The new Associate Student Government president said her administration will focus on many student-centered issues.

Cindy Quiralte biggest priority is that every Fresno City College student, particularly new ones, gets involved in campus activities. “It’s really important to establish that student life on campus,” Quiralte said.  She plans to accomplish her goal through speaking tours. She and her colleagues in the ASG will be in classrooms, club meetings, town hall meetings and in the free speech area.

Quiralte and her team started early during the summer break. ASG held its first official meeting on July 12. Their goals were simple — to be familiar with one another and with each other’s method of working. ASG members also had to learn the rules and all the responsibilities of working in a parliamentary system and the methods to communicate with one another.
“We accomplished a lot. We were able to learn a lot about one another and we laid out our visions and goals,” said Quiralte. The new ASG president said she and her fellow members constitute a “unique and dynamic group that students are able to relate with.”
Others who will be working with Quiralte on the executive board are President Pro-Tempore, Desha Black; Legislative Vice President, Karlton Brown; Executive Vice President, Pedro Navarro-Cruz; Student Trustee, Chris Coronado, and Senator Virginia Wild.

Over the summer and on Aug. 30, the ASG appointed 12 senators and elected members of the executive board.  The new executive board includes Grisanti Valencia, Linda Gardner, Gloria Dominguez, Flor Garza, and Kristie Anderson. Nathan Alonzo, Ben Anderson, Rene Villa, Imani Snakir, Justina Perry, Rachel McKinley, and Foua Vang were appointed senators of the ASG for the academic year.
Quiralte said that ASG’s focus statement centers on trying to accomplish student welfare, civic responsibility and diversity. ASG is already working to accomplish these things. To achieve their diversity goal, the student government has obtained a LGBT Scholarship for new students.
To advance their focus statement of civic responsibility, ASG will have town hall meetings where they will be engaging on local issues. The first issue they will address is the high speed rail. They will use a forum hall and invite panelists to discuss the issue.

“That way we know as students what’s going on in the community and the state,” said Quiralte.
For student welfare, the ASG will be emphasizing “Going the Distance”, an event that ASG has been working on through the summer. “Going the Distance” stands for graduation, transfer and discipline. ASG is focused on helping students complete community college courses and programs.
Another goal of the ASG agenda is to obtain through donations and distribute fresh fruits and vegetables to the campus community at least once a month. Another thing on the agenda is Constitution Day, to be held on Sept. 15.  A panel will discuss different aspects of the U.S. Constitution.
Quiralte said she is most excited about the “Going the Distance” event, set for some time in March, 2012. It will include a three-mile run on campus and a health-awareness component. The community will be invited and this will also be a way students can engage in a school activity.

“I’m excited about this,” said Quiralte. “It helps students’ involvement in school activities and to transfer or graduate within the two year time span.”