Stanislaus State’s student government addressed a range of subjects at their latest meetings. Topics discussed include the welcoming of new board directors, updates on campus activities and resources, and clarifications on vaccine verifications amongst other things.
New Directors
Prior to the meeting, the Student Government unanimously voted in favor of three new board directors.
Newly appointed vice president Destiny Suarez was welcomed by the student government. Suarez said that her main priority is to meet the needs of the students and help with academic advising.
The role of ASI Vice President of Finance was taken by Adela Gonzalez while the position of the Director of Housing and Residential Life was taken by Angelica Narciso.
Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Report
Hector R. Yerena Jr., the Director of Arts, Humanities, and Social Science reported his findings after he congratulated the new Board Directors.
Yerena met his dean where he discussed different departments and communication. He addressed the need of assistance in getting the word out about campus events.
Yerena quoted his dean in stating that, “There is a need of assistance in spreading [the] word when it comes to various events. In other words communication within the departments is rather sparse when it comes to these events such as ethnic studies events. Attendance is rather low for some of these events.”
He will investigate academic advising for his departments and looking for new advisors, in which the new advisors should be implemented by the spring semester.
Yerena also attended the ATLC (Academic Technology and Learning) committee meeting and mentioned that the OIT page is available for students, staff, and faculty. Stan State’s previous learning management system, Blackboard, is also available through archives for those who wish to access it. Study space availability is now live through the Student Portal and Stan State app.
Yerena added that he will be investigating two currently developing policies, which involve a technology mediated policy and permanent webcam policy.
Business and Administration Report
Director Billy Myers had attended a variety of committees including the FBAC (Faculty Budget Advisory Committee) and addressed the issues regarding the Stockton Campus’s purpose and its development.
Myers also addressed the Stanislaus County workforce development, in which he suggests that Stan State should be more involved in ensuring that graduates are prepared for the workforce and are aware of their opportunities.
Science Report
Director of Science Shaheen Kha discussed helping science students in finding internships and getting students involved in career workshops. In addition, she addressed the need for more tutoring for sciences in Naraghi Hall.
Diversity Report
Director of Diversity Lorena Jurado met with the Department of Diversity and talked about what is working for UC Merced in terms of inclusivity and diversity. She suggested implementing Merced’s approach into Stan State regarding inclusivity.
Graduate Students Report
Director of Graduate Students Santos Ayala met with the Graduate Council and talked about the goals for the year of graduate council, recruit the graduate dean and reassess the goals relating to COVID and other potential disasters.
Ayala brought some main topics pertaining to maintaining graduate student enrollment and diversity at the 2019 and 2020 levels, providing support for graduate programs to deliver curriculum through remote instruction, and advocate and support graduation and graduate programs.
Student Organization Report
The Director for Student Organization Jose Quirarte discussed the potential of an ASI initiative project for the Student Organization Fair that will take place on October 20 and to get students involved at the fair.
Dean of Students Report
Dean of Students Heather Dunn Carlton discussed the COVID-19 vaccination and daily screening. Carlton added that many students have the option to submit medical exemption if they have not yet received their second vaccination.
Those who have not responded to the verification will face challenges and will be unable to enter in-person classes.
Carlton said that the booster shot does not need verification.
Faculty Report
Faculty Director Dr. Aletha M. Harven provided updates on the mixed feelings from faculty regarding the campus repopulation. The main concerns are about health and safety, but faculty have the option of remaining online or having a hybrid course.
Harven said that she is nervous but will assess as repopulation comes around. “We’re all still working hard to make sure that if we are staying online that we are staying connected to our students,” Harven said.
Open Positions
Suarez said there are currently two vacant positions on the ASI board. The Director of Education, Kinesiology and Social Work are available along with the Director of Athletics.
Undocumented Week of Action
The ASI Government Assistant discussed the Undocumented Week of Action taking place from October 18 to October 22 to support the efforts of marketing and raise awareness to students.