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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Brian Maxey,
Congratulations on twisting this story and casting Tom Boroujeni in a good light. It’s stories like this that cause me to read the collegian about once a month. I think after this one though, I’ve given up on you for good.
Are you sure you were actually at the meeting?
After the 5 minutes were up Tom preceded to verbally attack our chair and even a member in the audience who had been invited to consult the senate on parliamentary procedure. Most of us senators who are not one of Tom’s puppets were actually concerned for our safety.
I can carry on, but what’s the point anymore?
P.S. Congrats Tom, I feel like I’m reading Harry Potter.
Brian Maxey,
Congratulations on twisting this story and casting Tom Boroujeni in a good light. It’s stories like this that cause me to read the collegian about once a month. I think after this one though, I’ve given up on you for good.
Are you sure you were actually at the meeting?
After the 5 minutes were up Tom preceded to verbally attack our chair and even a member in the audience who had been invited to consult the senate on parliamentary procedure. Most of us senators who are not one of Tom’s puppets were actually concerned for our safety.
I can carry on, but what’s the point anymore?
P.S. Congrats Tom, I feel like I’m reading Harry Potter.
Honestly, I believe that ASI is able to get away with doing a half job because a majority of students simply do not care about their student government. I mean, I know people that do not even know or care to know who their elected ASI officials are..
Honestly, I believe that ASI is able to get away with doing a half job because a majority of students simply do not care about their student government. I mean, I know people that do not even know or care to know who their elected ASI officials are..
That is great that they have set up standards to limit public comment to 5 minutes. I could imagine the type of speaking that is going on. It would be seemed to me that the speaking is like a broken record playing. Yes, it is their given right to speak up against the furloughs, budget cuts but that is why people can organize. On the senate their was to be somebody that have a voice. Many, don’t care about ASI, they got problems of their own like working, studying and many have families.
That is great that they have set up standards to limit public comment to 5 minutes. I could imagine the type of speaking that is going on. It would be seemed to me that the speaking is like a broken record playing. Yes, it is their given right to speak up against the furloughs, budget cuts but that is why people can organize. On the senate their was to be somebody that have a voice. Many, don’t care about ASI, they got problems of their own like working, studying and many have families.
Great job on writing this article Brian. Seriously im not regurgitating what Senator Parks commented. The freedom of the press is something we should all value. Giving up on you for good? it almost sounds as though Senator parks is paying you off. Wow and he is supposed to be the Legislative rep for all 22,000 students. I think i have given up on him for good, as many other students might now have thier legislative voice on campus silenced with him as our rep.
Great job on writing this article Brian. Seriously im not regurgitating what Senator Parks commented. The freedom of the press is something we should all value. Giving up on you for good? it almost sounds as though Senator parks is paying you off. Wow and he is supposed to be the Legislative rep for all 22,000 students. I think i have given up on him for good, as many other students might now have thier legislative voice on campus silenced with him as our rep.
To Senator Parks: So you and the rest of Welty’s puppets were scared of Tom? Maybe if you actually listened to the things he was saying and started going by the rules… ASI is a huge joke, they enjoy that students don’t seem to care, it makes it easier for them to misrepresent the students, why do you think they meet at 7am?
The students who do care see through your sham. You all ignore the students, you break your own rules, you lie, cheat and steal from the students. No wonder you were scared, you know what you deserve and you thought Tom might give it to you.
Shape up or stop being a “student representative”, you make us all lose faith in the system, you are just a politician in training remember.
To Senator Parks: So you and the rest of Welty’s puppets were scared of Tom? Maybe if you actually listened to the things he was saying and started going by the rules… ASI is a huge joke, they enjoy that students don’t seem to care, it makes it easier for them to misrepresent the students, why do you think they meet at 7am?
The students who do care see through your sham. You all ignore the students, you break your own rules, you lie, cheat and steal from the students. No wonder you were scared, you know what you deserve and you thought Tom might give it to you.
Shape up or stop being a “student representative”, you make us all lose faith in the system, you are just a politician in training remember.
