Aram Ghoogasian: Arts referendum funding must go to students, not USAC

The original version of this article contained information that was unclear and has been changed. See the bottom of the article for additional information. A work of art doesn’t have to have a specific or particular meaning. But a referendum seeking to fund the arts does. A referendum on the ballot for the upcoming Undergraduate […]

Aram Ghoogasian: USAC members should not participate in external lobbying groups

A free meal could signify a first date or a birthday celebration, but for student government members, it could easily represent a conflict of interest. While members of the Undergraduate Students Association Council are not being treated to steak dinners, a few have accepted expenses-paid trips to the other side of the world. Among these […]

Aram Ghoogasian: USAC’s delayed budget report reveals bigger problems

Accountability is a nice thing to ride into office on, but when faced with the realities of governance, it’s a difficult platform to follow through with. The Undergraduate Students Association Council owes its student constituents a fall quarterly budget report – a document that is now almost two months overdue. Major financial controversies this year […]

Aram Ghoogasian: Increased input by academics needed on divisive issues

Education and politics often mix with divisive results. The University of California Board of Regents’ controversial decision to hire the former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security as its new University of California president illustrates the clear connection between our academic institutions and the world of politics. When major decisions are made by academic institutions, politics […]

Aram Ghoogasian: USAC Finance Committee requires change

It’s hard enough to hold elected officials accountable for their decisions. But when members of government are appointed, rather than elected, accountability becomes all the more difficult. That’s the exact problem that faces the Finance Committee of the Undergraduate Students Association Council: Not a single member is elected by the student body. Any student involved […]

Aram Ghoogasian: USAC should find new sources to fund JazzReggae Festival

If you’re a UCLA student, there is a world-class music festival that takes place on your home campus every year and costs hundreds less than that Coachella ticket you’ve been eyeing. But that concert is facing a significant funding crisis that could not only dampen the event this year but challenge its sustainability in the future.

USAC opens thrift shop on Tuesday at Bruin Plaza

Racks of clothes will line Bruin Plaza on Tuesday to kick off UCLA’s first on-campus thrift shop. The Undergraduate Students Association Council Facilities Commission plans to open the outdoor thrift shop to provide students with affordable clothes, said USAC Facilities Commissioner Armen Hadjimanoukian. Students from at least 28 student groups will contribute their own clothing […]