April 5, 2017

April 5, 2017

SEXUAL VIOLENCE IN STUDENT HOUSING EAST, GO TO PAGE 2

California State University, Bakersfield

Vol. 43, No. 14 therunneronline.com

@csub_runner

FREE

@therunnernewspaper

facebook.com/runnercsub

One copy per person of each edition is free.

Additional copies are 50 cents each.

@csubrunnernews

ASI ELECTIONS ISSUE

ASI ELECTION

ASI ELECTION

MEET THE CANDIDATES

MARIELA GOMEZ

PRECIOUS NWAOHA

ASI ELECTION

PRESIDENT, UNOPPOSED

EXECUTIVE V.P. , UNOPPOSED

My name is Mariela Gomez, I am a business administration major with and am running to be your next ASI President. Given my previous experience as the 2015 ASI Director of Campus Pride, and 2016 ASI Vice President of Programming, I have familiarized myself with defending student interests at the collegiate level where I developed a passion for student advocacy and worked towards implementing initiatives that enhanced campus life.

Proven leadership and an internalized drive for self-improvement propel me towards pursuing this opportunity to serve. That is my passion and purpose.

See GOMEZ Page 4

My name is Precious Nwaoha. I am a fourth year kinesiology major, and I am thrilled to be running for the position of Executive Vice President.

My firsthand experience, diligence, drive and innovation are essential to implement meaningful change into individual student experiences at CSUB. Currently, I’m your Vice President of Finance. The experience and knowledge I’ve gained in this past year has prepared me for this next step. In addition, I am the President of the African Student Association, Co-President of the National Society of Leadership and Success, and member of the Black Student Union.

See NWAOHA Page 4

MOHAMMED M. COOK

BRITTANY FOWLER

I could regurgitate and elaborate on terms that reflect responsibility and leadership. I could be straightforward and remind the committee that I have less than $100 to my name, and the scholarship will transition into a few more months of living. I could talk about the artistry of making people smile and having an in-depth understanding of feeling “millennial joy.” I could speak on my prior experience working with Campus Programming. Then I thought, what if I spoke in fallacies? Using modern Republican campaign techniques and stating “why not?” and claim more than I know, where students will hear my confidence, and assume I have the adequate credentials.

See COOK Page 3

My name is Brittany Fowler. This is my third year attending CSU Bakersfield. I’m a kinesiology major with hopes of pursuing a graduate degree. I hope to participate in ASI as the V.P. of Campus Life, in which my duty will be to keep the traditions of this campus alive while improving on past efforts such as Marley’s Mutts’ therapeutic visits. I also understand that our university is ever growing, which is why I would like to make it my goal to enhance student life and engagement on campus by hosting events that are social and educational. I want to collaborate with student groups to expand Runner Nights, host distinguished speakers and advocate for greater projects.

See FOWLER Page 3

V.P. OF CAMPUS LIFE

V.P. OF CAMPUS LIFE

ELECTIONS

ASI ELECTIONS IN FULL SWING

By Olivia Kalahar Reporter With spring break just one week away, the election for the new officers of Associated Students Incorporated at CSU Bakersfield is in full swing.

This year, there are five executive positions and 18 director positions up for grabs and 27 students hoping to win the votes of CSUB students. Some candidates, like those for President and Executive Vice President, are running unopposed.

Other students must work extra hard to encourage people to vote for them.

The most popular positions this year are the director positions, each with two or three candidates running.

As more students run for positions in ASI, the rules and regulations for campaigning have changed with hopes that the voter turnout on Runnersync will be higher.

In past years, the turnout was less than satisfactory. 2014 had a 24 percent voter turnout, while 2015 had a 23 percent turnout. In 2016, only 14

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

percent of the student body voted.

ASI Executive Director Ilaria Pesco said the low percentage was due to a switch from the Big Pulse voting system to Runnersync. This year, Pesco and ASI Elections Coordinator Jason Watkins hope that their new publicity strategies increase voter turnout to 24 percent or higher.

Strategies include passing out informational fliers and creating polling stations like those from Homecoming.

Voting starts on Wednesday, April 5.

“Once voting starts, the campaign turns into ‘go vote’ instead of the candidates themselves,” said Pesco.

This change of focus is designed to increase awareness of ASI rather than the individual candidates.

According to feedback from past elections, some students felt uncomfortable with the ways they were approached by candidates. This year, all candidates represent ASI once the voting starts.