”It would be seemed to me” —- okay, doctor
”It would be seemed to me” —- okay, doctor
Dear angry writers who hate ASI -
And dear students who are believing their lies,
I write to you in desperation
Hoping to evoke a revelation… Read More
Hoping my story will sink in with you
Hoping you’ll see what is really true
I’m just a girl who loves Fresno State
I got involved in ASI to help make it great
I’m not corrupt, not even close, I work for free
Because I want this campus to be all it can be
Trust me, fellow students; I’m in this for you
To your voices and ideas I want to be true
So come to me with a kind word and heart
All this scamming and screaming just tears us apart
We have to work together; we have to act as one
Only then will we be able to get our job done –
One body of students with a vision for our CSU
Hand in hand we can make things better for me and you
ASI isn’t evil; we aren’t trying to limit your rights
And we aren’t stupid either – we know budget cuts bite
We know your upset and feeling let down
That’s why we are here – to change that frown
We are fighting for library hours and your classes
We promote quality education for the masses
Newspapers, bulldog blog, and club funding too
This is just the beginning of what we can do for you
So please, of you I beg, give me a chance
All I want to do is help us all advance
So with all of that said, I ask
That each one of you takes on my task
Help me make this school the best
Advocate with me, and we’ll show the rest
We’ll show the doubters
And the pouters
We’ll show the naysayers too
That we can make a difference – me and you.
That’s all for now,
Goodbye, adios, and choa
Sincerely, Selena – Senator of Student Affairs
Letting you know, I’m also just a kid who cares.
Dear angry writers who hate ASI -
And dear students who are believing their lies,
I write to you in desperation
Hoping to evoke a revelation… Read More
Hoping my story will sink in with you
Hoping you’ll see what is really true
I’m just a girl who loves Fresno State
I got involved in ASI to help make it great
I’m not corrupt, not even close, I work for free
Because I want this campus to be all it can be
Trust me, fellow students; I’m in this for you
To your voices and ideas I want to be true
So come to me with a kind word and heart
All this scamming and screaming just tears us apart
We have to work together; we have to act as one
Only then will we be able to get our job done –
One body of students with a vision for our CSU
Hand in hand we can make things better for me and you
ASI isn’t evil; we aren’t trying to limit your rights
And we aren’t stupid either – we know budget cuts bite
We know your upset and feeling let down
That’s why we are here – to change that frown
We are fighting for library hours and your classes
We promote quality education for the masses
Newspapers, bulldog blog, and club funding too
This is just the beginning of what we can do for you
So please, of you I beg, give me a chance
All I want to do is help us all advance
So with all of that said, I ask
That each one of you takes on my task
Help me make this school the best
Advocate with me, and we’ll show the rest
We’ll show the doubters
And the pouters
We’ll show the naysayers too
That we can make a difference – me and you.
That’s all for now,
Goodbye, adios, and choa
Sincerely, Selena – Senator of Student Affairs
Letting you know, I’m also just a kid who cares.
Great poem Farnesi…that is just the problem with ASI ..too many KIDS who say they care yet they dont comprehend the misrepresentation they are doing. Where are the real grown ups who know how to govern.
Great poem Farnesi…that is just the problem with ASI ..too many KIDS who say they care yet they dont comprehend the misrepresentation they are doing. Where are the real grown ups who know how to govern.
you show your immaturity with that nonsense posting, Selena. you aren’t fit to hold elected office even at this amateur level.
you show your immaturity with that nonsense posting, Selena. you aren’t fit to hold elected office even at this amateur level.
As a fellow journalism student, I am surprised to see that Brian Maxey has not figured out that reporting is supposed to be unbiased. It is the most basic principle journalists have to follow and Maxey fails to do so. The way Maxey portrays Tom Boroujeni is interesting to say the least. I am also taken aback by the fact that he only interviews members of the ASI executive board while leaving out the views of the Senate.
I enjoy public comment and am always eager to hear what my fellow students have to say. During our most recent meeting, Boroujeni crossed the line. I was legitimately afraid when he began screaming at the Senate and pointing his finger. In his article, Maxey portrays him as a calm and politically correct student. Boroujeni was anything but that, which is evidenced by the fact that campus police had to be called.
ASI represents 22,000 to 23,000 students. Most students who show up to our meetings have legitimate concerns and announcements, while students like Boroujeni like to scream random things–perhaps he likes the sound of his own voice. Students like him are not representative of the students at large. Maxey would know that if he took the time to interview students at large and not just the extremists.
The bottom line is that in order to prevent constant fee increases and furloughs, we as a campus community and as a part of a system-wide effort need to make sure that our legislators in Sacramento know that we care about our education. Screaming at the Student Senate and writing articles that are disgraceful to journalism create an atmosphere of division and resentment, while doing nothing to improve our situation.
