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Fourth-year philosophy student Richard Vulich, left, and fifth-year philosophy student Mike Caffe

While most student groups avoid using names that form crudely denoted acronyms, one young club jokes that the acronym “ASS” fits its light-hearted style.

The Associated Secular Students was formed in fall 2002 with the goal of facilitating rational discussion of a variety of subjects concerning theology, according to Co-founder Richard Vulich.

“Our name shows that we are straightforward – and with a sense of humor,” he said.

A third-year philosophy student, Vulich was disappointed to find no secular humanist club when he arrived at UCLA this past year.

When he shared this frustration with his friend Michael Caffell, a fourth-year philosophy student, the two decided to take action by founding the association.

“Though many students assume we are all atheists opposed to religion, in fact we respect it. But theology is too often accepted blindly and not questioned enough,” Vulich said.

The organization promotes free-thinking in an environment that “breeds rational discussion free from reproach,” he added.

Caffell said the student community was enthusiastic and grateful to have such a thought-provoking outlet.

“There was a vacuum to be filled, and we were the group to fill it,” said Vulich. “It took a while to get the club started, but by spring 2002 it was in full swing.”

He added that with a member list of almost 40 students, and about 15 people attending the weekly meetings, the club is growing in popularity.

“At the residential fair, many students were eager to vent about things they really hadn’t had the opportunity to talk about in their high school environments,” Caffell said.

Emmanuel Masongsong, a fifth-year biochemistry student and leader of ASS, said he values the laid-back and up-front nature of the group. He fits the meetings into his busy schedule between sitar lessons and a medical internship.

“I grew up in a religious household, and my mom doesn’t understand when I tell her I’m not like that,” Masongsong said.

“With this club, I feel free to talk about what I think without pretending, and without being pressured to be someone I’m not,” he added.

Group meetings cover religiously themed debate topics such as the historical accuracy of biblical events and the separation of church and state, Vulich said.

Weekly discussion topics are advertised at the club’s booth on Bruin Walk, so that students can think about the specific subjects before attending the meetings, he said.

Caffell said it is important to have an organization like ASS on a campus. With its unconventional flair, it provides a necessary contrast and balance to the many religion-based groups, he said.

“I think it is important to be open about what we think. We don’t push our beliefs or pressure people to join. Rather, we encourage others to think for themselves, often playing devil’s advocate and always keeping an open mind,” Vulich said.

“Despite our funny name, we are a club with serious goals,” he added.