According to Watkins, the candidates seem to

News

Elections: For the first time in six years the ASI president and executive vice president positions are running unopposed.

Read about the efforts the ASI team made to inform students about the upcoming elections.

Page 2

News ASI: Associated Students Inc. elections near, find out a little more about your candidates and their platforms before the elections on April 5. Voting will be available on RunnerSync and opens at 8 a.m. on Wednesday and will close on April 6. Page 3 and 4

be embracing this new approach.

Both Pesco and Watkins are pushing students to go out and vote. Some students do not vote because they think that their voices will not be heard, the same reason that discourages citizens from voting in national elections. Every vote matters, however, according to Pesco.

“Everyone pays a fee to ASI, meaning we are all members of ASI. We are paying for 20 students to act on our behalf. That’s why it is important to vote,” said Pesco.

Each student in either a director or executive position is compensated with a parking pass, priority registration and scholarships for holding office hours, volunteering at events and serving on campus committees.

“They work really hard. These students on [the] ASI board are working hard for the student body,” said Watkins.

Voting on RunnerSync opens at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, April 5 and will stay open until Thursday, April 6 at 11:59 p.m.

Opinions

Staff Editorial: Read up on who The Runner editorial board endorses for executive office positions as ASI elections near.

Page 5 ROTS: Find out what fellow CSUB students expect from their associated student body representatives. Page 5

ASI ELECTIONS 2017 CANDIDATES President Mariela Gomez

Executive Vice President Precious Nwaoha Vice President Campus Life Mohammed Cook Brittany Fowler Vice President Finance Emma Kiaie Justin McKinley Vice President University Affairs Anthony Briseno For full list of candidates see therunneronline.com

See page 5 to read about who The Runner is endorsing.

For full candidate profiles and more ASI election coverage go to

www.therunneronline.com

Basketball

NIT: Take a look at our special commemorative issue of the CSUBs men’s basketball team and their historic run as they made the NIT semifinals in New York City’s Madison Square Garden. Check out the 4-page special insert inside.

Online

Multimedia: Check out our Spanish and English coverage on Cesar Chavez Day as reporters Marilu Cisneros, Annie Russell and Paul Lopez visit Keene, California to report on the celebration. For more daily multimedia content visit us at therunneronline.com

2

News

April 5, 2017

CRIME

Two accounts of rape in housing east Rape by force and rape of drugged victim under investigation

By Emily Amparan, Glendy Ardon and Megan Oliver The Runner University Police Department is investigating two cases of rape and one case of sexual battery.

On Feb. 27 at 3:18 p.m., a sexual battery was reported to UPD, according to UPD’s crime log.

On March 19 at 5:42 p.m., a report of rape of a drugged victim was made. It occurred Feb. 5 at 3 a.m. in Student Housing East.

Another incident of rape in Student Housing East was reported March 22 at 10:51 a.m.

The crime log states it was by force, fear or etc. It occurred at 5 a.m. on March 19.

UPD has yet to send out a notice to students informing them of these cases.

When Housing Director Crystal Becks was asked about

notifying the students living in the dorms, she stated that she was not at liberty to speak on the topic.

According to Director of Public Affairs and Communications Michael Lukens, UPD’s Chief of Police Marty Williamson said the department is aware of the incidents.

“All are under active investigation,” Williamson is quoted as saying in an email from Lukens. “To protect the integrity of the investigative process, UPD will not disclose certain information. The information already provided to The Runner from the crime log contains the information that is appropriate to release. Additionally, there is no evidence that these reported incidents are related.”

On Monday, The Runner attempted to meet with Assistant to the President Claudia Catota, CSUB’s Assistant to the President for Equity, Inclusion,

UNIVERSITY POLICE DEPARTMENT CRIME LOG Incident

Occured

Reported

Location

Rape of drugged victim

2/05/2017

3/19/2017

Housing East

Rape by force/fear/Etc.

03/19/2017

03/22/2017

Housing East

Sexual Battery

02/27/2017

02/27/2017

University Police

For a complete list of the UPD crime log vistit our website THERUNNERONLINE.COM and Compliance Title IX Coordinator, but was told she was not meeting with anyone. Catota’s office oversees CSUB’s compliance with Title IX which is a federal law that states no person based on gender be excluded from any education program and activity.

Catota is also responsible for compiling the Clery Report which is a federaly madated report that records crimes.

UPD advises the campus

community that it is important to report any instances that happen to someone on campus.

