Public comments
Every other Wednesday at 7 a.m. a handful of students and other members of the public make their way to the third floor of the University Student Union to attend senate meetings for the Associated Students, Inc.
Of those handfuls of people, some address the senate during public comment. The breadth of topics during these open floor comments range from students promoting events to people expressing their concern for the manner in which the university handles certain situations.
This year, on top of a new early morning meeting time, ASI has imposed a five minute time limit for the public to address the senate.
For some, the new time limit is seen as a barrier between students and ASI, but for ASI, they see it as a necessity.
The Collegian sat down with ASI executives Jessica Sweeten, Lauren Johnson and Alex Andreotti as well as students who have addressed the ASI senate during public comment this semester.
Andreotti, ASI’s executive-vice president, said that this was the first time that the student-run government has ever set a time limit.
“After consulting with our advisor [Gary Nelson] and other members of the office we found it necessary to limit time to be fair to every member of the public,” Andreotti said. “Five minutes is actually a lengthy amount of time.”
She also added that all senate meetings must adjourn by 8:50 a.m. because some of the senate members have 9 a.m. classes.
Student Mauro Carrera feels the time limit is meant to silence student voices.
“They make it very clear and very obvious that you are limited in what you can say,” Mauro said. “I would assume that having meetings at 7 a.m., you would hardly get a student to come out and speak about their concerns. So, the limit speaks a lot about their willingness to outreach to students.”
Recent fee hikes, class cuts and furloughs have brought about a renewed interest in student government for students like Polo Ortiz, who says that he recently started attending senate meetings because ASI has not taken students’ concerns into consideration.
Sweeten, ASI’s president, said that senators listen to everyone who addresses the public and takes their suggestions into consideration.
“I appreciate anyone who will come before the senate and give their opinion,” Sweeten said. “It takes time out of students schedules to come to a student senate meeting and we’re going to take every request seriously.”
However, during the Oct. 21 senate meeting, student Tom Boroujeni was warned by ASI while he was addressing the senate to sit down or he would be removed from the meeting. The Collegian reported on Oct. 23 that the university police were contacted during the meeting in case Boroujeni needed to be escorted out.
“All I was going to ask was ‘do they want all of the bylaws to go through or just some of them?’” Boroujeni said.
Bourojeni said that he became upset when ASI members put his right to speak in front of senate up to vote.
“I have the right to ask questions and speak in front of the senate when they have a guest [speaker], but instead they put my right to speak up to vote.”
According to Boroujeni, his request to address the senate was shut down by the three executives and then later put up for a vote, with only five senate members voting in favor of him speaking.
“The tone from ASI is very defensive,” Boroujeni said. “They think we’re only [at the senate meetings] to get them out of office or to spite them. It’s not that at all.”
ASI senator Jamie San Andres says that she has noticed the type of response from senators this semester toward students who speak during public comment.
“When students approach me with these kinds of questions I feel that there is a certain amount of carelessness in addressing student concerns and adhering to the documents by which we are bound,” San Andres said.
The three ASI executives disagreed stating that their goal is to fulfill the ASI mission statement and represent the majority of students.
“If the senate does not vote in favor of what the public is saying it doesn’t meant that we aren’t listening to them or taking them seriously,” Andreotti said. “We are the elected student government, so we have a vested interest in everyone.”
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Senator Craig Parks and Melissa Mata also are not being clear on thier accusations towards the public comment. I didnt see them running out of thier chair or raising their hand at the meeting when Tom supposedly was going crazy as they make him sound. he was rude and disrespecful but not to the extent they make him seem. They dont mention the issue he brings up which is very strong i would say, but judge for yourself
WANT THE TRUTH SEE THE VIDEOS http://www.myspace.com/csufresnoasiwatch
Senator Craig Parks and Melissa Mata also are not being clear on thier accusations towards the public comment. I didnt see them running out of thier chair or raising their hand at the meeting when Tom supposedly was going crazy as they make him sound. he was rude and disrespecful but not to the extent they make him seem. They dont mention the issue he brings up which is very strong i would say, but judge for yourself
WANT THE TRUTH SEE THE VIDEOS http://www.myspace.com/csufresnoasiwatch
Aw those videos are so cool. i love it. Love the part where the wahlbergs are not paying attention and chatting on the side.
