Student retention, housing shortages, community visibility and financial responsibility are the key issues permeating the agenda of Associated Students, Inc. this semester.

“The CSU system was created to provide all qualified citizens, with an education,” ASI President Eric Guerra said. “With the lack of housing and the inability to get classes, many students are being forced to either discontinue or prolong that education.”

“The state has to adapt and conform to the current trend of student impaction by hiring more full time faculty,” Guerra said. “Without the proper number of accommodating sections, students are left in the dark.”

Such dilemmas are non-discriminating, as Guerra himself had trouble enrolling in a 1 unit golf class.

“We have formed a work team that is meeting with different members of the California State Legislature and informing them of these impending issues,” Guerra said. “Ultimately, the state holds the purse.”

ASI has attempted to steal the purse by opening a discussion with Jackson Property Inc., who is surveying Folsom and 65th Street for low-density housing.

“We are trying to get them to designate the housing for students,” Guerra said. “With the constant wait list for dorm rooms and with the lack of student accepting apartments, the need is great.”

With the university not supporting on-campus apartments, actions like this are essential.

ASI is in the process of creating a task force, which will research other options, but in the meantime, students can search for available housing through the Student Access Center located in the University Union.

“The Student Access Center offers apartment searching services which enable the student to look for housing without driving all over town,” Guerra said.

“Two million dollars of student funds are channeled into ASI. By paying this fee they (students) are entitled to certain services and a voice in how their school operates.” Guerra said.

A big key to that operation is the appropriation of funds and financial responsibility. Guerra seems to be competent in handling money issues as his administration abolished a $350,000 deficit from the 1999-2000 school year. “We want to strengthen the fiscal status of our corporation so there is money to redistribute to the students through various services,” Guerra said.

Some of the available student services include The Aquatic Center, The Children?s Center, KSSU, Mall Hall, Peak Adventures, Safe Rides, Sting Team and Green Thunder.

ASI will hold their first meeting of the semester at 1:30 p.m. today in the Foothill Suite on the 3rd floor of the University Union.