Although both candidates are qualified and have similar platforms, we endorse Darren Ramalho for Academic Affairs commissioner because of his preparedness and the specificity of his plans.
Ramalho has extensive experience with academic entities on campus, particularly with his time on the Faculty Executive Committee this year.
Ramalho plans to foster closer relations between administrators and students, to start a student advisory board for online education and to expand USAC outreach to transfer students.
For each of these platforms, Ramalho had specific plans in place and had already spoken to several people about them. To accomplish his goal of connecting students with administrators, he said he hopes to host several events where both can mingle in an informal setting. Ramalho has already contacted several administrators who expressed interest in such a program. This demonstrates his enthusiasm and strong planning abilities.
Ramalho’s plan to create an online advisory board is particularly important because of the University of California’s growing focus on online education. Creating a board of students to work with the Academic Senate will help bring the students’ voice to a discussion where it can sometimes go unheard.
Ramalho aims to continue pushing for the creation of a diversity requirement, which has failed several times in the past. We urge Ramalho to explore new ways to educate students about different cultures.
Ultimately, both candidates are qualified and have good ideas, but we think Ramalho has the greater potential to accomplish his platforms efficiently.
