Student Voter Guide 2019 · Student Voter Guide 2019 . American River CollegeCandidates . 4 . ASB Student Senate Senators (Up to 15 Positions Total) Ramses Galvez . I will work hard

Student Voter Guide 2019

Election and Candidate Information for Student Senate, Clubs & Event Board, and Districtwide Student Trustee

For Elections to be Held on April 9 and 10 from 5:00 am to 11:30 pm.

Los Rios Community College District

Los Rios Community College District

Chancellor Brian King

Los Rios Board of Trustees

John Knight, President

Robert Jones, Vice President

Pamela Haynes

Dustin Johnson

Tami Nelson

Deborah Ortiz

Ruth Scribner

Danny Thirakul (Student Trustee)

Student Voter Guide 2019

Los Rios Community College District 1919 Spanos Court Sacramento, CA 95825

(916) 568-3021

www.losrios.edu

The Voter Guide is for LRCCD students and is updated annually before each regular election by the colleges of the Los Rios Community College District. Copies are posted at the District website and copies are available upon request.

Table of Contents Introduction ______________________________________________________________________________ 1

About Student Elections ............................................................................................................................... 1

Get Involved .................................................................................................................................................. 1

How to Vote .................................................................................................................................................. 1

Why You Should Vote ................................................................................................................................... 1

Role of the Student Association .................................................................................................................... 2

American River College _____________________________________________________________________ 3

Student Senate Candidates ........................................................................................................................... 3

Clubs and Events Board Candidates .............................................................................................................. 5

Cosumnes River College ____________________________________________________________________ 6


Clubs and Events Board Candidates .............................................................................................................. 7

Folsom Lake College _______________________________________________________________________ 9


Clubs and Event Board Candidates ...............................................................................................................11

Sacramento City College ___________________________________________________________________ 13

Student Senate Candidates ..........................................................................................................................13

Clubs and Events Board Candidates ............................................................................................................ 15

Los Rios Community College Districtwide Positions ____________________________________________ 16

Student Trustee Candidates ........................................................................................................................ 16

Candidate Forums – Dates & Locations ______________________________________________________ 18

Tuesday, April 2 ........................................................................................................................................... 18

Wednesday, April 3 ...................................................................................................................................... 18

Thursday, April 4 ......................................................................................................................................... 18

Monday, April 8 ........................................................................................................................................... 18

Student Voter Guide 2019 Introduction

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Introduction

About Student Elections The Los Rios Community College District and its four colleges – American River, Cosumnes River, Folsom Lake, and Sacramento City – host student elections each spring. Students are encouraged to learn more, run for a position, attend candidate forums, and vote.

Get Involved Our colleges are always looking for students interested in leadership development. If you are open to learning and working with others, then consider joining your college’s student association.

How to Vote There are no voting stations on campus. Students will be able to vote from any computer or mobile device with internet access on April 9 and April 10, from 5:00 am to 11:30 pm each day. For more information please visit: studentelections.losrios.edu.

To cast your vote:

1. Go to your eServices account. 2. Click on the Elections & Surveys tab. 3. Read the Voter Guide. The guide includes each candidate's Statement of Intent that includes their

interest in serving in a specific position, issues or concerns they plan to address while in the position, and their leadership qualifications. The statements are presented without grammatical edits.

4. Proceed to the Voting Site. 5. Vote!

Why You Should Vote Voting in the student elections is a privilege available only to Los Rios students who are currently enrolled. Voting only takes a few minutes of your time, and elected student leaders make lasting changes to the campus environment and student experience.

http://studentelections.losrios.edu/

Student Voter Guide 2019 Introduction

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Role of the Student Association The student association is the official organization that represents students and consists of the Clubs and Events Board (CAEB) and Student Senate. Student leaders from each board are committed to advocating for students' rights, improving the campus culture, and developing transferable leadership skills. Specifically, the CAEB functions to promote student involvement and activities, while the Student Senate functions to advocate for the common interests of students.

The student trustee provides his/her perspective to ensure that students are served through service on the District's Board of Trustees. For more information, please see the Student Trustee Handbook.

