The third Associated Students of UCR (ASUCR) Senate meeting took place on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023. All senators were present, excluding Senators Alex Lu, Kevin Nguyen and Amariah Peedikayil. The meeting began with a land acknowledgment to the indigenous people who lived in the land before and was called to order at 7:04 p.m.
Motion to approve the current meeting’s agenda was called for by Executive Vice President (EVP) Victoria Nguyen. The motion to approve the agenda was made by Senator Rayhan Khan and seconded by Senator Anjana Narasimhan. The motion was approved 13-0-0.
No one came to the podium to announce anything during the Public Forum.
No reports were made during Ex-Officio Reports.
Next on the agenda was to start New Business, which began with Special Elections. Elections Director Alexander Arias went to the podium and announced that special elections for CHASS senators and Non-Traditional Student Director would be held today. Rules for the election would be that each candidate would receive three minutes to deliver their speech, with opportunities provided to extend time if needed, and would need a two-thirds majority vote of all senators to win the election. The candidates for CHASS senator were Naida Zamora, Destiny Avos, Juan Campos and Rashid Shah. The candidates for Non-Traditional Student Director were William Fang, Adam Millos Tomosek, and Dallys Cobian.
Special Elections began with each CHASS senator candidate delivering their speech. First on the podium was Naida Zamora, a second year political science major. In her speech, she mentioned that her platform was to always think about what comes next and joined student life to serve incoming students and listen to their concerns. During her time in UCR, she was in Women in the Law, Chicano Student Program, and worked as an orientation leader over the summer, and learned through all these how to best assist first-year students. She wished to voice the concerns of other students, create an inclusive environment and implement positive actions on their behalf.
After her speech, the Senate table had the opportunity to ask Zamora about her platform. President Pro Tempore Abby Choy asked Zamora about what she wanted to achieve in her term as senator. She responded that students lie not just within campus, but are spread throughout Riverside. It is important to reach out and acknowledge students rights, and would make uplifting commuter voices a priority if elected.
Senator Khan then asked how she planned to make a more inclusive environment. Zamora responded that she would reach out through social media and emails, letting students know that ASUCR is here for them, and that they care about them.
Senator Naia Pizzaro asked how she would collaborate and work with other CHASS senators, due to CHASS having the most representatives. Zamora responded that she would gain insight by reaching out to other senators to learn more about the requirements and workload, employ organizational tools like When2Meet, and would be respectful of everyone’s time and keep up to date with what is going on.
Senator Viraj Ala asked what makes Zamora stand out as a candidate. Zamora responded that she knows a lot about the resources that UCR has to offer, and that a lot of students do not know what senators have to offer to them. She would make it so that students would be able to learn about the resources that ASUCR has to offer, where to find them, and would offer them when needed, and this knowledge would set her apart.
Senator Philson Ho asked what role she would play in the Senate. Zamora responded that she would be an active member and take active leadership. She iterates that in a team setting it is important to keep things effective and productive, and ensure that they can keep moving forward.
A motion was then made to extend time by three minutes by Senator Pizzaro and seconded by Senator Ala.
Senator Nadia Colon asked Zamora what she thought the primary issues on campus were. Zamora responded that students needed to learn more about their rights in the workforce, and that student advocacy is needed. She mentioned that lots of people do not know their rights, where to find their rights, or know who to ask, and she is interested in addressing that if elected.
Next on the podium to deliver a speech was Destiny Avos, a fourth year English and public policy double major. Her platform was established on ethicality and transparency. She mentioned that as CHASS senator, she wants to take her skills in public policy to come up with ethical solutions and use her English degree for oral communication skills. She had also spent four years in the External Affairs Lobbying Committee. She wanted to work with the mental health committee to do awareness campaigns and campus safety to promote the safety of students and work closely with the University of California, Police Department to ensure that. She also advocated that she wanted to make the Basic Needs Department have more accessible hours of operation.
