QUALIFIED has shown it can lead

Students First! was the driving force behind the holistic admissions process, the founding of ethnic studies departments and the Academic Advancement Program, and a host of other issues that align the student experience with those of our communities and backgrounds.

Cinthia Flores, the Students First! presidential candidate, has recognized the financial instability felt by Bruins and their families during these precarious economic times and is working to implement the Bruin Stimulus Plan.

Shahida Bawa, candidate for internal vice president, is prioritizing student risk insurance so student groups can continue off-campus community programs without worrying about the financial liabilities.

Susan Li, candidate for external vice president, is running on a platform of encouraging advocacy efforts at the local, state and national levels on issues such as the DREAM Act and the College Affordability Act.

Accomplishments from just the last few years include this year’s $20,000 textbook scholarship program, the Deferred Payment Plan that lets students pay tuition in installments, registering 8,519 voters for last year’s election, stopping the fee increase in 2006 to save each student $500, and putting on Jazz Reggae more than 20 years ago as the largest student-run concert in the country.

by Sonya Mehta and Flavia de la Fuente