It is almost as if i was at the meeting myself. thanks to those of you who make that happen for us, i cant be there at 7AM
Aw those videos are so cool. i love it. Love the part where the wahlbergs are not paying attention and chatting on the side.
It is almost as if i was at the meeting myself. thanks to those of you who make that happen for us, i cant be there at 7AM
There are videos online where you can go to see how bad Tom is, he is rude and disrecpectful even loud but not the attacker or crazy guy that Senator Melissa mata or Craig parks make him out to be. i didnt see them trying to run out their seats for safety.
Judge for yourself
myspace. c o m / c s u fresnoasiwatch
There are videos online where you can go to see how bad Tom is, he is rude and disrecpectful even loud but not the attacker or crazy guy that Senator Melissa mata or Craig parks make him out to be. i didnt see them trying to run out their seats for safety.
Judge for yourself
myspace. c o m / c s u fresnoasiwatch
CSU Fresno ASI watch uh? I wonder if that is biased at all…Just more propoganda from the crazies who cant get over the fact that they lost.
CSU Fresno ASI watch uh? I wonder if that is biased at all…Just more propoganda from the crazies who cant get over the fact that they lost.
I was at the walkout and the students who met with President John Welty. What i realized is that the students in whole are more powerful than ASI itself. I didnt see ASI do anything that would allow students to speak with Welty on such a platform. I did see them in free speech area and they asked me to take a picture, gimme a break.
I didnt see the ASI students ask Welty to support students in such a bold way the other students did. These students really inspired me to be more aware of whats going on. Even the Collegian has been writing stories that might seem questionable yet they caue me to look at things in a different light and that is what its supposed to do isnt it?
CORY MATTHEWS: you need to realize that there are other forms of leadership on this campus rather than just having to participate in ASI. Just because a student is not in ASI doesnt mean they cannot be leaders. Your ideologies are useless and you miss the entire point when it comes to true leaders. I shouldnt have to be on a “committee” to be a leader. The reality is, those are useless structures of power. What the students did with Welty, caused me to realise that!!!!!!!!
I was at the walkout and the students who met with President John Welty. What i realized is that the students in whole are more powerful than ASI itself. I didnt see ASI do anything that would allow students to speak with Welty on such a platform. I did see them in free speech area and they asked me to take a picture, gimme a break.
I didnt see the ASI students ask Welty to support students in such a bold way the other students did. These students really inspired me to be more aware of whats going on. Even the Collegian has been writing stories that might seem questionable yet they caue me to look at things in a different light and that is what its supposed to do isnt it?
CORY MATTHEWS: you need to realize that there are other forms of leadership on this campus rather than just having to participate in ASI. Just because a student is not in ASI doesnt mean they cannot be leaders. Your ideologies are useless and you miss the entire point when it comes to true leaders. I shouldnt have to be on a “committee” to be a leader. The reality is, those are useless structures of power. What the students did with Welty, caused me to realise that!!!!!!!!
Naomi, if I may clarify:
I hope you did take a picture at the ASI booth. Those pictures were being used in a Video Presentation, which is to be sent to the California Legislature. The intent of asking students to explain what their degree is worth, we are trying to explain to Californian the importance of supporting Higher Education. And although it may seem gratifying to yell at Welty about his state-owned house, and his paycheck, it is important to note that he didn’t have control over the state budget (When contrasted with the 50 Million Dollars that was cut from the CSU Fresno Budget, any adjustment to Welty’s earnings would have hardly an impact). But that isn’t the problem. The problem was students didn’t pay attention to what was going on in Sacramento, and as a result funding for colleges was affected just like every other avenue of life during this crisis.
Personally I feel the root of the problem is the lack of motivation to finish a Degree on time. There was once a time when people finished in 4 years, and there was a strong feeling for Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior Identity. And after your four years, you graduated, went to grad school or the work place, and eventually became an alumni who contributed to the university. When it takes someone 6 or 7 years to graduate with only a BA, it puts a huge strain on the system. I’ve seen flow charts for many different majors on campus, and most are oriented in a four year program. Fundamentally the problem might be the amount of students who enter college requiring remedial math or English courses, which I’d imagine correlates with potential to succeed. And now that less classes are being offered, the school should really crack down on serial students and let people take classes for the first time.
