Student Voices Impact College Decisions

By Isaac Graham · The Mainstream
Published February 8, 2012

The purpose of Associated Students of Umpqua Community College is to represent the student population on campus as well as on a state and federal level. 

“Our number one goal is to get students involved so that their voice can be heard,” said ASUCC President Ethan Snyder.

One way that the ASUCC represents and supports students on campus is by attending campus meetings such as board meetings, college council, executive council and many other committee meetings in which decisions that affect students are made.

In this way, the ASUCC officers are able to act as a liaison between students and the faculty and administration. 

As previously stated, however, the influence of ASUCC is not limited to the campus grounds.  They are currently planning a trip to Salem to lobby on behalf of UCC.

This event is being facilitated by Oregon Community College Student Association, and will take place on Monday.  The goal is to let legislators know that students are concerned about the cost of college and forecasted cuts in funding.

“Students are voters and need to be a part of the legislative process,” said Student Life Director Marjan Coester.

One way to get involved is by writing a personal story about how cuts would affect you, what funding means to you, and whether or not you would be able to attend school if there were cuts.  The hope is to collect many such stories and bring them to the event.  If you have a story that you would like to submit, contact ASUCC Vice-President Chris Harwood.

“That emotional appeal should move some people and that’s our goal,” said Harwood of the stories that he hopes to collect form students.

Currently ASUCC has five officers including President Ethan Snyder, Vice-President Chris Harwood, Business Manager Ben Horvath, Public Relations Officer Rena Bjerke, and Activities Officer Kristi Carr.  Others included in the decision making process of ASUCC are six senators and representatives from each of the clubs here on campus.

This team works together in hopes of improving the overall experience of life on campus.  They meet every Monday in the board room to discuss matters of importance and to vote on legislation. 

Snyder said that they are always looking for more senators.  Senators are required to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5, write a 250 word statement, and accrue 60 endorsement signatures from fellow students.  For more information see Marjan Coester in her office in the student lounge area.

If you are interested in running for ASUCC office, you should first get involved in a club or in student government as a senator.  Applications will be available starting the first week of spring term.  It may also be advantageous for you to touch base with the current officer in the position for which you want to run.  

According to Harwood, one goal for ASUCC is to “get students more involved in their own education so that they actually take an active part in pursuing higher ed,” so do not hesitate to contact one of the officers if you are interested in getting involved.