ASCC Senators speak out on micromanagement issues of the senate by administration, lack of resources for night time students and the unreliable Internet Wi-Fi access on campus.

Senators told board members that senate legislation should be more student-driven, letting administration, specifically Dr. Contreras, take a backseat on the senate process and letting senators experience every aspect of ASCC Senate.

Hijacking of the entirety of agenda items, withholding pertinent information about key issues revolving around campus and influencing senators to vote on certain agenda items were all accusations pointed at Dean of Student Services Dr. Gilbert Contreras.

A number of specific events that have taken place this spring semester were voiced by senators.

Senator Aldemar Sanchez mentioned during the Board of Trustees meeting on Wednesday, April 29 that funding for the three-day ASCC Student Leadership Conference was not announced throughout senate meetings and taken out of ASCC funds without collaborating with senators.

Another example was when Business Professor Jerry Ramos was rejected his tenure and students wanted to voice their concerns throughout senate.

Contreras advised senators against listing Ramos on the senate agenda which resulted in tabling the discussion item altogether.

“The micromanagement was the biggest thing we wanted to talk about, as it is seen right now, it’s not going anywhere. (Dr. Contreras) is always on the agenda, if he’s not and it’s an agenda item, (senators) want to talk about (how) he stops us and tries to change our mind on it,” Sanchez said.

He added, “A lot of students, hear dean of student activities and (think) that he should know everything and that just takes those votes away and those students going to vote his way because (senators) don’t research anything. Senators that don’t do their research pay attention to him.”

Senator Victor Villalobos stressed his concern about having one individual have primary control over student body organization.

“There’s thirty senators that have to represent all 25,000 students, but even when all those senators are out of the loop and only one person is making executive decisions to use all 25,000 students’ money, that’s ridiculous,” Villalobos said.

Concerns over campus lighting and safe accessibility to buildings, ATM machines and parking lots were addressed but tabled for a future joint meeting.

The spotty and unreliable Wi-Fi access around campus has taken light this semester.

Board members and senators alike agreed to reach a consensus that the issue must be prioritized with the next ASCC student government.

No closed session report was presented after the meeting.

The next regular meeting of the Board of Trustees is set for Wednesday, May 6 at 6 p.m. at the Cheryl A. Epple Board Room.