Bottom line, if Fresno state, and the other CSU’s, were open to everyone who is willing and able to put the time into it, not just anyone who meets the bottom-most requirements, I think the distribution of money would provide for a more successful campus. Unfortunately there are far too many people who simply cannot perform at a Collegiate Level, and should reevaluate their life goals and plans. Because when people barely get a BA after 7 years, retaking a bunch of classes and barely getting by with C’s, it weakens the strength of the degree. I’m not saying people should only go to school if they can get straight A’s, I am saying if people are going to fight for their education, the education should be worth something.
I do implore any who read this to seriously consider writing letters to politicians and newspapers about increasing the state’s budget for funding. It may seem trivial, but if they get enough letters, visits, and publications all telling them it is what the people want, they will have to do it. Angry and unorganized demonstrations only work to alienate, and only publicize the voices of the few and most extreme. We want the rational voices of the many to sound clear from the ramparts, declaring the “OUR EDUCATION IS WORTH IT!”
Naomi, if I may clarify:
I hope you did take a picture at the ASI booth. Those pictures were being used in a Video Presentation, which is to be sent to the California Legislature. The intent of asking students to explain what their degree is worth, we are trying to explain to Californian the importance of supporting Higher Education. And although it may seem gratifying to yell at Welty about his state-owned house, and his paycheck, it is important to note that he didn’t have control over the state budget (When contrasted with the 50 Million Dollars that was cut from the CSU Fresno Budget, any adjustment to Welty’s earnings would have hardly an impact). But that isn’t the problem. The problem was students didn’t pay attention to what was going on in Sacramento, and as a result funding for colleges was affected just like every other avenue of life during this crisis.
Personally I feel the root of the problem is the lack of motivation to finish a Degree on time. There was once a time when people finished in 4 years, and there was a strong feeling for Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior Identity. And after your four years, you graduated, went to grad school or the work place, and eventually became an alumni who contributed to the university. When it takes someone 6 or 7 years to graduate with only a BA, it puts a huge strain on the system. I’ve seen flow charts for many different majors on campus, and most are oriented in a four year program. Fundamentally the problem might be the amount of students who enter college requiring remedial math or English courses, which I’d imagine correlates with potential to succeed. And now that less classes are being offered, the school should really crack down on serial students and let people take classes for the first time.
Bottom line, if Fresno state, and the other CSU’s, were open to everyone who is willing and able to put the time into it, not just anyone who meets the bottom-most requirements, I think the distribution of money would provide for a more successful campus. Unfortunately there are far too many people who simply cannot perform at a Collegiate Level, and should reevaluate their life goals and plans. Because when people barely get a BA after 7 years, retaking a bunch of classes and barely getting by with C’s, it weakens the strength of the degree. I’m not saying people should only go to school if they can get straight A’s, I am saying if people are going to fight for their education, the education should be worth something.
I do implore any who read this to seriously consider writing letters to politicians and newspapers about increasing the state’s budget for funding. It may seem trivial, but if they get enough letters, visits, and publications all telling them it is what the people want, they will have to do it. Angry and unorganized demonstrations only work to alienate, and only publicize the voices of the few and most extreme. We want the rational voices of the many to sound clear from the ramparts, declaring the “OUR EDUCATION IS WORTH IT!”
Video presentations are cute..
Video presentations are cute..
Cody Madsen,
You contradict yourself and weaken your argument. On one hand you say the root of the problem is that there are far too many people in school who are aimless and not taking completion of their education with the seriousness it warrants. Fine, I agree. However, your solution is then to …. throw more money at the existing system. A system in which there is money for $100 million library additions but not for classes, faculty and students. A system in which it is impossible to operate without more administrators but you can get by with fewer students and less faculty. A system that makes the argument, in the midst of financial crisis, that administrators are grossly underpaid and deserving of 30% pay hike, but staff can go without raises for years at a time. A system where money is essentially laundered from the students to the Auxiliary corporation to pay for things like Campus Pointe and they then hide behind privacy laws because they are not part of the University. a system where the poor impoverished President has a crew of electricians from the campus spend a week putting up his xmas lights and then do the same to take them down. What a great idea. We’ll throw more money at that and I’m sure all our problems will magically disappear. At least until the next crisis which we can respond to by demanding more money.
