On April 15, 2026, the Associated Students of the University of California, Riverside (ASUCR) meeting began at 7:07 p.m. and adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
During the public forum, Legislative Director Joseph Anastacio provided a brief update on the University Terrace Homes project. He shared that a printed copy of the previously passed ASUCR resolution on the project was delivered at the previous night’s City Council meeting.
During new business, President Pro Tempore (PPT) Jeevan Rao delivered an address, noting he would like to voice concerns about ASUCR’s current state. PPT Rao further emphasized that while he names elected ASUCR officials in his speech, his doing so is not intended to be a personal attack.
PPT Rao spoke of the previous week’s Senate meeting, expressing concerns over CHASS Senator Tildin Young Jin Han’s response to SB-S26-001, a Senate Bill authored by Executive Vice President (EVP) Mia Rose Tu’ifua to honor late CHASS Senator Ezadeen Issak’s life and legacy following his death in August 2023. PPT Rao deemed CHASS Senator Han’s comments insensitive, insulting and disrespectful.
Furthermore, PPT Rao expressed grievances toward all three branches of ASUCR, emphasizing that accountability for students is a shared responsibility, especially from their positions as paid elected officials.
During committee reports, two Senate Bills, two Green Campus Action Plan grants and Finance Budget Hearing #16 minutes were all unanimously approved by the Senate. SB-S26-002 would amend Chapter 16 bylaws to reduce discrepancies and increase the quarterly limit of GCAP grant applications from $4,000 to $6,000. SB-S26-003 aims to streamline ASUCR’s social media processes and serve as the first step to future initiatives.
One of the GCAP grants was approved to fund a biodiversity-oriented planting event set to occur in May, while the other is to provide further funding for the SustanUsBurg event on April 16.
State of the Association (SOTA) reports were delivered by Office of the Personnel Director, Office of the First-Time College Student Director, GCAP, Office of the VP of Finance, Office of the Elections Director and Office of the VP of Marketing and Promotions. Occurring amid an active ASUCR elections and campaign cycle, the SOTA reports generally emphasized transition of roles to next year’s elected officials and overall restructuring.
CHASS Senator Benjamin Min shared plans for a resolution to advocate for at least one dining hall on campus to operate during breaks and a resolution addressing recent anti-black sentiments on college campuses.
VP of DEI Brandon Edward Dunbar made a public comment that many “people don’t take ASUCR seriously because we, [the officials], don’t take ASUCR seriously,” acknowledging that while many individuals make an effort to show up every week, those who don’t often are also the ones that aren’t showing up to Executive Cabinet meetings.
Chief Justice of the ASUCR Judicial Council Vaneet Pani made a public comment that ASUCR officials should not hesitate to file complaints to the Judicial Council, especially as the council is unable to do anything unless they are formally made aware of an issue.
