Campus Reports: Fresno

As the recognized student body government organization at California State University, Fresno, Associated Students, Inc. provides a means for effective student participation in the governance of the university, fosters awareness of student opinions on campus issues, assists in the protection of student rights, and provides programs and services to meet the needs of the students and campus community. For 2005-2007, ASI has continued its commitment to addressing students’ needs.

Key Accomplishments

Communication: One of ASI’s most significant accomplishments was improving student communication methods. Bulldog Blog (www.bulldogblog.net) is an e-newsletter and blog that alerts the entire student body of events on campus and in the community and reports job and volunteer opportunities. In addition, through BlackBoard, ASI can communicate to students via surveys, forums and bulletins. Campus Compass, CSU Fresno’s premier student life magazine, had its first of many issues published in November 2006 and just released its March 2007 edition. In addition, the campus Readership Program has gained strength and provides more than 1,500 free newspapers for students.

Student Issues: Over the last two years, ASI has seen growing student concerns with regard to parking, safety, library accessibility, recycling and the future site for University High School. With the use of BlackBoard and other communication tools, we have surveyed student opinions in order to better represent them in addressing these concerns. Some successes include the site change for the new high school campus, the implementation of a campuswide recycling program, the extension of library hours, an ASI-run campaign asking students to save the new University Police number on their phones, and active student participation in the creation of the campus master plan.

“Red Zone”: Founded with the support of ASI in November 2005 to increase student participation at home sporting events, the “Red Zone” has grown to more than 1,000 members and has made a huge impact on each sporting event’s atmosphere. Additionally, ASI sponsored tailgates before each home football game with free ticket giveaways, food and activities.

Scholarships: An endowment was established by ASI to award annual scholarships in order to further the CSU concept of affordability and accessibility.

Club Funding: ASI has provided over $220,000 in supplemental event funding for officially recognized campus clubs and organizations in the past two years. Funding provides for speakers, supplies and promotional expenses. Additionally, these events are on campus, free and open to all students.