Student Voter Guide 2019 American River College Candidates

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American River College

Student Senate Candidates ASB Student Senate President Aesha Abduljabbar

I am going to make sure that everyone on campus is represented. I will listen to my fellow student concerns. I plan to make American River College a memorable place with a special meaning to students.

ASB Student Senate Vice President Juan Melesio

I plan to extend the library hours at American River College to have it be more accessible.

Sahibpreet Singh Otal

I plan to help students have a better food experience by evaluating the current contract with food vendors. I hope to continue implementing projects and proposals from clubs and students. I will help international students and help improve diversity and equity on campus.

ASB Student Senate Director of Finance Sha-Toyia Anderson

I am going to be the voice for students who feel underrepresented. I will advocate in classrooms. I will always show concern for any problems students have. I will be a student education shield. I plan on making changes in the ARC community by reaching out to the greater community for help.

Dallas Vue

I am going to work hard to always advocate for students need on campus. I will always have an open door policy to encourage my fellow students to interact with me about their concerns or issues on campus. I plan to make American River College have more resources for students to succeed in their classes and endeavors.


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ASB Student Senate Senators (Up to 15 Positions Total) Ramses Galvez

I will work hard to make this campus better and the students fell more comfortable on campus. I hope to obtain more leadership skills to further my educational and professional goals. As a current president of two clubs, I desire to be in a better position to help all clubs on this campus.

Laurie Jones

As an experienced ARC Student Senator, I am its institutional memory, which I try to share. I have sponsored bills for the cafeteria microwaves, water bottle filling stations and recycling bills. I have for all, eg DSPS, Veterans, Re-entry students, CUSA, and women. I lobby often at the state capitol & SSCCC.

Fang Liu

I am going to improve ARC to be more enjoyable for everyone. I will be the voice of my fellow ARC peers and stand up for students’ rights. I plan to help students familiarize themselves with all resources on campus and maximize their opportunities.

Alexandra Paige

United we stand, Divided we fall.

Desiree Rodriguez

I am going to work hard to make sure student voices are heard and taken into consideration. I will collaborate and spend a lot of time working with other members to accomplish this goal. I plan to make ARC students feel safe, heard and welcomed.

Vacant Student Senate Positions These positions will be filled through appointment.

• Director of Communications • Director of Legislative Affairs • Director of Public Relations • Director of Activities • Legislative Analyst • Senate Whip • Senators (up to 15 positions total)


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Clubs and Events Board Candidates ASB Clubs and Events Board President Kevin Hill

I plan to add activities to our campus to enrich our education but also make ARC enjoyable. Coming from a diverse background, I plan to use this platform to help highlight diversity at ARC. My goals is to transform our campus from just a school to a home that welcomes every student.

Wakeem Holland

I am going to work hard to make American River College a more lively campus. I will always take the concerns of students seriously. I plan to bring culture, music, and dance to the campus.

Vacant CAEB Positions These positions will be filled through appointment.

• CAEB Vice President • CAEB Commissioner of Finance • Director of Communications • Director of Activities • Director of Public Relations • Director of Media Relations • Club Representative Whip • Historian

Student Voter Guide 2019 Cosumnes River College Candidates

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Cosumnes River College

Student Senate Candidates Student Senate President Jonathan Leong

As CRC’s Student Senate President I will work hard and effectively to restore the influence and sovereignty of our students’ voices. To put our current dilemma into perspective, our Student Government has severely lacked in membership and representation in the past year. In fact, in this current semester, nearly all positions in Student Senate and CAEB are vacant. Decisions regarding budget, policy, and curriculum changes are being made without going through Student Senate, simply because we do not have Student Senators. I have come to recognize this issue as the root of many other issues on campus, and therefore I have made the increase in both the quantity and quality of Student Government membership as my highest priority. Our voices as students should be at the forefront of changes impacting our campus, community, and society as a whole. To achieve this, I aim to: (1) Expand and unify space and faculty dedicated to supporting student leadership (2) Incentivize participation in Student Government through book vouchers, scholarships, and other means of support (3) Increase the representation and involvement of students in administrative processes. In regards to relevant experience, I am currently employed at CRC as a Peer Mentor; providing leadership, mentorship, and support to the Peer Mentoring Program and its mentees. I have also served on Participatory Governance by serving as a student representative on a Student Equity committee and as a student lobbyist advocating for basic needs.

