Changes to Associated Students Inc.’s bylaws, which are being reviewed today by the ASI Board of Directors, may make a showing on the April 26-27 election ballot.

The three measures were created by ASI’s Bylaws Task Force, which was formed to review and recommend changes regarding ASI governing operations.

The ASI Board of Directors will vote on the measures today, and ASI President Angel Barajas said he expects them to pass.

One change to the bylaws would lower the standards of eligibility required to run for ASI office.

“The purpose of the bill is to increase the ability for students to run (in order to) increase participation,” Barajas said.

If approved, candidates for executive positions must complete 45 semester units recognized by Sac State ?” of those units, 12 must have been completed at Sac State in the 12 months before the election (or nine graduate level units for graduate students).

In addition, candidates for president and vice president must be enrolled in seven units at Sac State the semester the election is held and in the semesters that they serve.

Additional revisions of the by-laws require that all functions or activities be limited to those authorized by the California State University Board of Trustees. Consent will be required from CSU Trustees for ASI to perform functions outside of those already permitted.

Although this policy is already in place, it is not written into the current ASI bylaws, said ASI Executive Director Pat Worley.

The final changes to the bylaws would limit the number of ASI directors, prohibit discrimination including veteran status and changes language to make candidate approval run smoother upon election.

Education summit

The 11th Annual California Higher Education Student Summit, the only statewide leadership summit, was held at the Sacramento Capitol on Friday through Monday.

The purpose of the summit was to introduce student leaders to state institutions, leaders and workshops to facilitate networks and ideas.

The summit consisted of student advocates, CSU leaders, public officials, alumni and policy experts from around the state.

“It’s a great opportunity to lobby on behalf of us students,” Barajas said.

ASI representatives met with Rep. Roger Nielo, D-Sacramento, and a Sen. Michael Machado to discuss an assembly bill regarding Pell Grants.

The bill would raise the cut off age to receive Pell Grants from 24 to 27.

“The average age of Sac State students is 26. It is not fair to those students to miss out on these grants,” Barajas said.

Ten representatives from Sac State student government attended, Barajas said.

Bonuses debated

A portion of funds from ASI’s budget surplus ?” intended for ASI staff bonuses ?” is under debate.

The $290,823 budget surplus was reallocated for equipment replacement, elections and ASI core programs like “Peak Adventures,” in addition to an allocation of $55,000 earmarked for one-time bonuses for ASI employees.

According to an ASI press release, some board members feel a staff bonus is deserved, as the staff’s hard work was responsible for creating the surplus.

Others feel that a one-time bonus is not in the best interest of the general student population.

“I would like to acknowledge ASI employees for their dedication and hard work they put in to help serve students. However, I firmly believe that a one-time bonus is not in the best interest of students,” Barajas said.

The board will vote today on whether the money should be awarded to employees, or if the money should be put back into the operating budget.

Students can attend the board meeting at 2 p.m. today in the University Union Foothill Suite.

Max Puckett can be reached at [email protected]