High transfer rates,
working students, poor communication and student apathy have all contributed
to the lack of involvement in Palo Alto’s Student Government Association.
“I was not even aware that we even had a Student Government. I don’t
even know what their specific purpose is,” said James Huizar, a freshman
Graphic Arts major.
Student Government is the link between the student’s wants,
Vanessa Guajardo also didn’t know of Palo Alto’s Student Government. “I want to know what exactly has been done and what the future plans are. They need to go out and talk to students to earn more publicity,” said Guajardo, a freshman Psychology major.
Fidel Salinas, Jr., President of the Student Government, has been in office since Jan. 22, 2004. He has made an effort since May 2002 to become more informed about the Student Government.
“Student Government’s goal is to get everyone involved,” said Salinas. “Student Government lets students know that their voice can be heard and it does matter.”
On March 30 and 31 from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., student elections will take place in the Student Center to select a new Student Government for the 2004-2005 academic year. The campaigns will let students know who the candidates are, what they’re running for and what they plan to do while they are in office.
Students who are interested in filing for office must pick up an application packet in the Student Activities Center room 101. Deadline to file for office must be done by March 12, 2004. The positions available are President, Vice President, Secretary of Business and Treasury, Senator of Campus Operations, Senator of Instructions & Curriculum, Senator of Public Relations and Senator of Student Activities.
“Since I am a working student, it’s not easy to make time and go search for information. I am totally unaware of anything about Student Government. They should consider appearing in the Freshman Orientation classes so student can be familiar with the Student Government,” said Francesca Grant, a freshman Social Education Major.
The Student Government’s Adviser Cheryl Le Gras attends regular meetings along with the offices, helps them set goals, and coordinates elections and opportunities to network with other Student Governments in regional and state conferences.
In the future, Student Government can help students learn how to bargain and negotiate,” said Cheryl Le Gras, Student Adviser.
Students who are active in the Student Government attend The Texas Junior College Student Government Association Convention. There students from the region and state attend to voice their concerns. This convention also helps prepare students who are involved in Student Government. It informs them about what their job consists of and what their responsibilities are.
One recent accomplishment of the Student Government is the Science Learning Center. The Student Government did its part by talking with students, then pushing the information onto to people or offices that can handle it and were able to supply. The Science Lab offers tutoring that will be available for any students who need help in any science class.
Another accomplishment is increased funding of the Math-Learning Center, which was in need of more help to tutor students. The funding supplied more math tutors.
As for the future goals, the Student Government is going to establish a Student Government Web Page with all of the information students need. Another issue they are working on is increased parking.
If you are interested in Student Government or want to voice your concerns, their meeting are as follows: Monday March 22, 2004, 3:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m. in G.E., Rm. 230, Friday April 2, 2004, 1:00 p.m.-2:30p.m. in G.E., Rm. 230; Tuesday April 16, 2004, 1:00 p.m. -2:50 p.m. in G.E., 230.
Yak at your student representative!
President
Fidel Salinas Jr.
fsjr1@hotmail.com
Vice President
Rachel Cywinski
pacsenat@accd.edu
Senator of Public Relations
Andres Arispe
avaarispe@hotmail.com
Senator of Student Activities
Jessical DeLaRosa
supergreen_girl@yahoo.com
Secretary of Business & Treasury
Teresa O’Kelley
okelleyt@yahoo.com
Senator of Instruction & Curriculum
Tiffany Garcia
moon_tag@yahoo.com
Senator of Campus Operations
Stacey Flores
pacsenat@accd.edu