“It’s important to be aware and have one another’s back,” said Campus Advocate and Education Coordinator Vanessa Corona. “If you see something that looks suspicious to you, people should be intervening, instead of assuming someone else will take care of it or [thinking] it’s not my problem.”

Corona further said that it is

important for students to know their reporting options and feel safe about coming forward Resources are available at the UPD, the Counseling Center, Catota’s office, the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities, and Corona herself for those who have survived these attacks.

Corona’s office is located in Dorm F 102.

“Victims seeking assistance should be treated with respect

and dignity, and their concerns should be responded to in a timely and professional manner,” according to CSUB’s Sexual Assault Education and Response Policy and Procedures.

To report an act of sexual violence, people can call UPD at 654-2111 or contact 911.

ELECTIONS

President, EVP run unopposed for first time in six years

By Christopher Mateo Editor-in-Chief The two most important positions in the Associated Students Inc. are running unopposed.

Mariela Gomez and Precious Nwaoha are running for presidency and executive vice president respectively.

Both Gomez and Nwaoha essentially have won the positions.

“As soon as campaigning started I thought about this essentially being my first day in office,”said Gomez.

Nwaoha said she the campaign is not as lively.

“I am disappointed that we don’t have anyone running against us,” said Nwaoha.

According to The Runner archives, for the last six years the president position had always ran a contested race.

Both Gomez and Nwaoha say

since they are unopposed, it is their duty to help students understand what ASI is doing for them, and help other candidates campaign.

According to ASI Executive Director Ilaria Pesco, running unopposed is common.

“It actually happens more often than you would expect. At a lot of CSUs, this is the case. It’s interesting here that you consistently have people running for positions. I think here, you are even lucky to have multiple people running,” said Pesco.

Pesco thinks one reason could be students are intimidated about running with two seasoned ASI candidates. Nwaoha served her first year on ASI served as Budget Manager and Gomez served Campus Pride.

“You have two very qualified candidates who’ve been in ASI for two years, who’ve done a tremendous amount of work.

Some people may say, ‘I don’t want to run against that.’ It’s hard to say why they are [running unopposed],” said Pesco.

Alex Dominguez is the current ASI president but will not run for reelection because he will be graduating this semester.

The applications were open from March 10 to March24.

This gave students 11 business days to turn in the application.

Information about the elections was disseminated by social media, presentations in classes and 75 posters hung around campus.

There was only one email sent

by Suzette Tischmacher who works in the Student Affairs on March 22, two days before the deadline.

According to Pesco, the application period has not changed even with the bylaw changes the ASI board has made this semester.

“It was the exact same. In terms of the election code, the changes that were made by ASI, none of them had to do with the timing. The timing has remained consistent,” said Pesco.

“In an effort to be more sustainable and in efforts to catch up with the times we moved [applications]online,” said Pesco.

Esteban Ramirez/The Runner

From left to right: ASI candidates Mariela Gomez, Justin McKinley, Ema Kiaie, Mohammed Cook and Anthony Briseño attend the Candidate Forum on April 3.

Information shared by ASI to the students included flyers, announcements on social media, and posters around the campus.

“It’s obvious who’s going to win. I just hope that they will be better than the current board,” said engineering management major Esteban Martinez.

Social Media has played a key part of ASI’s advertising.

“As long as they follow the [ASI Instagram], students would know, but I haven’t seen [promotion of elections] on campus,”said Martinez Pre-nursing major Leslie Al-

dama has seen the information on social media and on posters.

However, she still feels uninformed.

Some students feel running unopposed defeats the purpose of the election. “[Running unopposed] takes the challenge out of the elections. There doesn’t have to be an election because you already know who the winner is,” said computer engineering major Christopher Coleman.

Psychology major Dylan Kumar thinks perhaps students do not want to be in a position of power.

CSUB student Jacey Cruz

CORRECTION

THE RUNNER NEWS NETWORK CHECK OUT OUR SPANISH AND ENGLISH COVERAGE OF CESAR CHAVEZ DAY IN KEENE, CALIFORNIA FOR MORE MULTIMEDIA CONTENT VISIT US AT

thinks that running unopposed does not allow for ideas to be exchanged or presented to the students.

“If you are running unopposed, it doesn’t give the chance for competing ideas, in a positive sense, and it is not surprising because we are a smaller school,” said Cruz.

Out of the 23 positions available, six are vacant however other than the president and the executive vice president positions, six positons are running without contest.

