Michelle Dowling, SRJC’s student-elected vice president of advocacy for Fall 2011, is excited to focus on three goals this semester: improving alternative transportation for students, creating advocacy packets and working to inform students about the Dream Act on SRJC campuses.
Dowling, a former Sacramento State student from Honolulu, Hawaii is here to improve SRJC. Dowling is continuing as vice president this semester in what she calls her “second job.”
California’s version of the Dream Act (AB 131) stands for Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act. If passed, the Dream Act will allow undocumented students to receive state funded financial aid like Cal Grants. The bill has been passed by the California State Senate and awaits approval from Gov. Jerry Brown.
Dowling and the Associated Students Senate plan to create panels regarding information on the Dream Act on both the Santa Rosa and Petaluma Campuses. She is arranging advocacy forums on the issue with guest speakers at each campus. The first will be from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 19 in the Dining Hall on the Petaluma Campus. The second will be from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Nov. 9 at the Student Activity Center on the Santa Rosa Campus.
“I encourage students to attend and to be supportive of all students who seek education, whether they are documented or not,” Dowling said. “No one should be denied access to education.”
Dowling is also anxious to reinstate the student discounted bus pass program. “We are looking for alternative transportation programs for students to ensure that access to campus is safe, sustainable and affordable for all,” Dowling said. Because many students drive to school alone, she talked about the possibility of a student car pool system online to improve the flow of traffic and sense of community. Dowling, along with Associated Students, are hoping to seek a grant to fund a new discounted bus pass program.
Dowling and the Senate, along the faculty association, are putting together advocacy packets for students. She said these packets will be resources for students to magnify the unified student voice.
The advocacy packets would have the most recent updates on budget cuts to higher education, and legislative information on bills that affect students. The packet would show a checklist, tips, resources and helpful links to assist students with legislative processes.
It would also include how to get involved and why. The Senate also hopes to evoke an active spirit and student participation in local and state legislation.