As a fellow journalism student, I am surprised to see that Brian Maxey has not figured out that reporting is supposed to be unbiased. It is the most basic principle journalists have to follow and Maxey fails to do so. The way Maxey portrays Tom Boroujeni is interesting to say the least. I am also taken aback by the fact that he only interviews members of the ASI executive board while leaving out the views of the Senate.
I enjoy public comment and am always eager to hear what my fellow students have to say. During our most recent meeting, Boroujeni crossed the line. I was legitimately afraid when he began screaming at the Senate and pointing his finger. In his article, Maxey portrays him as a calm and politically correct student. Boroujeni was anything but that, which is evidenced by the fact that campus police had to be called.
ASI represents 22,000 to 23,000 students. Most students who show up to our meetings have legitimate concerns and announcements, while students like Boroujeni like to scream random things–perhaps he likes the sound of his own voice. Students like him are not representative of the students at large. Maxey would know that if he took the time to interview students at large and not just the extremists.
The bottom line is that in order to prevent constant fee increases and furloughs, we as a campus community and as a part of a system-wide effort need to make sure that our legislators in Sacramento know that we care about our education. Screaming at the Student Senate and writing articles that are disgraceful to journalism create an atmosphere of division and resentment, while doing nothing to improve our situation.
ASI killed my puppy. And then they laughed about it.
ASI killed my puppy. And then they laughed about it.
@Craig, that was a bold move, but somebody had to say it man. This crap is supposed to be journalism? This is the same thing that happen last year when the colliegian refued to recognize that Tom (23) was married to the “disgruntled employee” Annie Tremp (46) and was pushing her agenda as the poor employee who just wanted to do her job. She was doing her job alright, and he was helping her when she would have extra work to do…late night, giving her a helping hand…in the office.
Tom is a joke who talks a big game but cannot win an election with his army of puppets so he uses the media and of course our esteemed newspaper, who have never had a bias towards ASI, are happy to write an article about it, stoking the fire.
There needs to be an organized burning of this trash, or a boycott. Save for the sudoku, no one would pick it up anyway. Thats why journalism majors look for somewhere else to go get experience, the collegian has to beg for reporters, and this is what they get.
@Jared you have too much hate in your heart man, did someone on ASI make a subway joke? You are really quick to point fingers but ASI has done a lot, and Craig is one of the few left that actually cares. He deals with all of the crap from ungrateful students who are quick to gripe and complain but never actually do anything, and he is still standing.
@abe err…Tom you talk a big game because you know if anyone gave you what you deserve you would run and sue them like a punk. You are the last one to talk about rules,how about not fraternizing in ASI offices? How about not using ASI office furniture to set up your little love-nest? Oh you are not talking about those rules, my bad.
@Craig, that was a bold move, but somebody had to say it man. This crap is supposed to be journalism? This is the same thing that happen last year when the colliegian refued to recognize that Tom (23) was married to the “disgruntled employee” Annie Tremp (46) and was pushing her agenda as the poor employee who just wanted to do her job. She was doing her job alright, and he was helping her when she would have extra work to do…late night, giving her a helping hand…in the office.
Tom is a joke who talks a big game but cannot win an election with his army of puppets so he uses the media and of course our esteemed newspaper, who have never had a bias towards ASI, are happy to write an article about it, stoking the fire.
There needs to be an organized burning of this trash, or a boycott. Save for the sudoku, no one would pick it up anyway. Thats why journalism majors look for somewhere else to go get experience, the collegian has to beg for reporters, and this is what they get.
@Jared you have too much hate in your heart man, did someone on ASI make a subway joke? You are really quick to point fingers but ASI has done a lot, and Craig is one of the few left that actually cares. He deals with all of the crap from ungrateful students who are quick to gripe and complain but never actually do anything, and he is still standing.
@abe err…Tom you talk a big game because you know if anyone gave you what you deserve you would run and sue them like a punk. You are the last one to talk about rules,how about not fraternizing in ASI offices? How about not using ASI office furniture to set up your little love-nest? Oh you are not talking about those rules, my bad.
I hate to say this–ASI has been corrupt and a joke for as long as I can remember (and lest anyone says I don’t know what I’m talking about, my brother was the Senator for the College of Engineering years ago). He used to say that ASI was like high school–people who thought they were big fish in the small pond that is Fresno State. The only problem was that this group controlled a large pot of money and tended to spend it at the behest of their buddies.
