News Briefs

File-sharing policies changed

The university administration is changing its policies regarding
illegal file-sharing to include sanctions ranging from a limit on
Internet usage to possible expulsion.

These new measures will go into effect at the beginning of
spring quarter, and the official announcement of the changes is
scheduled to be made before spring break, said Janina Montero, vice
chancellor of student affairs, at the Undergraduate Students
Association Council’s meeting Tuesday.

She added that students will be penalized based on the number of
times a particular computer is found to have illegal material.

For the first offense, a student is likely to be given a
quarantine, which limits Internet use to UCLA Web sites, and is
primarily meant to stop use of illegal materials and act as a
warning, Montero said. She added that a second infraction can
result in removal from university housing, and a third may warrant
expulsion.

UCLA cannot condone the illegal use of copyrighted material,
Montero said, but at the same time does not want to violate
students’ privacy or infringe on their ability to use
Internet resources for schoolwork.

USAC votes in support of Outreach Coalition

The undergraduate student government unanimously passed a
resolution in support of University Learning and Outreach Coalition
Tuesday evening.

The coalition was formed in direct response to Gov.
Schwarzenegger’s proposed budget cuts which eliminate all
funds for student outreach programs, said Patty Lopez, a member of
of the coalition.

The enrollment caps and increased fees that result from these
cuts will make it more difficult to attend institutes of higher
education in the coming years, Lopez said.

The coalition is scheduled to hold a press conference Friday
which coordinators hope will be an opportunity for students to come
together with the larger community to take a stand against budget
cuts.

Resolution supporting labor passed

The undergraduate student government passed a resolution in
support of the Market Worker Justice Campaign, which advocates for
the rights of immigrant workers in the Los Angeles County.

With the endorsement of the resolution, some councilmembers said
they are committed to helping these workers form an independent
union and create a fair contract with employers. They hope the
workers receive higher wages, benefits and better working
conditions.

Compiled by Sara Taylor, Bruin contributor.