This week as students vote on the incoming board of directors for Associated Students Inc., it will be the 46th time since the student government was established in 1976. The organization has evolved since that time and was incorporated in 1987 as a non-profit organization.  

ASI includes Board of Directors, with directors from each school, class level, and the dorms, in addition to the student body president and vice presidents. Decisions made by the Board members affect all students. ASI serves as a balanced support system for all student voices and issues at CSUB.  

The first student body fees were collected in winter 1978. These fees continue to support student government, a variety of clubs and organizations, activities, services, athletics, and the children’s center.  

ASI has been instrumental in the development of several projects that have enhanced the campus community. This includes takeout Tuesday, runner hour, runner nights, civic engagement, educational and social programs. The Associated Students, Inc. were instrumental in the planning, development, design, and construction of the Student Union which was completed in 1994. In addition, Runner Park was completed in 2000 and was designed and funded entirely by the ASI. for the enjoyment of students, past, present, and future. 

“ASI is instrumental for students being their voice and advocating for their concerns and they do a tremendous job, both in terms of advocacy but also they fund a lot of student projects student groups,” said Jason Watkins, ASI Elections Coordinator.  

Students who pay the ASI fee, have a minimum of 2.5 grade point average and at least 12 units at CSUB can run in ASI elections. 

However, over the years voter turnout for ASI elections has been relatively low for the university’s population. With the highest percentage of voter turnout being 8.6% in the last five years. In 2021 there was a 2.5% voter turnout, in 2020 6% voter turnout, in 2019 8.6% voter turnout, in 2018 7.4% voter turnout and in 2017 a 7.5% voter turnout.  

Ultimately students are voting to ensure they have the best of their peers to represent them, as well as addressing any student concerns happening on or off campus. ASI is more than just student government. It is a unique organization that helps foster student engagement and leadership in educational, cultural, and social activities.  

“ASI hires a person to run elections to bring level of fairness and neutrality to the process. Those running for positions will be campaigning both in person and online from Monday, March 28 – Apr.7. Every CSUB student will receive a ballot in their CSUB email from [email protected]  on Wednesday, April 6 at 8 a.m. Students have from Wednesday, April 6 at 8 a.m. to Thursday, April 7 at 11:59 p.m. to vote.

“Winners will be announced by noon on Friday, April 8” said Llaria Pesco, ASI Executive director.  

There are currently 7 positions open including, Director Community Outreach, Director Student Support, Director Students with Disabilities, Director Graduate Students, Director Business and Public Administration, Director Social Sciences and Education and Director Transfer Students.  

“Applications open on Monday, April 11. I hope that even if you didn’t run for a position, you would consider applying for an open position. It’s a great way to be involved on campus, to make a difference in the lives of students, and help shape the student experience back on campus,” Pesco said.