Ferrari Brown
The Student Affairs Committee wants to revolutionize Pierce College.
The legal entity governed by the Los Angeles Community College District board of trustees has big changes in mind for the future of the college.
Plans to expand the cafeteria with brand food such as Subway and Panda Express are among their projects as well as working to register students to vote.
“I’ve tried to work closely with the SAC,” said Nancy Pearlman, member of the board of trustees, and chair of the Infrastructure Committee since 2001.
According to Pearlman, the SAC is the voice for students at the downtown district meetings. “There is a seat for a student but people do not show up,” said Pearlman.
“I constantly want them to give their point of view,” said Pearlman.
Daniella Schwartz, Associated Students Organization president, who was not available for an interview, appointed Eloisa Chavez, to attend district meetings in downtown Los Angeles.
“I showed I am responsible and I have time, too,” said Chavez.”I’m the social cultural committee chair. I want to be able to make the students connect with the campus.”
SAC wants to expand on that idea. Many universities and state colleges have an activity hour. According to Chavez, an activity hour is usually from noon to 1 p.m.There are no classes and it is a time to have fun past times like water balloon fights or an open mic.
Although SAC believes in the students having fun, they also feel that the education bar should be raised and so it is. According to Chavez, to graduate with an A.A. degree, English 28 and Math 115 are no longer suitable for the degree. English 101 and Math 125 will be acceptable for graduation.
With all the involvement SAC has, “unfortunately the average student is not aware of the student government,” said Pearlman.
Even though the student body does not feel the presences of SAC, the SAC is aware of the needs of students. According to Chavez, SAC wants to lower the cost of tuition from $26 to $20 per unit.
“We were working on it this year but could not get the correct paperwork for the petition,” said Chavez.
“I would take more classes if it were lower,” said Chavez.
With tuition rising, SAC also sees the book prices holding students back. To help relieve the financial burden that the book store restores at the beginning of each semester, the SAC wants students to look at other options as well.
According to Chavez, on the Pierce website under ASO links, www.CampusBookSwap.com is website students can find and post their books for a cheaper price than the used books in the bookstore.
Pearlman who has tried to go to every SAC meeting, held every other Wednesday, since 2001 wants to see more students active.
“Heck, if more than one shows up, good. I can’t encourage it more it is so important,” said Pearlman.
Pearlman encourages students to be active in the school. The next SAC meeting is Friday, May 26. If any students are interested in learning they can call:
(310) 559-9160.
“The SAC is here for students,” said Chavez.
“I think they are doing a good job as they can. Of course we all can do better,” said Pearlman. “There’s always room for improvement.”