Campus Reports: Humboldt

Humboldt State University Associated Students is the official sponsored voice of over 7,000 students of the California State University system. The organization is a support service for various campus programs and organizations that are student-run organizations. The Associated Students of Humboldt State University currently sponsors fully or partially 23 student programs. AS’ recent goals are to improve the AS image, solve internal issues, work on AS board development and implement an improved transition program.

Key Accomplishments

Voter Education and Registration Mobilization: AS had a successful fall semester during the state and local elections and worked to get as many students to register by the deadline, registering 611 students during a two-month period. (AS also called all 611 students prior to Election Day.) There were events held during the statewide week of action as well as during athletic events and organization fairs. Getting Funky with Vote included press attendance and interviews, and an appearance by previous District 1 Senator Wes Chesbro. This event also provided a free BBQ and access to shuttles to polling places. Student feedback was positive, and AS was encouraged to make this event an annual event.

Student/Administration Shadow Day: AS sponsored the second Student/Administrator Shadow Day. Shadow Day is an opportunity for various administrators to follow a student around for a day. This opportunity helps administrators create a better connection to the student campus climate and promotes administrator/student relationships. The Shadow Day is based on an application process. Faculty and administrators are invited to participate, and students then have the opportunity to apply to be followed for that day. The AS Vice President of Student Affairs and one of the CSSA representatives conduct interviews with the students, who are then matched with administrators based on their interests and priorities. Students and administrators set up times to meet during the week designated as “shadow week.” At the end of the week, there is a reception and a follow-up questionnaire. This recent event included involvement from 20 administrators as well as 20 students.

Improving the AS Image: AS dedicates itself to create a better external image. Consequently, AS held informational forums such as National Eating Disorder Awareness Week during which AS co-sponsored a forum that included a theatre group performance about body image, an open mike session and a candlelight vigil. There were also handouts, a letter-writing campaign to magazines and the music industry about the images portrayed, and health information. In addition, various budget forums were held throughout the year regarding the budgetary concerns of the constituency. The transformation of an AS logo and signage, the creation of high school/student shadow day, and a “tipsy” taxi program progressed throughout spring 2007.