After her speech, Senator Khan asked her besides mental health and campus safety, what else she would want to work on. Avos responded that she is willing to work on any other issues that are presented.
Senator Narasimhan asked how she would want to collaborate with the rest of the senators. Avos responded that she would always keep it professional.
Senator Pizzaro asked Avos how she would transfer the skills from the committee she worked on to the Senate table. Avos responded that she would bring her lobbying skills to the Senate.
Senator Ala asked what made her stand out as a candidate. Avos responded that her background in public policy and English made her stand out.
PPT Choy asked what types of legislation Avos had advocated for in the past. Avos responded that she had mostly worked on educational equity.
EVP Nguyen asked when Avos had been in her committee, and the role she participated in. Avos responded that she had been a committee member in 2020, took a gap year and then participated once again.
Senator Kaden Ho asked Avos if she had specific plans for working on student mental health. Avos responded that she wants to do more campaigns, work closely with Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and build awareness on how to access these resources.
After this, Juan Campos came to the podium to deliver his speech. He stated how he wishes to play a bigger role in ASUCR and spread the word that student bodies are respected people, and believes that he is a civil candidate for CHASS senator. He had served in the External Affairs office in the Labor Commissions Committee as an officer, and is currently in the Chamber of the Student Voice Committee in the ASUCR President’s office. He mentioned that most of his positions have had to do with the student body, and would reach out to students on campus, to organizations and ensure they knew his committee was there for them. He adds that it is important for all tasks to be accomplished clearly and efficiently, and that everyone must work together to achieve their goals.
After Campos’ speech, Senator Leila Haidar asked Campos if he had any tangible goals or action items of what he wanted to do. Campos responded that he wanted to host more Town Halls and events and show students the resources available on campus, and that an important part of advocacy is being out there and communicating with the people on what they need.
Senator Narasimhan asked Campos what he worked on in his committee and what he is passionate about. Campos responded that he worked on labor relations, but before that he was a student worker at Scotty’s. He became passionate about labor rights after personal experiences he had undergone while working at Scotty’s, and that he now wants to make it so that more people can know and learn about their rights. In the Student Voice Committee he would reach out to as many organizations as he could and learn about what he could do to help more students.
Senator K. Ho asked Campos if he had any plans on how to reach out to students. Campos responded that he had just established his committee and sent an outreach group from organization to organization to let them know that his committee is here for them. He said it is one thing to send social media pages, but that it only reaches a handful of people, so he would rather go in person.
Senator Khan asked Campos how we would relate his experience as chairman for the Student Voice Committee to being a CHASS senator. He said that he has been setting up the foundation of his committee and that it was not even formally a part of the office until recently, and ensures that his committee is running smoothly and that everyone is doing their duties.
A motion was then made to extend time by two minutes by Senator Haidar and seconded by Senator Teesha Sreeram.
PPT Choy asked Campos how he would manage the work of both roles. Campos acknowledged that it was quite the responsibility and that he already does a lot of time management, and that he would not take on this role if he were unable to do so.
Another motion was then made to extend time by one minute by Senator Haidar and seconded by PPT Choy so that Campos could conclude his previous statement.
Campos ended by stating that if the work he did related to both positions, he would do them together, but if they did not, he would not mix the two. And ensure he can give full effort to both
A motion was made on top of that one to extend time by another two minutes by Senator Ala and seconded by Senator Khan.
Senator Ala asked Campos what made him stand out as a candidate. Campos responded that he would give it his all, which he said is something that everyone says, but it is something he would follow through on. He also stated that in the end he cares about the students, and does not want them to feel like their opinions do not matter or be the reason why they feel hurt, and that he will not rest until it is all covered and heard.
