The spring 2014 semester brings new and previous projects for the returning representatives of the Associated Student Government. They will vote in new senators and bring new faces to the organization.
Senator Melissa Lopez made an early effort to forgive ASG book loans this semester.
“We’re working on possible scholarships, we just need to assess our financial condition,” said ASG President Edward James.
President James began the second semester of his term establishing a new transportation committee, which will address the prominent issue of the lack of student parking on campus.
“If we get people actually carpooling to school that would help solve a few problems,” said James.
The previous ASG president, Monique Reyna, established the committee which is now led by Senator Matt Shubin.
“Carpooling is one main idea, but the focus of the committee will be determined as the meetings progress,” said James.
The focus for the communications committee is figuring out the logistics for Health Day.
“There’s a blood drive on Feb. 6. We’re going to couple our resources with that and inform students about the nursing center and psych services,” said James, “so just all health services on campus.”
ASG is also trying to inform students of the new student education plans, new requirements for students to gain a sooner registration date than students who do not complete their SEP’s.
“We’re really trying to get the word out on that. They have to be fully matriculated … completing the SEP, do the online orientation and either having your basic skill requirement met or have taken the placement tests,” said President James. “So I highly encourage our senators as well as our e-board members as far as presenting it in their classrooms.”
Students can make an appointment either in person or online. “The cut off date is the 28th, we really really need to get on that. That will be the main focus of club rush for us.” Said James.
Another big change coming soon are the designated smoking areas. “There’s going to be a task force, because all of the decisions have already been made, we just need to make the purchases, and Daniel Melchor is in control of that process, so of course he will be working with the appropriate officers to either get the communications out, get the purchases made or relaying the information to the campus facilities committee if needed.”
Throughout the semester, ASG also organizes traditional events such as Ramdoggie and Ram Slam at the end of the semester.”
A strong component ASG wants to focus on is their communication. “Communications is a huge thing…all of this takes communication to actually achieve the goal,” said James. “To me communications is connecting with our students, informing them what services we have on campus.” I think we did a decent job of that last semester, better than prior years and Sean Henderson actually attested to that as well. We want to carry that momentum over and do an even better job this year.”