As the Spring 2008 semester comes to a close, the Associated Students of Skyline College are preparing to hold elections in the upcoming weeks. As some current ASSC offices will be vacant due to graduation or transfer, some students are looking forward for the opportunity to be a part of student government. Denzel Cohen, 21, is currently president of the Black Student Union, but is preparing to run for Commissioner of Activities in the ASSC. Cohen is hopeful in bringing changes to the ASSC.”There’s currently not a lot of representation for African Americans in the ASSC,” Cohen said. “If I’m elected, I will devote myself to this committee and to equal representation and diversity, not only for African Americans but for all students.”According to the ASSC Candidate Application Packet, in order to be eligible for an executive office in the ASSC, students must maintain a GPA of 2.25 or higher and be enrolled in at least six units. Candidates also must attend one ASSC meeting and have some knowledge of the ASSC Constitution and Codes.According to ASSC Adviser Amory Cariadus, although there are restrictions; the ASSC is a huge platform for students to be able to speak up and get their voices heard.”[The ASSC] is a place where you can be a leader and make sure students are heard,” Cariadus said. “It allows students to take an active role in their college and their district.” With a candidate open forum taking place Wed. May 7 in building six, Cariadus is encouraging all students to become involved in the elections.”Students must distinguish between someone who wants to be a servant of public service, or just pad their resume,” Cariadus said. “It is critical for students to get involved and ask questions.”Actual ASSC elections will take place May 12 through May 16. According to Cariadus, it is important for students to pay attention to how a candidate campaigns and what issues each candidate addresses.”It is much like our current presidential campaigns,” Cariadus said. “People need to pay special attention to each candidate’s message, and then decide for themselves.”Skyline has also made it easier for students to vote and stay informed on student government. The recent institution of online voting through Websmart has helped create a “better turnout” in the voting polls, according to Cariadus. According to Raydan Alhubaishy, who is currently campaigning to be president of the ASSC next semester, he hopes for a large student voter turnout. “I have always wanted to run for president,” Alhubaishy said. “It is important for students to vote because their elected president will be representing all of the students at Skyline College.”As for Cohen, he hopes to make an impression on students, and wants students to realize how important the ASSC can be.”I have always been passionate about student body government,” Cohen said. “[The ASSC] not only helps me, but helps everybody here on campus.”