Student issues need priority

Interim Chancellor Norman Abrams has quickly demonstrated a
proactive approach in his new position. In addressing hot-button
issues such as UCLA’s admissions process, Abrams sent a very
clear message that he is open to making the changes that our
university demands.

My greatest hope for our next chancellor is that he or she
continues this movement. The most important qualities that our
chancellor can espouse following the fundraising-heavy Carnesale
years are a careful consideration of student needs and a
willingness to stir the waters.

UCLA’s challenges are complex. Our campus is comprised of
about 800 student organizations, six schools and dozens of
departments, all with disparate goals. Although our university has
outstanding traditions, such as Spring Sing and quickly growing
programs such as Bruin Bash that bring students and alumni
together, we lack the sense of pride, unity and defined purpose
that only a chancellor can provide.

We must also work to increase student and faculty diversity in
many areas. UCLA’s mix of religions, races, socioeconomic
backgrounds and ideologies provides unique learning opportunities
and should better reflect our state’s demographics. The
implementation of a holistic review system is a great first step,
but this issue needs to be further explored to ensure that the
university serves its purpose.

As a longtime member of the UCLA community, Abrams has a good
grasp on student life on campus, and I encourage him to address
student-specific issues in his new role. For example, transfer
students ““ a significant part of our campus community ““
are continually ignored in many policy decisions.

Also, students voted last spring to see beer and wine services
available in Ackerman Union and it is up to our new chancellor to
listen to UCLA’s student voice by working with Associated
Students UCLA to implement these changes.

In general, I would like to see our next chancellor get in touch
with UCLA’s major sources of student concern.

Some past UCLA chancellors have seemed distant and at odds with
student leadership. This should not be the case. I encourage Abrams
to resume the old tradition of making appearances at Undergraduate
Students Association Council meetings; take walks around campus;
and interact with students outside of the once-a-quarter office
hour.

With a complete understanding of this school from North to South
campuses, from the tutoring projects in the Student Activities
Center to the basketball games at the Wooden Center, from the
award-winning faculty members to the incoming first-years, he will
recognize the importance of bringing together and strengthening the
already-outstanding university we make up.

This is a daunting task for an interim chancellor, but judging
by his work with the Academic Senate to push admissions reforms,
Abrams is committed to making the most of his time in this
position.

Kaisey is the 2006-2007 USAC president. She is a third-year
neuroscience student.