Emails from two administrators show alleged obstruction of proposal by administration

Currently, UC Davis is the only UC school that does not provide GE credit for passing AP scores. In response to this, ASUCD President Alex Lee proposed Senate Resolution #9, which requests that UC Davis award General Education (GE) credit for students who earned passing scores on Advanced Placement (AP) classes in high school.

The current proposal is a part of the platform that Lee campaigned on when he ran for ASUCD president. Only the ASUCD president can make proposals, such as Senate Resolution #9, to the Academic Senate, and they can only make that proposal once it has been approved by the ASUCD Senate. Then, the proposal is sent to the Academic Senate for consideration.

However, Lee has fears about the future of his proposal because of two emails which were obtained by The Aggie. These emails allegedly show an unwillingness of the administration and Academic Senate to cooperate with student requests for GE/AP reform.

“This is the fun case of, ‘you have to check who you are sending your emails to,’” Lee said. “[…] This kind of highlights in writing that [Academic Senate Chair] Rachael [Goodhue] has been kind of evasive of the student government and students in general. […] This [email from Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Adela De La Torre also] shows in writing that they basically didn’t want to take it seriously in the first place.”

The first email Lee mentioned is an email from de la Torre addressed to Goodhue.

“Rachel [sic] I will ask Milt to manage Alex,” de la Torre said in the email. “He is no longer ASUCD President. A new one was elected last Friday so this may be the end of the conversation as well.”

De la Torre, when prompted on this email, stated that she was simply asking Vice Chancellor Milton Lang and ASUCD Business Manager Janice Corbett to manage the “transitional issue” between new ASUCD executive administrations.

“The issue is primarily a transitional issue,” de la Torre said. “When the president steps down, the issue really becomes one of, who you need to communicate with. The issues becomes, in the portfolio, Milt and Janice are the ones who manage the discussions and the meetings. […] We have to be very careful to ensure that the transition period is one where, quite frankly, Alex provides the information transfers to the new president and the vice president.”

The second email Lee mentioned is one from Goodhue.

“He’s been told that we need to manage workload, and that this is an internal request that doesn’t have an external deadline, unlike something from systemwide or the administration,” Goodhue said in the email. “It’s a request to change an internal Davis Division of the Academic Senate policy. I’m not responding to any more emails on this matter from Alex.  He’s wasting my time. If SA judges a communication to be important, please have him send it to one of you, and you forward it to me.”

Goodhue explained her email as simply an effort to control conversation and keep it, “productive.”

“I and the Senate office had explained to Alex, to President Lee, repeatedly that ASUCD’s request was under consideration,” Goodhue said. “At that point, communication had stopped being productive.”

Lee’s GE/AP proposal builds off of existing frameworks within the university. GE credit would be awarded to students based on already determined course equivalencies. Students who earn passing scores on AP exams are given certain numbers of units for each exam and barred from taking an equivalent course at UC Davis. Instead of just receiving units toward graduation, students would also receive similar or identical GE credit for those equivalent courses.

Without specifically talking about the merits of this proposal, Goodhue did speak about work toward reducing time-to-degree, among two other things.

“I would like to reiterate that time-to-degree is very important to the Senate and very important to campus,” Goodhue said. “I will also say that it was nice to get a concrete proposal from ASUCD. The last thing I’ll say is a plug — the ASUCD has places for representatives to senate committees. The ASUCD has struggled to fill them. I strongly, strongly encourage students who want to become more involved in how the university works to apply to participate in these committees. It would be great to see them at the meetings.”

This final point about filling ASUCD spots on Academic Senate committees was also brought up by Lee, who described some of the challenges students face on these committees.

“On their committees [they] have ex-officio, non-voting, basically observer seats, that ASUCD tries to fill,” Lee said. “I say try because they are very daunting for students. Not all committees are, but some committees are not very welcoming to students because they talk for three hours about tenure for faculty, or something. It’s not accessible. But we have student reps on there.”

Update (3/16/17, 10 p.m.): Since the initial publication of this article, the UC Davis Division of the Academic Senate released a timeline on how the ASUCD proposal will be handled. The Academic Senate will release a status update in June but expects to take through Fall Quarter 2017 to discuss the proposal fully and make a final recommendation.
Written by: Kenton Goldsby — campus@theaggie.org

The ASUCD weekly Senate meeting took place on March 2 in the Mee Room of the Memorial Union. During quorum roll call, interim Senator Michael Chan was absent; however, he arrived later during the meeting.

