What’s New!
INTRODUCTION
Associated Students (AS) is a dynamic organization and change is hardwired into its DNA. This year has seen numerous changes in staffing, many new initiatives, and new challenges.
STAFF CHANGES
NEW STAFF
KCSB welcomed aboard Eric Fredricey as the new and much needed Chief Engineer. With the support of the KCSB Executive Committee (Ex Com) and KCSB staff, Eric was able to hit the ground running and implement much needed improvements to KCSB’s electronic infrastructure. Student Assistant Engineer Justin Steinman had this to say about working with Eric, “Working with Eric is very rewarding in that I can learn by doing. Being the Assistant Engineer I wanted to learn as much as possible and I am able to do that with Eric’s guidance; he is very concerned with me getting something out of the experience. I was afraid that when a new engineer was hired I would not have as much freedom to do things on my own without permission but this is not the case. Eric treats me, as well as other KCSB staff, as an equal and values my contributions. He encourages me to start new projects for the station and has many ideas of his own that will contribute to make the station a more enjoyable place to work. I am very hopeful for what can be accomplished in the next year for KCSB.”
David Miller joined the staff of AS Publications as Assistant Publications Coordinator and was soon promoted to Publications Analyst. He is a welcome addition to the Publications staff as it looks to expand serices. David brings a wealth of copy shop experience and will assure smooth sailing for the Publications shop.
Alba Moreno is the new Isla Vista Tenants Union (IVTU) Caseworker. Hailing from the East Coast, she assists students negotiating with landlords and provides information regarding tenants rights for the entire IV community.
Gabriella Piazza works with students and staff as the new Administration Office Coordinator. She processes all requisitions and manages the Fund Accounts System. In addition, she coordinates the student office staff for AS Admin and the AS Annex.
The Legal Resource Center welcomed aboard Corydon “Cory” Graves as the new LRC Caseworker. She works directly with students to resolve off campus legal issues. This includes advising students regarding landlord/tenant issues, DUIs, and other legal matters confronting them. When Assistant Director for Government Affairs Flo Nocar moved on, Cory took on some of the responsibilities of of this position advise student leaders and serve as a liaison to AS staff.
Omead Poure filled in as AS Records Keeping Specialist when Jose Raygoza became Community Financial Fund Coordinator. He was then hired permanently for the position. Fortunately, Omead learned the details of the job quickly to keep AS Administration running smoothly. Considering the complexity of the organization, this is both noteworthy and critical. His work is much appreciated by both staff and students.
Adam Jahnke is the new Bike Shop Coordinator. He was hired after Mike Rogers retired and looks forward to exploring new options for the shop. He brings a wealth of experience having been involved in the Santa Barbara bicycle community for many years. Welcome aboard Adam.
PROMOTIONS AND NEW DUTIES
Longtime IT Coordinator Sean Lieberman is now part of the AS management team as Assistant Director for Technology. Over the past several years, in addition to his IT work, Sean has been working on implementation of the AS Strategic Plan. He will continue to oversee the work of Desktop Support and Web Development Matt McClintock and now also supervises the work of Web Developer JudyAnn Dutcher. Congratulations to Sean on his much deserved promotion!
Former AS Administrative Office Coordinator Jesse Armann, is now the Cashiers Coordinator. She is responsible for accounting and coordinates students working the windows of the AS Cashiers and Ticket Office. Congratulations Jesse and thank you for your work in AS Admin!
Mahader Tesfai has been making the Living History Project a reality for over two years and is now the full time career Living History Project Coordinator for AS. The Living History Project is a remarkable document that chronicles the history of AS student activism at UCSB. Mahader also advises several student groups, including the Student Initiated Recruitment and Retention Committee (SIRRC), Human Rights Board (HRB), Student Commission on Racial Equality (SCORE), Queer Commission, and Student Lobby.
Tuyen Nguyen has been the heart and soul of the AS Food Bank for over two years now. To continue her work she is now full time career Food Bank Coordinator. The Food Bank was begun by students who realized there was a need for this service. It has grown to the point where approximately 300 students/day use this critical student provided service.
Jose Raygoza, the former AS Record Keeping Specialist, began the year as the new Community Financial Fund (CFF) Coordinator. CFF makes short-term loans available to students. As part of the loan process Jose teaches mandatory workshops in money management. Considering the demands made on students, these are important skills and each quarter Jose teaches over 100 students.
Publications Coordinator Andy Doerr is now Research Specialist and has taken on new responsibilities in addition to his ongoing work on this publication among other projects, including serving as the department’s emergency liaison. He’s been working to breath new life into the A.S. Media Center, which over the course of this year became the go to on-campus resource for students wanting to check out cameras and other equipment for video and photography projects. He has also coordinated Media Center workshops.
BEST OF LUCK TO THOSE WHO HAVE MOVED ON!
