Students now have the opportunity to make their voice heard by applying for office for the upcoming Associated Students student government elections. 

According to AS Elections Commissioner Jamie Corder, the best way for students to make an impact on campus is through AS. “It is to truly make an impact,” she said. “The students who are involved in AS Student Government are extremely passionate about making changes that benefit us as students, and that is a unique experience in itself. There is no better way to make a change than by being proactive and contributing.”

Being the spokesperson for 9,000 students is one of the reasons current AS President Wilson Hall said he wanted to run.

 “We are those that have been given the opportunity to advocate, address issues and look toward meaningful change not only on this campus but throughout the entire CSU system,” said Hall, a third year criminology major. “Knowing that has been the best part of AS; coming to the office and meetings knowing that I am representing our students.”

AS student government also gives students the opportunity to not only build their resume, but to gain valuable learning experiences that can be used toward their future endeavors. Hall said AS has given him tools he can use after college and throughout his life.  

“AS has given me a lot of opportunities to learn within the organization itself. The experience of dealing with people and creating a vision, as well as advancing a mission, will serve me in any facet of life,” Hall said. “The professional development has been outstanding. The experience you’ll get while being on AS is immeasurable”

As the end of their term is quickly approaching, students such as second year liberal studies major Isabelle Briseno reflect on their time working with their peers and AS in general. “Working as the Senator for Community Affairs has been such a great experience,” she said. “I have met a lot of new people, and gained a lot of new skills that can help me later in life. It’s the best decision I’ve ever made.”

Students interested in applying must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 and must be enrolled in at least six units. There are 15 open positions to apply for, including four AS Executives and 11 AS senators. 

If you are looking to becoming the next voice for Sonoma State students, the deadline to apply is 5 p.m. on March 2. Information sessions for students interested in running for office are being held on the second floor of the Student Center at 5 p.m. on Feb. 20 and 22. For further information visit sonoma.edu/as/government.