The undergraduate student government is planning to go green.
In an effort to become more sustainable, the Undergraduate Students Association Council is looking to cut its paper consumption. It plans to install digital versions of its largest paper documents, which come in the form of presidential appointment applications and weekly USAC agendas.
USAC Internal Vice President Evan Shulman had mentioned possible changes to USAC bylaws regarding sustainability during the town-hall-style meeting on Jan. 22.
“We’re looking to modify the bylaws to clearly define our commitment and actions toward sustainability,” Shulman said on Sunday.
The IVP shares the weekly USAC agendas with the public via public listings on the third floor of Kerckhoff Hall in attempts at transparency within student government.
“We’ll be looking to add in a new portion to the bylaws to solidify this traditional practice and allow for digital versions to increase our transparency,” Shulman said.
USAC can make such bylaw changes through the Constitutional Review Committee, in which Shulman is a member.
USAC President Homaira Hosseini said she sees no issues of constitutionality from the changes because they are additions to the bylaws rather than outright changes.
The use of digital copies of agendas and official documents will be acceptable and encouraged as official documents, Hosseini said.
She added that paper copies will not be completely eliminated and will be used when deemed necessary.
Although no formal changes have yet been made, the proposed changes will be discussed at a Constitutional Review Committee meeting that is yet to be scheduled, Shulman said.
“The meeting would be open to the public for suggestions on other ways to go green,” Shulman added.
The changes will then be formally presented at a council meeting where they will be voted on.
“We are mainly looking to clarify and encourage a digital, or paper-free, method of being transparent and effectively communicating with our constituents,” Shulman said.
Cultural Affairs Commissioner George Chacon said USAC already communicates via e-mail and said the new bylaws will put a stamp on a process already well underway.
He said he plans on voting yes on the proposed bylaw change.
USAC is part of a broader effort by UCLA student governments to be more sustainable.
The Graduate Students Association, the government of UCLA graduate students, also approved digitalizing paperwork for forum and council meetings during the fall quarter.