After this, Rashid Shah came to the podium to deliver his speech. He introduced himself as an agent of change, advocate for transparency, and voice for the unheard students. He is a fourth year political science student who had previous experience in the Legislative Advocacy Committee and understands the challenges that marginalized communities face on campus. As a delegate of Model United Nations, he is familiar with simulating change using models, and he also held multiple internships at a policy firm where he analyzed Congressional Bills. He stated that it is imperative to bridge the gap between the work being done by ASUCR and student’s perception of ASUCR, and that one way to do that is to restructure the website and do more social media outreach.
A motion was made to extend time by two minutes by Senator Narasimhan and seconded by Senator Colon so that he could finish his speech.
Shah mentioned pressing issues such as TAPS citation forgiveness programs excluding some communities, expanding undergraduate research opportunities and fellowships, and advocating for a commuter student director position to help commuter students.
After Shah finished his speech, Senator Khan restated part of Shah’s speech where he mentioned that student government is seen as a glorified club, and asked if Shah sees it the same way. He also asked Shah what his platform was. Shah responded that student government being seen as a glorified club is a misconception made by many students on campus, but that he believes that they have the power to change that narrative. He wanted each office to be more transparent about what they were accomplishing and suggested that like other UCs that they would have an account for each to post on what they were doing.
Senator Khan then asked, at the end of your application you would do your best to honor former Senator Issak’s legacy, but what are three words that you would use to define your own platform. Shah responded with equity, inclusion, and collaboration.
Senator Grace Su asked Shah what he wanted to change about student outreach and how he wanted to be more engaged with the student body. Shah responded that in the bylaws it is mandated to hold at least one Town Hall meeting each quarter, but that he would strive for two to interact with more constituents in CHASS. He would get a faculty member onboard and have them talk about the resources that they can provide and work together with other Town Halls and be more collaborative.
Senator Narasimhan asked Shah how he will work together with everyone. Shah responded that he would get to know everyone’s specific passions, find out what is best for the campus, and figure out collectively what is wanted for CHASS.
A motion was then made to extend time by two minutes by Senator Ala and seconded by Senator Pizzaro.
Senator Pizzaro asked Shah how he would utilize the skills he got from his past experience to accomplish his goals. Shah responded that after his experience in UCDC working at a policy firm, he has knowledge on how to draft legislation, and can adapt to ASUCR’s standards for their legislation.
Senator Ala asked Shah what made him stand out as a candidate. Shah responded that as a 4th year, there are not many 4th year candidates in the Senate who run and win. With his experience on campus, he stated he knows what works and what does not, and that sets him apart.
Another motion was then made to extend time by one minute by Senator Ala and seconded by Senator Khan so Shah could finish his statement.
Shah ended by stating that his previous experience in internships and attending conferences and networking with senators on other campuses also helped him stand out as a candidate.
Senator Natalie Trutali asked Shah about his plans to include commuters. Shah responded that commuters are the largest group of students on campus and that a chunk of them do not feel like a true part of the UCR community. It is difficult for them to make connections while also possibly working and driving back and forth which takes up most of the day. He stated that he plans on advocating for a commuter student director to help commuters and offer resources to commuters to help them feel at home.
With Shah being the final candidate to present for CHASS special elections, a motion was made to move into closed sessions by Senator Haidar and seconded by Senator Ala. The vote passed 13-0-0 at around 7:55p.m.
The Senate returned to announce that the new CHASS senators were Juan Campos and Rashid Shah. Then another motion was made to move the senate into a recess for five more minutes by Senator K. Ho and seconded by Senator Haidar. The motion passed 14-0-0.
The meeting resumed at 8:51p.m.
The meeting notes were amended to include that Senator Kevin Nguyen joined the meeting at 8:13p.m.
Special Elections then continued to find a Non-Traditional Student Director. ED Arias came to the podium that the final Non-Traditional Student Director Candidate arrived late and will be presenting first on the podium.
William Fang came to the podium to begin his speech. He introduced himself as a 3rd year data science major. He came to ASUCR as he found it a good opportunity for him as well as to create a good community on campus. As a non-traditional student himself, he understood the unique challenges that arise from that situation. He stated that he believed education should be accessible to all regardless of age or circumstance and wants to create an inclusive community and sense of belonging for non-traditional students through small gatherings and clear communication.