Senator Daniel Nagey spoke about a constructed survey by the joint ASUCD-GSA Housing Task-force to be sent out to all UC Davis students, faculty and staff suffering from housing issues. He urged members of the Senate to take a few minutes to fill out the survey. Next, he introduced Donald Gibson, the co-chair of the Task-force, who had prepared a presentation about the importance of the data collected by the survey.

Gibson’s presentation addressed the projected increase in enrollment of students in conjunction with the stagnating population of Davis. He emphasized that the fundamental issue with housing units is the lack of supply.

Next, Senator Sofia Molodanof presented about the campaign “spread the word to end the word” regarding the use of the word “retarded” in addressing people with disabilities. She discussed how ASUCD has not addressed this issue and encouraged others to pledge to address people with disabilities as the human beings that they are rather than letting their disabilities define them.

ASUCD Entertainment Council Director Rachel Meyers presented on the unit’s past, current and future plans for events. She discussed plans for athletics partnerships for unconventional venues, implementing a sponsorship deck in order to generate revenue and a new video series to provide an additional platform for student performers. Furthermore, she discussed the unit’s income, with consideration of a possible discrepancy as a result of not receiving all of the funds the unit was owed from the Chance the Rapper concert.

Internal Affairs Commission (IAC) chair Nick Flores questioned the preparedness of Entertainment Council in future situations similar to the Chance the Rapper “Facebook incident” and Meyers responded that it has given them insight on how to tackle similar issues in the future.
Senate Resolution #49, authored by Senator Sam Chiang, was amended after meeting with campus legal counsel. This resolution condemns Interim Chancellor Ralph J. Hexter for allowing Milo Yiannopoulos, a far-right speaker, to visit UC Davis.

Molodanof believes that Hexter could not legally condemn Yiannopoulos because he is at the helm of a public university. Senator Anastasia Ruttkay mentioned that Hexter’s expression of disappointment showed his point of view on the issue, and Nagey stated that the chancellor could have sent out an email to notify and provide safe spaces for students who would be suffering as a result of the event taking place, but he did not do so.

Senator Jose Meneses discussed how Club Finance Council would have funded the event, regardless of the whether the full controversial name of Yiannopoulos’s tour, titled “The Dangerous Faggot Tour,” was included, because funding for club events is not politicized.

Gender and Sexuality Commission chair Alison Tam had spoken with Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Adela de la Torre and said that “[the administration was] aware of the steps they could have taken and chose not to do anything.” Former senator and future ASUCD President Josh Dalavai suggested putting limits on controversial speakers and their interaction with the crowd so that individual students do not get targeted. Ethnic and Cultural Affairs Commission Chair Julienne Correa urged ASUCD to apologize to all communities affected by the Yiannopoulos visit, mentioning that often times “we are reactive rather than proactive.”

After facing an objection from Chan, who believed that the legislation was not explicit enough, SR #49 passed with 10-0-2.
For Senate Bill #52, the Sexual Assault Awareness and Advocacy Committee (SAAAC) Chair Rachelle Fishbin asked to change the SAAAC job descriptions to more accurately reflect the job responsibilities. The bill passed.
In response to the SAAAC effort, ASUCD Controller Joe DeAngelo composed a bill in order to make it easier for the SAAAC to receive money for its committee endeavors.

Campus Center for the Environment representative Helen VanBeck presented a unit report regarding compost workshops for UC Davis students as well as vermicomposting workshops for elementary school students.

Chelsea Hernandez, the Picnic Day chair, presented on the current affairs of the event as well as the unit’s long-term plan. This included a repealed Sodexo dining contract and several modifications to constituent events taking place as a result of construction. Following her presentation, SB #59 was passed in order to implement a new long range plan for Picnic Day.

SB #54, presented by Flores, calls to close session any voting or ex-officio member of the Senate who misses more than three Senate meetings in the same quarter. The bill was passed.

