Rodriguez becomes Forum adviser
Campus Times
March 5, 1999
Dr. Christina Rodriguez, former ULV student, founding member of the
Latino Student Forum and current professor of psychology at ULV starts to
take on duty as the new Associated Student Federation (ASF) Forum adviser,
as she discusses an upcoming survey for ULV commuters with ASF member Rattana
Kim.
by Simon W. Bouie
Arts and Entertainment Editor
University of La Verne head football coach Don Morel informed the Associated
Student Federation (ASF) Forum of his decision to resign at the end of last
semester. The Forum then began the search for a new faculty adviser.
The search recently came to an end and ASF found their man, or in this
case, woman.
Dr. Christina Rodriguez, assistant professor of psychology, is in her
first year of instruction at La Verne. She attended her second meeting as
ASF adviser Wednesday.
"We were looking for a full-time faculty member that was available
to attend our Wednesday meetings," said ASF President Michael Morrow
when addressing the requirements for the new adviser.
Campus leadership was another area that the forum required in their
adviser, said Morrow, "Also we wanted someone who wanted to expand
their role on campus and help with student advocacy."
Morrow went on to say, "The Forum and the executive board nominated
seven faculty members and letters were then sent to the nominees. Four candidates
responded and Alan Raines [assistant professor of music] and Christina Rodriguez,
were then interviewed."
Ultimately, Dr. Rodriguez was chosen after the Forum voted by secret
ballot.
"I think that she brings a freshness to the campus because she
is new here. Also the fact that she is a former La Verne student made her
seem a logical choice to understand the concerns of students," Morrow
said.
Dr. Rodriguez attended La Verne from 1986 to 1990, when she graduated
with a double major in history and psychology. She then attended Cal State,
Los Angeles, where she received her master's in social psychology.
Next, she was able to attain her doctorate in ecological community psychology
from Michigan State University.
Dr. Rodriguez was inspired by her time as an undergraduate to become
the new ASF adviser.
"Ruby Montaño-Cordova, [associate dean of student affairs]
was the ASF adviser when I was a student," she said. "She did
a great job of inspiring and engaging students in the process and I wanted
to do the same."
Dr. Rodriguez feels she was a good choice because she brings certain
things to the table.
"I am an alum of La Verne and was very active as a student. I have
many similar experiences to students here. I bring energy to the table.
I am good at bringing out the best in people," she said.
Rodriguez also feels her outside perspective can help ASF in its decision-making
process.
"As a new faculty member, I bring a different and fresh perspective
to the table. I may see a different way of accomplishing something because
I have not taught at La Verne for very long."
Dr. Rodriguez's responsibilities as an ASF adviser include attending
the weekly meetings, giving advice to the Forum, with regard to the decisions
that it must make and also some financial ledger reviews. Advisers are partly
responsible for helping the forum maintain and manage their budget.
Rodriguez is part of La Verne's "Grow Your Own Program," which
is a program established to take La Verne undergraduates like Dr. Rodriguez
and assist them with the cost of their master's and doctoral educations
in exchange for that person coming back to La Verne to teach for at least
five years.
Aside from her commitment to fulfill her "Grow Your Own" obligations,
Dr. Rodriguez is excited about being back at La Verne.
"This is a family, we have good and bad times but the sense of
community is very unique here," she said.
There is one trait that does disturb Dr. Rodriguez about a portion of
the student body
"Apathy from students with regard to their education and their
connection to school spirit concerns me," she said. Some students here
act like they do not care about being here.
"This is not a cheap school to attend, why would you want to be
here if you did not like it?"
Dr. Rodriguez has a few minor plans for the future in mind. Less than
24 hours from now, she will attend her own wedding. Tomorrow, Dr. Rodriguez
will marry the love of her life, who also has a La Verne tie (she met her
soon-to-be husband at his sister's La Verne graduation).
Today is everyone's last day to say, "Hello, Dr. Rodriguez."
For on Monday, she will be known as Dr. Christina Ayala-Alcantar. Congratulations
to the new ASF adviser who is one of La Verne's own and is about to embark
on the greatest journey of her life.
