MEET YOUR ASI STUDENT GOVERNMENT CANDIDATES BELOW!

(Candidates are listed in alphabetical order by last name, per the position they are running for.)

PRESIDENTIAL & VICE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES:

TICKET #1:

PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE

CHRISTIAN PLUCKROSE FRANCO
Major: Political Science| Class: Senior

VICE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE

ARAM POGOSIAN
Major: Political Science | Class: Junior

TICKET #2:

PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE

ILIEN TOLTECA
Majors: Chicano Studies & Studio Art| Class: Senior

VICE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE

JAVIER GARNICA
Major: Chicana/o Studies | Class: Senior

TICKET 1: PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT CANDIDATE STATEMENT & PLATFORM:

PLUCKROSE FRANCO & POGOSIAN JOINT STATEMENT:

Here at CSUCI, students should feel safe, accepted, and appreciated for the hard work they put in every day on and off-campus. They should be welcomed and valued each and every time they come to campus. Not only do we want them to succeed, but we want them to feel accomplished. We pledge to promote Equality in student treatment, Encouragement for student goals, and Empowerment in students' voices. We will accomplish this through proactive representation and steadfast dedication. That is why the election of Christian Pluckrose Franco as your President and Aram Pogosian as your Vice President would be the best choice. As members of Student Government, we witness and interact firsthand with a diverse range of students, student organizations, and clubs to know what is it they need most. Our combined knowledge of political processes and our outstanding social skills would prove to be a great tool in student representation. We have all the resources, the time, and the ability to make sure no student is left behind. This is because we have been there ourselves. We know what it is like to need a voice and not always have one.

PLUCKROSE FRANCO & POGOSIAN JOINT PLATFORM:

Affordability

• Vote against tuition and fee raises.
• Create a 4-year graduation path to lower student loan debt due to extending their time at CI.
  • Fundraisers
• Constantly observe budget patterns and reallocate accordingly to defined needs.

Advocacy

• Create more events for students to express their opinions and exercise their right of free speech.
• Listening to the needs and wants of students to better represent their interests.
• Creating a sense of belonging and pride to be a CSUCI Dolphin by having Dolphin swag giveaways
  • Fundraisers

Parking

• Collaborate with the Police department to find possibilities of offering different days of parking passes at lower costs.
• Offer opportunities for students to get reduced parking costs by providing a limited number of parking pass giveaways or another such distribution method.
• Investigate other methods of reducing parking costs per student
• Work with the Academic Senate to provide a wider range of class times to relieve the impact of parking.

Student Involvement

• Host a spirit rally at the beginning of each semester to showcase sports, clubs, and organizations.
• Fund more students to travel to Santa Rosa Island to conduct research and be a part of service-learning programs.
• Surveys every often to learn how students feel or what they need

Community Engagement

• Implement programs for students to volunteer in the local area.
• Have students represent CI in their own communities at City Hall meetings.
• Routinely meet with local elected government officials.

Sustainability

• Fund the addition of more trash and recycling bins in parking lots
• Continue with Student Government’s Food Pantry plan to combat food insecurity.
• Incentivized volunteer campus beautification activities

TICKET 2: PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT CANDIDATE STATEMENT & PLATFORM:

TOLTECA STATEMENT:

As a first-generation college student and a local from Oxnard, I see part of my identity in our student body and I recognize the importance of continuous efforts to build community and promote the connection, unity and empowerment of our Dolphins. In my three years at CI, I’ve served in Student Government as the commuter and transportation senator, the senator of social justice and a member of lobby corp this year. As well, I have worked as a student assistant in the MDC under the Underrepresented Student Initiative program helping create and promote inclusive programming for our students via graphics, research and media. Locally, I use my art and voice to raise awareness on issues affecting my community and to create space and representation for latinx students such as I. I’ve worked with organizations such as the OPACC in creating a coloring book to promote vaccination in my community, Viva Oxnard in uplifting students of color narratives and CAUSE805 in advocating for Farmworkers. As your Student Government President, I will continue to empower and advocate for our underrepresented student population, as well as honor and continue the legacy our last two presidencies led by women of color have left.

