Office of the Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs
405 Aldrich Hall, Irvine, CA 92697-5180
(949) 824-4804 | (949) 824-2763 fax | vcsa@uci.edu
studentaffairs.uci.edu
Thomas A. Parham, Ph.D.
Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs
June 28,2016 Dear Mr. Shawn Steel, This message relates to the June 2, 2016 event sponsored by the College Republicans at UCI and the subsequent decision by UCI Student Center and Event Services to revoke the group’s booking privileges. We are aware of media reports that the College Republicans at UCI do not intend to submit an appeal to the Office of the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs regarding the UCI Student Center and Event Services initial decision. As in all things however, we cannot rely on media reports to determine how we respond to campus issues. Consequently, we have decided to move forward to bring a more timely closure to this issue. As you know, on June 23, I rescinded the decision by UCI Student Center and Event Services, pending the anticipated appeal by the College Republicans. Due to my travel schedule, and absent any appeal received to date, I have decided to expedite the review. I have conducted an analysis of the information available regarding the June 2 event. The information indicates that the College Republicans failed to provide proof of insurance for security brought to the campus for the event. In the UCI Student Center and Event Services (SCES) “Guidelines and Procedures for Non-Compliance”, this matter is addressed as a Level II Infraction:
Level II Infraction
•
Having an off-campus vendor provide equipment or services in support of an event without obtaining the required insurance/documentation/permissions As a result of this violation, UCI Student Center and Event Services has the authority to impose the following:
Level II Outcome of Infraction
1.
First-time Level II non-compliance, a verbal warning will be given and the group will receive a directive to stop non-compliant act. 2.
Any continued non-compliance after the verbal warning, the organization’s reservation status will be changed to “Suspended” and will result in reservation privileges being suspended for the remainder of the quarter and the three consecutive quarters (including summer). While it is clear that the College Republicans did not provide the appropriate insurance verification for the event, it is unclear whether they understood the specific instructions to them regarding this requirement to be a warning. Of great concern is that despite receiving strong advisement to secure the proof of insurance, the College Republicans disregarded that advice. I am unsure if this was due to their lack of organization and last minute decision to hire private security or poor advising from their club advisors. Based on my review of this matter, I have decided that the appropriate outcome for the group’s failure to
2 obtain the required proof of insurance is a warning. This is consistent with the SCES policies “First-time Level II non-compliance, a verbal warning will be given and the group will receive a directive to stop non-compliant act.” This letter serves as the warning and is given under my authority as Vice Chancellor Student Affairs. I originally indicated that I would consider an appeal of the revocation of the groups’ privilege by July 1. If the College Republicans would like me to consider any new information, I invite them to submit information to my Chief of Staff Edgar Dormitorio by July 1. If they do not plan to submit any further information, we would appreciate a response from you indicating such and we would consider this decision to be final. Lastly, as we have already indicated to you, the College Republicans have never had their status as a campus organization revoked and currently, it remains intact pending registration this next academic year as an official registered campus organization. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Chief of Staff Dormitorio at (949) 824-4804 or ejdormit@uci.edu. Sincerely, Thomas A. Parham Vice Chancellor Student Affairs Cc: Edgar Dormitorio, Chief of Staff Reference: Student Center and Event Services “Guidelines and Procedures for Non-Compliance” http://conferencecenter.uci.edu/home/student-organizations/guidelines-and-procedures-for-non-compliance/