UC Board of Regents Grows by Two Seats

In an attempt to improve communication between the UC Board of Regents and the large body of university staff members, the board has voted to permanently adopt two staff advisers – two non-Senate academic employees – to sit on particular board committees and participate in some debates.

The decision finalizes the positions created in a two-year test program, in which UCLA’s David Miller and UC Irvine’s Lynda Brewer served on the committee on educational policy and the committee on finance.

The vote will allow the advisers to participate in open sessions of certain committees.

“”With this action, the regents send a clear message to the entire university community about their commitment to UC staff and the importance of all UC employees in the ongoing success of UC,”” Miller said.

UC President Robert C. Dynes praised the program for its assistance in increased staff input and communal decision-making.

“”I am very pleased that the regents have recognized the importance of including all members of the UC community in our decision-making by making these positions permanent,”” he said.

Applications for the positions will be open through the end of February.

Campus Gears Up for Black History Month

UCSD will offer more than 25 different programs to celebrate this year’s Black History Month, marked by a large opening ceremony to be held in Price Center on Feb. 1.

The kick-off ceremony, sponsored by the Associated Students and the Black Student Union, will be “”a celebration acknowledging the history of African-American struggles and successes,”” according to event co-chairs Shemia Jones and Sheme’re Jones.

Featured events during the monthlong celebration, officially labeled “”From Slavery to Freedom: UCSD Celebrates the Journey and Stories of African Americans,”” will include the annual black student reunion and a scholarship brunch featuring actor and UCSD alumnus James Avery. Set to perform during the month are the dance group Urban Bush Women, the Ugandan Orphans Choir and the UCSD Jazz Ensemble, among others.

Some of the month’s events are also designed to honor Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Joseph W. Watson, who will retire in June after 40 years at UCSD.