Q and A: Associated Students Inc. President Erin Pruitt

By California State University, Bakersfield

October 17^th, 2024

What drew you to CSUB and what has your experience been like on campus?

I was born and raised in Kern County; I went to school here and grew up here. When I was in high school, I was very lucky that I had a lot of programs within the community and within the Kern County High School District that I was able to get an internship with a local event-planning company here. Every experience, every day, every job was different, but the concepts were the same. Simultaneously, I was involved with a program here in Kern County that is about teen advocacy where teens have the space to put on a conference.

All of that to say, I loved both positions I had, and when I was looking into colleges, I was about 17 or 18 years old. I was looking at it like ‘What do I want to be when I grow up? Where do I want to go?’ I started looking into what degree pathway would be best for those jobs and I realized it would be communications.

I transferred from Bakersfield College to CSUB. Being a COVID student, everything was shut down. There weren’t a lot of events on campus. The first event I was able to attend (coming back from COVID regulations) was the Helen Hawk Honors orientation, where I was able to meet a lot of great administrators and that really shaped my entire experience at CSUB.

What initially inspired you to get involved and run for president?

I ended up getting a job at the President’s Office, and because of meeting everyone, being able to say ‘hello,’ they said, ‘I think you’d be a great candidate.’ That really set me up for where I ended up being even now as a student. I was no longer shy to say hello to people because I had met a lot of individuals, which was wonderful. At the time, I believe it was Associated Students Inc. (ASI) President Carson Vollmer. I actually went to high school with him, and he had encouraged me to go for student government, knowing my advocacy background. It wasn’t until I saw that there was a Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) office on campus. In my experience of school, it has not really been a celebration. It’s been more of a barrier. The fact that there will always be barriers in education, but the fact that there’s at least an opportunity and a position for those concerns to be voiced really stood out to me. So I dove right in.

Because of that, my life just changed for the better. I was able to learn about scholarship opportunities, was able to go and travel the world, study abroad. I was able to meet a whole different group of people. I have friends that I met through SSD, which was kind of nice to talk about shared experiences. I’ve created sub-groups of communities on campus, which has been very, very pleasant.

What advice would you give to students on getting involved and being more plugged in on campus?

At University Day, that was one thing I had given the advice, ‘say, Hi, to someone.’ If you’re a shy person, it’s one word. It’s the first step. If someone doesn’t say hi back, it’s not like that awkward wave at somebody. I always say, Hi, to students, and you start to see those faces again and again. That turns into ‘how’s your day going? What’s your major? What classes are you taking?’ And then, that’s how a friendship is formed.

It ties in with why I wanted to run for president. I’m very, very strong about being a student with a disability and fighting for that on campus. Two years ago, when I first joined, there was a drastic difference between Bakersfield College and CSUB when it came to support for students with disabilities on campus. I think people are sometimes afraid to talk about it but it’s something that needs to be talked about.

Transferring over here, I had to essentially relearn what I had to fight so hard to learn all through elementary and high school. When I got here, it was a big adjustment for me walking around campus. It’s nice being in ASI. At least we can take the small wins where they are. I know there were issues with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) doors being locked, and in this role and position, we were able to get the signage to where they are no longer being locked. It may be small, but at least now students still have access.

What is the mission of ASI, and how is it set up to support students in their academic pursuits and student life journey?

The mission of ASI is students working for students, which is amazing because I think at this age in life, it’s a unique journey. At CSUB, because we’re the only university in a one hundred mile radius, I’ve learned that our demographics are very diverse. You have some students fresh out of high school and other individuals who could be in their 40s and 50s, who are returning to university or didn’t have the opportunity to attend originally.

Without students, you don’t have a university. So, for me, if our students are not happy, not feeling supported, they’re not going to school. If they’re not going to school, that causes a lot of issues. It’s really for the benefit of the university and for students to have the support they need to get in and out with a four-year degree.

It’s about making sure that students know the support they have. If a student is facing food insecurity, do they know about the Food Pantry? What are some organizations, even outside in the community, that can be help them meet the needs they have? What about emergency housing, if they’re having hold issues.

What are you most excited about in your role as president?

I’m such a people person. I love being able to meet so many different individuals when I walk around campus. It’s really reassuring and great as a student to see that support and see that community kind of grow. I love having the ability to see where I can help on campus and do something that can possibly impact future generations when I’m gone.

How do you see ASI as a launching pad for being a difference maker?

We really have a boots-on-the-ground approach. We’re trying to outreach with the students. The best way to make a difference is to know how you can make a difference. When I walk on campus, I ask ‘how are you doing today? What questions, comments, concerns do you have?’ Even if it’s just while I’m in line for Starbucks. When you have those raw conversations, that’s when people are going to tell you whether things are going good or things are going bad.

What are you most proud of in your time as ASI president so far?

There are so many great experiences, but I don’t know if there’s one I’m most proud of yet. I’m most proud of the projects that are going to occur. I think having made those changes for the signage for ADA students took the cake. I brought the concern up at a Friday meeting and by Tuesday, they were already implemented.

What do you think is the biggest misconception for the ASI office, or something that you wish more people knew?

Each year, there’s a different perception. One thing I will say we learned was that some students said it was scary to walk past the office, and I hope that’s not the case now. Please come in, say,Hi, stop by. Don’t be afraid, we love having those conversations.

I’d say another misconception is some students didn’t really know what ASI is. The response we’ve had this year is starting to shift that misconception. A lot of students are starting to know what ASI is, how they can vote and even with students being afraid to come in — We have students that come in all the time.

Tell us more about your team dynamic and how you all work together for the greater good.

When it comes to our team dynamic, I will say that I think that even just decorating the office helps team morale. We all get along so well. This year, we have a lot of new individuals within ASI, which has been really cool. It’s been amazing to see students who I had seen around campus but didn’t know. I’ve watched them just seamlessly mesh with the group.

It transfers outside of ASI. All these connections continue on and having that type of morale and connection with each other definitely leads to better work, because there’s more cross-collaboration between different groups.

Is there anything else you’d like people to know that we haven’t covered?

If anyone has questions, wants to learn about possible collaboration or an initiative and internship opportunities, just know that is an option for students. Feel free to reach out or say, Hi, and be encouraged if you see any member of ASI around campus or ask students in your classes.