The fact is that UC policy and UCSD implementing campus regulations as clarified by “”University of California Guidelines for Funding Registered Campus Organizations and Related Programming Activities by Compulsory Student Fees,”” revised and published October 26, 1999, Section I.C. explicitly permits student governments to fund lobbying activities on student-related matters with compulsory student fees so long as students who object to the use of the lobbying activity are provided a pro rata refund of their fees as outlined in those policies and guidelines.

However, the policies and the guidelines also make it clear that allocation of mandatory student fees for direct financial support of a particular political party, candidate or election campaign is impermissible (section II.C.1.). Additionally, UC policy and UCSD implementing regulations clearly state that the designated student governments are official units of the university and as such, they are required to comply with the UC policy on neutrality in political matters which prohibits the use of university funds and other resources to support or oppose candidates or ballot measures such as Proposition 54. Thus, like the university, student governments may take positions on particular ballot measures, but may not expend student government funds to advocate their positions.

Clearly, the current misunderstandings could have been avoided by timely reference to UC policies and campus regulations and consultation with the student government advisor.

Thank you in advance for publishing this clarification.

‹ Joseph W. Watson

Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs