Whats Wrong with Our Student Government?

The CSU Sacramento student government has been using a corporate model since about 1988. Prior to that, a legislative model was used. It is unclear why we shifted from a legislative / civic model to a corporate model at that time, but it was a different era then. Today, students want and need more participation, more accountability, transparency and student leadership in the area of student government. CSUS student participation is at an all time low, and the way to fix that is by addressing the structural design of the ASI government.

Student government is supposed to reflect and embrace the best aspects of our system of civil self-government and utilize them as a model and training ground. Our student government accordingly should reflect a system of shared and separated powers, and an independent justice system that delivers justice and promotes civic engagement. If we find that our present campus system needs periodical adjustment to more accurately reflect those best aspects of the modern era, then we ought embrace the opportunity and rise to the challenge.

Student participation in student government on our campus is low and needs to be improved. As proof of this contention, simply examine the results of last semester’s elections.

“Approximately 6 percent of the student body - 1,616 students - voted in the elections. The voter turnout decreased from last year's turnout by 73 students.” -State Hornet 2008

Then-candidate Cervantes ran unopposed to become President. The current year still finds insufficient candidates to sit on committees and minimal participation by the student body in ASI functions such as board meetings, contests, etc.

Analysis of the structures created by the CSU Sacramento Bylaws reveals some structural flaws and dissimilarities to our general civil law, notably the absence of an independent judiciary to adjudicate AS matters and promote justice issues on campus.

The Board currently sits as the judging body in disputes, and this is, could be, or at least can be perceived to be, a conflict of interest. Such a perception dissuades public participation and involvement or the raising of complaints. Such an arrangement is counter to principles of good governance and is not in the best interests of the student body.

Other campuses in the CSU system have a more advanced self-governance than does Sac State, the capitol of government in this state. CSU Long Beach runs an excellent judicial program within their student government and can serve as a model for us to follow in bringing our structures up to the bar and then exceeding it. Our competitive spirit and advantage of being located in the seat of state government should encourage us to strike to take the lead in model government on campus.

Low student participation at CSU Sacramento creates a demand that steps be taken to improve student awareness, involvement and participation in student government and surrounding activities.

Other universities utilize such a system, including CSU Long Beach. The Judiciary system works well, and increased student participation and interest in student government overall.

Here is an excerpt from the CSULB website describing their judiciary.

“The Associated Students Judiciary is responsible for interpreting the provisions of the A.S. bylaws and any other A.S. document when a dispute arises. The Associated Students Judiciary may take disciplinary action, including suspension or revocation of charter privileges against recognized student organizations. The Judiciary also renders final decisions in election disputes. The decisions of the A.S. Judiciary constitute the final authority in all Associated Students matters. A chief justice and six associate justices are appointed yearly by the A.S. President and confirmed by the A.S. Senate. The A.S. President also appoints an Attorney General and a Public Defender. This court allows students the opportunity to develop mediation and adjudication skills and to address any injustice or wrongdoing involving student government. “ – CSULB Website

Following the model of CSULB would be neither radical nor unusual. They have an excellent program and we should learn and adopt industry best practices. Their model is available for us to follow at no cost, and in fact, we could probably count on their cooperation in any operational questions that might arise from this new aspect of student government on our campus. This would strengthen interschool cooperation and leadership ties, as well as benefit Sac State’s internal operations and campus benefits.