Campus Reports: Bakersfield

The Associated Students, Inc. of California State University, Bakersfield exists to provide an unofficial voice through which students' opinions and issues may be expressed regarding university and statewide affairs. ASI seeks to assist in the protection of the rights and interests of individual students and the student body as a whole. ASI provides resources and programs that encourage leadership development and broaden social, educational, political and cultural awareness for the betterment of the students.

Key Accomplishments

Campus Life: The ASI programming and finance committees of CSU Bakersfield have done an outstanding job of promoting student life on campus. Numerous clubs, such as the English Club, RHA, Biology Club, Japan and Beyond, NORML, Intramural Club, M.e.ch.a., etc., have received funding from ASI to put on events that are free for students. Events have included movie nights, poetry readings, coffeehouse nights at the dorms, food giveaways/barbecues, leadership workshops and dances. ASI also provided free tickets for students to attend the annual Legends of Jazz Concert. The programming committee organized a quarterly "welcome back" week and frequent "get rowdy" events for athletics, during which free food was offered to students. In addition, ASI organized and funded the Halloween Dance, the Thanksgiving Lunch and the Homecoming Dance.

Transition to Division I: In 2005, a student fee referendum was passed in support of CSUB Athletics moving to NCAA Division I. ASI worked diligently to encourage the movement. ASI feels that the change would lead to an enrichment of student life and enhance the recognition of CSU Bakersfield. Included in the referendum is a recreation center that will be free for student use. The center will include gym equipment, a rock wall, basketball courts, outside volleyball courts and fully equipped locker rooms. A fundraising goal of $6 million was set for financing the movement, and, to date, the university has raised a total of $4 million. CSU Bakersfield President Dr. Horace Mitchell has officially announced the university's transition to Division I, and the final stages are right around the corner.

Student Advocacy: ASI has worked at the state level to voice the concerns and interests of students and encourage political involvement. During the fall quarter, CSU Bakersfield participated in the statewide voter outreach campaign and increased the number of registered student voters by 2 percent.