A motion was made to extend time by one minute by Senator Pizzaro and Senator Sreeram so that Fang could finish his speech.
Fang continued by recalling his experience in leading a platoon and says that his communication skills and dedication to finding solutions make him prepared to champion the needs of the non-traditional student.
EVP Nguyen asked Fang how he identified as a non-traditional student. Fang responded that he was a part of the military, in ROTC, and was paid to go to school.
PPT Choy asked Fang how do you plan on helping students with kids, and if he would be able to manage his responsibilities as Non-Traditional Student Director. Fang responded that he would hold meetings every week to create a sense of community to help bring resources to those who need them.
Senator Khan asked Fang what leadership is to him, and how he would define it. Fang responded that being a leader is guiding those that appointed you and being part of the community and living amongst the people instead of being authoritarian.
Senator Su asked Fang how he would manage his responsibilities as a Non-Traditional Student Director with all his other student responsibilities. He responded that he would use resources like the ARC and speak to his counselor to get assistance in balancing his schedule.
PPT Choy asked Fang what he thought was the main problem that non-traditional students face. Fang responded that the main issue is that there was no safe community for non-traditional students to come together and network. And that he wanted to help create that environment.
Next to the podium was Adam Millos Tomasek to deliver his speed. He explained how he has personally navigated the challenges that students from diverse backgrounds encounter as he was from the Czech republic and lived there for 15 years before he moved to the United States and was faced with a language barrier and culture shock. He expanded on it by explaining how that experience fueled his passion for this role and that his story can serve as inspiration for others facing troubles. He wanted to give the necessary assistance and guidance for students to overcome and win their goals and make a positive impact on the lives of students facing similar experiences. His goals were to bring concerns of the public to the senate through polls and questionnaires, provide the resources needed to students like economic, housing, psychological assistance, and demonstrate sensitivity to the socio-economic culture and ethnic backgrounds through workshops and such.
EVP Nguyen asked Tomasek how he identified as a non-traditional student. Tomasek explained that he was born with a disability, a paralyzed right arm, and qualifies as a foster youth due to the fact he lived with foster families for two years after moving to America.
Senator Khan asked Tomasek about his previous leadership experience. Tomasek responded that he was in ASUCR for two years, served as a judicial fellow and had his work rewarded by the council, interned for a Czech senator in Europe as a personal assistance and contributed to different researches and scheduled the senator’s week.
PPT Choy asked Tomasek how he would advocate for other students he did not identify with. Tomasek responded that every non-traditional student will face different problems but that he would do their best to understand them and listen to their worries. He planned on doing this through a variety of polls promoting his committees to ensure that everyone feels welcome and safe enough to come talk. He also aims to host a bunch of events and workshops that every non-traditional student would be welcome to attend.
PPT Choy then asked Tomasek what is the biggest challenge that non-traditional students face, and how he would address it. Tomasek answered that from personal experience, the biggest challenge is feeling like an outsider, not fitting in due to cultural differences, and not many people to connect with. He said he would address it by creating a safe sense of community for non-traditional students.
Senator Haidar asked Tomasek what he did in the Judicial Council as a fellow and in ASUCR. Tomasek answered that he sat in every meeting for the last two elections. He used his vote to vote for things that mattered to him, and explained that while fellow votes were not used, Justices would be able to see how fellows voted, and use it as guidance for how they themselves would vote. He also took part in Law Week, a 5-day event, and helped create the activities for this event.
