Student participation on a commuter campus can be low, but the Associated Students of Cosumnes River College have outlined goals for a semester long effort to reach more students and draw in more participation.

The ASCRC hold open meetings in room 106 of the Winn Center on campus, but DJ Mitchell, the Student Senate President, said that many students simply do not have time to sit in on meetings, even if they do have concerns or suggestions to voice.

“It’s a commuter campus,” Mitchell said. “Students usually don’t stick around [after their classes].”

According to their mission statement, the ASCRC represents the Student Body’s voice in events and decisions around campus, and are responsible for hearing individual’s thoughts about things at CRC.  If a student is upset about policies put in place by the campus police or the school district, the Student Senate will make their voice heard.

“We hope that students feel comfortable coming to us and asking questions, or voicing concerns,” said Katelynn Rodriguez, the student senate secretary.

Mitchell said that they are planning to install a suggestion box in the shape of a treasure chest on campus in order to encourage students to voice their concerns about student life at CRC.  The ASCRC is also planning to begin recording their meetings and maintain a YouTube channel, among other social media outlets so that students have plenty of ways to participate.

“We’re here to let students make decisions that have real change on campus,” said Winnie La Nier, the student senate adviser. “What’s missing is the student’s voice.”

In a general poll around campus, many students said that they would participate if they had the option to do so using technology.

“I would subscribe to an email list, or follow on Facebook,” said Sohaib Alvi, 20-year-old biological science major.

When asked if they had any frustrations or concerns about things on campus, most students reported that they were generally satisfied with things on campus, and felt no urgent need to change anything.

“Honestly, I am content with the way life on campus is run,” said Daisy Gamboa, 19, a marketing major.