The AS Senate is a group of elected student representatives which serves as the policy-making body of Associated Students. Every Wednesday at 6:30 PM, the AS Senate convenes to pass bills and resolutions, hear reports from Boards, Committees, and Units (BCUs), and hold public forum.
KCSB’s Tatiana Jacquez brings you a recap of their latest meeting on January 21st, 2026.
Alex Borgas returned to the Senate to update regarding their oceans and marine protected areas campaign. He also addressed the organization’s statewide textbooks campaign, which is currently conducting surveys across the UC system on textbook costs.
President Le Anh Metzger gave a presentation for a $43,300 General Funding Request. $11,300 of the request would be allocated for special projects and the remaining $32,300 would add five additional staff members to her office. Senators expressed concerns with the number, and discussed formalizing the request with a breakdown of the budget, specifying how the $43,000 would be used.
The Senate ended their meeting by entering closed session to discuss staff organization, alongside “internal job descriptions and affairs”.
Allocations from this meeting include:
The Senate approved $175 from Outreach Committee for a park rental space in Isla Vista to host an AS food truck event.
Notable Bills Referred to Committee:
A Resolution Condemning Antisemitism (Harter): This positional resolution condemns acts of antisemitism on-campus, and reaffirms AS’s commtiment to creating a safe and respectful campus. It was authored following reports by campus officials of a swastika drawn in an Isla Vista residence. This bill was referred to Outreach Committee.
Bills Adopted:
A Resolution Supporting the Integration of Gaucho Bucks into Meal Plans (Malhis-Wang): This positional resolution supports adding Gaucho Bucks into existing meal plans, and adding retail swipes and dining dollars.
A Bill to Establish Standing Policy 44: Use of Artificial Intelligence and Large Language Models in ASUCSB (Pascher-Luken): This bill clarifies acceptable uses of different types of artificial intelligence within Associated Students, and aims to create transparent use. Acceptable uses include AI-assisted research, when processing large data points, generating graphics (i.e. posters, logos), drafting emails, and minute-taking, amongst other writing assistance needs. The policy would be enforced through the Office of the Attorney General.
