Associated Students (A.S.) hosted its second annual Kick-Off Fair on October 9 on the Annex Lawn, an event designed to introduce students to the various resources and opportunities it offers. The fair's purpose extended to educating students on available services, advocating for marginalized groups, and supporting their success by engaging and recruiting different communities.
Attendees at the fair enjoyed complimentary sandwiches from Sam's To Go, a photo booth, and a petting zoo, which was provided by the A.S. Commission on Student Well Being. Numerous student organizations and A.S. committees were present, tabling to share information about their missions and activities. These included Raíces de mi Tierra, The Bottom Line, KCSB, the A.S. Bike Committee, the Food Bank, Program Board, the Office of the Student Advocate (OSA), Transfer Student Alliance, Global Gaucho Commission, and the Community Financial Fund.
A.S. President E.J. Raad, a fourth-year political science major, spearheaded the event. His responsibilities encompassed booking the venue, arranging tables and chairs, coordinating food orders, organizing A.S. representatives for tabling, and managing marketing efforts. Raad expressed appreciation for the turnout, noting that students were actively engaging with the tables, interacting with A.S. members, and learning about the organization.
Jasmine Hsieh, a third-year biology major and A.S. External Vice President for Statewide Affairs, highlighted the event's location and the petting zoo as particularly engaging elements. She observed that the strategic placement of the fair on a busy walkway ensured high student traffic. Hsieh also noted that "The petting zoo seems very fun."
From the Office of the Student Advocate, second-year history major Isabella Le, serving as Director of Public Interest, shared her satisfaction in connecting students with OSA's resources. She noted the opportunity to inform many individuals who were previously unaware of OSA's role and functions. Anushka Kumaran, a second-year political science major and OSA External Deputy Chief of Staff, emphasized the fair's community-building aspect. She described interactions not only with students outside of A.S. but also among different A.S. organizations, stating that such engagement is central to what A.S. represents.
The Kick-Off Fair is an annual tradition for Associated Students, consistently aiming to inform students about the wide array of services and opportunities available to them, while also striving to support and uplift diverse student communities.