Student Senate Secretary Katherine Mendoza

I am running for Student Senate Secretary because I believe it would provide me a challenge for the upcoming semester and push me to provide something of good for this campus. It would also be a great learning experience into what is going on Campus and what is needed to be done for CRC students to find out about this information as well. If elected, the main issue I want to see addressed and will work on is seeking ways to get students to feel more a part of what goes on and not feel scared to get involved, especially for them to enjoy their college experience. I also want to find an organized and efficient way to get students to know what goes on in Student Senate meetings, as well as its decisions. As for my qualifications for the position, I have been part of Student Senate in the 2017-2018 school year serving as Treasurer, which was a big challenge I took on being I had to be very organized with budgeting and documenting expenses for Senate. I also Have been a leadership coach for the National Hispanic Institute up in Villanova University, teaching High School freshmen how to become a leader within their ow community, especially being Latino. I am currently a Student Ambassador and work on helping out on campus events and tours, as well as be someone that a CRC student can reach out for help and advice when needed.


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Student Senate Senator (Up to 15 Positions Total) Megha Khanna

My name is Megha Khanna and I am a business major. This is my second year at Cosumnes River College. When I first got to this college, I did not feel like a part of it. I felt like I was all alone. I am interested in this position because I really want to make a change and give a voice to the students. I have been working as a CRC Peer Mentor since the beginning of the school year. A part of my job is to interact with students and help them with any difficulties and to guide them so they can have a smooth transition from high school. I figured out that a lot of students are unaware of the vast opportunities at CRC. I want to help incoming and returning students by figuring out their needs and provide them with events or seminars that can help them in. If elected, I will focus on helping students learn more about this campus and the services available to them and plan fun events for destressing. I want them to be happy and to be proud of attending CRC. Also, my experience working with staff and students as a Peer Mentor has really helped me develop interpersonal and leadership skills. Furthermore, my experience as a volunteer at Project Ride and Kaiser helped me develop leadership skills. At Project Ride, I assisted children with special needs during horseback riding and organized activities to develop their social and verbal skills.

Vacant Student Senate Positions These positions will be filled through Fall appointment.

• Treasurer • Director of Legislative Affairs • Senators (up to 15 positions total)

Clubs and Events Board Candidates Clubs and Events Board Commissioner Carlos Mercado

Hi, my name is Carlos Arturo Mercado and I am a student here at Cosumnes River College. My reasons for running for the position of Commissioner are that I want to promote positive change within the school. I intend to try to make students feel comfortable and safe on our campus. As a student myself I see many of the facilities and programs that promote student success underutilized because students do not know how to approach this new and unfamiliar environment. My goal if elected will be to put all focus on the students to promote and push for the ultimate success of students. I know these are changes that don’t come easily but I feel that I have the right amount of experience to accomplish these goals. In terms of experience for the position I was president of my own club called La Raza that helped young latin americans gain new experiences within the latin american community. Also helping by providing access to more extensive


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information about colleges and universities of interest. Aside from this club I was regularly made captain of various soccer teams as I was seen as best to lead. I lead these teams by example and the best of my abilities by pushing each individual to work on not only their strengths but also on their weaknesses.

Vacant CAEB Positions These positions will be filled through Fall appointment.

• Vice Commissioner • Director of Finance • Secretary • CAEB At-Large Delegates (up to 12 positions total)

For more information, contact Oscar Mendoza Plascencia in the Student Life & Leadership Center at (916) 691-7669 or [email protected].

mailto:[email protected]?subject=Student%20Elections

Student Voter Guide 2019 Folsom Lake College Candidates

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Folsom Lake College

Student Senate Candidates Student Senate President Lia Gugava

Hello Falcons! My name is Lia and I am passionate to become the Student Senate President, because I believe that equality and inclusivity are rights for all students. My goal is to bring attention to the problems that FLC students are facing, such as financial instability, class flexibility, transportation, safety, availability of materials, and resources. I am highly concerned about issues that are rendered unimportant. It is a pleasure for me to serve the FLC community as a Student Success Ambassador, Tutor, and Senator, and it will be a great honor to serve you even more as a President.

