Last month, UC Merced’s students voted to invest in their own future by approving a referendum to raise fees from $10 each semester to $65.
Having students agree to dig into their own wallets for the greater good is an achievement not lost on Uday Bali, president of the Associated Students of UC Merced.
“The passage of the referendum shows two things: The students are in support of ASUCM and its efforts, and they are interested in making UC Merced a better place,” Bali said recently.
According to ASUCM officials, the increase in student fees will enable the organization to offer more financial support for student clubs and activities. The fee increase will also help low-income students; 25 percent of the total fee goes directly to financial aid to support its efforts in making UC Merced an affordable option to prospective students.
“It’s one of the greatest achievements for student government and for UC Merced as a whole,” Bali said. “I believe the students have invested in something they feel is necessary and important.”
And that investment portends a level of trust Bali doesn’t take lightly.
“This puts a lot of responsibility on the shoulders of student government,” he said. “We must do more and strive for even more now that we have the funding to do it.”
One thing Bali is passionate about is pushing Bobcat spirit.
“Just because we don’t have division sports, doesn’t mean we don’t have spirit,” he said. “No matter how cheesy it sounds, we’re proud we will be loud.”
Advocacy is also something ASUCM is taking a larger role in. As an environmental engineering major with an emphasis in solar energy, Bali is personally interested in making strides in the campus’ endeavors toward sustainability and environmental friendliness. In hopes of accomplishing that, he’s working on the research staff of Professor Roland Winston, who is a noted expert in the field of solar power and renewable energy.
“I’d love to see more solar panels on campus,” he said.
According to Bali, ASUCM has much in store for students next semester, including expanding Research Day into a full week of discussions and events in mid-February. For students interested in leadership, it’s never too late to volunteer.
“We’re always looking for students to get involved,” Bali said. “And we work very hard to match our needs with what students are passionate about so they feel they can benefit personally from their efforts.
