Campus Reports: Stanislaus

Associated Students Inc. of California State University, Stanislaus has stepped up advocacy and improved services through a successful ASI fee referendum and a recreation complex referendum. ASI has also dealt with programming challenges and a potential merge with the University Student Union (USU).

Key Accomplishments

Expanded and Improved Programming: With the successful passage of a fee referendum in May 2005, ASI was able to expand and improve its programming. ASI carried out its promise of a fall concert and brought Pit Bull and Nina Sky to campus, free to students. In addition, ASI pumped up Homecoming festivities by taking the parade into the community, augmented Intramural offerings by adding dodgeball and kickball, and executed the successful “Warriors with Talent” show. Events such as a comedy show have been discussed for the future.

Enhanced Student Facilities: Stanislaus has been lacking in proper fitness and athletic facilities for years. In January 2006, CSU Stanislaus President Hamid Shirvani presented a recreation center and stadium proposal to ASI to handle these problems. ASI worked to create a facility to meet the needs of students. More importantly, ASI requested the facility be run by a student-majority committee to ensure students would be the priority of the facility. The $80 semester fee passed in May 2006 by 67 percent. Groundbreaking will occur in October 2007; the facility is scheduled to open fall 2008.

Student Events: In September 2006, ASI hit a snag during the implementation of its annual Warrior Welcome Back Concert, featuring hyphy music guests E-40 and Papa Roach. At the urging of university officials and local police departments, ASI cancelled the concert. These entities were concerned about recent violence at hyphy-related concerts. ASI rescheduled and held the concert in April 2007.

Merger: After years of discussion, ASI and the University Student Union made the decision to take the plunge into researching how feasible a merge between the two organizations would be. During the summer, trips were taken to visit other CSU campuses with merged ASIs and Student Unions to understand their structures. In fall 2006, to facilitate and revitalize the discussion, a consultant was hired. In spring semester 2007, the ASI and USU boards received the consultant’s final report. A vote on this matter is on the agendas of both boards.