Note: The following content was written by Christina Vessa as Deputy Chief of Staff/Press Secretary for the Associated Students of Colorado State University.
Aug. 24, 2016: ASCSU’s Response to the Office of Equal Opportunity’s Investigation
The following is a response from the Associated Student of Colorado State University regarding the Office of Equal Opportunity’s investigation of sexual harassment, which found the organization responsible for creating a “hostile work environment.”
Colorado State University Community-
The current Pineda Soracá/Lensky Administration, along with all branch leadership of the Associated Students of Colorado State University, are committed to providing and ensuring an inclusive, welcoming and professional environment. We believe in a campus community that is free from violence and harassment, and one that is based on the principles of community, safety and human dignity for all.
We are fully aware of the Office of Equal Opportunity’s summary of action items regarding actions of the previous ASCSU administration and are determined to ensure that under this new administration, now more than ever, ASCSU is a welcoming and safe place to work, free of harassment.
This new administration takes creating a comfortable and safe work environment very seriously, where engagement can productively address the needs ASCSU and the community at large. All elected and appointed members of ASCSU will complete in-person training regarding diversity and inclusion, professionalism and sexual harassment education facilitated by University professionals.
The OEO investigation calls for the need to be highly attentive in creating a welcoming environment, and the 2016-17 ASCSU administration is doing everything it can to ensure safety, protection and professionalism.
To improve the organization, our institution and our society, ASCSU welcomes the opportunity to sit down and discuss questions, concerns and ideas from the community. View the full article here.
Oct. 13, 2016: Concerning the On-Campus Stadium
Although this project will be completed in the coming year, there are still discussions taking place between student leaders, administrators and campus stakeholders in order to ensure safety, student-led program initiatives and opportunities for feedback.
The Associated Students of Colorado State University (ASCSU) is working hard to ensure that all branches of our organization are informed on the contextual knowledge of this project and the processes in which student input can be received. Our goal is to further enhance the student experience and ensure that equitable resources are provided to all once this major project reaches completion.
We are furthering the actions that have been in place by administration to create a constructive conversation surrounding the new stadium. Student representatives have been present on various game day committees and will continue talks with key stakeholders during this complex process. Members of our student body should voice their questions and bring solutions to ASCSU. Continued transparency surrounding this project is what the campus community wants, and ASCSU is eager to talk about what this looks like.
ASCSU is urging students to come forward with not only concerns, but also fact-driven solutions and open ears surrounding the game day experience – everything from tailgating to parking to safety and access.
We are working on behalf of the student voice to inform and educate about what these game day experiences will look like and how they will impact the CSU students next year, both on and off campus.
ASCSU wants to make sure that what is best for the CSU community is implemented. Whether this means increasing conversations surrounding mobility, gathering input from students living in the residence halls, or contributing to the tailgating experience, we as campus leaders are here to advocate on behalf of students.
Our end goal is for the game day experience to be a valuable and enjoyable time for all parties. We want to remind students that ASCSU will always ensure they are heard throughout this incredibly complex process. Students should feel pride in such a large project, and excitement for what is to come. All voices are welcome at the ASCSU table where students can make a change and empower others to speak their minds. View the full article here.
Nov. 1, 2016: Practice Civility in the Upcoming Elections
This special time comes once every four years where we as a community are able to exercise our right to vote for a new President of the United States and several other ballot issues that will impact our lives on and off campus. With this time may come politically-charged conversations with friends, family and colleagues.
We all have a responsibility to act in a respectable manner when having partisan conversations. I ask that you listen to the viewpoints of others just as you would want others to listen to yours. With disagreement comes discourse, and it is critical that we practice dialogue in a productive manner.
Remember not only to speak, but to listen to your fellow students, professors and coworkers. Maintain respect when discussing issues that you may not see eye-to-eye on. Try not to criticize anyone personally, but to focus on issue-based conversations instead. Understanding how these issues fit into the lives of those you speak with will be helpful when finding common ground.
Our millennial generation makes up the largest voting bloc in this election. Although we have historically had a low voter turnout, participating in this year’s election will alter the outcome of races at the local, state and federal levels. I want you to know that your vote does count and that there is still time to register.
Just because the election ends on Nov. 8 doesn’t mean that the results of this election won’t directly impact us. Whether it be a policy measure, new leadership or something that changes the way you interact with your neighbor, there is a level of dignity and respect that we need to show each other no matter how intense discussion and debate gets.
I am asking that as Colorado State University students, we educate ourselves on the important issues that will affect our pocketbooks, impact our path to graduation, change the minimum wage and more. These are real things that are going to impact us all, whether or not it is what we believe in or where we live.
The Lory Student Center is hosting a voter service and polling center for all eligible residents of Larimer County. In the North Ballroom, voters may cast a ballot, register to vote, change their address and drop off completed ballots. This location is open every day until 7 p.m., closing on November 8.
For more information about general ballot issues and candidate stances, our ASCSU Officer of Governmental Affairs Josh Williams is available via e-mail at ASCSU_governmental_affairs@mail.colostate.edu or in person through appointment.
I respect the differences in opinions around this campus, and would like to promote constructive conversations centered around our community, state and country. Your votes impact public policy and the government – please choose to vote this year. View the full article here.