The ASU will be without the full time support of its director of training and recruitment that has been its “face” on campus since 2012.
Luanna Waters accepted a paid interim position as Contra Costa College Dean of Student Services administrative assistant on Oct. 19.
“(Waters) has been the face of the ASU,” Dean of Student Services Vicki Ferguson said. “A lot of students, faculty, administrators and people at the district know (Waters) because she is such a team player who is willing to lend a helping hand — and she has the knowledge of the campus not many people have.”
Student Life Coordinator Erika Greene, who works closely with the ASU, said while she is happy for Waters and her new position, she is sad to see her leave as she has been a vital part of preparing new ASU senators for years.
“People have to live their lives,” Greene said. “I am sad to see her leave, but I will be taking over her role as trainer while the director of public relations (Richa Dahal) will handle recruitment through social media.”
Waters, however, said she plans to continue to help out whenever she can as the ASU is currently reviewing 19 applications for its Grant for Support program.
The Grant for Support program will award up to 10 departments and clubs up to $2,500 to fund events or purchases that will benefit a large number of students on campus.
“It is different being in an administrative position,” Waters said. “I am transitioning, but I can’t just drop and leave our ASU hanging. I will still be giving guidance to senators who are reviewing applications for the Grant for Support.”
Ferguson said the position in her division became vacant when Yolanda Mendoza went on sick leave for an undisclosed illness.
She said when a position becomes open, the Local One union sends out an internal job opening online for up to five days, and if no one responds then a post is put out on Craigslist and the Contra Costa College website.
“No one responded to Local One’s post,” she said. “We had a couple resumes through Craigslist and the district, but none were as qualified for the position as (Waters). The administrative secretary is the glue for the division.”
Ferguson said while the position is only temporary, Waters will be responsible for instructional procedures within the division such as ensuring classes have instructors, checking in on counselors, filing time cards, course forms or speaking to people who come into the office in the Student Services Center while Ferguson is in meetings.
Waters said even though she will be taking on more responsibilities with her new position, she plans to recruit potential senators for ASU through the administrative side instead.
She said she will also be working more closely with the college webmaster Ellen Seidler to get ASU advertisements on the college website.
“I like helping people,” Waters said. “It is what I do.”