On the March 22 issue on the calendar Dr. Beena Sukumara and Dr. Kris Slowinski were misidentified. Sukumara and Slowinski are candidates for Dean of NSME.

THERUNNERONLINE.COM

THE RUNNER Volume 43, Issue 14 The Runner California State University, Bakersfield 9001 Stockdale Hwy. Bakersfield, CA 93311-1099 Telephone: 661-654-2165 Email: therunner.online@ gmail.com therunneronline.com ADVISER

Jennifer Burger jburger1@csub.edu

editorial staff EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Christopher Mateo

PHOTO EDITOR AJ Alvarado

BUSINESS MANAGER Megan Oliver

MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Rebecca Romo

NEWS EDITOR Julie Mana-Ay

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Allison Lechman

FEATURES EDITOR Devon Halsell

COPY CHIEF Heather Simmons

OPINIONS EDITOR Anthony Jauregui

WEB EDITOR Roxana Flores

SPORTS EDITOR Peter Castillo

ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR Emily Amparan

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Send letters to therunner.online@gmail. com. All letters must be signed and verified and be no more than 300 words in length. Letters may be edited for clarity and length.

ABOUT

The Runner is a laboratory newspaper published bi-weekly, in conjuction with the Communications Department at California State University, Bakersfield.

DISCLAIMERS

Views and opinions expressed in The Runner are not necessarily those of the editors, staff or the Communications Department. The stafff of The Runner reserves the right to refuse or omit any advertising or material which advocates illegal activity, or which may be considered libelous, irresponsible or tasteless.

COPYRIGHT

Copyright belongs to the Communications Department at California State University, Bakersfield.

April 5, 2017 CANDIDATES

News

3

Vice President of Campus Life Candidates The Runner sent a questionaire to all the candidates running for ASI. See the rest of the answers at therunneronline.com

Mohammed Cook Q: Tell us about you.

A: My name is Mohammed Cook. I’m a senior within the business administration and electrical engineering program.

On campus, I was involved in Campus Programming for a year and half, and worked in the Fabrications Laboratory as a student assistant over the summer for the past two years.

Off Campus, I am involved in photography clubs throughout Bakersfield and Los Angeles, and work as a summer teacher at Garces High as a robotics instructor.

Q: What are your plans for CSUB if you are elected?

A: I would like the opportunity for the student body to understand that it is okay to enjoy student life. I want to change the stigma of being involved on campus. I want the visual representation of the clubs and organizations of our events to be appraised. I understand that first impressions make a difference, and if the stigma of involvement can shift, not only will more students want to be involved on campus, but incoming students will want to

STATEMENTS

COOK, Page 1 The goal “of appealing to the ASI gatekeepers” can be as simple as Googling speech techniques with a webpage tab open to thesaurus.com and reciting the adult verbiage.

Therefore, I concluded my reasoning for wanting the position is the desire for a

transfer. Within the next year, I see more students walking through the Student Union on their down time checking the boards for upcoming events. By summer 2021, I see a renovation and expansion of the SU due to popularity of campus activity, athletics, architectural update of the building.

Q: What made you take an interest in student government?

A: My interest with ASI started with my employment of Campus Programming. I liked the organization, but I didn’t like the limitations of the creative direction. I am forever loyal to Emily Poole’s organization, and I thank her for teaching me the stepping stools of the office environment, although I wanted a deeper involvement with the student body. I do not have any prior involvement with student government, although the only way to become involved with student government is to take the first step and run. My only concern with CSUB’s student government is the disrespectful techniques they use when campaigning against one another. job that reflects my personal mission statement. I want to make school cool. I am tired of students undermining the joy of academia. We are reminded via social media that the perception of a university education is redundant. Obtaining a higher education is not always the popular vote. College has more

Christopher Mateo/The Runner

Mohammed Cook is running for ASI Vice President of Campus Life.

Q: Why are you the best candidate for the job?

A: I am the best candidate because I enjoy working with the student body. I like watching individuals’ ideas stem from an idea, then progress to reality. I have learned how to manage groups of all ages, and if given the opportunity, I can transition that into my spot in office.

Q: Do you have any talents, or interesting hobbies you engage in outside of school?

A: Videography, photography, fashion design, music production, robotics, started my own magazine, BMW enthusiast and mechanic. depth than parties and class.

College isn’t strictly Greek life.

