In a well-lit conference room in the Student Activities Center-East building, Cabrillo College’s Student Senate began their meeting over pizza and breadsticks. However,the senate’s appetite is not among the topics of discussion.

At last Thursday’s meeting the focus was on the expected resignation of Senate President, Kaycee Beams.The senate deals with a variety of campus-related issues, policies, and allocations. Members of the group make decisions using parliamentary style.They represent Cabrillo’s student population and act accordingly in their decision-making and policy adjusting. Each member of the senate raises their hand and waits quietly until called on to present him- or herself and address the matter at hand.

During the senate’s weekly meetings, Cabrillo students and faculty members present ideas and raise concerns. Many show up pleading their cases for much needed funding from a shrinking budget.“I thought last year was hard, but the budget cuts we’ve been put through this year has made things a lot tougher,” said treasurer Christian Rivera, adding, “This year’s senate is really exciting to work with though, there’s a lot of diversity.”

Cabrillo, along with all other colleges in California, has faced massive cuts from

funding this semester, pressuring student senates statewide to make the tough calls on where to use remaining funds. One branch that has significantly felt the flatline of state funding is Cabrillo’s Mathematics, Engineering and Science Achievement (MESA) center, in room 714. Last year, funds for the MESA center were cut by over 60%. MESA helps students by tutoring and aiding in the development of positive study skills.The program’s emphasis is on assisting minority students achieve future careers in math and science, The program has been so successful it has been copied throughout California and other states. MESA also provides academic, career and financial advising. As well as organized group study sessions, summer enrichment programs, and field trips. Those the organization serves include the first family member to enter college, and students eligible for the community college Board of Governors’ Waiver.

Cabrillo’s current Student Senate President, Kaycee Beams knows the organization wheel. Beams accredits them to why she has a high GPA in her difficult field of studying engineering. She is resigning and will officially be replaced by the first week of the 2010 spring semester because of her close ties to the organization and inability to remain impartial. “The reason for my resignation is that, as an engineering major, I am seeing a potentially fatal, yet quiet blow happening at our science department in our MESA study center that I cannot remain unbiased towards,” Beams stated in her resignation letter. “I have been volunteering my time in the Student Senate without pay, so I will volunteer that same time to directly help out, said Vice President, Geoffrey Stanfield will take over once her resignation is finalized,” It is a labor of love.”

Senator-at-Large Theo Offei said that he wanted to see more Cabrillo students interact with the senate. “The Student Senate is here to work for the students of Cabrillo College, if we make a decision that someone doesn’t like, they should voice that and let us know.” As a student of this school, you have the right to let the senate know how you feel about the choices they make. The interaction with the rest of the student body is vital to their efficiency. After all, do you know where the $8 you paid at the beginning of the semester went?

Photo by Brian Gassmann

The Cabrillo College Student Senate meets every Thursday from 3:00  to 6:00 p.m.

in the SAC East Bldg. above the bookstore.