When the Associated Students, Inc. board convenes in the Foothill Suite of the University Union for its first meeting today at 1 p.m., we encourage as many students as possible to attend. ASI is a $7 million organization that runs, or is involved with, a vast array of your student life, ranging from sports to the Union to public transportation and childcare for Sacramento State students. And if you are an undergraduate student, you paid them $107 as part of your tuition fees.

Unfortunately, the procedure used at board meetings is not exactly favorable toward audience participation. The so-called “Open Forum” at the meetings allows audience members to make comments no longer than three minutes, hardly enough time to make a productive statement, or criticism, to the board. The forum itself lasts for 15 minutes. ASI would not exist without the student body. It owes you more. ASI President Artemio Pimentel promised more contact between ASI and students throughout his campaign. Allowing more audience participation at the meetings would be one way.

It should also be remembered that several controversial battles have been fought at these meetings, over issues that include childcare and ASI?s enormous budget. Students should be allowed to make a bigger impact.

Understandably, the board meetings have large agendas that take time to complete. However, The State Hornet believes there are ways for the board to have meaningful contact with students without slowing down the meetings. Perhaps a 30-minute session without time limits for audience speakers could solve the problem.Of course, it is up to students to demand changes in the meeting format. The larger the audience presence, the more need there will be for a real “Open Forum.” ASI is one of the largest providers of student services on campus. It requires more attention than the 12.4 percent of the student body that voted in the spring elections. Use your three minutes wisely.