ASU panel discusses fall semester and in-person events

Valley’s student government hosted a panel with the aim of recruiting new members and discussing campus events.

By Natalie Metcalf, Valley Life Editor

L-R) Associated Student Union (ASU) treasurer Diego Enriquez, ASU president Ani Ramazyan, former ASU commissioner of political affairs Kai Haaland, former ASU president Sandra Sanchez, former ASU parliamentarian Kimberley Perez-Solis and ASU commissioner of fine arts Mia Sanchez (not pictured) make up the roster of officers taking part in an open panel in which they introduce themselves and share their experiences to students who may express an interest in becoming a part of the student union of Los Angeles Valley College. (Jeremy Ruiz | Valley Star)

As enrollment increases, Valley College’s Associated Student Union met with four students in-person on Thursday for a panel discussion about future events.

Newly elected President Ani Ramazyan, Treasurer Diego Enriquez and Fine Arts Commissioner Mia Sanchez spoke on the panel. Student engagement coordinator Raquel Sanchez asked the panelists to discuss their experiences, event plans and advice in order to recruit students to fill vacant positions on the ASU board. Three previous members of the board were in attendance –– Kai Haaland, the former commissioner of political affairs, Sandra Sanchez, the prior president and Kimberly Perez-Solis the past parliamentarian.

“My definition of leadership is someone who will take action,” said Enriquez during the panel. “I would rather have leaders that want to create events, participate and have fun.”

The discussion focused on student engagement, networking and leadership. Four Monarchs were in attendance during the seminar, one leaving after the first question.

During her campaign, Ramazyan promoted student engagement on campus. In agreement with her fellow officers, the ASU will be hosting more events on campus. The President also mentioned an interest in updating Valley’s website.

“When I see students engaged it makes me motivated to create more events,” said Ramazyan. “If I double the size of students involved, I will consider my role a success.”

The board expressed their joy in the surge of student engagement. Despite the lack of attendance at ASU’s first in-person event of the semester, the campus has seen an increase in student activity. According to President Barry Gribbons, student enrollment is up eight percent.

Future events at Valley will include a Bob Ross painting day, bubble soccer, origami making and chess tournaments. Bob Ross painting day will be on Sept. 15 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Student Union Plaza.

“You’re going to be watching a Bob Ross tutorial on how to paint,” said the fine arts commissioner. “We’ll provide all the materials for you to use and it’ll be a fun way to relax.”

As of right now, nine positions are still open –– including Vice President. Student union officers and commissioners earn a $250 monthly stipend and are expected to work five hours a week. Monarchs can contact ASU advisor Monica Flores or go to the second floor of the Student Union Plaza.

Office hours will be posted on a bulletin board in the Student Union Plaza located on campus. According to Sanchez, ASU officers and commissioners schedule their office hours around their class schedule.

“Leadership doesn’t have to be big,” said former President Sanchez. “It could be something small, like student government or starting your own club.”