There are two themes that are the core igniters of any controversy related to the Undergraduate Students Association Council year in and year out ““ accountability and transparency. These two qualities are traits that each council needs to possess regardless of the slate holding the majority.
Though this year’s council’s workload and term is winding down, students involved in undergraduate government and the council members themselves are still working hard to accomplish goals ““ whether it is to hold those still in office accountable or to set things in order before their term is complete.
Recently, a petition for a hearing by the Student Judicial Board was filed by individuals affiliated with the Students First! slate claiming that meetings regarding office space allocations took place in which only council members affiliated with the Bruins United slate were included.
The Judicial Board serves as a nonpartisan body of students who are responsible for objectively reviewing allegations of wrongdoing and fairly determining an appropriate move forward in addressing concerns.
This recent action is a prime example of how well-structured and accountable the system and the council must be every year.
The newly elected council members must be ready to have answers for those who will be holding them accountable on every issue, minor or major.
Regardless of the outcome of the Judicial Board hearing, the lesson should be clear to next year’s council: Students will have its every move on their radar and will make sure to take action when necessary.
Another recent agenda item of the council is to review the bylaws and remove old laws that are no longer apply.
Currently, the USAC bylaws permit the council to officially sponsor about 20 student advocacy groups, but this sponsorship is outlawed by the University of California rules.
UC schools are not allowed to officially sponsor any student groups and thus, the language in the USAC bylaws allowing sponsorship is void.
The timing of this proposal is unfortunate, but we support the execution of this initiative.
Given that a large number of those groups listed under the student advocacy groups are affiliated with the Students First! slate, it may be inappropriately interpreted as a last ploy by a council with a Bruins United majority to enforce no-sponsorship laws.
Because of this potential for misconstruing the circumstances, it would have been wise if those initiating this proposal would do everything they can to clearly communicate their reasons.
Next year’s council must be as transparent in their steps as possible ““ even if there is no partisan malice intended. Because slate politics often cloud the election process and the dynamics of the council’s cohesiveness, it is important to communicate everything to everyone to prevent the potential petty arguments that may ensue.
We ask next year’s council to take extra steps to be transparent and accountable for their actions ““ especially with one slate be holding a significant majority.
The spotlight is on the new council, and we hope the light shines brightest on its most promising projects and goals.