A campus is a place of trial and error, expansion of ones’ talents, social interaction and relations. With my dedication, outgoing personality, team spirit, experience and past failures, I can bring the affairs of campus under one common goal.

What’s Happening Around Campus APRIL

5-7 ASI Elections

Children’s Center Open House 6-7:30 p.m.

SH&RL Lip Sync Battle 7:30–9:30 p.m.

Residence Hall MPR

13 Baseball vs. Utah Valley 6 p.m. Hardt Field

Piano Studio Recital 7:30-8:30 Music Bldg 127

14 Baseball vs. Utah Valley 6 p.m. Hardt Field

5-7 Greek Week 6 Graduating Senior Exhibition 5-7 p.m.

Todd Madigan Gallery Brown Bag Series: Chris Livingston 12-1 p.m. Stockdale Rm 7 CSUB Geology Seminar Speaker: Dr. Katie O’Sullivan 12-1 p.m. SCI III 114 Beach Volleyball vs.

Glendale College 11 a.m. Barnes BVB Complex 8-9 Library Closed 10-14 Spring Break 11 Baseball vs. CSUN 6 p.m. Hardt Field

15 Baseball vs. Utah Valley 12 p.m. Hardt Field 15-16 Library Closed 17 Best Week Ever 7:30-10 a.m Student Union MPR CSUB Food Distribution 6 a.m.-2:30 p.m 18 CSUB Art Lecture Series: Diana Nawi 5 p.m. Visual Arts Bldg 103 Baseball vs. Cal Poly 6 p.m. Hardt Field 19-20 Grad Fair: 10 a.m. -6 p.m.

Campus Bookstore 23&27 Society of Petro leum Engineers Western Regional meeting Marriott

Calendar sponsored by NSME, Student Union, School of Arts & Humanities, Walter Stiern Library, and the School of Business and Public Administration. To be included, contact moliver9@csub.edu.

Questions compiled by Sonia Lemus

Brittany Fowler

Q: Tell us about you.

A: My name is Brittany Fowler.

This is my third year at CSU Bakersfield. I am majoring in kinesiology with the hope of pursing a graduate degree in therapy.

My passions are working with disabled and special needs children, which is why I want to pursue occupational therapy. I have been a part of volunteering in a nursery at a local church, the Distinguished Young Women scholarship program, and the Gamma Phi Beta sorority on campus, which has given me the opportunity to advocate and raise funds implementing programs.

Q: What are your plans for CSUB if you are elected?

A: If elected, I hope to implement fun activities on campus like a spring week with a “Wing Fling” event to celebrate the accomplishments of students, clubs, athletics and organizations throughout the year. I also want to help bring serious issues to the forefront by providing students educational and informative events. For clubs and organizations, I would like to implement a 30-day initiative to find out what their needs and interests

STATEMENTS

FOWLER, Page 1 As an active participant of the Distinguished Young Women scholarship program, I have been able to mentor high school girls and coordinate volunteering efforts throughout the community. Once at Cal State, I joined Gamma Phi Beta and actively facilitated social events

are on campus and what the ASI organization can do to put the students first. I also want to make the leadership council meetings happen more often so that the clubs and organizations have an open line of communication with ASI. I see CSUB advancing to a higher social culture within the next year, and I really want to be a voice for the students.

Q: What made you take an interest in student government?

A: Through my years here on campus, I have attained an interest in campus life through my experience in Gamma Phi Beta. It has shown me how influential and empowering student organizations can be for each other. I want students, clubs and organizations to invest in each other. I feel like that would elevate the campus as a whole.

Christopher Mateo/The Runner

Brittany Fowler is also running for ASI Vice President of Campus Life.

“Students working for students”. We want to ensure that this administration is centered on the students. The qualifications from my previous experience has given me the confidence that I, along with the help of the ASI organization directors and executives, will be able to advocate for the needs of all students.

Q: Why are you the best candidate for the job?

A: My team has a specific mission statement that I am proud to stand behind, and [it] aligns with the current ASI motto,

Q: Do you have any talents or interesting hobbies you engage in outside of school?

A: I have been privileged to be involved with the Distinguished Young Women scholarship program, Relay for Life, etc.

with other organizations. In the following years, I developed a passion for philanthropy which propelled me to work towards hosting the sorority’s first charity volleyball tournament.

