Patrick TrautfieldI still remember that day four years ago, standing on the front steps of Fremont Hall. My dad gave me a firm handshake and my mom, inconsolable, reached out for her last hug before getting into the car to make the two-hour drive back home. As I watched my parents leave, one thought came to my mind . for the first time in my life, I was on my own!
There I stood, a lowly farm kid from the Central Valley with a Visa check card in one pocket and my cell phone in another. As I turned back to look at the building I would call home for the next year, a sense of excitement came over me because I realized that a whole new chapter in my life was starting to take shape.
And now here I am, 23 years old and student body president at one of the top ranked universities in America. As I look back on my tenure here at Cal Poly, I’m amazed at how much I’ve grown as an individual and my hope is that you will also take time here at Poly to discover yourself and your potential in ways you never imagined.
By now, you’ve probably seen signs all over campus that display three distinct lowercase letters: asi. Associated Students, Inc. is your ticket to the ultimate college experience.
Much more than your typical ASB or student government in high school, ASI is a $12 million non-profit corporation that gets its funding from you the students and is run by students just like yourself.
ASI’s day-to-day operations include running the Recreation Center, University Union, Sports Complex and the Children’s Center, as well as helping to manage Cal Poly’s 325-plus student clubs and bringing interactive programming to the students of Cal Poly – such as intramural sports, Concerts in the Plaza, the Craft Center, Poly Escapes and so much more! ASI also employs 425 students; if you’re interested in a job, check out asi.calpoly.edu/hr.
Most importantly, ASI is here for YOU! Students are the heart and soul of any university and as a student at Cal Poly, you have the opportunity to make your voice heard.
Last year students had some major concerns and ASI is working to address them:
Transportation: ASI worked last year to help extend the bus routes for students who stay on campus later, so forget the hassle of driving in SLO and take the bus for free! Check out slocity.org/visit.asp for a bus schedule.
Recreation Center: If you haven’t noticed already, the Rec Center can get a little crowded. As the year progresses, you’ll be asked to give feedback about what you want to see in an expanded facility.be on the lookout.
Student safety: While Cal Poly and the City of San Luis Obispo pride themselves on providing a safe community for their residents, it’s always a good idea to take precautions. ASI continues to work with various entities to ensure student safety remains a top priority.
Sustainability: ASI is a big advocate for sustainability and looks forward to collaborating with campus groups this year to make the university as green as it can be!
. and the list goes on! At ASI, we’re only as good as the feedback we get from the students and we welcome your comments. If you have something on your mind, want to learn more about ASI or are looking to get involved, drop me an e-mail at asipresident@calpoly.edu or call 756-1291.
Good luck in all your endeavors and go Mustangs!