SGA takes campus issues to students

"Leaders must be close enough to relate to others, but far enough ahead to motivate them." — John Maxwell, American author and motivational speaker

The leaders who are closest to Eastfield students are  students themselves, and to improve the college experience, they must tackle some of the toughest tasks on campus.

At a forum on Nov. 22, Student Government Association (SGA) officers discussed the campus issues they have been addressing and answered questions from students in the audience.

"We were voted in for a reason: to serve the [student] body, not ourselves," SGA President Nicolas Hernandez said. "Therefore, I think it's crucial that the student body knows what we're doing for them and Eastfield as a whole."

After a formal introduction of SGA members, Financial Aid Committee chair Fabiola Resendiz said her group has been trying to assist students in avoiding the painfully long lines at the Financial Aid office. The committee has focused on helping students who don't qualify for aid to pay for school.

"We've been working with Wilbert Brown, the director of financial aid, to find scholarships that will be adequate for college students," Resendiz said. "We've been posting them on Facebook, where most of the social medias are connected."

The Local and State Committee then spoke about smoking on campus and the meningitis shot that will be required for new students starting in the spring.

Next, Student Life Committee chair Fernando Lira addressed students' frustrations about food options on campus. Every semester produces the same complaints about Subway. Students are tired of having Subway as their only source of nourishment.

Lira answered those complaints as well as concerns about why clubs are not allowed to sell food items.

 "We're under contract, and there can't be any competition with Subway," Lira said. "However, once they close for the night, we can have baked goods."

The same committee also informed students that because of budget cuts, the college is attempting to conserve energy by reducing the temperature in all buildings.

Also discussed was the bulletin board informing students of what's going on around campus and in the community. The information board, which also includes postings about textbooks for sale, will remain in front of the bookstore.

 The new Keep Me Beautiful Committee presented concerns about students not picking up after themselves. The problem has been magnified because budget cuts have led to a reduction in the amount of maintenance personal.

"We're all adults here and this is college, so we need to start picking up after ourselves," Senator Mitch Bassett said.

The Taskforce Committee also informed students about a possible change in school colors. The current colors are brown and orange, and the proposed colors are blue and orange. An online survey of students and employees was recently conducted.

"If the majority of the student body wants to [change colors], then I think it should be taken into consideration," Hernandez said.

Students who attended the forum were surprised at the number of issues student leaders are dealing with on campus.

"I think [the forum] was really helpful because we had a lot of unanswered questions that needed answers," said Cindy Reyes, a Salsa Club member. "I didn't know about the [meningitis] shots … I feel good that they are taking us into consideration."

The leaders encouraged all students to use the suggestion boxes placed in every building to voice complaints or suggestions.

"We want to let students know that we're here and we're actually doing something," Vice President Wendy Balderas said.