2008 Woodie Awards
Conflicting views on strength of trustee voice
Katherine J. White
Issue date: 11/22/06 Section: News
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The Kern Community College District's student trustee is considered by Bakersfield College's SGA and faculty to be a trusted interpreter and emissary between KCCD board members and the student population.
However, some in BC's Student Government Association feel that the student trustee position is simply a token and not really an influential voice at board meetings.
The student trustee, said Dean of Students Don Turney, is a valued presence at board meetings because the trustee serves as an "interpreter" or "translator" who conveys information to the general student population.
Board meetings are held at different times at BC's Weill Institute, as well as at BC's Executive Board Room, and Ridgecrest or at Mammoth, where Cerro Coso College has a satellite campus, said Turney.
The current student trustee, Rachelle Miller from Cerro Coso College, believes as student trustee, she is "the eyes, ears and voice of the students."
The student trustee position is held by one individual from either Porterville College, Cerro Coso College, or Bakersfield College; the position rotates between these colleges.
"Rachelle's great," said Alan Crane, SGA's legislative liaison and also student representative to the state student senate, or region five, which includes Reedley, Merced, Fresno City and Modesto colleges. "She got thrown into this, and she's done a great job. No complaints," Crane said.
Crane expressed dissatisfaction with the student trustee position and its potential for vocal power at KCCD board meetings, or the lack thereof.
Crane feels that the way the student trustee position is used in connection with the board leaves much to be desired.
Crane said he believes that there should be three student trustees and not just one at the board meetings; there should be a student trustee from Porterville and one from Cerro Coso as well as one from Bakersfield College.
The current use of just one student trustee is not particularly conducive to problem solving, Crane said.
However, some in BC's Student Government Association feel that the student trustee position is simply a token and not really an influential voice at board meetings.
The student trustee, said Dean of Students Don Turney, is a valued presence at board meetings because the trustee serves as an "interpreter" or "translator" who conveys information to the general student population.
Board meetings are held at different times at BC's Weill Institute, as well as at BC's Executive Board Room, and Ridgecrest or at Mammoth, where Cerro Coso College has a satellite campus, said Turney.
The current student trustee, Rachelle Miller from Cerro Coso College, believes as student trustee, she is "the eyes, ears and voice of the students."
The student trustee position is held by one individual from either Porterville College, Cerro Coso College, or Bakersfield College; the position rotates between these colleges.
"Rachelle's great," said Alan Crane, SGA's legislative liaison and also student representative to the state student senate, or region five, which includes Reedley, Merced, Fresno City and Modesto colleges. "She got thrown into this, and she's done a great job. No complaints," Crane said.
Crane expressed dissatisfaction with the student trustee position and its potential for vocal power at KCCD board meetings, or the lack thereof.
Crane feels that the way the student trustee position is used in connection with the board leaves much to be desired.
Crane said he believes that there should be three student trustees and not just one at the board meetings; there should be a student trustee from Porterville and one from Cerro Coso as well as one from Bakersfield College.
The current use of just one student trustee is not particularly conducive to problem solving, Crane said.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Brandon Lynch
posted 11/22/06 @ 2:10 PM PST
A student representative sitting with the board of trustees is of limitless value. Essentially they are the eyes, ears, and voice for the student bodies of Cerro Coso, Bakersfield, and Porterville Colleges. (Continued…)
Ash West
posted 4/07/07 @ 9:47 AM PST
I agree with Brandon; the Student Trustee Advisory Committee should be used as a tool by the student governments of BC, PC, and CC. The great thing about our district is that meetings can be held at any campus and rotated among the three, keeping things fair and equitable. (Continued…)
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