The Associated Students reflected on prominent news that occurred over winter break and related it to CSUN’s future during their first meeting of the semester Tuesday in the Grand Salon.

The shooting in Arizona and the arrest of a former CSUN student in possession of explosives on campus were connected as relevant lessons to be learned by the senate.

“CSUN is a very lucky campus, indeed,” said Tom Piernik, AS university advisor.  “This brings the discomfort of Arizona right to our doors.  We should take pride in the interconnectivity of families, students and officials on this campus.”

Piernik addressed the senate as public officials and said they should use this “uncomfortable” situation to “move along in their thinking.”

The “CSUN 6”, those students arrested during the March 4, 2010, protest against statewide budget cuts, were also mentioned.

“The students who took action last march as still in the news,” said Piernik.  “I’m not sure that their voices are being heard, we need to look to understand what those dissenting voices are all about.”

Senator Jose Juan Gomes encouraged those in attendance to attend the groups’ next hearing on Feb. 16 at San Fernando Court.

AS President Conor Lansdale and Vice President Neil Sanchez reiterated the importance of understanding the state’s budget crisis and planned to stay updated on Governor Brown’s new budget, which includes a $500 million cut to the UC and CSU systems.