SR #10 was presented by CALPIRG and ASUCD Environmental Policy and Planning Commission, which urges the University of California to commit to adopting the goal of 100 percent renewable energy as an extension of the Carbon Neutrality Initiative. It was pointed out that the UC Student Association had already passed this bill; however, the table agreed it was necessary to sign it for symbolic reasons.

Scott Dresser, the editor-in-chief of The California Aggie, presented his unit director report. He mentioned that The Aggie hired a professional business development manager, and presented SB #58 to change the current title of the student advertising sales position at the newspaper. He also spoke of his plan and work to begin the process of digitizing the 102 years worth of microfilm archives of The Aggie, which would then become accessible to the general public online.

Senators asked questions and gave feedback regarding items like the diversity of The Aggie’s staff. Chiang suggested that The Aggie’s staff attend cultural competency trainings, and Dresser said that he plans to open those trainings up beyond just the paper’s managing staff to include reporters and columnists as well. Nagey asked whether writers are trained to ask interviewees of their preferred gender pronouns (PGPs), because he had previously not been asked. Dresser responded that The Aggie’s reporters are indeed trained to ask sources for their PGPs, and he asked members of the senate table to inform him if this is not the case moving forward. Correa asked whether there is a platform for The Aggie to receive feedback on its articles, and whether the paper has received negative feedback. She suggested a more accessible platform for receiving feedback on certain articles that may be triggering for students who may not be comfortable with being featured in The Aggie. Dresser said that readers have the option of writing letters to the editor in response to articles or with any other feedback, and he added that anyone may contact him through his own personal email with any concerns or suggestions.

Chiang discussed how “there is always that one rogue opinion article that goes viral,” which not only creates tension for students but also results in the work of one writer reflecting poorly on the entire newspaper. She also inquired about the vetting process for the staff. Dresser responded that the opinions of an individual columnist do not reflect the opinions held by The Aggie as an organization, which is written as a disclaimer after every opinion article.

Nagey suggested that The Aggie take steps to approach communities that may be targeted by certain opinion articles, and Ruttkay suggested that The Aggie collaborate with ethnically-themed campus newspapers.

Chiang also addressed the history of the shaky relationship between the newspaper and ASUCD. Dresser told the senate table that by no means is it The Aggie’s aim to act as the enemy to student government, but rather to keep the community informed, and he said that he hopes to work with student leaders to showcase their various efforts and endeavors to the student body.

Finally, the Disability Rights Advocacy Committee chair, Ian Rowland, was confirmed. Academic Affairs Commission chair Hemali Patel, asked Rowland about his plan of action. Rowland explained that since there is no actual system put into place for students with disabilities, it is important to first collect data regarding the needs of the student body.

Written by: Kimia Akbari — campus@theaggie.org

Students share ideas on addressing issues faced by different communities

ASUCD Senator Samantha Chiang, a third-year English major, held an input forum on March 1 in the Mee Room of the Memorial Union for students to voice ideas for a new cultural competency project. The project will aim to provide cultural awareness training for freshmen and new students.

“The purpose of the cultural competency training is to use the current political climate to address underlying issues of marginalization and underrepresentation that have always been at the crux of our institution,” Chiang said.

Chiang contacted Adela de la Torre, the vice chancellor of Student Affairs, who then directed her to Rich Shintaku, the director of diversity and inclusion in human resources. Shintaku was interested in the subject and felt his job responsibilities and background made him suitable to work with students on the project.

“I have the honor and privilege of serving in a position that focuses on building, enhancing and supporting diversity and inclusive excellence at UC Davis,” Shintaku said via email. “I help develop, manage, support and guide a portfolio of diversity and inclusion projects, initiatives and processes.”

Shintaku has a background in teaching and served as a professor of education at Oregon State University. He and Chiang are working to explore and develop the necessary steps to achieve the goal of cultural competency training for new students.

“It is important for all members of our academic community to continue along the path of cultural competency development,” Shintaku said. “[…] it’s just that we can and should take advantage of this important transition point.”

Chiang felt it was important to hold an input forum to gather feedback to create a program for students that was designed by students. Students at the forum discussed currently available resources and the things that needed to be included in a model as well as how and when the program should be implemented. She believes that since many projects by administration and ASUCD are approached paternalistically, non-ASUCD student involvement is pinnacle to the success of the project.

