New Student Trustee Hopes to Create More Opportunities for Peers

New Joliet Junior College Student Trustee Alonso Rodriguez was officially sworn in during the Board of Trustee’s regular meeting April 11. Rodriguez replaces Sante Deserio, who had served since April 2017. 

A student representative, appointed annually, is a non-voting member of the seven-member board, JJC’s governing body.

JJC student trustees are responsible for attending board meetings and workshops each month, reporting to the board on student issues and events, and working with Student Government to maintain communication between both entities. The student trustee also gains valuable experience through networking with JJC administrators, and attending professional conferences and statewide group meetings.

About Alonso

Rodriguez, 18, is in his second semester at JJC studying accounting. He was raised in Joliet, and attended high school at Joliet West.

Rodriguez has been active in Student Government this past year and will continue to be involved in the group moving forward. For Rodriguez, JJC was an obvious first step in his career path, noting its proximity and affordability. He plans to attend a four-year school in Illinois upon earning his associate degree.

Becoming Student Trustee

The student trustee is required by law for each institution of higher education. Each year, JJC undergoes a selection process to choose a new student.

Candidates are required to get a petition signed by 50 current JJC students, obtain two letters of recommendation; one from JJC staff and one from a community member or employer. Candidates will then interview with the director of student activities, the dean of students and the vice president of student development. In addition, candidates attend meetings of the Collegiate Club Council and Student Government for interviews. Both groups endorse a candidate which weighs into the final selection decision.

Getting Involved

Rodriguez learned of the student trustee opening from outgoing trustee Sante Deserio, both of whom serve with Student Government. 

By joining the JJC Board of Trustees, Rodriguez felt he could make a difference.

“I wanted to help serve as a good middle person between the board, the students and the faculty and help out in any way I could,” he said. 

Goals

Rodriguez said he’s looking forward to the opportunity to serve, but that he’s not focused just on the kinds of experience he’ll gain.

“I’m more interested in leaving this place in a better position after I’m done and so the next student trustee is in a better position so they can do more,” said Rodriguez. “I’ll do my best for the students.”

Rodriguez is still on the fence as to his professional accounting goals, but said his role as a student trustee could help shape his career focus.  

“When budgets are presented I can get more of an understanding of how it works,” he said. “Vice President of Administrative Services Rob Galick also said he’d be willing to help me. So if I see some of his work that he presents to the board I can hopefully further my knowledge.”