WHERE IS THE STUDENT GOVERNMENT OFFICE LOCATED?

The Student Government office is located in University Student Union, Room 311 (USU-311).

WHAT DOES EACH BRANCH OF STUDENT GOVERNMENT DO?

Like federal and state governments, there are three branches of Student Government: Executive, Legislative, and Judicial. The Executive branch is made up of the President, Vice President, Treasurer, Chief of Staff and Chief Programming Officer. The President, Vice President, Treasurer are elected by the student body each spring and serve a one-year term commencing on June 1. The Chief of Staff and Chief Programming Officer are appointed by the new President each year and confirmed by the Associated Students Senate. In addition to guiding and directing the operations of Student Government, these officers work alongside full-time staff to oversee ASI in its capacity as a non-profit corporation. Executive officers meet and interact with a variety of university officials, local business and government leaders, and federal and state legislators to express students’ views on a variety of issues and advocate on the student body’s behalf.

The Legislative branch, or Senate, is comprised of student Senators, who are likewise elected each spring. There are two Senators from each of the seven colleges and six at-large members for a total of 20 Senators. They are responsible for writing legislation, approving the actions of subsidiary boards, and authorizing the appropriation of funds. The Senate also serves as the Board of Directors of the corporation. Every year there are new leaders creating new ideas and working hard to continue to propel ASI to the next level of student services.

The Judiciary branch is made up of six Associate Justices, one Chief Justice, and the Court Clerk. They are charged with interpreting the provisions of the AS Bylaws and other governing documents as often as needed. They make sure that the other branches of student government are always keeping students’ interests first by reviewing and resolving formal complaints and other issues of students’ concerns. They also serve as the final appeals board during student government elections.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BEING IN STUDENT GOVERNMENT?

Getting involved in student government provides students with unique opportunities to gain critical life skills, enhance their career preparation, and develop a solid foundation for responsible and productive citizenship in a diverse, democratic society. You'll learn how to work as a team, how to negotiate and make important decisions that affect all students at The Beach, and in the process, discover your own strengths.

WHO CAN BE A MEMBER OF STUDENT GOVERNMENT?

Eligibility criteria vary by position, but generally, any current, regularly enrolled student (graduate or undergraduate) who is carrying a minimum of six units and maintaining a cumulative GPA of 2.0 is eligible.

HOW DOES ONE JOIN STUDENT GOVERNMENT?

There are two ways to become part of Student Government. You can run for an elected office during the spring election. You can apply for an appointed position. Or you can apply for an elected position that has been declared vacant. This occurs whenever someone resigns from an elected position or when no one runs for the position during the spring election.

WILL I GET CLASS CREDIT IF I JOIN ASI?

Students can earn credit for involvement by either signing up for a “Self-Placed Internship” through the Career Development Center or by enrolling in an “independent studies” or “directed studies” course subject to the consent of a professor and/or department chair.

HOW DO I APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP OR GRANT?

Grant funding is available to all university recognized student organizations. Please refer to the ASI website to obtain a Grant Application.

WHAT CAN ASSOCIATED STUDENTS FEE BE USED FOR?

According to Title 5, Section 42659 of the California Code of Regulations, “The principle underlying the expenditure of student body organization funds collected through mandatory fees is that such expenditures shall be made in programs that reflect the broadest variety of student interests and that are open to all students who wish to participate. Student body organization funds obtained from mandatory fees may be expended for the following programs:”

a) Programs of cultural and educational enrichment and community service

b) Recreational and social activities

c) Support of student unions

d) Scholarships, stipends, and grants-in-aid for only currently admitted students

e) Tutorial programs

f) Athletic programs, both intramural and intercollegiate

g) Student publications

h) Assistance to recognized student organizations

i) Student travel insurance

j) Administration of student fee program

k) Student government-scholarship stipends, grants-in-aid, and reimbursements to student officers for service to student government.

l) Student employment

m) Augmentation of counseling services

n) Transportation services

o) Child day care centers for children of students and employees of the campus

p) Augmentation of campus health services