Dasom (Bella) Lee

Hello Folsom Lake College! My name is Bella, and I am running for Student Senate President. I am currently a sophomore at FLC studying international business and communications. Two years of performing many extracurricular activities at FLC have helped me decide to run for student president and work on issues affecting students. I have served as President and Vice President in my high school senate, and I have chaired three different clubs at FLC. With my leadership experience, I understand how difficult this position is, but I am ready to take it on and help make FLC a great community for everyone. I look forward to hearing from you all and partnering with you to create a more energetic campus environment and amplify the student voice. Go Falcons!

Student Senate Vice President Emmai (Jay) Jacobs

My aspiration is to build a community in which each student feels connected to the campus and has an opportunity to contribute in whatever way they can be proud of and know who they can turn to for help. I am committed to serving as the Vice President of the Student Senate. I believe everyone has a need to belong somewhere where they know that there are those who care for them, where they feel valued and that can add value to those around them. Having served as Student Success Ambassador, I’ve had the opportunity to serve current, new, and incoming students. Also I am well versed in the services and resources available here at Folsom Lake College that affect students’ everyday experiences. Having served as Senator and Communications Officer of ASFLC, I am equipped to handle the challenges that our student body faces. Lastly, I am committed to striving to ensure that all students can feel connected, supported and empowered on campus.


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Student Senate Director of Legislative Affairs Andrew Nickens

I am really excited to be running for the position of Director of Legislative Affairs for Student Senate. The position aligns well with my passion for leadership in the service of others through my interests in law, politics, and government. My primary goal is to represent the student voice in the fulfillment of my duties as Director of Legislative Affairs and reflect that representation while lobbying in support of legislation that impacts students on campus. As demonstrated through my personal experiences in Scouting and Student Senate, I believe I am well qualified for this position. I would be honored to have your vote. Thank you.

Student Senate Senators (Up to 15 Positions Total) Angelo Dominguez

I am immensely excited to participate in student elections. As your representative in student senate I will always be willing to listen to student concerns and the issues that matter to them most. With that said, as your senator I want to foster the feeling of approachability and be available for students. If you see me on campus I will always be willing to talk or set aside time to talk with you.

Toni Schiffmaier

Hi Everyone! My name is Toni Schiffmaier, and I am a double major in Business Administration and Psychology. I am running to be Senator because I want to make a positive difference at Folsom Lake College, and provide opportunities for students to succeed. In the past, I have experience serving as the Director of Finance for CAEB, as Senator for the Student Senate, and as President/Founder of the Folsom Lake College Business Association. If elected to continue serving as Senator, I plan to advocate to start a Professional Clothing Closet for students who need attire for jobs. I would greatly appreciate your vote, and thanks to all for your consideration.

Vacant Student Senate Positions These positions will be filled through Fall appointment.

• Treasurer • Secretary • Senators (up to 15 positions total)


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Clubs and Event Board Candidates Club and Events Board Commissioner Lorena Flores

Hi I’m Lorena, I want to be your next Commissioner. Currently I am your Vice Commissioner/President of LatinX. While being in ASFLC I have not only held an executive position but also I have co-chaired the Student Health and Wellness Committee. Being involved in ASFLC for a year now I believe I have gained the experience and knowledge to become Commissioner. Event planning and budgeting have become some of my areas of strength. My main goal is to bring more life and student involvement to FLC. Students here at Folsom Lake College might only be here for a short time I want to make sure it was a good time!

Samantha Myers

CAEB is all about involvement and that’s exactly what I want. I have never participated in student government because I was too shy but I’m ready to break out of my shell. I plan on rising to the top for my student body and making their college experience the best!

Club and Events Board Vice Commissioner Vivien Lorenzo

Being involved with ASFLC my first year of college has been a great experience, and I'm looking forward to doing more with Clubs and Events Board! As your Vice Commissioner I will work with the Commissioner and CAEB on planning fun events that involve everyone on campus.

