Associated Students UCLA is a multimillion-dollar organization that provides student services and activities that the university does not fund. It oversees the Undergraduate Students Association Council, Graduate Students Association, Communications Board, campus services and enterprises.
Proposals:
- The board voted unanimously to spend $300,000 on renovations for the Global Viewpoint Lounge in Ackerman Union. The renovations are intended to improve the space for student performances and events as well as admissions presentations.
- The board voted unanimously to switch the customer payment method in UCLA restaurants from Windows XP-based machines to tablets with pin pads for swiping customers’ cards. The new system also will support Apple Pay.
- Board members approved a $150,000 expenditure to renovate flooring, fixtures and decor for the Hill Top Shop.
- The board unanimously passed a motion to defer up to $100,000 in Student Media funds until the end of April.
Stores
- BearWear sales were slower this month than ASUCLA budgeted because there was one less basketball game than usual.
- Textbook sales were stronger than usual, but it’s not clear whether this reflects a reversal of a declining trend or an outlier, said Bob Williams, executive director of ASUCLA.
- The Hilltop Store and LuValle Commons sales are strong, Williams said.
Restaurants
- February restaurant sales have been catching up after January’s lag, Williams said.
- Sales have been strong in restaurants at the North Campus Student Center, LuValle Commons and the Court of Science Student Center, Williams said.
- Sales in restaurants on A-level of Ackerman Union have been slower than hoped, especially in Taco Bell, Williams said.
- Minimum wage, which is currently $9.25, will begin to be increased incrementally in fall through January, reaching $10.75. The total cost of the increase will be $380,000.
Construction
- Officials are moving forward with plans for all-gender bathroom plans in Ackerman A-level, with more complete architectural plans and a full cost estimate soon.
- Members of the board discussed the possibility of creating a cafe in Powell Library. Williams said library officials have decided where they would want a cafe if plans were approved, but that the ASUCLA board does not yet have cost estimates for a cafe.
- The Portola steps are expected to reopen by June, which Williams said might increase foot traffic in Ackerman Union’s A-level.
- After some issues with contractors, ASUCLA plans to move forward with the new Kikka Sushi and Noodles restaurant in Ackerman, Williams said.
Compiled by Eliza Blackorby, Bruin contributor.