USAC Recap – Nov. 30

The Undergraduate Students Association Council is the official student government of UCLA’s undergraduate students. Council meetings are Tuesdays at 7 p.m. in Kerckhoff 417 and are open to all students.

Special Presentations
USAC debated and passed fund allocations for the following programs:

• Academic Affairs Commissioner Suza Khy is hoping to create a scholarship to fund graduate school test preparatory courses for students who cannot afford them.

• Cultural Affairs Commissioner Kinnery Shah and the JazzReggae Festival executive board made a presentation about festival details and the board’s hopes for 2011, including the incorporation of food and craft booths and increasing sustainability practices in the community.

• Ronald Arruejo made a presentation about the Travel and Advocacy Grant, which provides funding for students to attend off-campus conferences and events.

• Financial Support Commissioner Rustom Z. Birdie proposed a new meal allocation program that would provide access to the dining halls for students who would not otherwise be able to afford food. He also asked for more funding for the textbook loan program.

• Internal Vice President Stephanie Lucas discussed her plans for Strathmore Safe Rides, which would provide safe transportation for students in Westwood on Thursday nights. Lucas hopes to expand it to include rides home from campus and is considering hiring student drivers from UCLA Fleet Services.

• President Jasmine Hill requested $17,000 in funding for future USAC projects and proposed the creation of a “Campus Climate” website, which would provide an anonymous forum for students to discuss important topics and events regarding the UCLA community.

• Facilities Commissioner JC De Vera requested $20,000 to replace carpeting around campus. The funds requested are about half of what is needed for the complete project. He also requested $5,250 for new furniture for the communal office.

Fund Allocations

• The committee approved unanimously spending $136,640 for various projects discussed during the meeting’s special presentations.

• The committee also approved unanimously to move $264,855 to surplus funding.

• Finally, the committee approved unanimously a decrease of $500 in the contingency allocation to $6,124.

Officer Reports

• Internal Vice President Stephanie Lucas discussed Campus Safety Week, which will occur during third or fourth week in winter quarter.

• External Vice President Cristopher Santos said the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act might be voted on this week and that students are trying to persuade senators to pass the bill.

• President Jasmine Hill will hold a meeting next week regarding the possible farmers market at UCLA next quarter.

Agenda

• USAC will be holding a special meeting during finals week, after a vote of 10-2-0, to deal with events that will occur the first week of winter quarter.