Your student government has had an interesting semester. Under the leadership of President Sam Park, the ASDVC set out to “move forward” from the dysfunction experienced last year–a sudden presidential resignation and the complete failure to update the minutes on their website, to name a few examples. The Inquirer would like to evaluate how well the ASDVC met their goals this semester. We also gave Park a chance to give his own evaluation.
Textbooks
Reducing textbook prices on campus was a goal proposed at ASDVC’s first meeting, a “top priority,” according to Park. The main ideas were to host a book exchange and reduce how often teachers assign new editions. The book exchange is underway, and board members brought a resolution to the Student Senate of California Community Colleges to limit new editions required by teachers. But prices have not yet fallen. We’ll see how well they follow through next semester.
Inquirer: B-; Park: B+
Halloween Party
The Halloween party was a success–fun and interesting with a good turnout. The only drawback came when ASDVC failed to document the participating clubs’ reimbursements properly. Park said, “In my opinion, It was not perfect, and there is always room for an improvement.”
Inquirer: B-; Park: B
Website
At the first meeting of the semester, Sam Park emphasized the importance of the website to establish transparency. The website is still not updated. A student government should have updated minutes available online for the public to know what decisions have been made–especially the decisions concerning use of ASDVC funds. Park said, “We planned it, but we got nothing done.”
Inquirer: F; Park: C or D
Scholarship
The ASDVC found themselves with an extra $2,000 and used it to expand their scholarship program, adding four new scholarships for international students, veterans, parents, and excellent students. This was excellent use of extra funds, and the process to approve the scholarships was quick, clean, and assertive. Park said, “I’d say we did very well so we get A or A+.”
Inquirer: A; Park: A+
Overall
Although ASDVC handled a lot of issues, most couldn’t be resolved because college-wide approval was needed. To make the projects easier and faster, it is essential for ASDVC to cooperate with DVC administration overall. Also, they should have focused more on website issue, so students could be interested in becoming a part of the student government. Some DVC students still don’t know about ASDVC’s accomplishments. Park said, “For this semester, I would grade that as a B. There is always a room for an improvement.”
Inquirer: B-; Park: B
