In response to systemwide changes to the student records policy by the UC Office of the President, UCSD Director of Student Policy and Judicial Affairs Nicholas S. Aguilar made significant changes to UCSD’s policy over the summer.

The problem with Aguilar’s enthusiasm for the revisions was that he failed to gather input from students in the revision process. However, Aguilar demonstrated flexibility in his willingness to consider A.S. Council input once its views were articulated this month.

The Guardian would like to applaud Aguilar for complying with or compromising on most of the significant points with which the A.S. Council was concerned. He made complete reversals on the major points of the appeals process and the availability of student photos on StudentLink.

However, it cannot go overlooked that Aguilar initially proceeded without input from the students on an issue that directly affects us all. He justified himself by saying that he was trying to revise the Policy and Procedure Manual 160-2 quickly to comply with UC-wide changes. He also said that the language needed for the revisions was too technical for students. But that does not mean that students could not have had input on the matter, not needing to write the text, but merely advise Aguilar on their position.

The Guardian would also like to applaud the A.S. Council for quickly reacting to the matter and assuring a student opinion in the revisions. The council’s quick action got reversals on the appeals process and student photos, which are key campus issues concerning students’ rights.

It is hoped that situations like this can be avoided in the future by allowing a student voice from the beginning in all things concerning students. Given the circumstances, both the administration and the A.S. Council acted appropriately to work out a compromise.