Cody Madsen,
You contradict yourself and weaken your argument. On one hand you say the root of the problem is that there are far too many people in school who are aimless and not taking completion of their education with the seriousness it warrants. Fine, I agree. However, your solution is then to …. throw more money at the existing system. A system in which there is money for $100 million library additions but not for classes, faculty and students. A system in which it is impossible to operate without more administrators but you can get by with fewer students and less faculty. A system that makes the argument, in the midst of financial crisis, that administrators are grossly underpaid and deserving of 30% pay hike, but staff can go without raises for years at a time. A system where money is essentially laundered from the students to the Auxiliary corporation to pay for things like Campus Pointe and they then hide behind privacy laws because they are not part of the University. a system where the poor impoverished President has a crew of electricians from the campus spend a week putting up his xmas lights and then do the same to take them down. What a great idea. We’ll throw more money at that and I’m sure all our problems will magically disappear. At least until the next crisis which we can respond to by demanding more money.
GM:
I think what you fail to see is that money for the library, or money for campus point, was committed in legally binding contracts during the “times of plenty” and had the economy not tanked, they would have been built with ceremonious praise. But alas, California ripped the money out from under us, and so now we have to try to make ends meet.
GM:
I think what you fail to see is that money for the library, or money for campus point, was committed in legally binding contracts during the “times of plenty” and had the economy not tanked, they would have been built with ceremonious praise. But alas, California ripped the money out from under us, and so now we have to try to make ends meet.
Cody–you seem to blame students’ problems on their “not being dedicated and graduating in four years.” That is utter nonsense.
You seem to think this is a recent development. It’s not. Virtually no one graduates in four years. Between students having to work and not being able to carry full time units, required classes only offered once two or three years, and the university itself finding reasons to keep students on campus at least one additional semester (through the creative use of degree evals), it is impossible to get out of school on time.
It should be noted the University was discouraging students two years ago from carrying full loads because it adversely impacted FTE funding. For the funding of one fulltime student (12 units or more), the university could keep two parttimers in school.
Cody–you seem to blame students’ problems on their “not being dedicated and graduating in four years.” That is utter nonsense.
You seem to think this is a recent development. It’s not. Virtually no one graduates in four years. Between students having to work and not being able to carry full time units, required classes only offered once two or three years, and the university itself finding reasons to keep students on campus at least one additional semester (through the creative use of degree evals), it is impossible to get out of school on time.
It should be noted the University was discouraging students two years ago from carrying full loads because it adversely impacted FTE funding. For the funding of one fulltime student (12 units or more), the university could keep two parttimers in school.
CODY MADSEN: Im sorry that you didnt read my comment correctly. I did not, and i repeat, DID NOT TAKE A PICTURE with ASI when they were asking if i wanted to. And i quote you saying, “lack of motivation to finish a Degree on time” is very sad to hear you say that. Let me ask you Mr. Madsen, Will you finish your degree on time? What do you mean as in time? Who decides for me how long or short it should take in terms of time to complete my degree? And please Mr. Madsen answer this, DO YOU PAY FOR YOUR EDUCATION here at Fresno State? because not all of us have that luxury to pay and get out on “time” as you say.
I didnt take a picture with the ASI because first i didnt really know who they were standing in the Free Speech asking me to take a picture, second, the same day there was a much huger crowd doing exactly what i thought was more for studens for getting the Legislature attention. And also your prejudice shows on how you feel that people should be cut out from the CSU system by saying people of low performance should be cut and it makes the degree less valuable. That is called prejudice and also probably classism, or racism to an extent.
FOR EXAMPLE MR CODY MADSEN: that is like me taking a group of people, GAY people for example, and saying they should not be allowed to have gay marriage rights (which i do support this is just an example) and i say that gays cannot have access to marraige rights becaue they will devalue the worth of a marriage because it should be only between a man and a woman and it is taking them too long in “time” terms to figure out wich way they want to swing and eventually they can only access the marriage when they finally realise they have to swing the right way. Its like saying, Unfortunately there are far too many GAY people who simply cannot perform at a Marriage Level (Collegiate Level on your terms), and should reevaluate their life goals and plans. Because when GAY people get married it weakens the strength of the family and the marriage. And i use that to justify GAYS to stay out of the realm of marriage. Is this right MR MADSEN? Should something of that extent be allowed? cause that is how you are thinking.
