Historical background and links to sources on current issues.

Whose University? Our University!

The University of California system is the result of a commitment by Californians to create a top university system, accessible to a diverse group of students. It is the product of generations of taxpayer contributions and the hard work of Undergraduate and Graduate Students, Lecturers, Librarians, Senate Faculty and Staff.
It belongs to us!

California Master Plan - 1960
The UC Regents and the California Legislature passed the California Master Plan. The UC system was the jewel in the crown of the master plan, a group of world-class universities where a diverse student and faculty population collectively take part in the creation of new knowledge.

The plan called for “[t]he establishment of the principle of universal access and choice.” It reaffirmed “California’s long-time commitment to the principle of tuition-free education to residents of the state.” Student aid would ensure that family income did not determine who could receive an education at UC.
More info on Master Plan at: www.ucop.edu

The University of California Belongs to ALL WHO CREATED IT!


Our University Under Attack

Proposition 13 – 1978
Prop 13 reduced property taxes by 57% — and thus radically reduced property tax revenues for the state. Thus began a long-term funding crisis for higher education and other state-funded programs. Corporations have benefited disproportionately from the 1% tax ceiling Prop 13 created – individuals buy and sell homes (and property value is reassessed) more frequently than corporations sell their real estate. Corporations can also avoid reassessment of property values by using “shell corporations” to ensure continuity of ownership.

Prop 13 also amended the state constitution, requiring a two-thirds vote of the legislature to increase state taxes. A 2/3 vote is also required to pass a state budget.

Compact on Higher Education - 2004
Governor Schwarzenegger, UC President Robert Dynes, and CSU Chancellor Charles Read signed the Compact on Higher Education. The Compact represents a fundamental shift away from state funding of UC and CSU, turning this responsibility over to private sources such as student fees and fundraising.

The Compact states, “In order to help maintain quality and enhance academic and research programs, UC will continue to seek additional private resources and maximize other fund sources available to the University to support basic programs.” Once new funds come solely from private hands, will public control survive-- even though we built the UC?
For more info, see: keepcaliforniaspromise.org

Budget Crisis -2009
During the summer, the Regents granted UC President Mark Yudof “emergency powers.” University management has now imposed furloughs—mandatory unpaid days off-- on Senate faculty and other employees. Since lecturers (non-Senate faculty whose sole duties are teaching) are unionized, the University could not unilaterally impose pay cuts. However, after management forbade Senate faculty from taking furlough on teaching days, they withdrew the demand for lecturer furloughs. Still, lecturers will surely face a demand for cuts when contract negotiations open this winter.

Where’s the Money?
Cuts of approximately 800 million dollars over two years equal around 2% of UC's total operating budget for those years. That is, 98% of UC's total operating budget remains intact! 42% of UC's total annual operating budget comes from auxiliary services (medical centers, housing, parking, etc.) Contrary to the Regents’ position, use of this money is not restricted by law, but only by choice. Using some auxiliary money could limit the impact of reduced state funds on the university. Further proof of the UC’s financial health is its recent AAA bond rating, which cited unrestricted monies available to the university. Executive compensation includes a great deal of bonus money, but only base pay was subject to wage cuts--meaning many administrators suffered a smaller % cut than other employees, though they make far more. President Yudof “earns” $800,000.


Students: Getting Less, and Paying More

What happens to lecturers and librarians directly affects the educational experience of students at UC.
The working conditions of UC employees are the learning conditions of UC students.

Getting Less -- Cuts to the number of lecturers reflects the reality of fewer courses available to undergraduates, less choice in courses, and more difficulty in graduating on time.

Cuts to the library budget mean reduced access to the guidance of librarians, and to books and other library materials.

Paying More -- In addition to previous fee hikes, the Regents are considering another 32% increase for next year. This represents an abandonment of the Master Plan’s commitment to keep UC’s doors open to qualified students – regardless of wealth. In addition, since 2001, state aid per student at UC has dropped 50% (fiscal 2001-2 through 2008-9).


For more information:
Pay of UC employees - forum.ucpay.globl.org
Discussions about the UC - changinguniversities.blogspot.com
utotherescue.blogspot.com
Information and links regarding the UC Budget, Priorities, etc. - keepcaliforniaspromise.org
To sign the student petition go to: www.ucstudentwalkout.com/