Welcome to us all as we venture forward into the 2005 fall academic term at California State University, Northridge. The Associated Students, Inc. (A.S.) is prepared for an enlivening and promising fall semester as we attempt to fulfill our quest of truly enriching your collegiate time here at our great University.
The beginning of any academic year poses new challenges, presents new questions and affords additional opportunities as you pursue your degree. For all of us, it is a new beginning that is welcomed by some and uninvited by others. Regardless, the first week of classes is upon us and as a result, we all have a choice: 1. Embrace this new year with a revitalized appreciation of what it means to be in the midst of an incredible time in your life or 2. Continue to daydream about how much you still wish you were getting sunburned at the beach. I’m think I am going with option 1, but it’s up to you.
I am so incredibly thrilled to be back on campus. Don’t get me wrong, I am not exactly waiting in eager anticipation for my first class assignment, project or exam, but I have come to miss the things that are not available to me when we are no longer in session: Friends who move back home for the summer, PUB food that is not available to help me get through an hour or two of studying and of course a campus without all of you! It just is not the same.
Yes, I know there is no need to worry any longer, because it is all back! YAY!
Let me take this opportunity to remind you that aside from me being here alongside you all, the Associated Students is here as well. The title ‘student government’ does not accurately portray the nature of our organization. As the student representative body we are the voice advocating the interests of you, our fellow students. We represent the rights, responsibilities, thoughts, and concerns of YOU! We are the premier student source and offer a variety of programs, services, and opportunities to further enhance your time as a collegian at Cal State Northridge. With our exciting student programming including big show concerts, Homecoming festivities, world renowned lectures and our own Matador athletic events, you can bet that this year’s campus entertainment will bring out the Matador in us all! Our campus services, such as the A.S. Fitness Centre, Children’s Center, Ticket Office and our very own University Recycling program, truly enhance the quality of campus life. And it all exists for YOU!
Like any elected official, I have a vision. I want to actively engage, enrich and support all 33,000 Matadors on this campus (Just a reminder that you are all Matadors!). The A.S. is a phenomenal organization that provides so much for you. Do you have any idea what we do for you other than collect a portion of your student fees? I know I provided a highlight above, but did you know before reading that? So I am asking a favor of each and every one of you: When I stop you on campus to inform you of some crazy concert we are having on campus, listen. When you see the name Associated Students, on anything at all on campus, look. And when you’re sitting at home wondering what to do with your free time, come check out the amazing leadership opportunities available through A.S. You could be the next A.S. President writing this same welcoming piece a year or two from now. The possibilities are endless. So what are you waiting for?
It is our hope that this year will be one to remember and will serve as a great memory of your once in a lifetime collegiate experience at Cal State Northridge. So GET INVOLVED, become connected to your institution, show your matador pride and know that the A.S. is making every effort to truly enhance your educational, social and cultural time here.
I wish you all the best of luck and feel free to contact me at anytime for anything at all. I exist for YOU!. Here’s to a great year! Go Matadors!!!
Chad Charton is President of Associated Students. He can be reached at president@csunas.org
