PRESIDENTIAL & VICE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES:
PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE
AURORA RUGERIO
Majors: Environmental Science and Resource Management |Class: Sophomore
Hello Dolphins, My name is Aurora Rugerio (she/her), I am a 2nd-year Environmental Science and Resource management student, and I am thrilled to announce that I am running for Student Government President. As an immigrant from México and a first-generation college student, I not only see part of my identity in our student body, but I recognize the importance of continuous efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. In my two years at CI, I’ve been in ASI Student Government as an intern, Lobby Corps member, and director of operations. In these roles, I had the opportunity to advocate for fix financial aid to California state legislators, spread awareness about breaking the stigma behind mental health, empowering STEM female students on campus, encouraging students to use their voice and vote, and most importantly raising awareness about the national hate crimes that have affected our BIPOC (Black Indigenous and People of Color) communities. As your Student Government President, I will continue to empower and advocate for our underrepresented student population. In addition to continuing to work to hold staff, faculty, and students accountable for hateful speech and acts.
VICE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE
VAISHNAVI RAMPRASAD
Major: Health Science | Class: Sophomore
I am absolutely thrilled to run for Student Government Vice President. Currently, I am a second year student majoring in Health Science. From 2015-2019, I worked as a Medical Intern at Westminster Free Clinic, a nonprofit free medical clinic that serves over 8000 patients in the Ventura County area. It was through here that I recognized the significance in serving low-income, uninsured, undocumented, and immigrant families. I chose my major because I have always wanted to serve people, plan to work in healthcare, public policy, and for nonprofits aligned with holistic and preventative care. During my years in CSUCI, I noticed the vitality for social justice, equity, and inclusion. I recognized that many students often go underrepresented and unheard. I further learned about this notion in my current positions as Senator of Social Justice for Student Government and Lobby Corps member for CSSA. I have used my positions as Peer Mentor for the Women of Color Peer Mentoring program and Historian for Empowered Women of Color to help foster my education in diversity, inclusion, activism, and mentorship. As Vice President, I hope to use my abilities and knowledge to further cultivate a more harmonious and inclusive space for all students.
PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT CANDIDATE PLATFORM:
Advocate for Student Resources
- We hope to collaborate with the Disability Accommodation and Support Services department on campus to promote accommodation services for students who are in need of them. We also plan to help break the stigma behind using these services by communicating the importance behind offering support services to students with disabilities. In addition, we hope to empower students with disabilities and encourage them to share how important it is to break the stigma behind support services.
- We want to show our support to students who identify as LGBTQ+ by promoting the importance of pronouns. We want to encourage staff and faculty to be supportive and welcoming of student’s pronouns. In addition, we hope to continue to advocate for more all gender restrooms and the implementations of free menstrual products.
- We will continue to support and advocate for our non-traditional students and transfer students by helping create a sense of community and promoting resources and educational opportunities available on and off campus.
Promote Food Affordability and Accomodations
- We will continue to share resources like the Dolphin Pantry and Food-Drives off campus via social media to reach students who may benefit from these resources.
- We will advocate to implement more food options for students who have a vegetarian, vegan and other restricted diets. We hope to work with the University’s dining programs to expand food options.
Strive to increase sustainability on campus
- Our goal is to restore the greenhouse that is located on campus with the help of sustainability clubs on campus.
- 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.
Social Justice
- Ensure that the Black, Indigenous, People of Color, BIPOC community and people of all backgrounds feel safe and welcomed through showcasing cultural and social justice related clubs and events that are hosted on campus.
- Call for Indigenous Land acknowledgements statements in the classroom. Promote the Native American history behind our campus and ensure that it is kept alive and retold for future generations. In addition, we strive to work more with our local Native American community.
- Ensure that students, staff, and faculty are held accountable with antiracism and anti-hate, as they are pillars in the campus community, by looking into the systems that exist to ensure a campus that is inclusive to all people.
SENATE CANDIDATES
BENJAMIN "BENJI" MOSCO
Majors: Pre-nursing|Class:Freshman
I am pleased to announce my official candidacy within ASI at Channel Islands. I would love to become one of your Student Senators! I am Benji Mosco currently a Freshman majoring in Pre-Nursing at CI. I fell in love with Nursing but more specifically becoming a Nurse Practitioner in Geriatrics. One main reason for my involvement with ASI was the idea of embracing our present situations and forming our new future. We have had struggles with the Pandemic; however, I would love to provide new opportunities and new discussions about our future. I believe I can create positive change within our campus. Some discussions topics I would bring awareness to include Mental Health, food distribution, student engagement, and practicing safe social gatherings. As I am involved in EOP, Men of Color, Outdoor Living Learning Community, and ASSET Scholar group I believe that these experiences and these opportunities have molded me into creating a better environment for my peers. One main opportunity I would like to promote is equality and acceptance within our campus and a sense of belonging. I would bring CI students together and positive change if elected.
