REQUEST FOR ACTION BY THE ASUCI SENATE 
 
All requests may be typed and submitted to the President of the Senate no later 5:00 p.m. Thursday in order to be included in the agenda for the following Tuesday. The President of the Senate reserves the right to delay the Request for Action to a later Senate session if the President of the Senate feels the agenda for the next schedule meeting is full.
 
Item Number: 88 Legislation Number (B: Bill, R: Resolution): R53-79
Author:   Zoe Broussard   Second:  Celine Ton, Jessica Santiago
Synopsis: In Support of Student Health and Counseling Services Request at UC Davis
Date of Presentation: 3/1/18
 

WHEREAS, in 2015 UC Davis Student Affairs made a commitment to produce a net increase of 11-12 counselors by the end of the 2017 Fiscal Year, while an annual student fee of over $100 per student had since been implemented by the UC Office of the President; and,


WHEREAS, on February 9, 2018 Director of Counseling Services at UC Davis Sarah Hahn, a central supporter for the increased counselors, received a Letter of Intent to Terminate after filing for Whistleblower Protection the day prior; and,


WHEREAS, UC Davis’ initial plan of increased counselors failed to address systemic issues which include poor counselor retention, dismal information transparency, and inadequate student academic support; and,


WHEREAS, increased direct services, increased counselor wages, improved triage services at North Hall, increased focus on underrepresented communities, are necessary to improve SHCS counseling services at UC Davis; and,


WHEREAS, Student Advocates for Mental Health  at UC Davis is requesting updates on projected projects no later than March 23, 2018, the Chancellor’s office will collaborate with the Student Mental Health Coalition to send out an annual email at the beginning of each academic year detailing a complete and up-to-date list of basic needs resources on and around campus, with a strong focus on mental health; and,


WHEREAS, college suicide rates have tripled within the last 60 years and 64% of dropouts reason their departure due to mental health issues, UC attendees are no exception to this risk: 43% of undergraduates report feeling so depressed that they can not function, 12% report seriously contemplating suicide, and 1.5% report having made an attempt within the last twelve months; and,


WHEREAS, despite rising tuition costs we have yet to see any additional mental healthcare support at the UC campuses, our survival is dependant on quality services, healthcare is every person’s fundamental right; and,


WHEREAS, over-enrollment affects access to mental health resources at all UC campuses,


THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT, ASUCI supports the ASUCD decision to condemn the sanctioning of UC Davis Director of Counseling Services Sarah Hahn.


THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT, ASUCI supports the ASUCD decision to advocate for Sarah Hahn to resume her role as or maintain a continued employment within UC Davis so that she may continue to serve the interests of students and the greater UC Davis community; and,


THEREFORE LET IT FINALLY BE RESOLVED THAT, ASUCI supports the efforts of ASUCD to increase resources for students, diversify resources, promote greater accessibility of resources, and hold the administration accountable, fully detailed in their petition titled: Student Health and Counseling Services Request, denoted by passage of this resolution.


References:

 

  1. Passed Legislation by ASUCD Senate

  2. UC Davis Petition

  3. Town Hall Video at UC Davis

  4. UC Davis Internal Counseling Audit

  5. Equity in Mental Health Framework
 
Referred to: Committee on:
Vote Required: Majority FINAL VOTE: Passed YEA: 18 NAY: 0  ABS: 0
 
THE SENATE OF THE ASSOCIATED STUDENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, IRVINE ON THE DATE OF 3/6/18 HAS TAKEN ACTION ON THIS LEGISLATION.    
   
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President of the Senate      Verification of Executive Cabinet