Through ASI, I hope to implement a livelier social life on campus while serving student needs. My goal is to make

your experience at CSUB more pleasurable and provide more opportunities to get students involved on campus. If you vote for me as Vice President of Programming, I would appreciate the opportunity to tackle the stigma that CSUB is primarily a commuter school.

4 News

April 5, 2017

PROFILE

Meet Gomez and Nwaoha

By Glendy Ardon Reporter

By Jennifer Olague Reporter

Mariela Gomez is running unopposed for the ASI Presidential seat at CSU Bakersfield.

The Arvin native and Business major, shared that she has been involved in extracurricular activities since high school and has been involved in student government as Director of Campus Pride and Director of Campus Programming. “[Our] ultimate goal [is for] every student to know what their student government is and what they do,” Gomez said.

Gomez added that she wants students to know ASI is here for them.

“ASI, we run on student fees.

We’re a non-profit organization and we’re here to represent you,” Gomez added.

Gomez says she has been thinking a lot about next term and her goals.

“Tuition increase is the biggest problem students face.

How are students supposed to graduate within 4-5 years if they have to work full time?

CSU Bakersfield is home to many students, who come from all walks of life. Nigerian born CSUB student Precious Nwaoha is a fourth year kinesiology major and the Associated Students, Inc. current Vice President of Finance. Nwaoha was also a founding president of the African Student Association.

Though Nwaoha hasn’t always been involved on campus, she says she hasn’t always felt confident in her leadership skills.Nwaoha recalls a time when she almost didn’t continue her studies at CSUB. “I really wasn’t involved my first two years here and I didn’t see myself staying longer,” she said.

Coming from Fairfield, Calfornia was a hard adjustment for Nwaoha.

Nwaoha said when she first transfered to Bakersfield, it started to grow on her.

Because of the Lead Program, she became more involved at the end of her sophomore year.

Christopher Mateo/The Runner

President candidate Mariela Gomez.

It’s just so tough,” Gomez explained. Gomez said the ultimate goal is to have a fully funded budget and that all the CSU’s will be launching a campaign for a fully funded budget.

Gomez wants to continue to advocate for students and positively contribute to student’s college experience.

“I want students to believe that they made the best decision coming to this university,” Gomez wants students to know that she has experience in student government, that she has a passion for helping others and that she will continue to advocate and work for them.

Christopher Mateo/The Runner

Executive V.P. candidate Precious Nwaoha.

“That’s probably why I decided to stay because I started getting more involved. I started seeing how I can either change myself and change the school for the better…(ASI) gave me a sense of community,” she said.

Nwaoha is running for ASI Executive Vice President, taking on her biggest role yet.

“I think I really just had to sit there and think about what I wanted from ASI, what I wanted for myself. And I just decided why not take on a bigger role so I can grow even more as a leader and as a person. And contribute to the school in a different way,” said Nwaoha.

CANDIDATES

GOMEZ, Page 1 Some of my accomplishments include establishing 8 annual ASI student scholarships, assisting in the development and implementation of 5 Runner Nights campus festivities, providing students with access to over 400 local merchant discounts, lobbying local legislators to support an additional $162.8 million in funding towards the CSU System, working alongside campus administrators towards finalizing designs for the CSU Bakersfield Edible Garden, and volunteering my time as a student advocate for the 2016 Measure J local community

college funding proposition.

As President, I will prioritize fiscal responsibility in order to maximize the value of our students’ investment, advance advocacy efforts through an established ASI student driven sub-committee, and further expand programming efforts through events such as an annual Bakersfield College Professional Conference and alumni mixers.

I will continue my ongoing efforts to support a Student Union expansion, tackle food and housing insecurities on campus, and creating an inclusive campus environment by students, for students.

NWAOHA, Page 1 These various positions have prepared me to be a successful Executive Vice president.

I plan to manage internal operations within ASI while prioritizing a student-driven atmosphere. I intend to make diversity training mandatory for the entire ASI Board and campus leaders in order to ensure the campus community is inclusive. Hosting a program where international students are paired with local CSUB students upon arrival in order to gain the ultimate CSUB experience is an initiative I

want to incorporate. Improving accessibility for students with disabilities in the areas of housing, facilities and academic support is a major issue I will tackle. During my term, I will support and improve initiatives like the University Garden and ASI student scholarships while advocating for cheaper and healthier dining options on campus.

These are just a few of the goals that I plan to accomplish during my term in office.

Vote Precious Nwaoha for Executive Vice President.

