Three students are running to become Commissioner of Student Engagement and Advocacy next year. The role is to serve as the voice of students, collect a variety of feedback and chair the Campus Engagement Council.
Gianna Gonzalez noted that the position has been vacant for the past year and the student body needs someone to fill it.
Amon Andrews was not available for an interview before deadline. His candidate bio can be found here.
Trinity Cook was not available for an interview before deadline. Her candidate bio can be found here.
Gianna Gonzalez
Gianna Gonzalez has learned a lot about advocating for students’ needs as treasurer for the Residence Hall Association. When a student in University Village wanted a new RedBull machine, she helped make it happen.
“All my previous leadership roles have prepared me for this,” she said. “My goal is to create a more unified Chico State, regardless of education, background, etc.”
Gonzalez noted that there’s been a big gap in the Associated Students for the past year, without someone acting as commissioner of student engagement and advocacy.
Gonzalez said one of her main focuses will be ensuring campus events are interesting and engaging for students.
“We have to make sure the events we have are what students want,” she said.
If elected, Gonzalez hopes to encourage casual conversation from students across campus. She plans to offer both in-person office hours and an option for people to provide anonymous feedback to help shape her decisions.
“I was scared when I first came in as a freshman, not knowing if I could find my place here,” Gonzalez said. “Then I did, and I want to help other people find their home at Chico State.”
Gonzalez committed after touring during Wildcat Weekend, a three-day campus-wide event for prospective students that occurs in the fall. She’s hoping to expand it, along with Choose Chico, the spring equivalent, but for committed students.
Gonzalez has been endorsed by Chico State Pride.
Gonzalez is a freshman majoring in agricultural business. She took a gap year between high school and college to work with the California Future Farmers of America Association, where she traveled the West Coast, spreading agriculture to high school students. This semester, she’s part of the Guide Dogs for the Blind Club and the Line Dancing Club.
On Wednesday, every Chico State student will receive an email with a link to the ballot. The link will also be available here on its website. You will need to sign in with your Chico State login to access the ballot.
Anthony Vasek can be reached at [email protected]
