The UC Student Association is currently looking for potential student advocates to the UC Board of Regents, who would act as student representatives to discuss student priorities with the regents during informal segments of the board meetings.
On each day of the generally two to three-day meetings, four student advocates will be required to attend the entire day’s meetings. The goal of the student advocate program is for students to build relationships and have direct access to the regents during the meetings.
To prepare the student advocates, the association provides background information and talking points on the agenda items for the students. At the end of the day, the students will debrief their experience with UCSA.
Student Regent Jonathan Stein meets with the student advocates before each meeting and also helps to prepare them. Stein said good student advocates are those who are willing to be assertive and forceful during meetings.
“It can intimidating to speak to Regents and the university’s top administrators,” Stein said. “You have to be willing to stick your nose where it’s not wanted and communicate effectively.”
As part of the application, candidates must answer: “Why do you want to be a Student Advocate or Public Commenter for the September Regents meeting and how you can address student priorities around accessibility, diversity, or quality education?” Completed applications must be sent to UCSA University Affairs Director Louise Hendrickson by August 30th.
The most current available agenda for the Sept 11 – 13 Regents meeting includes a discussion about alternative revenue sources in case Proposition 30, Gov. Jerry Brown’s tax initiative, does not pass.
“It is imperative that the Regents do not move to additional tuition and fee increases as a means for filling any budget gaps,” the application said.
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