CODY MADSEN: Im sorry that you didnt read my comment correctly. I did not, and i repeat, DID NOT TAKE A PICTURE with ASI when they were asking if i wanted to. And i quote you saying, “lack of motivation to finish a Degree on time” is very sad to hear you say that. Let me ask you Mr. Madsen, Will you finish your degree on time? What do you mean as in time? Who decides for me how long or short it should take in terms of time to complete my degree? And please Mr. Madsen answer this, DO YOU PAY FOR YOUR EDUCATION here at Fresno State? because not all of us have that luxury to pay and get out on “time” as you say.
I didnt take a picture with the ASI because first i didnt really know who they were standing in the Free Speech asking me to take a picture, second, the same day there was a much huger crowd doing exactly what i thought was more for studens for getting the Legislature attention. And also your prejudice shows on how you feel that people should be cut out from the CSU system by saying people of low performance should be cut and it makes the degree less valuable. That is called prejudice and also probably classism, or racism to an extent.
FOR EXAMPLE MR CODY MADSEN: that is like me taking a group of people, GAY people for example, and saying they should not be allowed to have gay marriage rights (which i do support this is just an example) and i say that gays cannot have access to marraige rights becaue they will devalue the worth of a marriage because it should be only between a man and a woman and it is taking them too long in “time” terms to figure out wich way they want to swing and eventually they can only access the marriage when they finally realise they have to swing the right way. Its like saying, Unfortunately there are far too many GAY people who simply cannot perform at a Marriage Level (Collegiate Level on your terms), and should reevaluate their life goals and plans. Because when GAY people get married it weakens the strength of the family and the marriage. And i use that to justify GAYS to stay out of the realm of marriage. Is this right MR MADSEN? Should something of that extent be allowed? cause that is how you are thinking.
Interesting spin Naomi, it does make sense when you put it that way. I wonder what the losers of prop 8 would say. I do recall the Prop 8 pro gay marriage advocates got the names of donors to those against their movement to boycott thier business. It almost seems that is what students are seemingly doing. Once the public knows who the “anonymous” or private donors are that give to the university, the public will be inclined to stop supporting those businesses until they support academics and not athletics or campus pointe.
Interesting spin Naomi, it does make sense when you put it that way. I wonder what the losers of prop 8 would say. I do recall the Prop 8 pro gay marriage advocates got the names of donors to those against their movement to boycott thier business. It almost seems that is what students are seemingly doing. Once the public knows who the “anonymous” or private donors are that give to the university, the public will be inclined to stop supporting those businesses until they support academics and not athletics or campus pointe.
I was with you on this article until you started acting like Tom is a reasonable human being. Seriously, after last year’s huge drama, you should know better, Maxey.
I was with you on this article until you started acting like Tom is a reasonable human being. Seriously, after last year’s huge drama, you should know better, Maxey.
Maxey dont let haters get you down. When other people were the Editor in Chief, when other writers were in charge and wrote what they wanted, no one came after them with a witch hunt. So why should they worry now, because it doesnt favor what they want? Keep up the good work.
Maxey dont let haters get you down. When other people were the Editor in Chief, when other writers were in charge and wrote what they wanted, no one came after them with a witch hunt. So why should they worry now, because it doesnt favor what they want? Keep up the good work.
Naomi,
I apologize for misunderstanding your original post. In answer to your question, yes, I will be graduating on time (assuming the university stays open), and am hoping to also complete 2-3 minors.And I’ll be honest and say I’m able to come to the university as a result of scholarship (that I earned though my academic success and community involvement in high school), some help from my parents, and money I make each summer and during the year.
I feel you are misunderstanding me though. I am personally upset when fellow classmates in upper division classes are unable to write at even a basic collegiate level. My education is compromised when teachers have to spend 2 weeks of class going over procedure on how to write an essay. When I speak on students graduating on time, I refer to those students who I’ve met that receive complete financial aid from the government, or their parents pay for all of their expenses, and don’t work, and still only can handle 12 or less units a semester, as well as the people who fall close to that description. Some people, regardless of their origins, background, or political belief, just aren’t ready for collegiate level education. And the solution to that shouldn’t be lowering the standards.
