The Associated Students of Laney College (ASLC) approved two propositions as well as multiple changes to its constitution for inclusion on next month’s ballots at its March 6 meeting.
The first proposition seeks to give more access and equity in shared governance of Laney College in cases where students are concerned by increasing the ASLC’s representation on governing bodies.
According to the official language of the ASLC resolution which placed the measure on the ballot, “[W]e, the student body, urge the Chancellor of the PCCD to meet with the District Academic Senate, District Classified Senate, and Peralta Student Council to develop and implement a board policy prior to the beginning of the Fall 2014 semester that would allow students more access and equity in decision-making.”
The second proposition would require $2 fee per student, per semester for student-representation. The revenues would be utilized for the purposes of student advocacy, travel expenses to conferences, and student outreach.
Section 76065.5 of the California State Education Code, which allows for such fees, stipulates that voter turnout must equal or exceed the average voter turnout in the previous three elections in order for the student-representation fee to take effect.
Both propositions were presented by ASLC President Carl Oliver and would require a simple majority vote by the student body for ratification.
By contrast, a two-thirds majority vote by the student body would be necessary to approve proposed changes to the ASLC constitution. The changes, presented to the ASLC Student Council by Secretary Edward Chavez, are numerous.
Notable among the changes (if ratified) to the ASLC constitution are:

• Stricken from the preamble will be “We recognize that student body authority and powers are derived from the Board of Trustees of the Peralta Community College District. As a result, we recognize and adhere to the line of authority exercised through the President of Laney College, Vice President of Student Services, Dean of Student Services, and the Student Activities Advisor.”
• The office of Secretary will be split into two offices, Secretary of External Affairs and Secretary of Internal Operations.
• A new position, “Student Advocate,” would be created.
• A new section would be added to Article IV, making the ASLC responsible for room allocation in the Student Center and management of Fund 82, as well as approval of use of the Student Center. In addition, all revenues from rental of the Student Body Center would go into the ASLC General Fund.
  Article IX, Section 3, would contain the following, “Funds can be expended from budget line items with the authorization of the President, Vice-President, and Treasurer of the ASLC.”