Plastic waste is a tax on the earth – and people’s budgets. That’s the stance California took in August when lawmakers voted to make the state the first to restrict the distribution of plastic straws. It now awaits Governor Jerry Brown’s signature. The bill would prohibit what are termed “full-service restaurants” from serving plastic straws […]
Author Archives: Scott Bays
Scott Bays: Appliance ban not beneficial, Housing should instead spark safety conversations
Despite UCLA Housing’s best efforts, Bruins still have their hands all over them. Administrators can’t stop students from using and sharing them. UCLA thinks they are so dangerous they can even start fires in students’ rooms. I’m talking, of course, about coffee makers, water heaters and microwaves. UCLA Housing’s on-campus housing regulations prohibit students from […]
Scott Bays: Further reducing campaign spending limits would democratize USAC elections
UCLA’s undergraduate student government does a good job preparing students for politics in the real world – especially when it comes to blowing large amounts of cash on their campaigns. It’s no secret UCLA’s student government elections are costly. The Undergraduate Students Association Council even passed an amendment to its election code last month that […]
Scott Bays: Reduced prices would compensate for housing affected by construction
8 a.m. classes won’t be the only thing forcing students out of bed early in the morning next school year. Two weeks ago, UCLA Housing informed students via email that residents in Saxon Suites, Hitch Suites, Rieber Hall, Rieber Vista, Rieber Terrace and Hedrick Hall will have to deal with “moderate to high noise and […]
Scott Bays: UCLA Extension’s costly failures demand greater university oversight
What do iPads affixed to Segways, declining revenue and a boss that seemingly takes after “The Office’s” Michael Scott have in common? Apparently, it’s UCLA Extension. Several Extension employees spoke anonymously with the Daily Bruin last month, detailing extensive mismanagement in the university’s prestigious extension program, which offers certificates and transferable undergraduate degree credits to […]
Scott Bays: Students should be made better aware of auto-enrolled textbook fees
Little known fact: UCLA has a tacit tax on students who daydream during the first two weeks of class. In 2016, UCLA introduced a program called Inclusive Access, which aims to reduce the cost of course materials by allowing students to access digital copies of their textbooks for discounted prices. Students are automatically enrolled in […]
Scott Bays: Bike share program must offer new incentives, improve campaign strategy
John F. Kennedy once mused,“Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of riding a bike.” Evidently, many Bruins agree. UCLA Transportation launched its Bruin Bike Share program in October to allow the UCLA community to rent bikes for annual, monthly or single-time fees. The service requires riders to create an account with UCLA Transportation to unlock […]