They way I see it, it is the difference between playing soccer as a 6 year old, and soccer professionally. When you are 6, everyone plays who signs up, and should you lose or win, everyone gets a participation trophy. But when you are on a professional team, only the serious athletes perform well, and are able to sustain. You try to get the best, and keep the best. If you don’t know how to play the game, you won’t be any help to the team, and you will not be able to perform well personally.
This should be the same with college. If 4-year level institutions (I understand that life happens and people take less time and more time, Earlier I referred to the people who continue to waste their, and the states money, in an institution that doesn’t fit them. There is nothing wrong with pursuing vocational or trade schools, apprenticeships {although this model is very uncommon now}, or alternative education if they aren’t able to play this game) were able to orient themselves around students who are able to play the game, there would be a higher quality of education because it is focusing on the material, the institution would have higher merritt, and those graduates will have better opportunities in the future. I’m saying that it is unthinkable that students are unable to write, and should take time before entering the university to learn those skills (community colleges, etc.).
Your comparison to gay marriage is interesting, but EDUCATION should be the primary focus of the state. Personally, I’d rather do away with Marriage as a state institution because it is a religious institution, and religious matters should be less a concern of the state, and more a concern with the individual. Marriage is a social issue, and I’ll let the Social Policy Makers worry about the extent of separation or church and state in this matter, but that debate is out of the scope of this discourse. My concern is education, which to me is the most important institution our government handles. And like I said above, we need to do our best to make sure our legislators know that Education is not an area that should be sacrificed in these hard economic times. Vote to support Education, vote in politicians who support education, and make sure it is an education worth fighting for.
Smith,
I only worry that if those businessmen, alumni, and charitable community members pull their funding, the result will be a closure of the institution, not an adjustment in policy. At this time at least, it is their money to spend as they will, and I’d rather it come into the university supporting extra curricular activities that only better the educational experience, so the university doesn’t have to, than not come in at all.
But like I said, that is my worry. And when I’m older, I’d like to be able to donate (should I be in such a position) to things privately or publicly as I choose, because I would want to be able to give to the charities or causes I feel are important, without someone knocking on my door everyday trying to squeeze more out of me. And I’d imagine that the people giving to the university might also enjoy that privacy.
Naomi,
I apologize for misunderstanding your original post. In answer to your question, yes, I will be graduating on time (assuming the university stays open), and am hoping to also complete 2-3 minors.And I’ll be honest and say I’m able to come to the university as a result of scholarship (that I earned though my academic success and community involvement in high school), some help from my parents, and money I make each summer and during the year.
I feel you are misunderstanding me though. I am personally upset when fellow classmates in upper division classes are unable to write at even a basic collegiate level. My education is compromised when teachers have to spend 2 weeks of class going over procedure on how to write an essay. When I speak on students graduating on time, I refer to those students who I’ve met that receive complete financial aid from the government, or their parents pay for all of their expenses, and don’t work, and still only can handle 12 or less units a semester, as well as the people who fall close to that description. Some people, regardless of their origins, background, or political belief, just aren’t ready for collegiate level education. And the solution to that shouldn’t be lowering the standards.
They way I see it, it is the difference between playing soccer as a 6 year old, and soccer professionally. When you are 6, everyone plays who signs up, and should you lose or win, everyone gets a participation trophy. But when you are on a professional team, only the serious athletes perform well, and are able to sustain. You try to get the best, and keep the best. If you don’t know how to play the game, you won’t be any help to the team, and you will not be able to perform well personally.
This should be the same with college. If 4-year level institutions (I understand that life happens and people take less time and more time, Earlier I referred to the people who continue to waste their, and the states money, in an institution that doesn’t fit them. There is nothing wrong with pursuing vocational or trade schools, apprenticeships {although this model is very uncommon now}, or alternative education if they aren’t able to play this game) were able to orient themselves around students who are able to play the game, there would be a higher quality of education because it is focusing on the material, the institution would have higher merritt, and those graduates will have better opportunities in the future. I’m saying that it is unthinkable that students are unable to write, and should take time before entering the university to learn those skills (community colleges, etc.).