Club and Events Board Secretary Katia Hastings

My name is Katia Hastings and I am running to become the Club and Events Board Secretary. In my time here at Folsom Lake College I have served as the CAEB secretary, treasurer for Circle K International, student representative for the District Curriculum Committee, and the founder and president of the Asian Pacific Islander club. I enjoyed my time serving as your secretary last Fall, helping to plan events and promote community involvement and inclusion here at Folsom Lake College. I would consider it a privilege to continue my work enhancing the college experience for our students.


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Club and Events Board Director of Finance Akshali Kapadia

I don’t like talking much because I believe in hard work, so I believe my hard work should talk instead of me. I’ve never let down any person and I don’t intend to do it anyway in future. I’m taking this opportunity to challenge myself to extend my limits of learning and provide better services in any manner I can to all the students of FLC.

Club and Events Board Event Coordinator Iyayi Onaghinor

My name is Iyayi Onaghinor. I’m a student athlete, Business Administration is my major, basketball is my sport. I’m currently the FLC event coordinator; some of you may remember spirit week or the tailgate at the women’s soccer game last semester, as well as the Club Fair/Valentines Day event from this semester, if you enjoyed those events, a vote for me would bring bigger and better events in the coming year.

Club and Events Board Historian Elysse Fresquez

Students should always have a say in what they want to see and experience on campus. As a student ambassador, I have had the honor of being able to hear many students' excellent suggestions regarding the improvement and enrichment of student activities and programs offered here at FLC. It is my goal to take the success of CAEB's past and combine that with your suggestions in order to create an engaging and fun atmosphere for all students! With YOUR support and feedback, we can make FLC the most fun part of your day, every day!


• CAEB At-Large Delegates (up to 10 positions total)

Student Voter Guide 2019 Sacramento City College Candidates

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Sacramento City College

Student Senate Candidates Student Senate President Kimberly Ramos

I am a STEM major. I have a passion for serving SCC students ethically. I have been President of the Student Senate for one year and loved every second of it.

Spencer Slavazza

I will be an advocate for minority groups. I will pass legislation to protect our environment. I will restore a sense of community through participation

Student Senate Vice President Sheku Baryoh

No voice is too soft when that voice speaks for others. The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.

Student Senate Treasurer Jacqueline Adams

I am a Sociology major. I plan on being the voice of the students who are not heard. I plan to change the matching funds policy for the school clubs so it benefits the clubs more.

Student Senate President of Pro Tempore Simrit Kaur Sandhu

I am a psychology major with an interest in minoring in philosophy. I’m currently serving as a Senator in Student Senate. I will wholly commit myself to advocating the student’s needs and viewpoints by ensuring that each and every member of Student Senate is abiding to their responsibilities as student leaders.


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Student Senate Secretary Annie Thurman

I’m a film major, and second year. I’ve served on the Student Senate before as a Senator. I will serve and advocate for students.

Student Senate Secretary of Legislative Affairs Sabrina Edward

I am a Political Science major here at Sacramento City College. I am currently the elected president of the Clubs and Events Board on campus, as well as a member of Scc’s Matriculation and Student Success standing committee on campus. If elected as the Student Senate’s secretary of legislative affairs, I will work diligently to ensure that our student body has fair representation locally and statewide, and our needs are heard.

Senator (Up to 20 Positions Total) Terell Easton

My major is Political Science, with the goal of obtaining my AA Degree then transferring to a University. I am interested in working with my peers to find logical and fair solutions to whatever problems may arise. My goal is to represent the students of Sacramento City College appropriately and objectively, both on and off campus, and at a state and national level.

Bianca Gutierrez

I am a Anthropology Major. I want to bring awareness to the campus of mental health. I am very involved with my community. I help out a lot at the events of my church. I feed the homeless every week and I am part of Puente.

Saray Mejia

I am a Business major. I have experience leading groups as a role model. I will advocate SCC students for a better, healthier campus to assist their educational goals.


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Vacant Student Senate Positions These positions will be filled through appointment.

