Spring 1999 Survival Guide

Make the Union a true 'student' Union

Welcome back Hornets! This semester is going to be one of the most exciting ever here at Sac State. We will be making decisions that not only affect each and every one of us, but also set precedent for thousands of students in the future. Though we have a very full plate, there are two very important issues that we all need to get behind. These two issues alone will change Sac State as we know it today and make a huge step toward eliminating the mentality of Sac State being a "commuter campus."

1. Student Recreation/Fitness Center & Arena -- Our Recreation Center Task Force has put many hours and tireless effort into research for building an on-campus fitness center and Arena. We are getting very close to being able to present you with the plan to make this project become a reality. Stay tuned, more information will be coming your way.

2. Student Union -- We are on the verge of taking back our Student Union. We are trying to give students a stronger voice in the governance of our Union. For some reason, many members of the campus administration are not convinced that students are capable of spending their own money. We must prove that we should be in charge of how the $72 per semester that every one of us pays to operate the Union. Do the math, $72 times the 23,500 students on our campus, per semester, is a lot of money. It is our money and it should be our Union. We must prove that we care about the quality of the services in our Union. We must show them that we cannot continue to be taxed without fair representation. We must take back our Student Union!

These are just two of the many victories that we can claim if we work together. We are making a real difference this year, but we need your help. Get involved and help us take Student Government to a whole new level. ASI is a $6.3 million corporation and we represent you.

At the very least, give us some feedback on how you think we are doing (positive or negative). Come and see me on the third floor of the Union, call me at 278-6784, or e-mail me at davisgs@csus.edu. Thank you again for giving me the opportunity to represent you. Have an awesome semester!

Getting involved at CSUS

I am delighted to join your faculty in welcoming you to this spring semester at California State University, Sacramento. I encourage you to take advantage of the many opportunities here that can fill your lives with new ideas, new people and new dreams. Spring is always a busy time on campus with many activities.

I would encourage you to attend at least one of the dozens of events held during the Festival of the Arts on campus April 13-17.Most events are free to students and you can choose from a variety of artistic presentations including dance, drama, music and literary readings. It is always a full and interesting program.

Many other programs are scheduled, so be sure to check the campus calendar on the Web at www.csus.edu/events/. There are always interesting events coming to campus.

If you wish to get involved with the community there are many listings of volunteer opportunities at the Student Access Center in the Library. The University is also developing a variety of classes that offer service learning opportunities. In these classes students study in their field, while working in the community. The Office of Community Collaboration can provide information about these opportunities.

As we move toward the new millennium, the campus community can look forward to many academic efforts which will benefit students. Our faculty is particularly good at helping students to find interesting community placements and learning opportunities.

Students who extend their interest outside of the classroom setting will gain much from their endeavors. I encourage you to become a lifelong learner, one who enjoys learning for learning's sake. Doing so will make your life active and interesting for decades to come.