February 23, 2002 (General Assembly) Minutes

UC Berkeley

General Assembly was called to order at approximately 8:15 a.m.

Chair Shane Snowdon (UCSF) welcomed attendees and introduced officers Robert Imada, Vice-Chair (UCSC), and Jonathan Winters, Secretary (UCB).

Chair Snowdon recounted the current situation of UCLGBTIA in its pursuit of Domestic Partner pension benefits, domestic partner housing benefits, and transgender health benefits.

UCLGBTIA is preparing for a major mobilization at the May, 2002 Regents meeting at UCLA, where an action item is anticipated. (please see SCOM minutes for complete summary.)

Vice Chair Imada presented on the issue of a general lack of funding for Student LGBT resources at all campuses. He has worked on a project for retention of LGBT students at his campus.

Constitutional Amendment

The Constitutional Amendment to include a Student Chair was presented to the General Assembly.

(Full text included below; changes regarding new post shown in Underscore).

Chair Snowdon spoke to the amendment's importance to reflect the views of students within the Steering Committee.

Vice Chair Imada spoke to the importance of such a position, in order to elevate the concerns of students and their effective advocacy within the organization. He was also interested in developing language of a 'job description' for the position, in order to give better direction to students who occupy the post. Such duties may include contacting student regent delegate; identifying the student issues; being in touch with the UCSA groups; developing student activism, etc.

SCOM Representative Nancyjean Tubbs (UCR) also spoke in support of the amendment, and amplified the importance of student concerns within UCLGBTIA and campus resource centers. She also gave a pitch for the 2003 conference, to be held at UC Riverside.

No other speakers for or against the proposal. Proposal moved to a vote.

Secretary Winters read from the UCLGBTIA constitution on rules regarding General Assembly votes, and of the 3/4ths vote required for passage of a 'special decision' to modify the Constitution, and the prohibition on proxy voting. (Please see UCLGBTIA Constitution, Article VI on General Assembly).

After a brief caucus, the question was called and campuses registered their votes.

The amendment passed by a vote of 28-0. (Full tally of campus votes included below.)

No other business was entertained and the General Assembly adjourned at approximately 9:05 a.m.

TEXT OF STUDENT CO-CHAIR PROPOSAL:

MOTION before the General Assembly

Approved by Steering Committee for consideration at 10/01 meeting at UC Riverside.

Upon Ratification by the General Assembly, this proposal would take immediate effect and nominations for all officers are declared open and remain open until elections at the Spring Steering Committee meeting (set for April 27, 2002 at UCSD).

That Sections B and E of Article VII of the UCLGBTIA Constitution be amended as follows (amendments in italics):

B. Composition of Steering Committee
7. Officers
The Steering Committee elects the following officers:
Chair, Vice Chair, Student Chair and a Recording Secretary.
8. Qualifications for Officers
Steering Committee Officers must have been members of the UCLGBTIA, for at least one (1) academic period (defined as quarter or semester) and have attended at least one Steering Committee meeting prior to their election. The Student Vice Chair must be an undergraduate or graduate UC student.
9. Terms of Offices. Duties and Responsibilities of Officers Defined:
a. Chair/Vice Chair/Student Chair- (referred to collectively as "co-chairs") are elected by the Steering Committee

E. Election of Steering Committee Officers
7. Duration of Term
a. The Chair and Vice Chair shall serve two-year terms. The Student Chair shall serve a one-year term. Officers and workgroup chairs may serve for a maximum of 2 consecutive terms.

Vote Tally of General Assembly, February 23, 2002:
Campus Yea Nea

UC Berkeley 1
UC Davis 4
UC Irvine 4
UC Los Angeles 2
UC Merced 1
UC Office of President 1
UC Riverside 2
UC San Diego 4
UC San Francisco 1
UC Santa Barbara 4
UC Santa Cruz 4
Not Present:
LBNL
LLNL
LANL

Amendment passes 28-0