News Briefs

USAC funding policies still uncertain

Two weeks after being warned that their funding policies may be
in violation of university regulations, the undergraduate student
government has not yet received a definite response from the
administration indicating how it should proceed.

The Undergraduate Students Association Council is still waiting
for clarification from the University of California Office of the
President, said External Vice President Matt Kaczmarek. USAC only
funds groups that are not politically and religiously based, which
may be in violation with the latest UCOP funding guidelines draft
released early February.

Dean of Students Robert Naples spoke with Clint Haden, UCOP
assistant director of student affairs, last week, but hasn’t
yet received a definite answer regarding the legality of the USAC
regulations.

A response is expected “sooner rather than later,”
Naples said, as there is a great deal of urgency surrounding the
issue.

Despite the lack of communication with UCOP, General
Representative Josh Lawson said he plans to work with other campus
organizations and continue to push an amendment to open funding to
all groups.

Students lobby in Sacramento

A group of UCLA students went to Sacramento over the weekend to
discuss budget priorities with local representatives and said they
received an overwhelmingly positive response.

Nine students from the UCLA Lobby Core Program met with 30
legislators over the course of two days to find out their stance in
terms of funding from the state and which programs the
representatives would be willing to support, said Kaczmarek.

The trip was intended primarily as an informational meeting and
as an opportunity for students to make their priorities heard in
the Legislature.

Compiled by Sara Taylor, Bruin contributor.