Despite low turnout, representatives remain optimistic
On Nov. 6, ASBSU representatives met with students in the Bronco Lounge to inaugurate a series of town halls aimed at improving connections and communication with the student body.
Thirteen people attended, with around four students and nine ASBSU members filling tables across the room.
Throughout the meeting, the two parties discussed student concerns such as club funding and current ASBSU initiatives in the works, including finals week relief packages.
“I can get a general idea from [ASBSU] people beneath me about what students want, but unless I talk to them directly, I have no idea,” said Ethan Mariner, student body vice president. “I want to make sure that what we’re working on is aligned with what [the student body] wants to see.”
According to Mariner, ASBSU hosted four or five town halls last year with a similar objective to gather student perspectives.
“We did [a survey] within ASBSU and it worked really well,” Mariner said. “We saw three major trends, which were safety, campus improvements and scholarships slash career development.”
“We’re going to identify trends from the community overall, send it out to [ASBSU] legislators and let the legislative branch do their job,” Mariner continued. “On the executive side, we’re advocating… who do we need to speak with to create the change that students want.”
The first town hall kicked off with a member of the BAJA racing club questioning ASBSU members about the possibility of receiving club funds in light of paused direct grants for the academic year.
After a brief discussion, Mariner concluded ASBSU could not guarantee club funds for the near future.
“Trust me, we hear you,” he said. “I want your club to succeed, so I would look to external areas, and we’re happy to collaborate and talk with you guys more on the strategy.”
Other students voiced concerns about scholarship accessibility, and ASBSU members contributed by sharing future legislative ideas such as non-financial club support, though no specific examples were given.
The meeting lasted about 40 minutes, but the low turnout gave little indication of whether students would participate in future town halls.
“I’m hoping for more turnout in the future,” said Kelsey Smith, first-year representative. “We try our best to connect with the student body, but it’s hard when there’s 28,000 [students] and only a decent amount of us… so I think the townhalls are a great way to do that.”
For Therresa Hernandez, underserved population representative, the event still offered an opportunity to hear student perspectives.
“I think the input that we did get is valuable, and I think the funding board is a very valuable concern,” Hernandez said. “[It] is important and I think [it] should be prioritized, even though I’m not part of the funding board, I see how hard they’re working on it… so I’m looking forward to seeing their solution.”
Mariner echoed Hernandez’s sentiment, emphasizing hosting town halls ensures transparency in student politics.
“If students come to these town halls with questions, I’m here to answer,” he said. “And if I can’t, I will defer to you or put you in contact with someone that can more properly answer that question.”
Even so, town halls hinge on active student participation. When asked about the low attendance, Mariner focused on building future momentum.
“[It] doesn’t seem like a lot, but it’s a start,” Mariner said. “[We are now asking ourselves,] What can we do in a week? What can we do better? … so attendance wise, super stoked about [making overall improvements to the event].”
One week later, on Nov. 13, ASBSU hosted its second town hall in the Interactive Learning Center. This time around, no non-ASBSU students attended.
Mariner presented possible explanations for the lack of student engagement, such as choosing locations with low student foot traffic and a lack of promotion, but remains certain of their ability to adapt.
“I think this initiative has a lot of potential, and I want it to be utilized effectively,” he noted.
Mariner said a new digital survey, accessible through QR codes distributed during tabling, will ask students to provide feedback about their university experience without the need for an in-person conversation.
“In-person ones are great, but sometimes students are busy and can’t make it,” said Hunter Sparrow, general assembly leader. “I think disseminating information out to the general assembly, out to senators and all of executive tabling, will hopefully make it more accessible for people who can’t come to a physical location.”
“I think the first one really showed us there’s a lot of things students want to talk about,” Sparrow continued. “It’s just [about] convenience.”
Students can find out more about town halls, including future dates and locations, on ASBSU’s social media accounts.