GARNICA STATEMENT:

Hello Dolphins! My name is Javier Garnica (him/his), I am a fourth year first generation transfer student from Oxnard, CA. I am a Chicana/o/x Studies Major with a minor in Psychology and I am excited to announce that I am running to serve as your next ASI Student Government Vice President!

During my two years at CI, I have become involved in various clubs and organizations that have helped me grow and become a leader in the CI community. I am currently a peer mentor for the dolphin scholars program where I help transfer students like myself transition from community college to a 4 year university. I have also been part of various clubs and organizations on campus such as M.E.Ch.A, Men’s group, the book club, Student government and of more recent, the soccer club, where I am serving as the safety officer. I am also the president of the Upsilon-rho Chapter of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity where, despite not being recognized by CI, I have pushed for it to become part of not just the CI community but also part of our local communities off campus as well. Outside of CI, I use my voice through social media, my fraternity, and other networks to advocate and raise awareness on issues that are affecting our local communities, specifically Oxnard. As your Vice President I will continue to use my voice and networks to advocate for our transfer, commuter, first generation and underrepresented student population and honor the hard work and legacy of the two previous administrations led by women of color.

TOLTECA & GARNICA JOINT PLATFORM:

Social Justice

• Ensure that Black, Indigenous, People of Color, BIPOC and people of all backgrounds feel safe and welcome on campus by collaborating with and showcasing cultural and social justice related clubs, organizations and events hosted on campus.
• Ensure that students feel comfortable and know they can approach the Senate as a safe space without their status or sexuality being disclosed.
• Ensure that students, staff, and faculty are held accountable with antiracism and anti-hate, as they are not only pillars in our campus community but also representing the campus
• Push for more student involvement among campus committees, discussion, and search committees.
• Ensure that CI as an HSI promotes the success and engagement of latinx students via resources, clubs, etc.
• Advocate for more support and resources for undocumented students, as well as push for more vacant spaces for them as Research assistants, Student Assistants, etc. on campus.
• Create a stronger relationship with the campus police department.

Community and Student Resources

• We want to continue to advocate for students of all populations to feel more connected to campus and feel comfortable accessing resources. Despite being a commuter school, commuters might not feel connected to their campus or be aware of the resources CI has to offer. We will continue to support and advocate for our non-traditional students and transfer students by promoting resources and educational opportunities available on and off campus. Amplifying the usage of student spaces, centers, programs, and lounges, creating a sense of community and connection between students.
• We want to advocate for the continuation of specific hybrid services be provided to students such as CAPS, Career and Development, Academic Advising etc. for students who may not have access to campus or are commuting back and forth.
• We will continue to use social media platform to share resources, events, and opportunities on and off campus
• We will continue to advocate for all gender and non-binary restroom and free menstruation products.
• We want to continue to help break the stigma behind using these services by communicating the importance behind offering support services to students with diverse needs. In addition, we hope to empower students and encourage them to share how important it is to break the stigma behind support services. 
• Promote student involvement and engagement on campus through resources, clubs, and organizations.

Sustainability

• We want to create more disposable battery units around campus to ensure that batteries are being disposed of properly.
• To continue to support sustainability efforts we hope to collaborate with the sustainability department on campus, sustainability clubs and the ESRM department.
• Continue to push for more inclusive dietary options for students not only within dining services but in grab and go locations
• Push for more sustainable packaging among different departments on campus

SENATE CANDIDATES:

JAZMIN GUAJARDO

Major:  Pre-nursing | Class: Junior

CANDIDATE STATEMENT:

Hey Dolphins!
It is with joy that I announce I am running to be a Senator in ASI Student Government for the upcoming academic year. I am currently a Second Year First Generation student on the Pre-Nursing Track. Currently I am a part of 6 clubs on campus with 7 officer positions. I don’t believe there is such a thing as being “too ambitious” because if you love what you do then it will never feel like work.
During my First Year at Channel Islands I had the opportunity to advocate to reduce the 15-Unit Requirement for CI Scholarships; I also served as a member of CI’s Lobby Corps where we advocated for the full funding of the CSUs and to improve college mental health services; I was also able to assist in planning and co-hosting a Club Leader Open Forum with SOI.
During my Second Year I have been able to help outline a survey with SOI to receive feedback from club leaders; communicated on behalf of clubs to raise awareness for the need of a Club Leader Canvas Page; and shared Club Leader concerns with SOI & Student Government.
If elected to serve as a Senator it will be my priority to focus on student engagement to ensure students receive the most out of their experience at CI by participating in events and initiatives that align with their values and needs.

