The Associated Students Incorporated of Cal State Bakersfield have unanimously approved the resolution known as Runnervation, which will prompt students to electronically vote on April 15 and 16, on a proposed increase to the ASI-fee by five dollars per semester over the next five years.
If students vote for the resolution, then the amount of money that they currently pay to ASI will increase from $30 to $35 starting in the fall of 2026.
This amount would then increase incrementally by five dollars a semester until the spring of 2031, when it would reach $80. According to Anthonio Reyes, ASI president, the fee would then only increase to combat inflation through the use of the higher education price indicator or through another ASI resolution.
“Be ready to start communicating with students what this means for them, so that way we’re as transparent as possible for our students,” said Reyes, to the ASI board following the passage of Runnervation or resolution SB202.
Following in this spirit of transparency, ASI has created a Runnervation landing page on the CSUB website to inform students on what Runnervation is.
So, what is Runnervation?
According to the website, Runnervation is “a student-led movement where Roadrunners invest in each other to expand opportunities and support for years to come.”
What does this mean exactly? This means that Runnervation is a student-led initiative that is attempting to increase the fee that students pay to ASI, in order to increase ASI sponsored events.
The website touts the benefits of Runnervation such as: an increase to ASI given student scholarships from $500 to $1,000, a return of the ‘Runner Nights concert, more financial assistance to student-led organizations and clubs on campus and an increase in funding to CSUB’s Antelope Valley campus.
However, Runnervation requires approval from the general student body to go into effect. Furthermore, future ASI boards will ultimately decide on how the additional funding will be used, if successfully passed on April 16.
Students with questions or concerns can visit the ASI office in the Student Union. Additionally, ASI will be holding sessions to answer questions that students may have, with the dates and times still to be determined.
ASI’s mission is to serve the students. Therefore, making it fitting that the final decision on whether or not Runnervation passes, lies in the hands of students