Claudia Alphin retired after serving the university and students for over 20 years, currently as A.S. Financial Officer aka the person who makes sure all of us at AS get paid! Most recently Claudia made sure that the transition to Kronos the new university-wide payroll system went as smoothly as possible. She has also worked above and beyond the call of duty to make sure everyone who needs it has key card access to the appropriate offices and meeting spaces. We wish her all the best in this next chapter of her life.
Assistant Director for Government Affairs Flo Raven Nocar decided to return to her hometown on the Gulf Coast of Texas. She hit the ground running when she arrived at AS and served students in one of the most challenging positions in the organization. Her advising was instrumental in helping students navigate the intricacies of student government and helped them be as productive as possible during their tenures as AS executives and Senators. She is definitely missed!
Just shy of the new year 2014, Senior Artist and Staff Member of the Year Beth Ramone moved on to Portland, Oregon for new opportunities and to be closer to her kids, though she will still be doing some work for AS online. Her unwavering sense for eye catching graphic design and dedication to students was both appreciated and acknowledged by students and staff alike. We wish her the best of luck in her new endeavors!
We also wish IVTU Advisor Hilary Kleger all the best. She brought a wealth of knowledge and a true activist spirit to her work in support of student tenants and the IV tenant community in general. In her work Hilary spoke truth to power and worked tirelessly to educate landlords and tenants regarding their rights and responsibilities. She also encouraged students to get involved with the legislative process as a means of making sure tenants, whether students or non-students, are treated fairly and with respect.
We bid farewell to Bike Shop Coordinator Mike Rogers who rode off into a much deserved retirement this year. Mike has helped countless students keep their bikes on the road and well maintained. Considering the importance of bicycles in the UCSB community, Mike’s work at the Bike Shop was critical in supporting alternative, sustainable, and healthy transportation. All the best to you Mike and, as the Irish say, may the wind always be at your back and the road rise up to meet you!
This past year also saw Cashiers and Ticket Office Manager Freddie Mercer move on to a similar position at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Freddie was instrumental in laying the groundwork for making AS the campus wide event ticket hub. This required Freddie to work with programs across campus and in close coordination with AS IT Coordinator Sean Lieberman. We wish Freddie and his family all the best in their new home on the Central Coast!
Assistant Director for Business Services Lisa Corcos left AS during winter quarter 2014. She worked with students to analyze and support existing AS businesses and develop new enterprises. Although her time at AS was relatively short, her contributions to the organization are much appreciate and we wish her well in her future endeavors.
Isla Vista Tenants Union (IVTU) Caseworker Alba Moreno left A.S. at the end of the year. We thank her for her service to the Isla Vista community and wish her all the best.
NEW INITIATIVES
AS Legal Code Updated to Reflect a Significant Restructuring of AS
This year saw a substantial reworking of the AS Legal Code. It included division of the organization into Units—Enterprise, Events, Media, Philanthropy, and Advocacy. As stated by AS President Jonathan Abboud, these units will become the “operational” or “service” arm of AS. Also, a standing committee—the External Affairs Committee, was created to vet legislation before bringing it to the AS Senate floor.
Passage of the code with all executive positions and the Senate controlled by the Open People’s Party (OPP) was not without controversy. In particular, many AS groups were uncomfortable with new requirements that the appointment of their executive officers must now be vetted and approved by the AS President. How this plays itself out in subsequent years remains to be seen.
Student Strategic Plan
Students worked with professional advisors to develop an AS Student Strategic Plan to map out goals for the organization until 2020. Much like the AS Staff Strategic Plan, the intention is to ensure continuity and make long range plans that will be carried out over a number or years.
AS Pardall Center
With the opening of the Pardall Center, AS now has a presence in the center of the Isla Vista business district. The center is located on the ground floor of the building that also houses the AS Isla Vista Tenants Union and the Legal Resource Center. It provides much needed study and meeting space for students and groups.
Pardall Center Open 24 Hours
At the close of the year AS rolled out Pardall 24-Hours. The Coffee Collaborative and the Pardall Center in Isla Vista made accommodations to remain open for 24-hours for spring quarter finals study June 7th through June 11th. The Isla Vista Food Coop donated food and coffee was available for free to all students!
AS Media Center
The AS Media Center was reborn during fall quarter this year. It’s biggest success has been making camera equipment available for check out by students across campus and computers available for post production work. Currently it’s the only place on campus where students can check out equipment without being enrolled in specific classes. Students have been highly appreciative! The center also offered workshops in various media related topics. Though they were sparsely attended, it’s hoped that this will improve next year.
Student Taught Classes
AS Executive Director Dr. Marisela Márquez offered a special course, Political Science 106MM: “The Politics of the University of California” in the Department of Political Science this past winter term with student leaders AS President Jonathan Abboud and External Vice President, Statewide Affairs Alexandria Choate. Dr. Márquez offered it as a pilot project demonstrating how a Student Initiated Democratic Education (SIDE) class would work. The SIDE program is waiting for approval by the faculty Academic Senate.