The new Associated Students Organization (ASO) president, who stepped in after the former president resigned is enthusiastic about her new job, and plans to represent Pierce College students in the best way she can.
New ASO President Febe Ruiz, 21, sat down with a Roundup reporter to talk about her intentions, plans and the budget crisis.
Roundup: What actions do you plan to take as the ASO President?
Ruiz: I want to inform the students about the budget crisis that we’re facing. A lot of students don’t know that the winter and summer sessions have already been cancelled. They also don’t know that there have been 40 classes added to the spring semester. The one thing I want to leave behind is the students informed of where we’re at as students. I want to get creative about what we can do to help ourselves, like petitions or writing letters to our government.
RU: What specifically do you plan to do to inform students?
Ruiz: The board and I have been talking about having an event at the Great Hall before the semester ends that will be led by students and let students know about budgets, classes and more. The semester, however, is wrapping up quickly, so if it’s not done this semester it will definitely be done early in the spring semester.
RU: Will you be here next semester?
Ruiz: No, I will be at Cal State Northridge.
RU: Do you think the addition of 40 classes to the spring semester will compensate for the loss of winter and summer sessions?
Ruiz: I think it’s great that they’ll be adding 40 new sections, but I also think that canceling winter and summer sessions do push some students back. The cuts affect students’ education. I don’t think they should have completely cancelled winter and summer sessions.
EDITOR’S NOTE: SUMMER SESSIONS HAVE NOT BEEN CANCELLED.
RU: What do you think about the recent cancellation of the Institutional Transit Access Pass (ITAP) program?
Ruiz: We’re actually trying to bring this up again in this Friday’s Student Affairs Committee, and discuss that with the other ASO’s. I have seen how it has affected a lot of students here at Pierce, and I know that a lot of students would love the ITAP program to be brought back. We have a lot of students here who commute, and it could help many students access education. I am definitely for it. It’s only a matter of where we can pull the money from.
RU: Where were you before Pierce College?
Ruiz: I was at John F. Kennedy Highschool in Granada Hills. I got here in 2008.
RU: What is it about ASO that draws you into it?
Ruiz: I love working with peers who are my age. I felt like I didn’t want my college experience here at Pierce to be usual. I wanted to make it more memorable and meaningful, and leave a footprint behind in issues that do matter. When I saw ASO as an opportunity to learn about leadership and the issues that are ongoing with the students, I felt like a wanted to serve in this capacity, be a part of the voice, stand for students and their rights and help in making this campus a better place.
RU: How long have you been a part of ASO for?
Ruiz: I have only been a part of ASO for a year now. I started off as a clerk, a paid position, not on the senate or an actual board member. After I got to know more about ASO, what we stand for and what we do for the students, I ran for vice president.
RU: How much of your time do you devote to ASO?
Ruiz: I’m here most of the day everyday Monday through Friday. It’s a daily job, but I have to balance it out with my full-time school work, involvement with my church, my family and paying bills. I feel like when you love something a lot you will find the time to invest in it.
RU: What do you want the students to know about you and the ASO?
Ruiz: I want them to know that we’re accessible. I encourage students to come in, ask questions, get involved and talk to us about ideas for events they would like to throw. We are here to help students with any issues, anything from environmental issues, academics, and social and cultural issues. Students should know that we, as students, have the power. Without the students, the school wouldn’t be here.
