Abigail Verino President
President Abigail Verino reported on preparations to present student priorities to the Chancellor’s Board of Visitors on April 13 in California Hall. She urged senators to encourage students to join the Campus Strategic Plan focus group on March 19. Upcoming engagements include joint meetings with Vice President Isha Chander and speaking on the Power in Community Day panel on April 4.
passed by unanimous consent
moved by Beardsley,
seconded by
Abnusy
passed by unanimous consent
moved by Beardsley,
seconded by
Abnusy
7 more passed
moved by Yang,
seconded by
Nunez Rivera
Appointed
13 people spoke
Steve Payne, a 30-year Berkeley resident, invited senators and meeting attendees to participate in an upcoming nationwide protest march on March 28th. He referenced historic protests like the Free Speech Movement and encouraged attendees to pick up flyers and spread the word.
Nae Vale announced that the Committee on Student Fees is hosting a Student Fee Forum on April 9th from 3 to 5 p.m. to connect students with campus funding and project support resources. She asked attendees to share the RSVP link with their communities.
Lucetta from SUPERB expressed frustration over the Senate's failure to pass a funding referendum and criticized senators for falsely claiming on social media that the failure was due to speaker disorganization. She defended her organization's timeline and communication, asserted that students deserve to vote on the referendum, and demanded an immediate public apology.
Izzy Kim, General Manager of SUPERB, expressed deep frustration with the ASUC Senate for blocking SUPERB's funding referendum in a closed session and releasing public statements against the organization. Kim accused senators of misrepresenting rules on campaign violations, failing to communicate transparently, and undermining student autonomy by keeping the measure off the ballot.
The speaker expressed deep dissatisfaction with the Senate's vote to keep their initiative off the ballot. They emphasized the value of free, accessible arts and entertainment and SUPERB's mission to build community on campus.
A SUPERB content manager spoke out against senators who voted against the organization, arguing that SUPERB provides essential, free, and accessible arts and entertainment for students. They urged senators who voted against them to reconsider their relationship with SUPERB.
Megan, a SUPERB member, voices strong disappointment with the Senate's approach to SUPERB reform and budget allocation. She argues that underfunding limits SUPERB's ability to compete with other universities for event talent and warns that free student programming will suffer if budget neglect continues.
Micah questioned the ten senators who voted to table a referendum, asking why an $8 fee increase—which would be covered for students on financial aid—was blocked when larger fee increases passed previously. They expressed disappointment that the Senate did not give students the opportunity to vote on the referendum despite strong initial signature support and budget constraints impacting community programming.
Abby, an assistant manager for SUPERB Previews, expressed disappointment in the Senate's decision to table a referendum. She highlighted the high student demand for SUPERB's free arts and film programming and urged senators to reflect on how their decision impacts students.
Michelle Kim, a marketing manager for SUPERB, criticized the ASUC Senate's vote to strike down SUPERB's AMP program. She expressed disappointment in the Senate's decision, warned that SUPERB is reconsidering future collaborations and promotion for ASUC offices, and argued that the vote restricts their ability to deliver quality events for students.
Paris, a marketing editor for Superb, expressed deep frustration over the Senate's handling of Superb's ballot position, which forced her team to rush to collect missing signatures. She criticized ACC Senators as untrustworthy and uncommunicative, advising other student organizations against collaborating with them.
Fariya from Photobeast emphasizes how SUPERB and BSN provide vital creative resources and equitable access for students. She urges the Senate not to block team expansion and to allow the student body to vote on the referendum.
Kirsten criticized the ASUC Senate for voting against placing a student issue on the ballot and failing to reflect student perspectives. She questioned their accountability and expressed frustration over the Senate limiting how funds are used for student programming.
Senator Reading apologized for the Senate's failure to place SUPERB's referendum on the student ballot, criticizing colleagues who prioritized personal political agendas over student representation. He commended SUPERB's impact on campus and committed to helping them secure alternative funding avenues.
Senator Colton Beardsley clarified that his prior remarks reflected his personal view and defended the Senate's actions regarding a failed proposal. He argued that the campaign violated ASUC rules by using official resources and spam, and explained that emergency timeline constraints limited stakeholder review.
Senator Shawn Canin thanked members of SUPERB for attending and reiterated his support for putting the referendum bill before the student body to decide. He highlighted SUPERB's importance for student retention and community joy, promising to advocate for them through the Finance Committee.
Jada Yang addressed concerns regarding a recent proposal, explaining that the issue was not the intent but rather the strategic implications and the way the bill was published and advanced in isolation. She invited attendees to review their published statement for context and to reach out directly to begin further dialogue.
Senator Anamaria Abnusy thanked attendees for holding the Senate accountable and expressing their frustrations. She explained the context behind the Senate's rushed vote, acknowledged communication lapses, apologized that attendees felt misheard, and invited further discussion via email.
Nicole Nunez Rivera expressed support for the speakers, noting that individual members advocated for them despite the recent Senate decision. She encouraged the community not to sever ties and asked to continue future collaborations and partnerships.
Senator Margaret Solomon thanks attendees for speaking during public comment and expresses support for their efforts. She urges the Senate to be thoughtful, avoid hypocritical emergency actions, and respect charter programs and campus communities.
Senator Bella Santos thanked the advocates for their hard work on the referendum, sharing that her office's experience with a similar effort was exhausting. She also called out procedural hypocrisy, noting that the Senate previously passed a late-introduced divestment bill unanimously without concern.
Senator Selina Mendez offers a formal apology for not voting in support of the SUPERB initiative and expresses gratitude to students for holding representatives accountable. She advocates for greater transparency, accessibility, and ongoing dialogue between the Senate and campus chartered programs.
