Boosting resources

The Associated Students Union is about to do more than ever before. At least it ought to.

With the implementation of a districtwide $5 student activity fee this fall, the student governments on each of the three campuses will be able — and expected — to serve more students with more events and services in the future.

The district Governing Board approved in April 2011 the $5 flat-tax on students who register for classes beginning this semester.

Contra Costa College’s ASU has become an important part of the campus community after years of idle resting.

Students have been able to discuss their frustrations at general assemblies on campus and at the state Capitol as a result of the ASU’s efforts this year.

These are necessary steps to voicing concerns of community college students and, more importantly, making sure they are heard by decision-makers.

This $5 fee will help the ASU help students. Furthermore, it will help students help themselves.

By having to pay the fee, students will want to know how their money is being spent and will want to have a say in it — as they should.

Taking $5 from each student will generate more than $50,000 for the ASU each semester.

That amount of money will allow for not only more events, but better marketing of them.

The money could also go to paying for the most attractive aspect of on campus events: free food.

Every department on campus is looking for solutions to the budget crisis affecting the state, but the ASU has found a solution.

With the additional funding, however, the ASU will not have an excuse for failed events.

Money is scarce and with students having to pay more to attend the college, the ASU Board will take on more responsibility than ever.

Spending money, especially tens of thousands of students’ dollars, requires oversight and communication.

That will also bring criticism and frustration.

But for the last two years, the ASU has been moving in a positive direction and making a positive impact on the lives of CCC students.

Next year’s board will come in having to live up to high expectations and students, paying more to the ASU than ever before, even at $5 a semester, will have high expectations of their representatives as well.

The attention paid to the ASU may create tough decision-making situations, but if it keeps the concerns of students as its priority, it will have the opportunity to make a bigger and better impact on the lives of CCC students.