Editor’s note: ASG President Raquel Smith is a staff writer for The Channels. She did not contribute any reporting to this article.
With the spring semester underway, the Associated Student Government (ASG) opened the first meeting of 2025 reflecting on successful campus events from the previous semester. Student engagement at City College appears to be on the rise as students continue to form and participate in clubs.
Christopher Renbarger, the new assistant superintendent and vice president of business services shared a district proposal to extend the terms of the current agreement with the Metropolitan Transit District (MTD), which allows students to access public transportation around the city of Santa Barbara.
The current two-year agreement with MTD is due for renewal at the end of summer 2025. MTD is not currently ready to discuss whether fees will change or remain the same moving forward. Renbarger stated MTD indicated they would accept a proposal from City College.
“Normally they propose to us,” Renbarger said. “We can propose to them that the fees remain exactly the same for at least one year and then have a broader discussion in fall, based on their analysis of their costs.”
Many student engagement opportunities will be taking place in the near future. ASG advisor Melissa Menendez announced that Raíces, First Year Beyond, Basic Needs Center and The Well will be presenting the first ever wellness event aiming to showcase student support programs and resources. The Spring Wellness Bienvenida will take place on Thursday, Feb. 6.
“The concept is to showcase all of the support programs and resources for students, hence wellness,” Menendez said. “We will have a lot of our equity programs there as well as our academic support departments.”
Continuing the focus on wellness, ASG advisor Amy Collins said multiple student services offices are joining forces to present Love Notes, an interactive listening party focused on mental wellness which will take place on Thursday, Feb. 13. This event will include guided exercises centered around music, reflective writing, mindfulness and open discussion. All students are encouraged to attend and bring friends.
Mia Fanucchi, commissioner of clubs, opened discussion on having Club Day held on Feb. 19.
A Google form will be sent out to all club leaders on campus to reserve tables and students are encouraged to respond quickly to ensure their spot. The board will provide pizza for attendees who complete a passport activity at Club Day. This event will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
ASG’s next meeting is scheduled for Feb. 7 in the Campus Center.