CANDIDATE PLATFORM:
Advocacy
- Ability to ship to students for the Food Pantry
- CAPS involvement in online classes
- Day breaks within classes to promote mental health
Student Engagement
- Student lead events for all campus members interesting and informative
- Addressing the dramatic change from online to in-person (For Freshman)
- Sports watching Zoom meetings
Protected Environment
- Different groups coming out and speaking about injustices
- Bringing more Awareness to groups that are marginalized
- Helping students understand social movements
- Helping students find a passion outside of academics
Campus to Campus Outreach
- Reach out to other campuses to create a stronger bond
- Creating a greater bond with other CSU programs
ILIEN TOLTECA
Major: Chicano Studies & Studio Art | Class: Sophomore
Greetings fellow CI Students! It is with great excitement that I announce I am running for senator for the upcoming year. I have held my position as the Senator of Commuters and Transportation during our unique virtual circumstances and wish to help continue serving our commuter and general student body population as we transition back into our normal environment. I believe it is essential to create a sense of community between our students and campus for Dolphins to exceed in all aspects of their education here at CSUCI. My work is not limited to campus as I serve my local community as a member of Cause805 and a local artist. I’ve advocated for better aid for our farm workers during this pandemic, spoke to members of the city council on the matter, and helped build resolutions for our dolphin’s to have access to credit/ no credit options during our virtual environment. If I am elected, I know I am more than capable to continue serving my fellow student body and continue to make positive contributions and representing CI.
CANDIDATE PLATFORM:
Advocacy
- Listen to the needs and suggestions of students regarding our transition from a virtual environment to campus.
- Help advocate for specific services to be continued post covid ( Zoom appointments/Office Hours) for students with disabilities and transportation issues.
- Develop a plan to accommodate and allow commuter students to attend and be apart of clubs, organizations, and activities if there are transportation issues or time constraints. (double meet times suggestion, recorded zoom meetings, etc.)
- Bring in the conversation of racism against the Asian American community and how it has affected our students during the pandemic and how fellow students can be better allies.
Parking
- Serve on the Alternative Transportation Committee and help advocate for student needs and also explain changes with Parking and Transportation to student body when returning to campus under Covid 19 impact.
- Promote alternative transportation to local students. This being through social media and through an email to our students.
- Help create a map with campus resources and eateries for the parking areas and bus stops as the maps in these locations do not reflect this information for our students.
Student Involvement
- Create a survey for students to share their thoughts and suggestions throughout the school year in order to ensure their needs are met. This could also help us see what is and isn’t working as we transition back to our normal environment.
- Share and research on virtual and physical resources for our Dolphins to use both in and out of school. This being from free gaming services for students to play with other students, free memberships for programs such as Canva, or other benefits that are granted to our students.
Community Engagement
- Research and find local organizations that are willing to meet with our students for internships and volunteering in a hybrid environment.
- Advocate and informing students of local issues affecting students outside of campus.
Sustainability
- Collaborate with Senator of Sustainability in promoting a green campus under our unique circumstances.
- Help advocate for Sustainability through a cultural and affordable perspective, this being through a shared presentation, events, a video, and/or graphics.
JAZMIN GUAJARDO
Major: Pre-nursing | Class: Freshman
Hello 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 Freshman and First Generation student on the Pre-Nursing Track. I chose Pre-Nursing based on my experience as both a Certified Nursing Assistant and Medical Assistant. 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 establish an organization on campus, which focuses on advancing the resources and opportunities for our Latinx population; I am currently serving on the Student Advisory Board for the Vice President of Student Affairs, where I have advocated to reduce the 15-Unit Requirement for CI Scholarships; I also served as a member of CI’s Lobby Corps, where I advocated for the full funding of the CSUs and to improve college mental health services. 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
- Listen and voice emergent and critical student concerns to the Vice President for Student Affairs Student Advisory Board
- Promote and advocate for more resources, scholarships, and career opportunities for Underrepresented Student Initiatives
Student Engagement
- Voice campus Club and Organization concerns to the Vice President for Student Affairs 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 and current students
- Promote mentoring opportunities for students to apply either as a mentor or mentee
- Promote job opportunities in the LRC, STEM Center, and WMC services and academic support
- Promote services available for students such as tutoring, workshops, and career development
STUDENT GOVERNMENT SENATOR AND ASI BOARD DIRECTOR CANDIDATES:
LARRY GARCIA
Major: Business | Class: Junior
Greetings CI Students! It is with great excitement that I announce I am running for the ASI Board Director one year term and ASI Student Government Senator for the upcoming year. I am currently a junior, majoring in business. I chose my major to pursue financial stability and create a business of my own. Throughout my time at CI, I have taken advantage of leadership opportunities in ASI by serving as the treasure and being a member of the ASI Boards subcommittee, the Budget Allocation and Spending Committee. As a candidate I feel that I have matured and improved my skills from my first year in the ASI Board. Covid-19 has impacted our campus drastically and has deteriorated the involvement of students in various clubs and organizations that provide resources and support. These times have become rough, and I believe to possess strong leadership skills to add to the ASI board. If elected to serve on the ASI Board or ASI Student Government, I will represent the best interests of students. As well as represent the values and mission ASI holds. I will seek to prioritize student needs to ensure students get support and the resources they require. I will seek to empower underrepresented students in our campus and unifying our campus through these harsh times.
