Officer Evaluation: Bakur Madini, International Student Representative

Platforms/goals: Moderate

As the international student representative, Bakur Madini’s platforms were rather straightforward in promoting the international community. Their one glaring weakness was that they applied to a pre-pandemic world. His platforms concerned: expanding interactions between international students and American students through more pairings and cultural exchange events, calling attention to the diverse financial situations of international students, improving the UCLA Dashew Center for International Students and Scholars’ online services and CCLE’s user interface, working with UCLA Dining Services to offer more diverse food selections and empowering international students from underrepresented countries to apply to UCLA.

Platform execution: Excellent

Madini’s team made an exemplary adjustment to the virtual sphere and quickly addressed immigration policies that left many first-year international students in limbo. Despite having a small team, Madini managed to advocate for academic accommodations for international students and helped set up the first University of California International Student Conference. During his tenure, Madini leveraged his office and student networks to restructure the international student experience and set the groundwork for a more robust international community during a time when Bruins are scattered across the globe.

Engagement: Excellent

The shift to remote learning did not faze Madini’s office. Besides holding the UC International Student Conference, Madini’s office also streamlined international student town halls and hosted discussion sections with administrators. His team, along with other UC international student representatives, made sure to keep in touch with students through group chats. Additionally, Madini strengthened his office’s social media arm and tried to respond to as many student concerns as possible.

Transparency: Excellent

Madini’s office carried out nearly all of its plans and gave frequent updates about recent developments. Through the office’s various channels, Madini was able to share his work and keep international students informed on changing policies. During times of great uncertainty, Madini’s office made sure that international students did not feel left behind – an important and welcomed step towards greater inclusion.

What the officer wishes they could have done

Although Madini took on projects far beyond Westwood, he wishes his office interacted more frequently with on-campus international student organizations. In an effort to connect with student organizations, Madini’s office tried to revive the International Student Leadership Coalition, but organizations were hesitant and unresponsive. Madini is hopeful that his successor, Natalia Garcia Tang, will continue to address this disconnect.