Oxnard College’s Associated Student Government is encouraging students to become informed of current issues and get involved with campus organizations in an effort to combat increasing class fees.
ASG is actively involved with what goes on around Oxnard College and as the student leaders of the campus, they share the same difficulties faced by other Oxnard College students.
The California budget cuts have become more apparent since the beginning of the school year and classes are being cut back for the summer and fall of 2010.
March 4 was a day of awareness throughout the nation and world’s educational systems. The day consisted of walkouts on many campuses as well as other form of public protests.
Anna VanderStouwe, ASG president, did not feel that a walkout at Oxnard College was the best way to get the message out there.
“It’s a less productive way to protest,” said VanderStouwe.
On March 2, students were encouraged to express their thoughts about all the recent budget cuts that are affecting their education in a meeting in the Student Lounge.
“It’s not about the money, it’s the purpose of the matter” said VanderStouwe.
VanderStouwe is hoping to clear any misconceptions some students are having reguarding the budget crisis and the role of faculty members. Faculty members are in the same position as the students; they have nothing to do with the crisis and are suffering right next to students.
“We need to learn to work with them [faculty members],” said VanderStouwe.
ASG is planning an event where students will get to engage with faculty members as well as each other to learn more about the budget problem. The event is planned to take place on March 16.
VanderStouwe is hoping that more students will attend the event, as well as having Richard Duran, president of Oxnard College, as a speaker. Students interested in taking part in the event can contact ASG at (805) 986-2094.