The two student members of the University of California’s
governing board showed up at the undergraduate student government
general meeting Tuesday night in an unexpected treat to
councilmembers.
The Undergraduate Students Association Council eagerly listened
to Student Regent Designate Matt Murray and a surprise guest,
Student Regent Dexter Ligot-Gordon talk about one of the most
powerful positions of the entire UC student body. The student
leaders briefly introduced their positions and relayed their
availability to aid councilmembers in their respective jobs.
As student regent, Ligot-Gordon serves as the lone voting
student on the UC Board of Regents. Murray, who currently serves as
Ligot-Gordon’s understudy, will take over the position for
the 2003-2004 school year.
Murray said he hopes to effectively reflect the sentiments of
the 180,000 students he represents.
Murray will be taking over the position at a time when the board
is faced with substantial budget cuts from the state government. In
addition to the recent fee increases approved by the board, Murray
said students should expect further fee hikes in the next school
year after the 2003-04 state budget is released this week.
In addition to attempting to alleviate any further monetary
burden on students, Murray said he plans to tackle the threat to UC
outreach programs, rally against the Racial Privacy Initiative, and
endorse student rights.
It was important for the council to hear from the student
regents, said President David Dahle.
“I don’t want to see any more student fee
increases,” said General Representative Adam Harmetz.
“I am interested to see what (the student regent) can
do.”
“They know more intricately about what’s going on
legislatively, and they did a good job of articulating the
financial situation,” Dahle said.
Most councilmembers said they the thought the visit was a good
experience.
“Although we didn’t have an in-depth conversation,
it was beneficial to put a face to the name,” said Internal
Vice President T.J. Cordero.
“It was a nice opportunity to meet the hugest student
voice in the UC,” said Financial Supports Commissioner Andrew
LaFlamme.
The visit served to build a better relationship between USAC and
the board, LaFlamme added.