Next on the podium was Dallys Cobian to deliver her speech. Cobian explained that she has 12 years of community experience and that she is a re-entry student as well as a student-parent and is familiar with some of the problems that people face. She explained how she plans on advocating for non-traditional students who do not have the time and resources to do it themselves. She elaborates on how Chicano Student Program and Women’s Resource CEnter both have a student-parent program, and wants to see if there is anything to be done in combining this program and bring awareness to the student-parents as well as other caregivers on campus, and do the same for others like veterans and such. Cobain explained how non-traditional students make up almost 50% of the population but are severely underrepresented, and wants to make education goals to make opportunities more accessible to students, which will be instrumental in the role for advocating for others and increasing numbers for retention and graduation.
EVP Nguyen then asked Cobian how she identifies as a non-traditional student. Cobian explained how she is a student-parent, returning student, and has been out of school for four years.
Senator Khan asked Cobian to elaborate more about her 12 years of community advocacy. Cobain responded that she had been a realtor and mortgage broker and worked with marginalized communities to help them be aware of home ownership opportunities, translate those opportunities, and help them find a home. She explained how it felt to do work like that, but that she had to give it up for the time being to come back to school.
Senator Philson Ho asked Cobian how she would balance her schedule as a student-parent with work. Cobian answered that she would ensure balance by doing what she had already been doing, which was make a schedule. She brought up what makes it difficult is when a meeting is scheduled at one time and is later changed, and that time is needed to ensure that her schedules align and to work it out. She further explained that she has always done it and that it is not impossible, and that she just needs to have a schedule.
PPT Choy asked Cobian how she would advocate for non-traditional students that she does not identify with. Cobian responded that while she herself is not a veteran, that she comes from a military family, and is familiar with the struggles they face. She explained that she will be open to talking with them to find out what they need, and that just because she is not a veteran does not mean that she cannot help them.
Senator Ala asked Cobian how she would communicate with others in ASUCR and mitigate some of their intimidation due to the fact that she is older than them.
A motion was made to extend time for two minutes for Cobian to respond by Senator Narasimhan and seconded by Senator Hader.
Cobian responded to Senator Ala that after years of working in industry and corporate environments, she knows that seniority does not mean that she knows best. She explained that she has a lot of work to do and has no problem working with those from a different age group than her, and that more likely than not she will be approaching her fellow colleagues for guidance, and will do her best to put someone at ease.
A motion was then made for the senate to move into closed deliberation. The motion was made by Senator Pizzaro and seconded by Senator Colon. The vote passed 13-0-2. The Senate table returned shortly to announce that the new Non-Traditional Student Director would be Dallys Cobian.
Next on the agenda was Committee Reports which began with LRCs. The first was SR-F23-001 UTLF Resolution which was motioned to open by Senator Colon and seconded by Senator Pizzaro. PPT Choy explained how the Senate Resolution would highlight how new buildings on campus are using natural gas instead of other sustainable sources of energy. The purpose of the resolution was to not block the construction of the building, but to highlight the goals of the UC and how they are not reaching it.
VP of Sustainability Ellen Nguyen furthered that a majority of the UC and UCR run on natural gas, which is not sustainable for the environment. She explained how UCOP set goals to be carbon neutral by 2025, but at the rate things are progressing would not meet that goal, as well as that the UCOP president had stated that the system would be decarbonized by 2045, but that it is too late. A loophole exists in the clean energy report that would allow new buildings to tap into anything that is an already existing steamplant, which is not a good thing because all new buildings have already been electrified, meaning it is a big step backward for carbon neutrality.
EVP Nguyen asked to make a friendly amendment to the resolution to explain what UTLF was and spell it out. The motion was made by Senator Su and seconded by Senator Nguyen. The vote passed 14-0-2.
PPT Choy asked to make another friendly amendment for a grammar typo. The motion was made by PPT Choy and seconded by Senator Khan. The vote passed 14-0-2.
Senator Ala asked if this discussion will be brought up at the next UC Regents meeting. VPS Nguyen said there has been no discussion so far. VP of External Affairs Angel Renteria said that since the UC hates not being in compliance, that an email will be sent to UCOP. And make it a priority for comment at the UCSA.
A motion was made to approve the senate resolution by Senator Khan and seconded by Senator K. Ho. The motion passed 14-0-2.
