Friday, September 26, 1997
Pay increase gives year a rocky start
PLANS: Early USAC
division does not deter goals of student activism
By Stefanie Wong
Daily Bruin Staff
While many students spent the summer away from UCLA, members of
the Undergraduate Students Association Council (USAC) spent hours
in their Kerckhoff Hall offices planning for the coming school year
and debating one of the most controversial issues of the summer –
voting themselves a stipend increase.
The proposal – of an across-the-board pay increase for student
government members who currently receive a stipend – divided the
council during the summer, ensuing long debates but eventually
passing 7 to 4 during the Aug. 5 council meeting.
Several members of the council were against the increase for
various reasons. Those reasons include the possibility that the
money be used, instead on student programs; and that it was not a
fair increase unless other office staff members got pay raises
also.
Another concern was that the matter was being brought up during
the summer when students could not express opinions about the
issue.
"We didn’t organize behind it or let the students know. It’s
just irresponsible of us as a student government to try to pass
something without letting students know or getting their opinion,"
said Internal Vice President Carol Lee, who voted against the
proposal.
While some members are still staunchly against the raise –
Community Service Commissioner Abi Karlin-Resnick has refused to
accept the extra money – others believe that the increase is
necessary.
Some USAC members voiced strong opinions for the increase and
believed there were concrete reasons for the pay raise.
One of the most common justifications given by members who
supported the pay raise was the need for adequate compensation.
According to Finance Committee Chair Robert Rhoan, stipends have
remained the same for the past 10 years, and UCLA council members
receive one of the lowest compensations among the UCs.
Also, many believed that those who are involved with the student
government dedicate their time to the students and their community.
Often, they do not have time to work and are unable to address
their own personal financial difficulties.
While the pay raise was the hot topic of the summer, members of
the student council have also been working on issues and events for
the school year.
"Just generally speaking, student government as a whole thought
the different offices are prioritizing different issues that are
important for the student body," said President Kandea Mosley.
Some of these issues include looking at the university’s sexual
harassment policy, continued work on the ethnic and gender studies
requirement and expansion of women’s self-defense classes.
Over the past month, council members have been working on this
year’s Welcome Week, scheduled to start next Tuesday.
"Welcome Week is targeted toward incoming and returning students
to make UCLA a more welcoming environment by building the spirit of
unity," Mosley said, "and breaking down some of the walls that
build up between students and different organizations."
"Sometimes students don’t feel a real connection with the
student government and organizations because the campus is so big.
(We want to) make sure students are aware of the campus resources
and know how to get involved with the general student
organizations," she added.
Activities planned for Welcome Week include performances by live
bands, an open mike night in the Viewpoint Lounge, a free raffle
and other giveaways and a block party in front of Sunset
Commons.
There will also be booths where students can learn about and
discuss issues such as prisons vs. education, political prisoners
and corporate accountability.
"Welcome Week is more of an attempt to start early and reach out
to the students through a combination (of) politics, education and
fun," Lee said.
The student government also has taken a strong interest in the
recent implementation of Proposition 209.
Last year, USAC spent many hours campaigning and encouraging
students to vote no on the state initiative which would have
outlawed the use of affirmative action policies in public
institutions.
With Proposition 209’s passing last November and eventual
implementation late last month, USAC is now focusing their energy
on increasing outreach and education.
According to Mosley, universities in the UC system will be given
money to develop outreach programs in an effort to ensure the
diversity of the universities.
UCLA and many of the student organizations on campus already
have outreach programs in progress and Mosley believes that these
should be supported and expanded.
No concrete plans have yet been established by the university,
but Mosley believes that money alone will not solve the problem
caused by Proposition 209.
"The money is in no way enough to outreach to the number of
students needed to fill the vacuum that Prop. 209 has created,"
Mosley said.
With the effects of Proposition 209, the council’s increased
focus on community service and outreach, and the creation and
continuation of new programs, USAC members are looking forward to
this next year.
"The upcoming year is a very challenging year and it can be a
very exciting year," Mosley said.
"One of the ways we as students can deal with the challenges at
UCLA is by drawing on our spirits of the past – recognizing the
historic role that students have always played at UCLA and using it
in remembering that in all of our future activities at this
university," she added.