The Associated Students Inc.’s town hall meeting in the Lobby suite in the University Union on Tuesday served to inform students of the ASI and the services it provides to the Sacramento State campus.

The ASI Board of Directors have given the town hall meetings a makeover; attracting students with nostalgic childhood games such as Connect Four, bingo, hangman, speed and prizes such as mini jamba juices, movie tickets, and “goody” bags.

Students appeared receptive to ASI’s laidback and game-filled atmosphere. There were approximately 45 students in attendance.

Sarkis Piloyan, ASI vice president of academic affairs, said he was “impressed and pleased” with the turn out and thinks having games was a great way to break the impersonal barrier between board members and students.

“It is so important to get more students involved. The last town hall meeting (turnout) was good, but could have improved. And clearly it did,” Piloyan said. “Having games and playing one-on-one is a great icebreaker. It is more personal and interactive than sitting and listening to board members talk and… talk.”

Students who signed into the event received blue books and scantrons for finals weekend and a one by three piece of paper where students could ask the ASI board members and college representatives questions like, “What is your name?” or “What is your role in ASI?” and, “How can I get involved with ASI?”

Some students found the town hall meeting organization to be different, yet refreshing.

“Games are a really unique way to meet new people, especially people that are important to the student body,” said Joel Cuevas, junior speech pathology major who was playing a game of Connect Four with director of College Engineering and Computer Science, Sergio Tapias.

Tapias said engaging in a simple game of Connect Four is a great way to get to know fellow students and answer any questions they may have about ASI.

Sophomore mechanical engineering major, Kanon Shiu, “still” had questions about ASI after the town hall event.

“I still do not know what ASI does, like it really is not all that clear,” Shiu said. “Right now I think of them like the student government in high school &- everyone knows they are there, but no one knows what they “really’ do.”

Avi Brotslaw, junior government major has some criticisms of his own on how the ASI should improve, suggesting that “turnout” would improve if the ASI held events outdoors and how he wishes ASI representatives would “lobby” more.

“I wish they would have actual fun events out in the open and in the Quad and that all board members attended the events. Also, in previous years, ASI reps would lobby hardcore for student issues. I do not know what happened…they need to focus on strengthening the core and fight more for students,” Brotslaw said. “Also, healthier food options other than donuts would be nice.”

According to Andres Perez, senior journalism major and ASI’s marketing assistant, students should “stay tuned” because the ASI is going to have some exciting changes in upcoming semesters.

“One thing the ASI is getting ready to do is get rid of its newsletter and introduce a magazine,” he said.

Perez has been with ASI for four years and said he has seen them implement many changes over that time period.

“They have changed things like their colors and logos and have really focused on becoming more casual and approachable and less like a businessman. I think that has been a really smart strategy for them,” Perez said. “This was my last semester with them (ASI) and I wish them all the best in years to come.”

Laila Barakat can be reached at [email protected].