The next LRC was SB-F23-006 OTP Bylaw Changes Re. Student Voice Committee. A motion was made to open the bill by Senator Su and seconded by Senator Toral. The vote passed 14-0-2. PPT Choy explained that it was a bylaw change to include the Student Voice Committee, which was already existing but just needed to be added in. Senator Campos, who is also chairman of the committee, explained that SVC was not included earlier, but after reaching out to President Ankita Ahluwalia, ensured that it would be recognized.
EVP Nguyen asked to make friendly amendments to spell out the entire title of the legislation and make a minor change in the primary authors section to prepare it for print.
A motion was made to approve the amendments by Senator Narasimhan and seconded by Senator P. Ho. The vote passed 14-0-2.
A motion was then made to approve the senate bill by Senator Khan and seconded by Senator Pizarro. The senate bill was approved 13-0-3.
The final LRC was SB-F23-007 Chapter 9 Amendment: HUB Governing Board. A motion was made to open the bill by Senator Colon and seconded by Senator Narasimhan. PPT Choy explained that the bill would be an amendment to the Office of the President and add in the president as an ex-officio to the HUB Governing Board. A motion was made to approve the amendment by Senator Su and seconded by Senator Sreeram. The amendment was approved 13-0-3.
Next on the agenda was Finance Meeting Minutes #2. The meeting minutes were motioned to open by Senator K. Ho and seconded by Senator Trutalli. The vote passed 14-0-2. It outlined the contingency balances as pulled from reserves, with the ASUCR Contingency: Closing Balance being $53,513. A motion was made to approve the meeting minutes by Senator Khan and seconded by Senator Colon. The vote passed 14-0-2.
Next was GCAP, beginning with Green Grant #1 Diffuse With the Poodles, which included F23_GG1_DiffuseWiththePoodles Budget which outlined the budget for the proposal. A motion to open the proposal was made by Senator Narasimhan and seconded by PPT Choy. THe vote passed 14-0-2.
Senator Su explained that the Green Grant was for an event that a sorority planned for midterm season, including DIY activities that were sustainable and stress reducing. A previous budget plan included glass bottles, but was changed to encourage everyone to bring their own bottles to the event.
Senator P. Ho asked if the event would be open to the public. EVP Nguyen answered yes.
A motion to approve the Green Grant was made by Senator Khan and seconded by Senator Choy. The motion passed 14-0-2.
The next Green Grant was Green Grant #2 A Pretty Vision, which included F23_GG2_APrettyVision Budget which outlined the budget for the proposal. A motion to open the proposal was made by Senator Khan and seconded by Senator K. Ho. The vote passed 14-0-2.
Senator Narasimhan explained that the goal of the event was to enable scholars to have a chance to decide what they want to make of their academic career by making a vision board of sorts.
A motion was made to approve the Green Grant by Senator Pizzaro and seconded by Senator Su. The motion passed 14-0-2.
No one came to the podium for public comment.
For Senator Reports, Senator Khan reported that he was working on the logistics of his events, and was working on setting up resources for a potential senate intern.
Senator Narasimhan reported that a BCOE Town Hall was planned and she had met with the Dean. She also announced that people in the Senate are encouraged to help in the Global Fair. She also reported that she is working with CAP and HCAP for a pre-health undergraduate student panel, and would get help from CNAS advisors or senators.
Last on the agenda was Roundtable and Announcements. Senator Khan announced that he is still working on the Breast Cancer Awareness Month Walk for a Cure event to advocate for those with breast cancer. The event would be at the Belltower at 5:30 p.m., and would include many activities. He also asked people to wear pink.
PPT Choy announced that legislation is due on Thursdays at 11:59 p.m. for the Senate.
A motion was made to adjourn the meeting by Senator Su and seconded by Senator Ala. The vote passed 14-0-2 and the meeting adjourned at 10:00 p.m.