I was on campus in the 80s, when a group of students seized control of the ASI offices for over a week and revealed some of the corruption they claimed they found in the files to the Collegian. One form of corruption ASI routinely engaged in was the attempted silencing of the campus newspaper. Because ASI funded the Collegian, the Senate wanted control of the content–no articles critical of ASI or of the social Greeks (this was the era of date rape over on fraternity row). This led in time to the “Collegian fee,” making the paper independent of the clowns on the top floor of the USU.
The one good thing coming out of ASI is the seed money for the Children’s Center and some other campus services over the years. Otherwise ASI has been a huge waste of time. Most students don’t care whether ASI exists or not.
I hate to say this–ASI has been corrupt and a joke for as long as I can remember (and lest anyone says I don’t know what I’m talking about, my brother was the Senator for the College of Engineering years ago). He used to say that ASI was like high school–people who thought they were big fish in the small pond that is Fresno State. The only problem was that this group controlled a large pot of money and tended to spend it at the behest of their buddies.
I was on campus in the 80s, when a group of students seized control of the ASI offices for over a week and revealed some of the corruption they claimed they found in the files to the Collegian. One form of corruption ASI routinely engaged in was the attempted silencing of the campus newspaper. Because ASI funded the Collegian, the Senate wanted control of the content–no articles critical of ASI or of the social Greeks (this was the era of date rape over on fraternity row). This led in time to the “Collegian fee,” making the paper independent of the clowns on the top floor of the USU.
The one good thing coming out of ASI is the seed money for the Children’s Center and some other campus services over the years. Otherwise ASI has been a huge waste of time. Most students don’t care whether ASI exists or not.
A Real Alumnus: Ah, good points. Now all we have to do is wait for those involved with ASI to go against what you said and claim it’s all false, while none of them were students at Fresno State at that time.
Wait for it.. Wait for it..
A Real Alumnus: Ah, good points. Now all we have to do is wait for those involved with ASI to go against what you said and claim it’s all false, while none of them were students at Fresno State at that time.
Wait for it.. Wait for it..
as someone who has class with several collegian writers, I can attest to their stupidity, and their lack of objectivity.
as someone who has class with several collegian writers, I can attest to their stupidity, and their lack of objectivity.
First of all @ A Real Alumnus ” (and lest anyone says I don’t know what I’m talking about, my brother was the Senator for the College of Engineering years ago). ”
How about you not speak for someone who was actually involved and speak for yourself. What have you done to help this university? Did you serve on the senate? Did you speak up on issues that were effecting you or your fellow students? No? Then sit down and be quiet. You think voicing your opinion on the Collegian’s website makes you any better than that clown who ignored the rules of a senate meeting and rather than make a valid point he merely yelled and literally pointed fingers at people? I think it makes you his equal. I’m tired of people complaining about the system from the comfort of their dorm rooms when our hard working senators are getting up at yes 7a.m. because they have classes to attend, or jobs to go work not to mention carry the burdens and concerns of 22,000 ungrateful students who dont seem to care but would rather go by the Collegian’s word which seems to be solely based on a disgruntled student’s opinion rather than the actual facts.
How can so many people be so quick to judge and yet they havent done anything to change it themselves. You think yelling at a senate meeting is going to get people to understand where you’re coming from and emphathize with you? No. It’s only going to discredit you even more. You want to make a difference? Vote. Run for office. Do something! But dont be influenced by what a paper tells you, or what some finger pointing maniac screams at you, decide for yourself. Go to these meetings. Participate! Give a damn! Otherwise, just dont say anything.
First of all @ A Real Alumnus ” (and lest anyone says I don’t know what I’m talking about, my brother was the Senator for the College of Engineering years ago). ”
How about you not speak for someone who was actually involved and speak for yourself. What have you done to help this university? Did you serve on the senate? Did you speak up on issues that were effecting you or your fellow students? No? Then sit down and be quiet. You think voicing your opinion on the Collegian’s website makes you any better than that clown who ignored the rules of a senate meeting and rather than make a valid point he merely yelled and literally pointed fingers at people? I think it makes you his equal. I’m tired of people complaining about the system from the comfort of their dorm rooms when our hard working senators are getting up at yes 7a.m. because they have classes to attend, or jobs to go work not to mention carry the burdens and concerns of 22,000 ungrateful students who dont seem to care but would rather go by the Collegian’s word which seems to be solely based on a disgruntled student’s opinion rather than the actual facts.