“The pitfall of representative government is that we are expected as voices for the communities that we supposedly ‘represent’, but this is obviously not the case,” Chiang said via email. “Every single person carries different intersections and identities with them that contribute to their idea of what is necessary to educate other students about cultural awareness.”

Chiang particularly found value in the representation from the student centers on campus, such as the Cross Cultural Center, the Student Recruitment and Retention Center and the LGBTQIA Resource Center.

“The people come from the pulse of their communities and they can do a much better job of representing community concerns than anyone who is only in ASUCD,” Chiang said.

Sasha Levin-Guracar, a second-year communication and American studies double major, heard about the project as a member of Chiang’s staff and wanted to get involved.

“There are so many students here from so many diverse backgrounds other students aren’t aware of when they first enter the school,” Levin-Guracar said via email. “This project is aimed to change that and educate incoming students about how to be culturally respectful and competent when it comes to the treatment of their peers.”

Levin-Guracar believes that good ideas were shared at the input forum and progress was made, but wishes more students could have attended. She sees many students who are uncertain about their future in this current political climate, and hopes that the project will result in increased awareness and respect for students of all backgrounds and cultures.

As for Chiang, she hopes the project will train all students in cultural awareness at a base level as well as inspire them to learn more about being allies to marginalized communities that they are not already a part of.

“The truth is our world is ugly and discrimination is rampant even on a seemingly inclusive campus like UC Davis,” Chiang said. “Unfortunately, the onus is on us as students to ensure that our communities are safe and welcome in the years to come. This is not an end goal, but rather a beginning.”

Written by: Jayashri Padmanabhan — campus@theaggie.org

Members of the public raised concerns over rising PG&E costs

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) held its bi-monthly voting meeting on March 2 at UC Davis to vote on a number of proposed policies. The meeting, which included a presentation on the implementation for the area code overlay for the 916 region, also gave members of the public an opportunity to discuss recent issues concerning rising utility rates in the past year.

“We have scheduled a number of Voting Meetings around the state this year in order to get into the communities we serve,” said Michael Picker, the president of CPUC in a press release. “Holding this meeting at UC Davis is of particular interest to me because it allows us to build a direct pipeline to students and let them know about the varied and important work that the CPUC does, how they can get involved and how they can join our team when they graduate.”

The meeting, which was held in the Appellate Courtroom of King Hall, began with a half hour of public comments. People wishing to express their concerns to the commission largely spoke about the rising billing costs concerning the Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), which rose in summer of 2016 and again in the winter.

Penny Manzo, a local resident who spoke during the meeting, said that the committee needs to better address the recent spikes in utility costs that have put a strain on consumers.

“You’re putting us in a bind, in this impossible bind,” Manzo said. “I want the PUC to keep us in mind, that as a regulatory agency, that’s what you need to be looking at. PG&E has a holding company. PG&E has resources. When a mistake is made, when maintenance is not kept up, when they have issues, they need to address it, but not on the back of consumers.”

Since last August, the CPUC has approved a series of rate increases. Because of the especially cold winter in California, consumers have seen sharp increases in their billing.

Earlier this month, the increased rates prompted State Senator Jerry Hill (D-13) from the San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties to call on PG&E and the CPUC to fix the utility company’s rate structure.

“The research showed that the most vulnerable are being hit the hardest at a time when they need heating the most,” said Hill in a staff report. “PG&E and the Public Utilities Commission need to prioritize customer heating needs in a way I have not yet seen.”

The CPUC, addressing Hill’s report on the rate structures for PG&E, said that they will take the proposals into consideration.

“There are many solid recommendations in Senator Hill’s report,” said the CPUC in a press release. “We will review the report closely to determine the best way to implement appropriate measures, such as adjusting the winter baseline. We thank Senator Hill for the report, as we all work toward ensuring utilities are educating and responding to their customers to help them understand their energy use and the changes in their billing, and the assistance programs that are available.”

The meeting also featured a presentation on the implementation of the area code overlay for the 916 region.

Suffering from a shortage of numbers for the 916 area code, a new number, 279, will be added to the region. The region includes parts of the Yolo, Solano, Sutter, Placer, El Dorado and Sacramento counties.  
Written by: Ivan Valenzuela — campus@theaggie.org