I would like to start by thanking all of you who voted and made a difference in your student government elections. Many students may ask themselves, what now? Now is when the real work begins. The issues that we all talked about and shuffled around must now be put in a plan to ensure their solvency.

I have already begun a process that will aid in making next year?s board a unified one. ASI is currently offering a new position that will help assure that the Executive board and our board of directors is a unified body that will work efficiently and effectively. The chief of staff position will oversee and encourage, as well as assist the productivity of the Executive Committee on behalf of the president. I believe this position is crucial for this year?s board as well as the many more to come so that the Executive Committee will never lose the communication necessary to making the year a successful one.

As well as focusing on the unity of our board and ensuring that we are a board that is not divided by prior interest and selfish desire, but a board that focuses on the retention issues that directly have an impact on this campus and its students. Unfortunately, the retention rate at Sac State in general is abnormally low for California State Universities.

Minorities are drastically affected and we as a representative student government, must look at programs that will help to ensure the success of retention programs. Current programs supported by ASI are CAMP, EOP, and Cooper Woodson. It?s our responsibility to look towards the growth of further programs. This can be done with the help of the faculty and administration on this campus.

Campus life is another issue that must be addressed. It is up to us to go out and support our athletic teams and campus events. It is up to us to look at different ways of making organizations such as special interest groups or the Greek system communicate and identify with the student body of CSUS. Interaction with theatre productions, programs such as UNIQUE, community service events, and other activities will undoubtedly bring more life to our campus.

Finally, the issue of being accessible to you the student. Plan on seeing me, your president, on campus talking to you about the issues that you are concerned about. I want to be the president that you can come and talk to about the issues that affect you as a student. I am asking all of you to join our board and me in making ASI more accountable, unified, and accessible to you the student.

ASI is continuously in search of individuals who want to get involved, students who want to make a difference. If this sounds like a position you or someone you know may be interested in, applications for the Chief of Staff position are due on May 18, 2001 and can be picked up in the 3rd floor of the University Union in the ASI Government office.

Artemio Pimentel is the ASI President-Elect and is a Social Science major. If you have any questions, or comments please contact him at [email protected].