A.S. Elections
This week Associated Students held its elections, which allowed students to elect their student leaders for the 2009-10 academic year. Given the many serious challenges faced by Cal State Northridge and the broader higher education community—especially given the state of the economy and the California budget—students had an opportunity to select leaders who will play leadership roles in advocating for them and representing their interests on campus and statewide.
A.S. plays an essential and invaluable role in the everyday life of the campus. First, of course, they advocate for the primary constituents served by Cal State Northridge directly: students. As elected representatives, the A.S. Senate provides a unified voice for student needs and priorities. They do so through their student governance responsibilities, and through their participation in official University business, such as campus committees, boards and planning groups. These activities give students an opportunity to contribute to and influence the operations and policies of the University, and put them in direct contact with faculty, campus administrators and government officials. A.S. also provides numerous services for students, enhances the quality of life on campus, and promotes University spirit.
I have been greatly privileged to work with the outstanding A.S. leaders over the years. They all have been bright and committed young men and women who represent the best of Cal State Northridge, and are eager to contribute to our mission as a nationally recognized, regionally focused institution.
Given the outstanding qualities of all the candidates, I know students had their work cut out for them as they cast their votes! I hope that all students took advantage of the opportunity this week to vote. I look forward to the outcome and to working productively with a new crop of student leaders next year on the many opportunities and challenges facing students and California State University, Northridge.