A University of California student leader said he would like to see more student input throughout the undergraduate student advisor selection process.
The undergraduate student advisor, a position created by the UC Board of Regents in January 2016, does not have voting power, but makes recommendations to the board on issues that concern the student population and aims to give regents a more comprehensive student perspective on university issues.
Currently, the Board of Regents’ governance committee approves candidates that have been nominated by a Student Advisor Nominating Committee, which consists of a campus student body president, a UC Student Association representative, a staff member from Student Affairs at the UC Office of the President, a campus dean of Student Affairs and the student regent-designate.
The nomination process includes opportunities for student input, such as through the involvement of the UCSA. However, Paul Monge, the UC student regent-designate, said he is concerned because the Board of Regents’ governance committee, which will approve the nomination, is composed mostly of regents appointed by the governor.
“It’s concerning because that’s one committee that carries a lot of clout,” he added.
However, Marcela Ramirez, the current UC student regent, said she thinks the undergraduate student advisor will adequately represent student voices because the UCSA plays a role in nominating the student for the position.
“The (UC) student body selects them to be the best advocate,” she added.
She also said she is confident student voices will be adequately represented on the Board of Regents.
“The desire is to increase student representation,” she said. “We’re still regents like (the other board members).”
Monge also said he is optimistic students will have sufficient input during Board of Regents meetings.
“We still have the opportunity to be present during committee meetings,” he said. “The board’s new organizational structure is an opportunity to exert greater influence.”