UC San Diego doctoral student Hayley Weddle has been nominated to be the 45th UC student regent beginning in 2019.

At the UC Board of Regents meeting in July, the board will vote to appoint Weddle as the 2018-19 UC student regent-designate. According to the UC regents special committee that nominated her, Weddle was selected out of 40 applicants from campuses across the UC system.

The student regent-designate uses their first year to learn from the current student regent about the various issues that are taking place within the university. They also assist the student regent with meeting their goals for the year, according to outgoing Student Regent-designate Devon Graves, who will take over as student regent in July.

“I am extremely passionate about promoting policies and initiatives to address food and housing insecurity, as well as efforts to prevent sexual violence and harassment,” Weddle said.

Weddle said she also recognizes that relationship building will be a key piece of her position, as several new regents will be appointed in the coming months. Weddle added that she looks forward to working collaboratively with the regents to ensure that decisions are informed by a broad range of students’ experiences.

Weddle graduated summa cum laude from UC Santa Barbara in 2011, received her master’s degree in postsecondary educational leadership from San Diego State University in 2013 and became a doctoral student at UC San Diego in fall 2016.

Weddle cited her work as an adviser and operations manager for the Associated Students of UC San Diego as the reason she wanted to pursue student advocacy.

“(It) taught me about the power of collective advocacy and illustrated students’ abilities to meaningfully improve campus life,” Weddle said. “I am very grateful to have spent years working with students who inspire me to serve the UC as best I can.”

Weddle said she would work to continue initiatives begun by her predecessors, Paul Monge and Graves. She wants to continue promoting student retention and UC affordability, especially in regard to supporting students’ basic needs.

Monge, who was on the special committee that nominated Weddle, said she “has a great attitude and a long history in the UC system.” He added that because the position is a “really important platform to advocate for UC students,” the job of the student regent requires flexibility.

“There are so many issues that demand your attention,” Monge said. “It is good (to come) with a vision and a plan, but equally important to respond to new issues.”

Weddle is currently a member of the UC’s systemwide Title IX Student Advisory Board, which serves as a liaison between students and the UC regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment prevention efforts. She will also remain co-chair of the UCSD Basic Needs Committee.

Monge and Graves have been extremely supportive of Weddle as she transitions into the role of regent-designate, Weddle said. She stated that she is also grateful for the opportunity to work with them because both are dedicated advocates for students and social justice.

“I feel extremely grateful for the opportunity to serve the university and its students at such a high level,” Weddle said.