On Friday, May 1st, 2020, the Associated Students of Skyline College (ASSC) 2020-21 Election results were announced. This year, the Center for Student Life and Leadership Development filled an entire ballot with new student officers amidst the COVID-19 crisis. For the first time in a few years, every running position on the council had a candidate enter. The council consists of six executive officers, 14 senators and one Skyline College nominee for the San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD) Student Trustee of the Board of Trustees.
This year, another unique aspect of the election was hosting it entirely online. The ASSC and Center for Student Life normally give students an option to vote on a paper ballot. However, with the campus being closed due to the Shelter-in-Place order, the entire election was executed by distributing electronic ballots using Novi Survey. This lack of face-to-face engagement at first posed as a challenge for our Center for Student Life staff but thanks to their efforts and teamwork they were able to successfully collaborate and adapt.
At 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 28, 2020, secure electronic ballots were emailed to every registered Skyline College student with a unique invitation to vote based on their G number. There were no errors or bugs this year thanks to the District ITS team being very thorough in making sure the Center for Student Life staff was well supported and able to execute a fully online election.
The Center for Student Life is extremely pleased with our campus community’s clear effort to step up, promote the election and encourage students to become the next leaders in ASSC as well as the students’ engagement and interest level for becoming the student government council of the upcoming 2020-21 term. The newly elected candidates for President and Vice President have served the ASSC for the 2019-20 term, giving them great experience for what lies ahead as they prepare to lead the student body. ASSC President Carlos Ungo is a passionate leader who seeks to bring equitable change to campus at a student level. His team, including Vice President Jose Gutierrez, look forward to continuing the work of the 2019-20 ASSC’s efforts to engage with more students and connect with professional staff, faculty and administration.
Article by Ryan Samn
