Board increase updateLegislation to raise compensation through scholarships for 2007-08 Associated Students Inc. members was discussed further with the director of Financial Aid at a board of directors meeting today and will be put to a vote at a later date.

President Jesus Andrade proposed the legislation at last week’s working board meeting and ASI originally planned to take the measure to vote today.

“We won’t take a vote on it for this meeting, but we’ll have it for old business at the next meeting,” said Andrade.

Instead of voting, Andrade gave the board the opportunity to have an open discussion with Director of Financial Aid Craig Yamamoto about any questions they had regarding the scholarship compensation method and pay increase that may be approved.

Five students were present to either obtain more information regarding the pay increase, or voice their opinion in opposition to it. None of the five advocated an increase.

Two of the students spoke before the board about their disagreement to the proposal: history graduate student James Banyai and junior ethnic studies major Lizbet Morales. Senior sociology major Noemi Beas told The State Hornet before the meeting that she didn’t see why ASI deserved a compensation increase.

Andrade did not indicate exactly when the board will vote on the legislation.

Considering next Wednesday is the working board meeting, the earliest the board can vote is in two weeks at the next board meeting, April 18.

For further details, check out “ASI considers raise”

Donation Food Drive

The ASI Donation Drive brought the attention of 14 clubs and organizations within the past month, resulting to the donation of over 3,700 items to the Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services.

“I’m so glad we had this opportunity to give back to the community,” said Graduate Director Joyce Davis in her board report.

24-hour Hornet Lounge party approved

Director of Health and Human Services Gabby McGrath’s proposal to hold a grand opening celebration for the recently established 24-hour Hornet Lounge, located in Sacramento State’s Academic Information Resource Center, was passed today at the board meeting held in the Foothill Suite of the University Union.

The festivity, which is open to the public, will occur at 11 p.m. on Monday, April 16 inside the lounge.

ASI Scholarships awarded to 30 students

After evaluation by the taskforce and the Feb. 16 deadline to submit an entry, Vice President of Finance Tiffany Huang announced 30 students from Sac State will receive a scholarship of $500 from ASI, making up a total of the budgeted $15,000.

Students were asked to submit an essay of no more than two pages that answers the following: “What extracurricular or community-oriented activities are you involved in? If you receive the scholarship, and went on to succeed in your future goals, how will you give back to the community? Please explain in detail as much as you can.”

A minimum 2.5 overall Sac State GPA was required of students, as well as being a full-time registered student.

“The ASI Scholarship will enforce the mission of Associated Students Inc. in helping to benefit and support the academic endeavors of the students we represent,” Huang stated in her recommendation to approve scholarships.

ASI approved the legislation to approve the ASI Scholarship awards.

Jacqueline Tualla can be reached at [email protected].