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Tuesday, November 25, 1997

Students voice dissent over technology fee

USAC: Initiative's benefits questioned by protesters; per unit cost also criticized

By Stefanie Wong

Daily Bruin Staff

In the grand tradition of UCLA rallies, students came together to protest an administrative decision they deemed unfair and unnecessary.

Approximately 30 students chanted and rallied in front of Murphy Hall Monday morning to protest a fee the administration says is designed to improve the quality of education and technology at UCLA.

The Instruction Enhancement Initiative (IEI) was a new campus-based fee levied for the first time this quarter in order to develop web sites for courses in the School of Letters & Science.

Students raised concern and disgust over the $2.50 and $3.50 per unit fee about two weeks ago when billing statements were sent out.

"Student government has received a lot of student inquiries about the fee," said USAC President Kandea Mosley.

At the rally, sponsored by USAC and the Graduate Student Association (GSA), students were given the opportunity to voice their dissent over IEI.

Several students stepped up to the microphone to voice their disgust and unhappiness.

"I don't know why (the web sites) are helpful. I haven't seen the results," said Rebecca Rosen, a second-year music student, who says she will not support the initiative until obvious benefits are presented.

"There's nothing on the sites, so I don't understand what we're paying for," added Nanette Barragan, a third-year political science student.

Rally participants also carried signs that read "No more fees! I have no money" and "Don't make me choose between my education and paying my rent."

Most of the complaints of the morning focused on the apparent lack of benefits from the web sites and the fact that students were not notified of the initiative until they received the billing statements.

The late billing statements also created the concern of having holds placed on records and students not being able to register for next quarter's classes. However, the deadline for fee payment has been extended until Dec. 19.

Many students have complained that the IEI fees were not added into the registration fees, although the assessment could not take place until students' units were finalized.

After the open mike session, the group proceeded through the halls of Murphy Hall to the office of the provost of the School of Letters & Science to file formal complaints about IEI.

"We need people to know that students aren't going to take it anymore," said Ahmad Shama, a third-year computer science student.

While IEI is only levied on undergraduate students, it is also an issue that addresses the interests of graduate students, prompting the involvement of GSA.

According to GSA President Andrew Westall, teaching assistants are usually the ones who work on creating and maintaining the course web sites.

But the money that undergraduates pay only goes toward the technology and not increasing the pay of the teaching assistants.

Members of the administration were happy to see students active and rallying around an issue they felt important.

"This is a student tradition and a way to express issues of concern. We support their involvement, but it is important that they know the facts and have a clear understanding," said Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Winston Doby.

One misconception many students held was that it was Chancellor Albert Carnesale who approved the initiative when it really was former Chancellor Charles Young, who implemented IEI before he retired in June.

"I don't have to defend the decision because I didn't make it," Carnesale said during Monday's Townhall meeting.

Carnesale will continue with the initiative and has expressed no interest in reversing its implementation. He plans on keeping with the initiative because the original agreement states that IEI will be implemented for three years, after which a full review of the program will be made.

At that time, the administration will decide to expand, continue or completely do away with the initiative.

However, the temporary nature of IEI still brings concerns to students and members of the undergraduate council.

"Why should we be forced to pay for something that is experimental?" Mosley said.

The rally was scheduled to occur an hour before the chancellor's Townhall meeting, where Carnesale wanted an opportunity to meet members of the UCLA community and to answer their questions and concerns.

"(I am) determined to avoid isolation from students, faculty and citizens," Carnesale said.

Approximately 150 people attended the one-hour forum, including students, administrators, faculty and staff members.

Questions from the audience ranged from IEI, to the proposed Turkish studies endowment, to diversity at UCLA. Overall, attendants of the meeting felt that it was very successful and a good way to meet the chancellor.

"I really appreciate this opportunity to ask questions and express ideas," said Michael Wong, a fourth-year psychology student.

Carnesale agreed, saying that he felt the event went well and that he was able to gain a better understanding of the students.

"I found it very valuable, and I appreciated the opportunity," he said.

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