On Wednesday Jan. 18, the De Anza Associated Student Body Senate held its first meeting of the quarter back in Hinson Campus Center’s Student Council Chambers. 

President Arvind Ravichandran announced an expected 5.5 percent budget cut to all California community colleges, though the DASB is “currently unsure how much of it will affect De Anza.”

Chair of Administration Kenneth Perng announced recent budget reductions at Foothill College totaling 7 percent. De Anza’s budget has not received a reduction, though both campuses are “looking to increase hybrid and online classes.”

The Senate also discussed the recently approved AB795 by Gov. Jerry Brown, which concerns a new  on-campus smoking policy.

The new policy will take effect in Spring 2012. Those smoking outside designated smoking zones will be given citations, beginning with $25 for the first offense, $50 for the second and $75 for the third. Revenue will be split between the FHDA district police and De Anza’s health center for anti-smoking related use. 

Ravichandran explained that the police officers and police student aides, who “also have the power to issue a citation,” will offer warnings to those currently smoking outside of designated zones that the policy changes will soon occur.

Senate members unanimously supported the policy. Further details on how the student body will be informed of AB795 have yet to be determined.

The DASB Student Services Committee will also continue its scholarship program, with a due date of Feb. 16. Thirty students will be awarded with $500.

More information can be found at http://www.deanza.edu/dasb/scholarships/index.html.