Whereas, ASUCI has maintained a $54 annual fee since 1997, 

Whereas, according to the Consumer Price Index the current ASUCI fee would have to increase by $15 simply to compensate for inflation since 1997,

Whereas, the average Associated Student fee at the eight other UC schools is $96.34 and four schools collect more than $100 per student per year,

Whereas, UCI students have begun to express a desire for more advocacy on the statewide and national level,

Whereas, the state of California has consistently underfunded the UC system and there appears to be a strong movement towards privatizing higher education,

Whereas, the Governor’s chief of staff, Susan Kennedy, has been quoted by the New York Times saying “Those protests on the U.C. campuses were the tipping point…Our university system is going to get the support it deserves,”

Whereas, this demonstrates students truly have the power to influence decision makers and encourage them to prioritize student needs,

Whereas, there is clearly a student interest to go to Sacramento to influence legislators during the for Student Lobby Conference hosted by University of California Student Association,

Whereas, ASUCI has received funds from the UC Office of the President, but this is a one time allocation, and not significant enough to meet the needs and demands of the student body,

Whereas, it would be advantageous for ASUCI to secure such funds for Student Lobby Conference, UC Student Association Congress, and Students of Color Conference for the future, so that more students can be enriched from this experience, and ASUCI can continue to influence the UC Board of Regents, UC Office of the President, and the state government for the good of the students,

Whereas, Associated Students, UCI is not part of the United States Student Association (USSA), and therefore does not play a role in advocating to the national government for higher education,

Whereas, USSA requires massive mobilization of student governments nationwide in order to advocate collectively at the federal government, thus extremely benefiting from ASUCI’s membership,

Whereas, United States Student Association is advocating this year for Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act which will lower student loan rates and increase the amount of Pell grants (federal financial aid),

Whereas, USSA is also advocating for the Federal DREAM Act, which would bring financial relief to many students on UCI’s campus, as well as systemwide,

Whereas, it is critical for ASUCI to support USSA in the passing of these two bills in order for the students of the University of California, Irvine to benefit,

Whereas, ASUCI has the responsibility to advocate for students on a statewide and national level,

Therefore, let it be resolved that the attached initiative be submitted to a vote of the undergraduate students in the ASUCI Spring 2009 election (See attached for ballot language and guidelines).

Let it further be resolved that a resolution to place said fee initiative on the ballot does not constitute an endorsement by ASUCI.