15 Nov ASI Student Leaders Spark Change at 2024 Community Chat
Amidst a busy fall semester and nearing student government election, students at California State University Fullerton were invited to join Associated Student Inc.’s (ASI)Community Chat. To bring awareness to student issues, ASI hosted the one-hour chat along with campus leaders, creating a safe space for students to voice their concerns.
The biannual Community Chat has become a staple at CSUF, now with a focus on virtual attendance and broader campus leader participation.
Hosted at the TSU Grand Staircase, leaders such as CSUF President Rochon, Vice President for Student Affairs David Forgues and ASI President Joe Morales were present and eager to meet with Titans. Moderated by ASI communications assistant Isabel Martinez, the Nov. 12 conversation covered issues ranging from tuition increase, food options, mental health and advocacy for more inclusive student spaces.
ASI Board of Directors Chair Gavin Ong was one of the various leaders representing ASI, using his role to offer insight into campus concerns.
“Community Chats are important so we can hear from all students and the campus community,” Ong said. “There are many areas that we may not have a full understanding of or are unaware of, so having these student advocates willing to speak up at these events helps us grow and support our students.”
Students who attended had the opportunity to voice concerns and gain insight into ASI’s Student Wellness and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
The Community Chat welcomed Titans of all backgrounds with an in-person conversation that allowed students to learn more about campus resources. In turn, Titans were met with amicable student and campus leaders who were eager to answer their questions.
Titans Speak Up: Students Drive the Campus Conversation
President Rochon chats with ASI board leaders after the Community Chat. / Credit: ASICSUF Flickr
At the chat, the additional presence of Dr. Amir Dabirian (Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs), Chief of University Police Anthony Frisbee and Alex Porter (Vice President for Administration and Finance) fostered a strong sense of unity at CSUF. With their expertise, students were able to get answers on the topics of school finances, social justice on campus and academic success.
When asked about the potential impact of federal policies and political shifts following the 2024 election, President Rochon emphasized CSUF’s dedication to supporting students through ongoing social and political changes. Rochon emphasized, “I am interested in bringing students together, in particular our students who are undocumented, to better understand their needs and how we can support our students across campus. Finding ways in which we can come together to better understand policy as a public institution is important to me.”
Rochon spotlighted available resources like CSUF’s DIRC (Diversity Initiatives and Resource Centers) and CAPS (Counseling and Psychological Services) for those in search of inclusive support spaces on campus.
“It was important for me to be here today because it’s how students get engaged with the school. Whether or not you’re here, it shows your presence and power as a student,” said fourth year CSUF student Yancy.
As the first Community Chat to include campus officials, this event marked a strong commitment to enhancing student engagement and creating platforms for advocacy.
Bridging Voices and Strengthening Campus Ties
CSUF students gather to voice concerns at the ASI Community Chat. / Credit: ASICSUF Flickr
A critical issue raised during this session was the allocation of budget towards student resources, with a strong emphasis on creating more accessible programs for students with disabilities (DSS inclusion).
Breealaine, a fourth-year CSUF student and first-time attendee, spoke passionately about improving accessibility on campus. “I hope to see more interpreters at events, better lighting, visual cues, and enhanced audio systems,” she said, highlighting her commitment to making CSUF spaces more inclusive for disabled students. Her question sparked important conversations and echoed a concern held by a large demographic on campus.
ASI Board Chair Gavin Ong responded with hopes to reevaluate inclusion at ASI Programming events. “Addressing the issue of school programming not being fully inclusive of DSS students – deaf and hard of hearing – by moving forward with re-evaluating our programs and how we can make sure all students feel included and welcomed,” Ong emphasized.
Another topic brought to the leader’s attention was ASI’s relationship with student workers. Student art instructor Camila Padilla raised concerns regarding lack of inclusion in department decisions. The concern was met with reassurance for future change by ASI President Joe Morales as he shared, “As student leaders we do try our best to get student input. That’s something we will work our hardest to try to make sure we are more involved in, so that students do not feel as if they are disregarded.”
The ASI Community Chat provided a valuable space for Titans to engage directly with campus leaders, reinforcing CSUF’s responsibility to incorporate student voices in university decisions and strengthen the Titan community.
A Future for ASI & CSUF Growth
ASI student and CSUF campus leaders recap Community Chat student concerns. / Credit: ASICSUF Flickr
As the chat drew to a close, speakers were given the opportunity to provide insight into their individual departments and adjustments being generated for the upcoming semester.
Chief of University Police Anthony Frisbee alleviated student concerns about police engagement with CSUF students. Frisbee stated, “We have various collaborations with ASI leadership and students that provide constant dialogue and interaction. We send our officers through three areas that aid in training, being engagement through student voices, training itself and intentional hiring.”
Frisbee’s input was one of the many professional spotlights that was highlighted during the chat, providing information on CSUF campus departments that students may wish to receive more information on due to the surrounding social climate.
Megan Hannoun, ASI’s Chief Governmental Officer was also in attendance and voiced her dedication to improving student outreach in open forums. “I think my largest concern is student outreach…While it is difficult to get a message out to 43,000 students, I’m sure there is more that the campus and ASI can be doing to connect with our students,” Hannoun shared.
At the end of it all, students walked away with answered questions, open dialogue, and a vision for what new changes could better the student population. Third-year student attendee Cristina Guzman voiced her admiration for ASI’s student inclusivity and accessibility after the chat. “Being a third-year student here and having attended one of the chats previously, it was refreshing to see campus and ASI leaders join together. I appreciated the input of questions from Instagram, and I feel as though my concerns were answered through my peers,” Guzman shared.
ASI’s Community Chat is designed by students, for students. As CSUF grows with enrollment and oversees a heightening adjustment toward student needs, the ASI progresses with CSUF unity and student engagement at the forefront.