University of California Budget News

August 4, 2010

UC VP budget: Dem budget plan makes higher ed a priority

Statement from Patrick Lenz, vice president-budget, University of California, about the latest budget proposal from state Assembly and Senate Democrats:

We’re grateful that the latest budget proposal offered by the Democratic leadership of the Assembly and Senate keeps funding of higher education exactly the same as what Gov. Schwarzenegger is proposing. While we recognize that balancing the state budget is extremely challenging, it’s heartening that funding of higher education continues to be a high priority for legislators as well as the governor. We strongly support efforts to increase federal funds coming to California, and stand ready to assist state policy makers in any way we can.

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• Category: State budget

May 25, 2010

CA Speaker Perez budget supports UC, CSU

Assembly Speaker John Perez introduced a state budget plan that includes $900 million for higher education and reduces student fee increases 50 percent, saving UC students $628. His California Jobs Budget seeks to create jobs, avoid the steep cuts proposed in the governor’s budget and impose an oil severance tax.

• Category: State budget

May 25, 2010

LA Times: Leaner, smarter UC to emerge

UC’s administrative efficiencies efforts will make it a stronger organization, according to an editorial in the LA Times. Legislators, however, should not see the cost-saving move as a reason to cut more of UC’s budget.

• Category: In the media, Op-eds, State budget, Uncategorized

May 19, 2010

UC efficiency initiative to save millions

A systemwide effort to cut costs through continuing operational efficiencies and campus restructuring is in the works at the University of California. UC budget administrators gave a rundown to UC Regents Wednesday (May 19). “Every dollar we save in operating costs is a dollar that can go toward preserving the academic and research mission,”  said Nathan Brostrom, executive vice president of business operations. “We’ve done a lot in the past few years to cut costs, and now we’re looking more broadly.”

• Category: Campus cuts, State budget, UC's options

April 28, 2010

Schwarzenegger won’t sign budget without higher ed funds

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has committed to restoring funding for California’s public colleges and universities. He says he won’t sign a state budget unless it includes the financial support he has proposed for UC, CSU and the community colleges.

• Category: State budget

April 23, 2010

PPIC report: New goals for the Master Plan

The California Master Plan for Higher Education will be 50 years old on April 27.  The Public Policy Institute of California is calling for an update to deal with the shortage of college educated workers the state faces - 1 million by 2025. In a new report, the institute suggests new goals for UC, CSU and California community colleges in key areas: eligibility levels, transfer processes and degree completion.

• Category: In the media

March 15, 2010

Higher ed drives state economic development

Universities across the United States are leading innovations that contribute to the economic health of a region, according to a report from the Nelson A. Rockefeller Institute of Government. These institutes of higher education are offering assistance to businesses and helping to revitalized communities in addition to their traditional roles as centers of research.

• Category: In the media

March 11, 2010

16.4% jump in California undergrads forecast by 2019

The California Postsecondary Education Commission is predicting that California’s public universities and colleges will be asked to serve  387,000 more undergraduates in 2019 than they enrolled in 2008. That’s bad news for UC, CSU and the states’ community colleges. All three systems of public higher education have begun limiting enrollment to cope with two years of cutbacks in state funding. CPEC estimates a funding need of  $139 million annually over the next 10 years to satisfy undergraduate demand. That’s just for operational costs, not the buildings and labs to teach in nor the costs for graduate education.  Download the CPEC report.

• Category: Campus cuts, Latest numbers, State budget, Student fees

March 10, 2010

UCLA chancellor on strategies for the future

During a visit to Washington, UCLA Chancellor Gene Block talked with the National Journal about dealing with the financial crisis on his campus. His Q&A interview covers restructuring administration, trimming courses and raising more private money.

• Category: Federal budget, In the media, State budget, Student fees

March 10, 2010

CPEC report: California colleges still a bargain

A California Postsecondary Education Commission report compares the fees at UC, CSU and California Community Colleges to colleges in other states and finds that California’s public higher education institutions are a relative bargain.

• Category: Student fees