FORUM

ASI candidates debate at election open forum

By Sonia Lemus Reporter

Associated Students Inc. held the open forum and debate for its 2017-18 candidates at noon on April 3 in the Student Union Multipurpose Room. Sixteen out of the 27 candidates were able to attend the forum.

The forum mainly focused on four of the five main ASI positions: President, Vice President of Campus Life, Vice President of Finance, and Vice President of University Affairs.

Precious Nwaoha was not present at the forum to debate the position of Executive Vice President.

Only two offices, the VP of Campus Life and The VP of Finance, had more than one candidate present at the forum.

The two candidates running for VP of Campus Life were Brittany Fowler and Moham-

med Cook. Neither has direct experience with ASI, but both have done work around campus having to do with programming.

Fowler has worked closely with her sorority Gamma Phi Beta to make a charity volleyball game, and she has been part of the Distinguished Young Woman’s scholarship. She plans on making a diversity club fair, an annual multi-cultural day, and random acts of kindness week.

Cook has worked closely with Director of Campus Programming Emily Poole. Cook wants to create a Meet Program which will work on social media to get students to connect with each other over a social media platform.

The other position with more than one contender was VP of Finance. Justin McKinley and Emma Kiaie both have no pre-

vious experience with student government but they do hold positions in their respective organizations and are involved in several other organizations around campus.

McKinley wants to first learn what students want. He also wants to get clubs more involved, as well as increase travel funds.

“I want to get people to love CSUB,” said McKinley. “I am willing to work and communicate with anyone to help students.”

Kiaie is the current treasurer of Phi Sigma Sigma, and she has worked with accountants to make a budget for her sorority.

She wants to work closely with her committee, and she wants students to be excited about coming to school.

Both Brianihi De Leon and Julissa Del Toro are running for Director of Educational Events.

De Leon is running for re-election, and she spoke about creating the event “BJ’s in your PJ’s” for the purpose of providing sexual education.

She is the current president of fashion club, as well as the treasurer for Runner Nation.

She is also involved in her local McFarland community.

Del Toro is a member of the Nu Phi Chi sorority. She is involved in several other associations around campus, as well as her local community of Arvin. She wants to help educate students about health and immigration, and to bring more motivational speakers to school.

The next candidate was Jose Garcia. He is the current Director of Facilities, and he is running for the position of Director of Sustainability.

Fernando Mora is running for the position of Director of

Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Engineering. He has no prior involvement in ASI, but is involved in many societies relating to the sciences.

Jorge Zamora and Garrison Moratto are both running for Director of Legislative Affairs.

Neither has experience in ASI, but both have experience with local government.

Zamora has lobbied for Andre Gonzalez, and is currently working with him to help solve the homeless problem in Bakersfield. He wants to lobby and promote CSSA meetings and create an inviting campus where students are involved.

Moratto has interned with Senator McCarthy and has interned for Kern County’s Deputy Chief Administrative Officer.

Sonny Medina and Aaron Wan are both running for the position of Director of the LEAD

Program.

Wan is running for re-election.

In this position, he created workshops for students, and he wants to create a better connection with the community.

Medina was a member of LEAD. He wishes to bring back some programs and focus on shrinking the divide between ASI and the student body.

Anthony Ponce is running for the position of Director of Business and Public Administration. He wishes to create more opportunities in the classroom and strengthen the connection between students and professors.

One thing all candidates agreed on was that CSUB students need to vote. No matter who you vote for, the important thing is that you vote.

Opinions

April 5, 2017

5

RUNNER ON THE STREET

By Jonathan Hess/ Photos by Marizza Espinosa

This week The Runner asked, “What do you expect from ASI next year?”

Sid Taylor 20 Art

Dubrea Sanders 18 Political Science

Christian Palma 21 Psychology

Christina Esparza 18 Art Education

“I want ASI to have a parking structure next year. Something to make parking more accessible, a structure that’s multiple levels would be very helpful especially if it’s near the school.”

“I would like for ASI to put on more campuswide events that’ll have everyone more excited to be here at CSUB.”

“I expect ASI to be more involved with student life. Give more back to students because we look up to them.

So I would like to see people more involved and to see more stuff done around campus.”

“I would like them to clean the restrooms a lot more, especially in DDH, and new hand dryers too.”

STAFF EDITORIAL

Editors endorse Gomez, Nwaoha and Cook EDITOR’S NOTE: This endorsement is the opinion of The Runner’s editorial board.

