ASI LEADERSHIP MISSING

ASI LEADERSHIP MISSING
February 13, 2009 (Published in February 19, 2009 Edition of U Times)

Student Representation creates a structure to ensure that students' views are head in order to bring about improvement in the quality of the student experience and development of learning and teaching within the institution.
--Adapted from The University Of Manchester

At CSULA, we do have a student government association, the Associated Students Incorporated (ASI). However, like any organization, the underlying fundamental behavior of this association has a direct link with its leadership. In any given year, when a President is elected into office, he or she has committed to providing true student representation even in the face of challenges from the University administration, faculty, and staff. If a president proves to be knowledgeable in their charge and shows character by challenging University policies and proposals when they are against the desire of a majority of the student population, then the rest of the association will follow suit. However, when a President takes upon a lax and complacent attitude and chooses to bow down to the views of the administration, the association cannot be expected to show much character either, unless they oppose both the University administration and the leadership within their own association!

On Wednesday February 18, there was a student-led rally to protest the Academic Senate's vote to mover forward with the planning stages for a conversion to a semester system at CSULA. Protest organizers felt that for any planning to take place, funds will be required. It is the opinion of many students, myself included, that any funds that are readily for use should be invested in saving the quality of education for students, especially when we are facing the darkest hours of a global economic crises. The rally gained the support of both students and faculty alike and many hours were dedicated by certain key individuals. But one person that has been absent from these discussions is our un-elected ASI President, Jennifer Chemel.

There are those who blame the entire ASI for the current situation. However an organization is only as capable as its leader. One would hope, however, that instead of claiming credit for the work of others and misrepresenting the 23,000 students at CSULA, our current and future student leaders will opt to begin the work of rebuilding the campus in both pride and unity, advocating for the rights of CSULA students and the value of investment in higher in education.

Carlos Lopez-Jimenez
Economics Student
clopezj@calstatela.edu
(310) 384-7254