The American Student Government Association held the nationwide conference at Bakersfield College for the second time in two years. Students and advisers, dressed in professional suits and formal attire, were walking around the Bakersfield College campus Dec. 1.
“We (BC) have a strong relationship with the ASGA,” said Don Turney, the dean of students. “It took a lot of work to host this event, but so far so good.”
ASGA has been active for seven years in holding nationwide conferences for community colleges. It also provides information for the officers, senate, presidents and advisers with resources that teaches the individual to become more ethical, affective and more influential at their respective campuses.
“I came here to get more knowledge in how to improve our student government,” said Joshua Paul from Palestine College, “and of course to meet the fellow SGAs.”
“We came out to see what the other student leaders do in their SGA,” said Shaun Marshall, from Long Beach City College. “The ASGA has also provided us with informational workshops.” Long Beach City College brought along about 16 students and two advisers to the nationwide conference.
Other states like Ohio, Maryland, Florida, Arizona, and Missouri had a combined total of approximately 140 students.
Throughout the day, several of the workshops gave ideas and facts about improving student governments. According to the workshops’ descriptions, the number one fear for people is public speaking. A workshop called “Driving the Language of Your Voice: Powerful Public Speaking,” by Susan Leahy, had some tips on how to improve when it comes to the public.
These one hour workshops had a variety of topics, like making students interested in SGA, ways to improve elections, creating signature programs, and how to make a successful student government. “A lot of great detail and pretty informative,” mentioned Antionette Mitchell from Long Beach City College.
Experts for the workshops were Susan Leahy, Andrew Ortiz, W. H. Oxendine, Bob Bernatz, and Dave Linzey.
“I have to say, the BC SG was really welcoming and very nice,” said Paul. “During breakfast the cafeteria was very helpful, and lunch is starting to smell really good,” said Mitchell looking at the cafeteria.
During the event breakfast was served with muffins and coffee. For lunch a New York style steak was served topped off with juice. Throughout the day, snacks were provided during the socializing breaks.
The event started at 8 a.m. and ended shortly after 5 p.m. For more information on the ASGA, visit www.asgaonline.com or call toll free: 877-ASK-ASGA.