ASUC Senator Stanković

Platform

Lucia's Platform for Inclusivity, Equity, and Opportunity

A comprehensive policy agenda addressing the most pressing needs of Berkeley students — from food security and campus safety to career access and international student rights.

01

Basic Needs & Community

Food Security & Community Support

  • Establish a meal swipe donation program to allow students to donate unused swipes to peers in need.
  • Expand partnerships with the Berkeley Student Food Collective and advocate for the basic needs Food Pantry expansion, securing more funding for perishable and fresh food.
  • Implement a digital food security map, showing students real-time updates on available food resources, discounts, and emergency meal assistance.

Housing Accessibility & Affordability

  • Secure guaranteed winter break housing for students who are unable to return home due to financial or visa restrictions.
  • Expand themed housing options for marginalized student communities, including international student housing, first-gen housing, and cultural affinity floors.
  • Advocate for additional on-campus housing to reduce reliance on Berkeley's expensive off-campus housing market.

Financial Aid & Healthcare Accessibility

  • Expand scholarship and financial aid opportunities for international, low-income, and undocumented students.
  • Advocate for clearer SHIP (Student Health Insurance Plan) guidance, ensuring students understand their coverage, costs, and referral processes.
  • Create a centralized financial and wellness hub, combining resources for emergency aid, healthcare access, and housing assistance.

02

Student Safety & Harm Reduction

Campus Safety & SVSH Prevention

  • Expand advertisement for BearWalk & night safety services, improving coverage to high-risk areas such as Southside and other off-campus housing zones.
  • Increase the number of blue light emergency stations in poorly lit or high-traffic areas.
  • Push for mandatory consent & bystander intervention training for all registered student organizations on campus.

Greek Life & Harm Reduction Initiatives

  • Implement mandatory overdose prevention policies by partnering with the IFC and Panhellenic Council to require Naloxone (Narcan) training at all registered Greek events.
  • Expand peer-led harm reduction training by integrating PartySafe@Cal and developing Greek-specific education on substance safety.
  • Strengthen risk management training by mandating comprehensive substance safety and bystander intervention programs using Bears That Care models.

Mental Health & Crisis Response

  • Reduce wait times for counseling appointments by pushing for increased mental health staffing and expanded urgent care availability.
  • Increase awareness and accessibility of crisis services through outreach campaigns and digital campus-wide initiatives.
  • Increase representation of diverse counselors to better support international students, students of color, LGBTQ+ students, and other underrepresented communities.

03

Professional Development & Career Access

Career Access & Job Opportunities

  • Remove work authorization restrictions on several on-campus jobs, ensuring more job opportunities for international and undocumented students.
  • Advocate for a comprehensive student employment portal, with listings of on-campus research assistantships, fellowships, and part-time job opportunities.

CPT/OPT & Work Authorization Advocacy

  • Work with OISA to streamline CPT/OPT approval timelines, reducing delays for international students.
  • Reform major restrictions to allow international students to pursue internships based on their skills and career goals.

Internship & Job Portal for International Students

  • Develop a website that compiles internships, jobs, and fellowships explicitly open to international students.
  • Partner with Berkeley Career Services and employers to expand internship pathways for students requiring work sponsorship.
  • Partner with Berkeley Career Engagement to plan and facilitate industry-specific workshops on job applications, networking, and employer sponsorship.

04

International Student Advocacy

Legal, Work, & Visa Support

  • Expand the ASUC Student Legal Clinic to offer pro bono legal guidance on visas, work authorization, tenant rights, and travel restrictions.
  • Advocate for increased staffing at BIO to expand advising hours and improve clarity on complex visa and work authorization procedures.
  • Create a digital visa resource hub to simplify work eligibility, tax filing, and post-graduation immigration pathways.

Housing Support

  • Secure guaranteed winter break housing for international students who cannot travel home due to visa restrictions or financial hardship.
  • Work with Berkeley City Council to pass increased tenant protections for students renting off-campus.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

  • Expand scholarships for international students by pushing for increased privately funded financial aid initiatives.
  • Advocate for financial emergency relief options to assist students facing unexpected hardships.
  • Provide clearer financial literacy resources, ensuring international students understand tuition payment options, banking services, and tax filing requirements.