Regents finally make room for staff at table

By David T. Miller

"It won't happen — there simply is no more room at the table," said then-UC Regent John Davies during his presentation at the Council of UC Staff Assemblies (CUCSA) quarterly meeting back in February 2003 at UC Santa Cruz.

As the UCLA senior delegate to CUCSA that year, I sat listening to him in utter disbelief. I couldn't imagine that the concept of a staff voice at the regents' table boiled down to a discussion about space planning rather than the value of establishing a staff presence alongside our alumni, student and faculty colleagues — a voice that can bring a new perspective to the discussion of the complex issues that come before the Board of Regents.

I am delighted that, as a result of the unanimous vote of the regents on Jan. 18, we now have two seats at the table. Of course, it required incredible focus and dedication, as well as the deep commitment of President Robert C. Dynes, Associate President Linda Williams and a host of others, in order to bring about this historic opportunity for UC staff.

Why is it important for staff to have a place at the regents' table? Here's why: Not only does this action by the regents complete the full complement of all UC constituencies, but it is critical for the voice of staff to be heard as a part of the decision-making process for this enormous enterprise.

I am extremely proud of the work that we do as UC staff to maintain the quality of the university, making it the premier public university system in the country. There is no branch of the UC family that touches every part of the university like the staff.

As I told the regents during a presentation last year, "we are on every floor of every building on every campus in the system." No other UC constituency can claim this.

Our perspective is unique, and our voice will now become stronger as the brilliant, collaborative and passionate staff advisors who succeed me take their place at the table to work along with the rest of our UC family, enhancing the excellence of the University of California.

I would argue that if the university is to make sound decisions that affect the more than 150,000 UC staff, there must be room at the table. I am elated that the Board of Regents agree.

Miller, one of two current staff advisors to the UC Board of Regents, is client services manager in Communications Technology Services at UCLA. Eligible staff and non-Senate academic employees may now apply to be the 2007-08 staff advisor-designate to the regents. Deadline to apply is Feb. 28. For details, go to www.ucop.edu/staffadvisorpgm.