CANDIDATE PLATFORM:

Advocacy

• Reduce the 15-Unit Requirement for CI Scholarships permanently
• Voice Transfer and Non-Traditional Student concerns to Student Advisory Board
• Work with DASS to ensure students are properly accommodated
• Listen and voice emergent and critical student concerns to the Student Advisory Board
• Promote and advocate for more resources, scholarships, and career opportunities for Underrepresented Students

Student Engagement

• Voice campus Club and Organization concerns to the Student Advisory Board
• Increase student engagement amongst incoming students by providing informational guides to help students navigate engagement opportunities
• Provide opportunities for Clubs and Organizations to collaborate, attend, and promote each other’s events
• Encourage students to get involved on campus in a more direct approach by applying for ASI positions and Student Government positions

Programs & Academic Support

• Encourage incoming students to join and participate in programs that offer mentoring
• Advocate for more scholarship workshops for incoming students
• Promote mentoring opportunities for students to apply either as a mentor or mentee
• Promote services such as tutoring, workshops, and career development
• Promote job opportunities in the LRC, STEM Center, and WMC services and academic support

VANESSA LOZANO

Majors:  Health Science & Developmental Psychology | Class: Senior

CANDIDATE STATEMENT:

Greetings fellow CI students!
I am excited to have the opportunity to run for the role of ASI Student Government Senator, a one year term, at CI because it provides me the standing to have the voice of my peers and I heard. Helping others to the best of my ability has been a key motivator in my reach for success in education. Through my time at CI, I have found myself to be intuitively taking on roles in leadership, gathering with peers to solve problems, delegating time to help others reach their academic goals, and utilizing all resources available to gain knowledge that could be helpful to others. I find it rewarding to take the time to learn about peers, have a positive impact in the lives of anyone I meet, and create connections with others by listening to what they have to say.
Firstly, my goal will be to promote student health by making more affordable, healthier food options. Secondly, my goal is to increase accessibility to psychological and mindfulness services. Thirdly, my goal is to further reduce barriers faced by individuals with disabilities at CI by offering inclusion activities and more equitable accommodations. 

CANDIDATE PLATFORM:

Advocacy

• Allow for clubs platforms to speak and voice their needs and concerns
• Provide students with disabilities to seek and utilize university mentors for their success

Parking

• Utilize and develop campus grounds that are currently vacant or not being used for the purpose of creating more parking availability for students, faculty, and visitors
• Offer more available courses during hours as early as 7am and as late at 10pm

Healthy Affordable Food Options

• Limit outsourcing from large corporations to local and family farms within Ventura county.
• Local sourcing would improve overall nutrition and health since fresh and unprocessed ingredients are most nutritionally valuable.
• Create more jobs by hiring students part time for prepping meals, at least 4 students paid at $15.00 an hour.
• Apply for grants increase opportunities for healthier and more affordable foods.

Sustainability

• Improve and advance student farming action plan, invite local farmers to assist agriculture students in cultivating growing projects like small gardens for students to use.
• Plant more fruit trees and vegetables on campus grounds

Student Inclusion

• Creating opportunities for transfer students to become better acquainted with non-transfer students.

Disability

• Reduce stigmas of individuals with disabilities by allowing the DASS office to host community events.
• Making the office location more known.
• Create a cozy and inviting space by providing couches and inviting to those with and without disabilities to the office.
• Offer basic items refrigerator, food, and drinks.

Student Success

• Extend student library hours by an average of one hour on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.
• Organize and create all inclusive student groups by posting signs around campus with times and dates.

Health and Wellness

• Increase the number of counselors at CAPS from its current therapists by three.
• Increase availability and accessibility of wellness health resources by providing online options beyond 9-5 workday hours.

For any questions, please email the ASI Election Council at: asielectioncouncil@csuci.edu