• Secretary of Public Relations • Secretary of Technology • Secretary of Sustainability • Senators (up to 20 positions total)

Clubs and Events Board Candidates CAEB Vice President Neil Sonico

I have been in CAEB for four years. I am a Graphics Communication Major. I will create a place for a student community on campus.


• President • Treasurer • Secretary • Secretary of Equity and Diversity • Secretary of Public Relations • Secretary of Technology • Project Coordinators (up to 10 positions total)

Student Voter Guide 2019 Los Rios Community College Districtwide Positions

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Los Rios Community College Districtwide Positions

Student Trustee Candidates Note: Statements were limited to 250 words or less by ending submissions at the end of the last complete sentence prior to exceeding the word limit. Otherwise, statements are presented exactly as written by the candidates.

Ana-Paula DeOliveira

As a Political Science major it is my interest to ensure that policies and practices of any entity reflect the desires and needs of the community it serves. The knowledge and experiences gained from my academic pursuits coupled with my work experience at the Welcome & Student Success Center at FLC and my position on senate, have prepared me well for the the opportunity to serve as Student Trustee for LRCCD. In addition to my employment experience and role on ASFLC, I serve as an active Student Leader at both the college and district level, making sure to add the voice of the student when critical decisions are made. Currently I serve on the District Matriculation & Student Success Committee, District Academic Calendar Committee, FLC’s Matriculation & Student Success Participatory Governance committee, and Equity Data & Planning Sub-Committee as well as the FLC Student Health & Wellness Ad-Hoc Committee and Co-Chair the Equity & Inclusion Ad-Hoc Committee. I also hold the position of President of FLC’s Leading Women’s club and volunteer at campus events. Through these various commitments I have gained the knowledge and experience needed to navigate through the different levels of administration in order to push the student’s agenda of each campus. If elected as Student Trustee, I will advocate effectively - and to the best of my ability - for my fellow students. My goal is to work alongside with Los Rios Community College District to maintain the quality of our education by ensuring a positive campus.

Isabella-Marie Engel

I am passionate about people. More specifically, I care immensely about students and their imminent success. I am currently the Secretary of Sustainability of the Student Senate at Sacramento City College, and my position has allowed for my passion for people and education to flourish. I strive to hear and understand all of the individuals who compose the diverse student body of the Los Rios Community College District. Furthermore, as Student Trustee I intend to ensure that student perspective is always being considered on a district level. There is nothing I desire more than to help instrument student success and ensure safety and inclusiveness for all Los Rios Community College District pupils. Considering my investment, I am also particularly keen in ensuring that funds are being used in an equitable fashion. Seeing as Community College can foster amazing opportunities for students, it is of the utmost importance that all unique individuals are being considered in the fund distribution process and are therefore able to experience positive, personalized and equitable occurrences during their time as Community College students. Through my involvement in the Intersectional Feminism Club and Queer straight Alliance, I have worked tirelessly to promote comprehensive

Student Voter Guide 2019 Los Rios Community College Districtwide Positions Candidates

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security and increase visibility for all students as well as expand the implementation of sustainable practices. Grant me with the privilege of advocating on behalf of you as your Student Trustee. I encourage you to get involved and to utilize your power to vote. Consider me, Isabella-Marie Engel, for your Student Trustee for LRCCD.

Student Voter Guide 2019 Candidate Forums – Dates & Locations

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Candidate Forums – Dates & Locations There shall be at least one public candidate forum held at each college at which all candidates are invited to participate. These forums will be held one week before the elections, starting on April 2.

Tuesday, April 2 American River College Student Senate & Student Trustee Forum

Student Center, 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm

Wednesday, April 3 Cosumnes River College Student Senate, CAEB & Student Trustee Forum

Fountain Stage, 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm

Thursday, April 4 Sacramento City College Student Senate, CAEB & Student Trustee Forum

Quad (Student Center if raining), 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm

Monday, April 8 Folsom Lake College Student Senate, CAEB & Student Trustee Forum

Falcon’s Roost, 12:00 pm to 12:50 pm

Documents

Student Voter Guide 2019 · Student Voter Guide 2019 . American River CollegeCandidates . 4 . ASB Student Senate Senators (Up to 15 Positions Total) Ramses Galvez . I will work hard