How can so many people be so quick to judge and yet they havent done anything to change it themselves. You think yelling at a senate meeting is going to get people to understand where you’re coming from and emphathize with you? No. It’s only going to discredit you even more. You want to make a difference? Vote. Run for office. Do something! But dont be influenced by what a paper tells you, or what some finger pointing maniac screams at you, decide for yourself. Go to these meetings. Participate! Give a damn! Otherwise, just dont say anything.
It’s interesting to see individuals involved with ASI saying that they are for the students when weeks ago they made it clear that they did not support the students involved with the walkout that protested fee hikes, among other things. Of course, the day of the event(of which was not ASI backed at all) who should place a representive on the outskirts of the protest so they can be clearly seen and interviewed by the media? ASI of course. Any politician reading this will of course see this as a brilliant political move, as do I. But, this single action shows how ASI really is. They do not support the students except when it may benefit them, trying secretly at any moment to get attention that portrays them as “for the students.”
The students are not as blind to what you are doing as you may think/portray us to be. We definitely see and know what is going on..
It’s interesting to see individuals involved with ASI saying that they are for the students when weeks ago they made it clear that they did not support the students involved with the walkout that protested fee hikes, among other things. Of course, the day of the event(of which was not ASI backed at all) who should place a representive on the outskirts of the protest so they can be clearly seen and interviewed by the media? ASI of course. Any politician reading this will of course see this as a brilliant political move, as do I. But, this single action shows how ASI really is. They do not support the students except when it may benefit them, trying secretly at any moment to get attention that portrays them as “for the students.”
The students are not as blind to what you are doing as you may think/portray us to be. We definitely see and know what is going on..
Jennifer–probably unlike you, I was at the townhall meeting in the Peace Garden today. I didn’t see a single one of the ASI officers there. And, the 400 or so students and faculty who were cheered when the students at the head table announced they had NO connection with ASI.
Associated Students is seen as useless, powerless and corrupt. That was mentioned at the townhall as a matter of fact. The general opinion expressed was “ASI has gotta go.” People are tired of a “representative government” that does nothing to represent their interests on the Fresno State campus.
I’ve been critical of Tom. That said, attempts by the Senate to muzzle public comment at the meetings violate students’ free speech rights and must be stopped. Jennifer, I’m not going to cry for people who have to get up and go to a meeting at 7 o’clock in the morning–I go to work way earlier than that. Perhaps, some people simply need to be adult, not overgrown high schoolers.
Jennifer–probably unlike you, I was at the townhall meeting in the Peace Garden today. I didn’t see a single one of the ASI officers there. And, the 400 or so students and faculty who were cheered when the students at the head table announced they had NO connection with ASI.
Associated Students is seen as useless, powerless and corrupt. That was mentioned at the townhall as a matter of fact. The general opinion expressed was “ASI has gotta go.” People are tired of a “representative government” that does nothing to represent their interests on the Fresno State campus.
I’ve been critical of Tom. That said, attempts by the Senate to muzzle public comment at the meetings violate students’ free speech rights and must be stopped. Jennifer, I’m not going to cry for people who have to get up and go to a meeting at 7 o’clock in the morning–I go to work way earlier than that. Perhaps, some people simply need to be adult, not overgrown high schoolers.
I love all the people that complain how worthless ASI is instead of doing something about it. You think you can do so much better? Why don’t you get off the computer and go join a committee and represent the students since you can do so much better than the people in place now?
I love all the people that complain how worthless ASI is instead of doing something about it. You think you can do so much better? Why don’t you get off the computer and go join a committee and represent the students since you can do so much better than the people in place now?
Cory–you miss the point.
ASI as it now exists should be abolished.
95 per cent of the students on this campus would not miss it (that’s the percentage who don’t vote in the spring). The fact they don’t run for office or bother to vote illustrates that ASI either does not meet their needs or they feel they’re not represented so why participate.
The distribution of the current ASI fee could be handled by the IRA committee, the USU committee, among others. Student government as it is now has been a failed experiment that should die a natural death.
Cory–you miss the point.
ASI as it now exists should be abolished.
