nursing major, said AS is important on campus. “They represent all the students,” Mounanoutoua said. “You don’t want a slacker, someone who never acts on their promises.”

Emily Krause, a junior art history major, believes voting in a student body election and a presidential election should be viewed as equally important.

“I think it’s important to vote whenever you can,” Krause said. “AS ultimately represents all of us here on campus, so only the best should be chosen.”

Venter agrees with the idea that voting in the AS election is just as important as voting in any other governmental election, and that students should exercise their power to vote for student leaders.

“It’s a way to get your voice heard,” Venter said. “If you get a good candidate elected to make good changes, you’re going to get problems fixed.”

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