Associated Students Inc.’s annual board retreat provided an opportunity for all ASI officers to measure the organization’s progress and establish goals for the spring semester.

“The priorities that were established (at the retreat) reflect the academics, accountability and action that were on the Impact platform,” said Laiza Garcia, ASI President Jesus Andrade’s spokeswoman.

Garcia said that ASI’s priorities for the spring semester can be summarized into four categories: campus life, public affairs, student advocacy and procedures.

“ASI wants to immerse itself into the issues and decisions that are made by the administration and will (act) to increase student participation and awareness of such issues as the rec center?and faculty housing,” Garcia said.

Facing criticismWith a full class load, a number of new duties and an increased amount of pressure weighing down on him, some students are questioning whether senior philosophy major Andrade can accomplish and maintain what his predecessor Angela Arriola couldn’t.

“I think it’s fair to say that I’m a little skeptical of whether or not (Andrade) will be able to get the job done,” said sophomore computer engineering major Chris Williams. “If the last president wasn’t able to do her job and get good grades, who’s to say this one can?”

But Andrade assures the campus community that he is up to the challenge.

“The transition I will make will be very smooth,” Andrade said. “Before (Arriola’s) resignation, I worked closely with (both) her and the ASI Board of Directors to maintain the priorities and projects we proposed.”

Garcia said that while Andrade supports Arriola’s decision to focus her full energy on academic priorities, the new president is very confident in his abilities and believes that he can maintain a strong balance between both his presidential duties and his class work.

Turning ideas into actionsASI has been working on a number of projects since fall 2006. Among those projects include the getting local businesses to give students discounts and advocating to improve campus life.

The newest project that is currently under way is the establishment of a 24-hour study lounge.

“Andrade is currently working to establish a 24-hour study lounge that will provide access to the AIRC building and computer labs past the current hours of operation,” Garcia said.

Another project is a book-exchange program that would allow students to buy and sell books to each other is a major priority for the new president, Garcia said.

Looking to fill spotsASI is continuing its search for a new executive vice president. Garcia said that what makes this process of finding an executive vice president so different is the fact that ASI is having to do so after the start of the semester.

“What makes this transition unique is that it allows any students to both apply and obtain the position without actually being elected,” Garcia said. Andrade said that while a number of students have been interested, not all those that he spoke to have applied for the position.

“There have been (quite a few) people who have shown interest, but (ASI) has only received three applications so far,” Andrade said. “I’m looking for someone who has previous experience with meeting in large groups and working in a team.”Andrade said that the experience doesn’t have to be with ASI but can instead be with any organization or group.

He said applicants must also be team players, self-motivators and have good communication skills.

Duties and responsibilities of an executive vice president include holding two student forums per semester, running ASI board meetings and organizing ASI orientations and retreats. Applicants must have received a 2.0 GPA for the fall 2006 semester and a cumulative 2.5 GPA.

Senior government and history double major Robbie Abelon, who acted as the ASI executive vice president for the 2005-06 school year, is one of the three applicants.

“One of the reasons that I am applying for the executive vice president position is because of the current make-up of the ASI board,” Abelon said. “There is currently only one member on the board who has more than eight months experience . . . I have three years of experience within ASI, including one year as executive vice president. I feel that I could get in there and get into the swing of things quickly because of that experience.”

Abelon said that there is mutual respect among Andrade, the board and himself, but he noted that he knows he is not a shoo-in.

“I really can’t say what my chances are,” Abelon said.

While no decision has been made yet, Garcia said that ASI should have a new executive vice president by the end of February.

Applications for the position must be turned in by Friday.

In addition to a vacant spot for an executive vice president, ASI is looking for a new director of Engineering and Computer Science to replace John Reynolds.The position’s responsibilities include meeting with the dean and associate dean of the College of Engineering and computer science within the first month in office and contacting newly elected organizations of that college.

Applicants must be an engineering and computer science major and have received a 2.0 GPA for the fall 2006 semester. The deadline for this application is Feb. 16.

Ashley Evans can be reached at [email protected]