University Policy
What’s the Difference?

Correction Appended

If the name of the campus club you belong to has “Cal” in it, be prepared to redesign your club T-shirt. According to the Campus Life and Leadership office, “Registered student groups may not use the University of California, Berkeley or any abbreviations (e.g. UC) as part of their name or in conjunction with their programs.”

The main reasons behind the new rule stems from the fears of university officials, who are afraid that usage of such words implies university endorsement of student groups’ and their activities.

Although the administrators' concerns are understandable, for the school to place such limits seems over the top. Student groups include “UC Berkeley” and “Cal” to identify which school they hail from, not to prove they have the approval of university officials.

Furthermore, the new rules do not accomplish the distinction that the school is trying to present to the public. Campus Life and Leadership is permitting students to use the word “Berkeley” in order to denote geographic location. However, to the average person reading a newspaper article on the activities of say, an environmental advocacy group comprised of students from UC Berkeley, the difference between a UC Berkeley student group and a Berkeley student group would not be comprehended immediately. The new policy only affects students, not the general public.

Instead of imposing this over excessive policy, the university should consider other alternatives. Allow students to continue the use of the words Cal and UC Berkeley, but stress the point that the university does not condone any actions of student groups. For example, the university can require registered student groups to include a disclaimer on any pamphlets or distributed paper material that clearly states the organizations' actions do not represent the opinions of the university.

We’re proud to be recognized as UC Berkeley students. Don’t let a little worrying ruin that for us.

Correction: August 2, 2007
Monday’s editorial “What’s the Difference?” stated that the Campus Life and Leadership Office has a new rule. In fact, the policy was already in place and the university is now increasing efforts to enforce the rule.

The Daily Californian regrets the error.

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