There is a lack of communication on campus as to the importance of Associated Student Inc. and the information provided is lackluster at best.

The ASI mission statement says, “Associated Students, Inc. serves as the official governing body of the Sacramento State students and through operation and sponsorship of programs and services meets the varied needs of students.”

It is really difficult to meet the varied needs of students if we do not know where to go for information or understand the purpose of ASI.

On the first page of the ASI website they declare student votes matter, but when the ballot only shows one candidate for each position, it is confusing as to how they would matter. The name on the ballot wins automatically.

Volunteers running the booth in front of the Union explained wednesday afternoon the votes were at 6.6 percent and it has to get to 10 percent or the election has to start over.

“Maybe they do not know their vote will affect things,” said sophomore dietetics major Ify Onyima.

There are many great opportunities ASI offers to students and they go unknown. Some of the programs organized by ASI are Peak Adventures, the farmers market and KSSU radio, which are all programs we as students have paid to help run.

Students can get hands-on experience through internships offered through the network ASI has created with alumni.

The praises of ASI are endless, but will never be experienced by a majority of our student population because of the lack of communication.

“No I did not vote for ASI members because I don’t know where to place my vote,” said junior child development major Brittany Gonzales-Chang. “I kept forgetting to vote because of the numerous research papers and exams I need to prepare for. “

There are students on campus who know about the resources ASI has to offer, usually those involved in the Greek system. Students pledging to sororities or fraternities are more involved on campus, thus know more of the events affecting students.

On the other hand, as a commuter school, a good majority of students come to take their classes and head back home in hopes to graduate and move into a career with their new degree.

“Years past there were deadlines and fliers and there was not a single one this year,” said senior environmental studies major Nicholas Meyer. “People running use personal accomplishments and not on what they can do for the school.”

To better the years ahead, communication about the importance of ASI, would greatly impact the student body. There seems to be a lack of school pride and upon inception of new freshmen or transfer student’s proper emphasis on student body organization’s should be the top priority.

“Students have a lack of initiative to get involved,” said junior criminal justice major and ASI business employee Tim Balarie.

Thank you to all the students who are running to make our campus a better place and sorry no one cares about your election.