After returning from a relaxing, rejuvenating break, our newly-elected senators and executive officers will be returning to an office, hopefully with a new, clear vision of their objective to serve the student body in an effective, realistic manner. Or, at least, they’ll be a little more relaxed.
As some of these new senators take office, we offer a few words of advice to those senators and executives on what needs to change on campus and how they can effectively serve the students.
First, be realistic.
Know your limits as a senator and work within them to create the change students want to see in the school. Even some of the smaller, more menial tasks need addressing, like the always overflowing, ASI-run recycle bins. Create an effective way of getting them emptied. Overflowing trash is always an eyesore, no matter where you are, and it certainly works against some of the strides that Cal State Long Beach President F. King Alexander has made to make our campus more beautiful.
Second, get to know your constituents.
President-elect and former cabinet member Mark Andrews had a great idea when he wanted to revive the defunct “Beach Team” (a means of introducing incoming freshmen to the student government through SOAR). But there needs to be an outreach to students on all academic levels, not just freshmen. Step out of the ivory tower and meet the people you are representing outside of the classroom. Ask them what they want to see changed. Take polls. Send out e-mails.
Third, don’t neglect the classic problems. Most students have to commute, and parking is always terrible. Think of creative ways to make incentives for people to carpool. Consider eliminating those obnoxious, consistently empty parking spaces. Work with the administration to improve campus living and lobby the campus higher-ups for more dorms.
Fourth, start getting your cabinet together now, and start working now for your chief of staff.
Former ASI president Shefali Mistry did not have a complete cabinet during most of her stay as president. The cabinet is essential in creating a cohesive front for the student government and for all of the school-spirited activities ASI organizes – a category we are sorely lacking in.
Fifth, use Senate meetings wisely.
They are your platform to publicly inform the campus community of what your goals for the campus (unless you don’t have any).
Sixth, communicate and cooperate with the campus press. Respond to their criticisms. They often (but not always) reflect the concerns of the student body.
Understandably, the powers vested in the ASI Senate are limited.
According to the ASI Bylaws, some of the powers of the Senate are to “set Associated Students membership privileges, and set Associated Students membership fees, within the limitations set by law,” “establish and regulate all student government expenditures and financial operations,” “approve all new Associated Students publications,” “create standing and special committees” and “revise the Associated Students bylaws.”
Your powers are limited, but students are looking to you to make our campus more of an involved community, and it is certainly within your confined powers to create these changes. It’s your duty as representatives of the student body.
