Brett Berndt is clearly committed to representing the student body, and one can hear the palpable passion and pride in his voice as he describes the meaning he derives from his work.

Much of Brendt’s progress thus far focuses on transportation and accessibility advocacy. He has used his platform to help motivate the student body to be more active in UC politics. Berndt cited meetings with the Disabled Student Union and other student government offices to discuss accessibility advocacy as well as coordination with UC Student Association on transportation affordability efforts.

Berndt has been actively involved in transfer student programming. He said he helped plan and table at Transferpalooza, which was relocated after overcrowding in previous years, and worked with staff from the Transfer Student Center to restructure the event. He also mentioned he spoke at a transfer student representative event for prospective transfer students and continues to support the Bruin Buddies program, which connects transfer students, study abroad students and current Bruins through mentorship and community-building.

In addition, Berndt has helped plan a Basic Needs Fest in Bruin Plaza in coordination with other groups on campus. Food distribution, student-led art engagement and tables for campus resources were included at the event. Berndt states he has also worked closely with the external vice president to help start a student housing advocacy organization. He says this aims to connect students with housing resources and local policy discussions.

However, Berndt acknowledged that his transparency has been uneven. Officer reports are not always submitted on time and are sometimes completed retroactively, and his office has not yet developed a consistent social media presence. Despite his substantial work, more clear and timely communication would help students follow his initiatives and the progress he makes throughout his term.