2008 Woodie Awards
ASI serves its students
Ryan Schellink, Star Writer
Issue date: 2/15/06 Section: Student Life
Whether you are a new student or a seasoned veteran here at Sonoma State University, odds are you're not fully utilizing the valuable programs and services offered to optimize your Sonoma State experience. The fact is: you pay for them. That mysterious 'student fees' on your billing statement goes to supply the financial backing for everything from comedy shows to emergency housing.
One of the organizations that supply such programs and services is Associated Students Inc. ASI is a corporation owned and governed by students for students.
The visibility of the programs and services varies greatly. Many of us are fully aware of our student government, more formally known as Associated Students. However, many services go nearly unused each semester.
To find out more, I spoke with the Executive Director of ASI, Eric Dickson about their diverse abundance of programs and services.
Short-term loans allow Sonoma State students to borrow up to $150 interest free for 30 days. This service can prove to be very valuable in order to be able to pay a car insurance or PG&E bill on time.
The transitional housing service can also prove vital to students. This service provides up to 14 days of free housing per year to every student. The purpose of this service is to accommodate students in case of emergency, even if the student violates their on-campus housing agreement.
ASI also offers discounted rates and delivery of the New York Times and modestly priced health insurance policies to supplement those services offered by the health center.
ASI programs can serve to be very beneficial to students as well. Mentioned before, student government is the ambassador of the students in the ongoing 3-way negotiations among the administration, faculty and the students. With student elections coming up in March, every student will be able to exercise their democratic power to affect the future of Sonoma State University. The strength of our student voice depends on participation. As Dickson pointed out, "Any government is only as strong as the number of voices included in the process."
One of the organizations that supply such programs and services is Associated Students Inc. ASI is a corporation owned and governed by students for students.
The visibility of the programs and services varies greatly. Many of us are fully aware of our student government, more formally known as Associated Students. However, many services go nearly unused each semester.
To find out more, I spoke with the Executive Director of ASI, Eric Dickson about their diverse abundance of programs and services.
Short-term loans allow Sonoma State students to borrow up to $150 interest free for 30 days. This service can prove to be very valuable in order to be able to pay a car insurance or PG&E bill on time.
The transitional housing service can also prove vital to students. This service provides up to 14 days of free housing per year to every student. The purpose of this service is to accommodate students in case of emergency, even if the student violates their on-campus housing agreement.
ASI also offers discounted rates and delivery of the New York Times and modestly priced health insurance policies to supplement those services offered by the health center.
ASI programs can serve to be very beneficial to students as well. Mentioned before, student government is the ambassador of the students in the ongoing 3-way negotiations among the administration, faculty and the students. With student elections coming up in March, every student will be able to exercise their democratic power to affect the future of Sonoma State University. The strength of our student voice depends on participation. As Dickson pointed out, "Any government is only as strong as the number of voices included in the process."