The Fresno City College Associated Student Government (ASG) discussed several topics in its meeting on March 3, including immigration concerns, campus accessibility issues, fundraising and student engagement in the senate chambers of the student lounge.
ICE Safety Concerns
ASG discussed ongoing efforts to increase participation for the student government’s questionnaire about student safety in regards to immigration enforcement concerns for students. ASG plans to share these questionnaires so they can gather more responses from students and better understand these concerns.
“It’d be really helpful to get those numbers up,” ASG President Miguel Barrita said during the meeting.
In the survey’s feedback, students suggested that the student government provide informational flyers, help improve safety protocols and offer mental health support for students in need.
Student Representative Natalia Montelongo said immigration concern will continue to be the major focus for ASG.
“Overall, what we’ve been trying to do in every meeting is have a discussion about ICE and any updates regarding that,” Montelongo said. “It’s important that we discuss that every single meeting, we have just to get on the same page.”
Accessibility Concerns
Accessibility around FCC was discussed during the meeting, mainly issues affecting students with disabilities. Sanchez said there have been concerns that the ramp leading to the Ram Pantry is partially damaged, making it difficult for students with mobility issues to enter the building.
Sanchez said he’s in the process of creating a survey to gain feedback from students regarding other issues, such as doors being heavy and automatic buttons to open doors not working.
Garcia Lopez said its important accessibility exceeds meeting the legal standards needed.
“Accessbility comes from giving everyone the best experience possible without feeling excluded,” Garcia Lopez said.
New Plans Greenlife on Campus
ASG members also discussed potentially adding plants and flowers throughout FCC. The goal is to improve the aesthetic on campus and create a welcoming environment for students. Garcia Lopez suggested that the Indigenous history at FCC is important and the campus should add native plants.
“We do stand on Indigenous ground belonging to the Mono and Yokuts,” Garcia Lopez said. “Bringing Indigenous wild life, especially flora, would be a step above in recognizing this land as native land.”
Senator Daniel Valdivia said he spoke to who manages the greenhouse and is working on finding a new area for a graden.
“A patch somewhere on campus where most people can see it,” Valdivia said.
Student Engagement
ASG discussed efforts to create fundraisers, possibly a bake sale to support ASG. Garcia Lopez said student participation is just as important as the success of the fundraiser.
“Not only is it about the money, it’s about how we execute it as ASG,” Garcia Lopez said. “The main thing we want to see from students is involvement.”
Students interested in sharing concerns or ideas to ASG can visit the student government office, which is located above the Ram Pantry on the second floor.