We interviewed the ASI president, executive vice president and vice president campus life and are endorsing those we thought have the best platforms and ideas even for unopposed positions.

Associated Students Inc. candidates for the 2017-2018 school year campaigned and today is election day. Electing the right candidate means the difference between a united campus or a dysfunctional relationship between the student body and its leaders.

The ASI representatives are the people who voice the students’ concerns and serve as a bridge between the students and CSU Bakersfield’s administration.

These are the people who students trust to speak for us and advocate in our best interest. It is important for all students to know their candidates and feel comfortable with their platforms.

The Runner newspaper’s editorial board encourages students to not be led by the

popularity of a candidate. We encourage students to examine and research the candidates they will be putting in office to represent them in different issues affecting our campus.

The editorial board has met with different candidates and have decided to endorse Mohamed Cook for Vice President Campus Life. We support Mariela Gomez for the presidency and Precious Nwaoha for the vice presidency, both of whom are running unopposed.

Vice President of Campus Life This is the first time The Runner newspaper will be endorsing a campus life candidate.

One of the reasons being is that this position did not exist until this semester after ASI made changes to some bylaws and restructured the organization during the Feb. 16 meeting.

The other reason is that the position was previously called Vice President Campus Programming.

Cook’s platform revolves around the motto “Run for it.”

“Go for the things you were

once scared of,” said Cook.

ASI President The editorial board feels that Cook has the experience, the We are in support of Mariela personality and the qualificaGomez for the presidency. tions to grow the Campus Life However, the board has conposition and engage the campus cerns. to grow.

Gomez has a background in He explained his resourcefulstudent leadership that will ness and he allow her to be demonstrated an excellent his innovapresident. tive thinking This position with his postulates great experience responsibility, working in collaboration the Campus and organizaProgramming tion. office.

The presidency Cook requires an obbelieves that jective mentality the school is and transpargrowing and ency.

The Runner, the campus Most of the Editorial Board spirit just editorial board needs more agrees that motivation.

Gomez has these “The school qualities and is cool, we without a doubt just need to dot our “I’s” and will be able to fulfill her duties cross our “t’s”,” said Cook. and be an effective president.

We see a positive future for The concerns that the editorial campus life if Cook is elected. board had was the fact that the We stand in full support behind position is unopposed.

Mohammed Cook.

There is no other choice and the students are essentially gift-

It is important for all students to know their candidates and feel comfortable with their platforms.

ing the presidency to Gomez, without hearing or learning about another candidate. The editorial board feels that oppositions allow for more ideas to be available for students to choose from. The presidency is the most significant in student government.

There should be more options for students than just one candidate.

Executive Vice President The next available position in ASI is that of the Executive Vice President. This position is the right hand to the president.

The editorial board supports Precious Nwaoha for the vice presidency. However, as is the case with Gomez, we have our reservations.

The editorial board feels that Nwaoha will be a great vice president.

Nwaoha advocated for transparency and for a more in-depth understanding from the students as to what ASI is.

Her experience in ASI is well established with three years of service to the student body under her belt.

Nwaoha said she was disappointed that she was running unopposed because she had already started to prepare for an opposition.

The editorial board agrees with Nwaoha. We regret to see that there is no opposition for this position because it hinders the student body’s ability to have a choice and hear different ideas from different candidates.

It is concerning to see that no other students were willing to run for the two most important positions in ASI. It raises the question of why did students not apply?

Is it due to being intimidated?

Nwaoha said it might not be that they are intimidated but rather students do not have a clear understanding what the president and the vice president do.

Although both the presidential and the vice presidential positions are running unopposed, The Runner felt the obligation to inform students and either support or not support Gomez and Nwaoha, and the Runner supports both of them.

6

Spotlight

April 5, 2017

STUDENT LIFE

Maker movement moves Fab Fest

Photos by Kabria Dodley/The Runner

Various activities were hosted by CSUB student clubs outside of Science III lawn at the Fab Fest event on Saturday, March 25, 2017.

Fab Fest gives a chance to the community to interact with makers, inventors, crafters, and tinkerers to learn about the maker movement.

The CSUB and Bakersfield community participated in activities at Fab Fest on Saturday, March 25, 2017.

CSUB engineer students assist participants with their design ideas.

Inventors, crafters, artists and tinkerers take part in CSUBs annual Fab Fest on Saturday, March 25, 2017.

Students and makers showcase their inventions, crafts, and hobbies at Fab Fest.