I've decided that my first column will be a relatively generic 'Why I go to Berkeley' sort of thing. I'll try and do a first draft this weekend.

New (anonymous) blogger out there: Res Ipsa Loquitor.

Today's post will be on the ASUC, because I miss it already.

From talking with new AAVP Tony Falcone, I got a better sense of the management difference between Student Action and everyone else. Usually I just deride it as management by High School politics. But in a more scientific sense, it's a way of building a community in the office. (So I'm told.) The idea is that ASUC projects require small, loosely formed teams capable of putting something together quickly. Since a formalized command structure inhibits these kinds of projects, Community Management is much more appropriate. Hence the policy of defining Project Managers and Interns as the major two levels, and building an 'Office of the President' mentality that fosters teamwork and intitiative. The idea being that when AAVP Tony needs a project done, he can assign a Director quickly, and that Director can easily put together a good team from the available workers. Also, the system builds loyalty to the office that isn't dependent on the often boring and unpaid work being performed.

As I told Tony, I'm more partial to the formal atmosphere, like how the Student Advocate runs their office. It should build expertise over time, instead of the same pool of dedicated but unskilled interns. Plus I'd rather have interns dedicated to the job, not the office, as unrealistic as that may be.

But it is good to know the offices aren't being run by autopiloting former High School Presidents.Email This Post!