Students who want to be a part of decision-making process at City College have the opportunity until 3 p.m. Friday, March 11 to run for a position in the Associated Student Senate.
“Since I became a Senator, I have felt much more confident and powerful,” said Ryan Zweng, Student Senate member on the Board of Trustees. “I feel like I am making a mark on this school, not just attending it.”
The senate is the representative body of the students. The meetings are held at 3:30 p.m. Fridays, to discuss and vote on current issues. All students are encouraged to attend to voice their concerns.
“[Students] have been really cool with giving me information,” Zweng said. “They are always giving me input on things they want done.”
Applications need to be turned in to the Campus Center, room 223. At this time, candidates must choose a desired position in the senate. These positions are also known as committees. The committees range from student advocate to trustee. Senators can expect to commit anywhere from two to eight hours weekly. Along with serving as a committee officer, senators often participate in events such as food drives, blood drives and workshops. Elections will be held April 11 through April 14.
Ann Fryslie, director of Student and Alumni Activities, serves as the advisor and thinks the senate gives students an opportunity to become leaders.
“The (senate) is like a hidden gem,” Fryslie said. “You have to see it, to really appreciate it.”
After submitting an application, candidates must draft a platform. The platform, which is due March 16, is similar to the President’s State of the Union Address. It’s a list of goals the candidate wishes to accomplish while serving in office.
“When I was elected, I would have to say it was because of my platform,” said James Carter, Associated Student Body president. “Students really understood my goals for them. They knew what I was about.”
The City College decision-making process consists of three groups. The Board of Trustees, The Academic Senate and the Student Senate makeup a process called the shared governance.
Superintendent-President John Romo encourages students to run for senate positions. He believes student input is essential to running a balanced campus. “Student senators working together as a senate are the primary voices in the decision making processes at the college,” he said.