UC Berkeley students hope to pass community based referendum for student body

BERKELEY, Calif. (KGO) -- Some UC students are now being asked to support a number of student-led referendums which would jack up the price of student fees. The most talked about is the "Big C" referendum.

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The "C" refers to community. It's a referendum asking students to help fund seven spaces and centers that support and help minority student groups on campus.

"There are centers on this campus doing that job, doing that work and their funding is being cut every single year with budget cuts," said Fechukwu Okeke, the referendum manager.

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The referendum is asking students to pay $29 per semester, or $58 a year to expand their services and hire more people.

So far, it appears the referendum may have the support it needs to pass.

"I totally understand why this is so important to us to lift those who are most marginalized in our campus community," said Andre Luu, a UC student.

In a 2013 campus-climate survey, one in four students at Cal said they experience exclusion.

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Kathy Tran is an intern at the multicultural community center. She says these spaces offer her a place to gain confidence.

"When we come to campus, it's just not about academic retention but it's also about building some similar bonds with people who may relate to you," said Kathy Tran, a UC student.

Students have until Wednesday at midnight to cast their vote.