There were no clear winners in the federal debt ceiling deal reached last Tuesday. Everything was on the table for cuts — including education. National legislators eliminated the interest subsidy for a government-subsidized loan program for graduate and professional students. But in a bittersweet compromise, the cut allowed the maximum Read More…
In the face of record budget deficits and regular tuition hikes, transparency is absolutely necessary to ensure accountability and confidence — especially at a major public institution like the University of California. A lack of adequate transparency stokes concerns over contentious issues like administrative pay and inspires misplaced displays of Read More…
California’s government has at times proven unfriendly to students, with drastic cuts to public education resulting in continuously rising student fees at all of California’s public universities. But on July 25, public education advocates and state officials alike were victorious in their efforts to make higher education more accessible when Read More…
Across the University of California, students are being asked to tighten their belts and share in financial sacrifice. California’s budgetary crisis has taken its toll, leaving the UC Board of Regents with a shrinking pool of resources. While executive pay is a contentious point, there are times when raises are Read More…
Though a majority of UC Berkeley students live in the areas surrounding the campus, there is currently no student super-majority city council district. While many have called for such a district — most notably ASUC External Affairs Vice President Joey Freeman — its creation would simply be gerrymandering. Creating a Read More…
The debate over campus diversity — particularly what qualifies as a diverse campus — is emotionally charged and difficult to navigate. At the same time, it is hard to deny that campus diversity, by any measure, enriches the college experience while providing education unattainable in the classroom. In the past Read More…
On Thursday, state disinvestment forced another fee increase for students of the University of California. Though discussion of further fee increases has been temporarily tabled, students are not in the clear. The regents’ decision to postpone consideration of the “trigger mechanism” that would enact additional fee increases is only a Read More…
The ASUC has faced many significant issues and challenges over the past few decades, some of the most important of which pertain to the student government’s autonomy. While different groups have each had their fair share of fault, rarely have we seen such a baffling and outrageous change carried out Read More…
The budget deal between Gov. Jerry Brown and state Democrats exemplifies the danger of political paralysis. Sacramento is tied down by petty partisanship that prevented Brown from pursuing tax extensions which could have shaped the budget differently. The result is tragic for all Californians: the University of California now faces Read More…
Potholes are a blemish for the city of Berkeley. According to a recent report by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, Berkeley scored a 60 out of 100 on the pavement condition index — indicating that its road system is on the precipice of rapid deterioration. We understand that the city faces Read More…