CANDIDATE PLATFORMS:
Enhance Student Needs
- Provide funding and advocacy to support and supply the Basic Needs program.
- Advocate for additional funding of CAPS to ensure students receive help and support.
Enhance Student Involvement
- Provide funding for organizations or clubs to set meetings or events for all students in campus.
- Provide funding for organizations or clubs that seek to help students apply to internships or jobs.
Enhance Student Initiatives
- Engage with presidents of various organizations and clubs to come up with ideas to improve our campus culture.
- Engage with students that seek to make underrepresented students feel empowered and involved in campus.
First Generation Student Support
- Provide funding to clubs and organizations that seek to help our first-generation students with resources or help.
- Engage in meaningful conversations with campus organizations and clubs to improve first generation support.
COVID-19 Involvement
- Gather information and possible solutions with the board to improve campus safety
- Converse with local officials and local health organizations to provide up to date information to students
Student Retention Involvement
- As COVID-19 held many challenges to students some may feel discouraged or unmotivated to continue. I seek to engage in several conversations with students that have been severely affected by COVID-19.
- I hope to discuss all information gathered by students of all backgrounds to the board, clubs, and organizations to develop a plan to keep all of our students involved and enrolled.
OZZY HERNANDEZ
Major: Political Science | Class: Junior
Greetings CI Students! I am excited to announce my candidacy for Student Government Senator/ASI Board Director for the upcoming school year. I have been a student at CI for four years where I am majoring in Political Science with a minor in Performing Arts. Like many of my fellow students, I am the first in my family to attend college. I believe that all students, especially those underserved, deserve an equitable education and the right to upward mobility. I chose to study Political Science because I intend on enrolling into law school and defend those who cannot fend for themselves in the court of law. If elected, I will advocate for programs that will improve student’s outcomes in the classroom as well as expand basic needs. No one should go hungry in America, especially college students, so it's important to sustain programs that can serve any student’s unmet needs. I believe that success is a function of one’s effort, and in order to achieve anything in life, we must have the right people and the right resources to meet our basic needs to be successful. Vote for me and I will meet that need!
CANDIDATE PLATFORMS:
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.
- Introduce Santa Rosa Island Research Station at student orientation events, so they can become more familiar with how to get involved.
- Create more networking opportunities and social/virtual events for students
Basic Needs/Sustainability
- Expanding basic needs eligibility
- Expanding use of cafeteria as to limit food waste, act as purveyor of hot meals
- Expand or reorganize eligibility for emergency housing as to target those living in vehicles and at-risk of homelessness.
- Look for more suppliers for the on-campus clothing shop
- Continue with Student Government’s plan to combat food insecurity
- Look for ways to expand library resources such as tangible book loans, equipment and hot spots. Outdoor use of campus should be allowed during a pandemic, especially if student’s have no amiable setting for zoom meetings.
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.
- Create flexible payment options and introduce debt forgiveness in certain department fines, if certain requirements are met
- Advocate strongly against the imposition of late fees on student’s accounts
- Create more equitable access financial aid resources
- Expand and promote scholarship opportunities to underrepresented students
Parking/Public Transportation
- Introduce bike-sharing program and on-campus bile repair for students
- Promote heavily the public transit line from the university so as to gather more ridership. Perhaps target students with lover socioeconomic statuses.
- Reduce or eliminate egregious parking fines
- Introducing a bike path extending to and from the university
- Subsidize public transportation for enrolled students after the pandemic
- Continue the sharing of the parking passes among students
- Promote carpooling and social distancing