The election process for 2015-16 Associated Students (AS) positions has begun, with applications now available in the Associated Students office.
The Associated Students, the college’s student government, is holding spring elections to elect members for the next school year. Students interested in holding a position can fill out an application and campaign to their fellow students. Applications are currently available until April 13 at the AS office in the Campus Center, as well as on the college website.
Students elected to the AS are tasked with representing the rest of the college. They make decisions on behalf of the students and advocate for them on issues ranging from cafeteria food to changes in financial aid. They act as the link between the students and the administration.
Current president Farshid Orak urges future AS members to see their positions as more than just a resume builder and a chance to get experience.
“They should understand they have a responsibility because students voted for them,” Orak said. “They need to shoulder the students’ responsibility.”
The election application details several requirements a candidate must meet. They should be 18 years of age, be considered in good standing at Moorpark College (not on probation, have violated the Student Conduct Code, or has been expelled from an Associated Students’ position), be enrolled in a minimum of 5 units, and have and maintain a 2.0 minimum GPA.
In addition, Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates must have completed at least 12 VCCCD semester units acquired at Moorpark College by the end of the current spring semester.
Orak believes communication with students is key for success. He spoke to hundreds of students while campaigning to learn the issues they really cared about. He had discussions and debates outside the Campus Center and spoke in classes.
“[The students] want somebody who comes from them who is always in college and sees every problem on campus.” Orak said.
The completed applications are due by noon, Monday, April 13.
Voting will occur on Tuesday, April 21 and Wednesday, April 22 from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m..
According to Orak, one of the greatest challenges is convincing the students to vote. To help increase the number of voters, the college has introduced electronic voting. For the first time, students will be able to vote electronically through their VCCCD portal. Students can vote from 8 a.m., April 21 through 8 p.m., April 22.
Further information can be found at https://www.vcccd.edu/news/2015-student-elections-now-accepting-student-applications