95 per cent of the students on this campus would not miss it (that’s the percentage who don’t vote in the spring). The fact they don’t run for office or bother to vote illustrates that ASI either does not meet their needs or they feel they’re not represented so why participate.
The distribution of the current ASI fee could be handled by the IRA committee, the USU committee, among others. Student government as it is now has been a failed experiment that should die a natural death.
I can’t blame ASI officials for not being out at the peace garden. Having been there myself, I can only hope time will repair the damage done by the stupidity of some of the arguments given by the students. I’m not saying it was all bad, but it was unrealistic. As for the lack of participation, can you blame them? If half the country can’t be bothered to go vote for their president, what makes you think they’ll vote for student government? I think that ASI’s performance (either positive or negative) has little to do with voter apathy @ Fresno State. Could ASI be more influential on campus? Yes, but not without student support.
I can’t blame ASI officials for not being out at the peace garden. Having been there myself, I can only hope time will repair the damage done by the stupidity of some of the arguments given by the students. I’m not saying it was all bad, but it was unrealistic. As for the lack of participation, can you blame them? If half the country can’t be bothered to go vote for their president, what makes you think they’ll vote for student government? I think that ASI’s performance (either positive or negative) has little to do with voter apathy @ Fresno State. Could ASI be more influential on campus? Yes, but not without student support.
At least, el loco, the students at the town hall did something the inconsequential ASI has never been able to do–get Dr. Welty to meet with students on their terms, not the administration’s.
At least, el loco, the students at the town hall did something the inconsequential ASI has never been able to do–get Dr. Welty to meet with students on their terms, not the administration’s.
EL LOCO you are blind and ignorant to the political and activist movements by students on campus. you assume ASI can be more influential on campus but not without student support???
where have you been,, ASI IS THE STUDENTS, and there have been numerous attempts by non affiliated ASI students who apporach ASI students to do such advocacy and they always vote the items down. The ASI shows no support. ASI execs should be fired and replaced with these guys who stood up to the head of administration today…CHEERS FOR THEM!! if they run for ASI positions in the spring they definitely got my vote!!!
EL LOCO you are blind and ignorant to the political and activist movements by students on campus. you assume ASI can be more influential on campus but not without student support???
where have you been,, ASI IS THE STUDENTS, and there have been numerous attempts by non affiliated ASI students who apporach ASI students to do such advocacy and they always vote the items down. The ASI shows no support. ASI execs should be fired and replaced with these guys who stood up to the head of administration today…CHEERS FOR THEM!! if they run for ASI positions in the spring they definitely got my vote!!!
A Real Alumnus:
Do you have any facts to back up your statement as to why those 95% don’t vote? Or have you bothered to look up voting among other colleges with student governments?
Besides football games and Vintage Days, I think you’d be pretty hard pressed to find any event at Fresno State in which more than 1000 students willingly participate.
A Real Alumnus:
Do you have any facts to back up your statement as to why those 95% don’t vote? Or have you bothered to look up voting among other colleges with student governments?
Besides football games and Vintage Days, I think you’d be pretty hard pressed to find any event at Fresno State in which more than 1000 students willingly participate.
Yes Cory, I do. 30 years of Collegian and Insight reportage on the lack of interest in ASI. In recent years, many times no one runs for offices. Fresno State is a commuter school; most students attend class and the events that might interest them. Student government is viewed as just another group sucking money (ASI fee) out of their wallets for a minimal return.
Historically, ASI has been typically dominated by the social Greeks and at times students involved in the athletic program. For a period of a few years in the late 1980s and early 1990s, students who tended to be liberal or progressive won office and ASI was able to attract people to run for office or to vote in above-average numbers. After the campus’ version of the Republican Revolution in the mid-1990s, after ASI essentially imploded, there has been an abject lack of interest in it.
Yes Cory, I do. 30 years of Collegian and Insight reportage on the lack of interest in ASI. In recent years, many times no one runs for offices. Fresno State is a commuter school; most students attend class and the events that might interest them. Student government is viewed as just another group sucking money (ASI fee) out of their wallets for a minimal return.
Historically, ASI has been typically dominated by the social Greeks and at times students involved in the athletic program. For a period of a few years in the late 1980s and early 1990s, students who tended to be liberal or progressive won office and ASI was able to attract people to run for office or to vote in above-average numbers. After the campus’ version of the Republican Revolution in the mid-1990s, after ASI essentially imploded, there has been an abject lack of interest in it.