The Cardinal

ASSVC Prepares for New Online Voting System

Liz Oiness
Editor

New students may be wondering what type of Student Government is in place at Skagit Valley College. Many high schools have an Association of the Student Body (ASB), but the college government is called the Associated Students of Skagit Valley College, or ASSVC. The governing body for all of Skagit Valley College’s campuses—Mount Vernon and Whidbey—operates under the District President. Each campus then appoints their Vice President and Representatives. There are still positions to be filled for 2009-2010 school year.
One such position is the technology and Distance Education Outreach Representative, who will act as a voice for students who use distance education options, and advise SVC committees about what technological improvements and investments may best serve the students.
Finding ways to reach out to distance education students has been a long-time focus of many departments at SVC. In order to facilitate participation in the elections, the Fall 2009 elections for the ASSVC are the first to be conducted using an electronic ballot system.
“We wanted to reach more students, make it more convenient for them to get involved,” said Student Activities and Health Coordinator Laura Morris.
The electronic ballots utilize the MySVC student e-mail system. Students will receive an e-mail with a link directing them to login and vote.
Morris noted that students will want to be careful about where and when they cast their ballot. The system will only allow each student to login once, and if they lose their internet connection while voting, it may be difficult or impossible to recover their ballot.
Some representatives were appointed in the spring elections, but many important positions are yet to be filled. Mount Vernon Campus Secretary, Representative at Large, Community Service, Student Services Issues, and Instructional Issues Representatives are all needed.
For more information about the Student Government roles, or to apply for an open position, visit the Student Government page at Skagit.edu, http://www.skagit.edu/studentgovernment