Your comparison to gay marriage is interesting, but EDUCATION should be the primary focus of the state. Personally, I’d rather do away with Marriage as a state institution because it is a religious institution, and religious matters should be less a concern of the state, and more a concern with the individual. Marriage is a social issue, and I’ll let the Social Policy Makers worry about the extent of separation or church and state in this matter, but that debate is out of the scope of this discourse. My concern is education, which to me is the most important institution our government handles. And like I said above, we need to do our best to make sure our legislators know that Education is not an area that should be sacrificed in these hard economic times. Vote to support Education, vote in politicians who support education, and make sure it is an education worth fighting for.
Smith,
I only worry that if those businessmen, alumni, and charitable community members pull their funding, the result will be a closure of the institution, not an adjustment in policy. At this time at least, it is their money to spend as they will, and I’d rather it come into the university supporting extra curricular activities that only better the educational experience, so the university doesn’t have to, than not come in at all.
But like I said, that is my worry. And when I’m older, I’d like to be able to donate (should I be in such a position) to things privately or publicly as I choose, because I would want to be able to give to the charities or causes I feel are important, without someone knocking on my door everyday trying to squeeze more out of me. And I’d imagine that the people giving to the university might also enjoy that privacy.
CODY MADSEN: I think in all of the history of Fresno State, the students on campus have advocated for themselves with the walkout and the Welty negotiations. Nothing will ever compare to such a victory. ASI has never and will probably never, ever in its history, ever enable students to speak and advocate on the level that i have seen happen in just these past couple of weeks organized by the students. Your perception of giving students a voice through ASI with a video to the legislature is a joke. That is the only historical presence of ASI, a joke. GO STUDENTS!
CODY MADSEN: I think in all of the history of Fresno State, the students on campus have advocated for themselves with the walkout and the Welty negotiations. Nothing will ever compare to such a victory. ASI has never and will probably never, ever in its history, ever enable students to speak and advocate on the level that i have seen happen in just these past couple of weeks organized by the students. Your perception of giving students a voice through ASI with a video to the legislature is a joke. That is the only historical presence of ASI, a joke. GO STUDENTS!
Cody–you have some good points. However, they’re unrealistic.
Intercollegiate athletics is a money loser for 99% of these programs. The Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics just issued a study surveying the FBS schools and their presidents. An overwhelming majority of the presidents say athletic programs are UNSUSTAINABLE financially. This is true here at Fresno State. Our program is unsustainable.
As for donors, I support opening the books of the auxiliaries. I doubt many people are award Ag One lost over $1 million in an investment it made in a “peaker” power plant several years ago.
Cody–you have some good points. However, they’re unrealistic.
Intercollegiate athletics is a money loser for 99% of these programs. The Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics just issued a study surveying the FBS schools and their presidents. An overwhelming majority of the presidents say athletic programs are UNSUSTAINABLE financially. This is true here at Fresno State. Our program is unsustainable.
As for donors, I support opening the books of the auxiliaries. I doubt many people are award Ag One lost over $1 million in an investment it made in a “peaker” power plant several years ago.
CODY MADSEN AGAIN: your comment
“I only worry that if those businessmen, alumni, and charitable community members pull their funding, the result will be a closure of the institution, not an adjustment in policy. At this time at least, it is their money to spend as they will, and I’d rather it come into the university supporting extra curricular activities that only better the educational experience, so the university doesn’t have to, than not come in at all”
WHAT THE HECK IS WRONG WITH YOUR THINKING….you got some kind of crystal ball or something to look into the future? You cannot tell the future, you do not know for sure what will happen and if the university will shut down. You dont know if people will pull thier funding and if they do , then the university doesnt need them. Let them give htier corruptable funding elsewhere. That is pure fear that someone has taught you and your so naive for beliving it. That is the problem, too many people making decisions or believin what someone tells them.
CODY MADSEN AGAIN: your comment
“I only worry that if those businessmen, alumni, and charitable community members pull their funding, the result will be a closure of the institution, not an adjustment in policy. At this time at least, it is their money to spend as they will, and I’d rather it come into the university supporting extra curricular activities that only better the educational experience, so the university doesn’t have to, than not come in at all”
WHAT THE HECK IS WRONG WITH YOUR THINKING….you got some kind of crystal ball or something to look into the future? You cannot tell the future, you do not know for sure what will happen and if the university will shut down. You dont know if people will pull thier funding and if they do , then the university doesnt need them. Let them give htier corruptable funding elsewhere. That is pure fear that someone has taught you and your so naive for beliving it. That is the problem, too many people making decisions or believin what someone tells them.