2 minute read
Editorial: That's all we need to get in?
Students looking to make a difference should join the Associated Student Organization
Student leadership at Pierce is lacking and it is due to one key element -- students.
The Associated Students Organization (ASO) serves as the framework to ensure that all academic areas of study are represented through the ASO Senate.
The ASO Senators represents their departments by attending their weekly meetings in the Great Hall.
However, of the 26 academic departments on campus, there are only six represented by an active senator.
The ASO’s homepage lists these brave individuals and the departments that they represent.
You should check it out sometime and once you are there, look at the qualifications to become a Senator.
There’s not much to it.
You have to be Pierce student, maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA, attend a weekly meeting, get approval from your department chair, pay the $7 ASO fee and complete the application packet by the deadline.
Ta-da, you are a Senator.
Although the Fall 2011 deadline for was Sept. 30, the deadline for the Spring 2012 is not until the third week into the semester.
Not too painful.
Well of course you would actually have to perform those actions, and having a genuine interest in becoming a student leader wouldn’t hurt either.
If there were two Senators representing each academic department as ASO designed it to be, students would be more informed on Pierce affairs.
Maybe you just do not have it in you to take on such a daunting task, but you may know someone who would be an ideal candidate.
Pass the message along.
Professors, you may know of an ideal student for the job.
Encourage them.
It’s no secret that the college experience is shifting due to the current economy and having a student liaison between the different academic departments will serve in the best interest of the entire student body.
The Los Angeles Community College District clearly states the purpose of auxiliary organizations, such as ASO, in its “Administrative Regulations” document.
Section I. AO-3 of this document states that “all services, programs and activities that may be undertaken by an auxiliary organization shall be maintained for the general benefit of the education program of the district and its colleges.”
Thus, as a Senator, you will not only make a difference at Pierce, but within the entire district as well.
ASO provided the vehicle, now lets get more drivers behind the wheel.
