ASF needs new attitude, joke
Campus Times
February 13, 1998
Speaking as a student who has attended the University of La Verne for
three years, I thought it would be necessary to write this first opinion
about the continuous disorganization that lives within the Associated Student
Federation (ASF) Forum.
I have attended the two meetings held since the spring semester started
and both times I have left furious, overwhelmed and exasperated for many
reasons.
In the first meeting, I was shocked to hear that the president was too
ill to attend. I guess he must have been so sick that he could not get out
of bed all day because even though I had bronchitis, I was still at that
meeting. My responsibilities as a writer and editor for the Campus Times
still came first.
Co-advisers Melissa Jaunal and Don Morel have stressed to the Forum
that they need to figure out what activities they want to have this semester
because there are very few ideas thus far. They also pointed out how fast
the semester goes by, therefore, preparation for events is necessary.
After the meeting this past Wednesday, Morel said, "I believe this
is the typical spring slump ASF falls into. We need to work our way out
of it. We need to make sure we are providing students their money's worth."
What infuriated me the most this week was that as soon as Morel left
to attend another meeting, there was too much joking going on. Vice President
Elizabeth Contreras had to tell people to stop talking and tried to organize
the meeting in order to start the voting process, as interviews for special
elections had ended.
What was quite ironic was that a Forum member was drawing next to me,
the accountant was making wisecracks and was asked to stop and all of this
occurred after one of their advisers left. Does ASF have to be babysat in
order to get things done?
A lot of things are not being accomplished by the Forum. In any organization,
things need to be taken care of and deadlines must be met. It takes dedication,
self-respect and teamwork to make things work right. Organizations require
hard work, money management and strong leadership skills.
When the Forum members allocated money to help the Communications Department
fund a project for KULV, the campus radio station, they denied Senior Retreat
$527.50. Let's keep in mind that the current ASF Budget is $57,051.86. They
did give $1,000 to Senior Retreat, but refused to help them fund anything
else. According to the Feb. 4 minutes, Accountant Matt Policare is quoted,
"We are not the bank of ASF."
So do the students and faculty of ULV want to know what is in store
for future activities? Well, ASF spent $2,000 for a comedian to appear and
make us laugh. They have also given $6,000 to the Athletic Department to
help install a new gym floor. This project will cost an estimated $150,000.
I know I will face the music at the next ASF meeting when I walk into
that room and I get the dirty looks. But I am a student who pays a student
activities fee every semester to be educated and entertained. I do not voice
my opinion at these meetings because I am representing the Campus Times.
If ASF is doing such a great job, then answer this question: Why did
only four people sign up to go to "The Price Is Right" taping
next week? ASF should consider themselves lucky that the RA's and PA's are
helping them out. At least they stick together and are dedicated. Enough
said, for now.
Erica Aguilar, a junior journalism major, is editorial director of
the Campus Times. She can be reached by e-mail at aguilare@ulv.edu.
