By Harry Mok

The UC Commission on the Future plans the first of two public forums on Dec. 8 in San Francisco to gather input as it develops a new vision for the university.

Launched in September, the commission's goal is to create a roadmap for the University of California that affirms its core values of excellence and access while addressing state funding cutbacks.

"These public forums are another effort to engage Californians in a conversation about the future of their public research university," said UC President Mark Yudof, who co-chairs the commission with Board of Regents Chairman Russell Gould. "As the commission's working groups take shape, it is essential that we hear from all quarters about the things Californians most need and value from the University of California — and that we also hear a broad spectrum of ideas about potential solutions to the fiscal challenge we face."

The Dec. 8 public forum is scheduled at the UCSF Mission Bay Community Center, 1675 Owens St., from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. The commission wants a wide array of ideas on how UC can maintain quality and access. Faculty, staff, students, alumni and others who have an interest in higher education are invited to participate. The second public forum is scheduled for January in Southern California. A location and date will be announced on the commission's Web site in January.

In addition, members of the commission are holding town hall meetings at each UC campus to solicit feedback and hear ideas. The last two are scheduled for Berkeley on Dec. 3 and UCLA on Dec. 7.

The commission has created five working groups that will make recommendations for defining UC's priorities for its size and shape, its education and curriculum policies, ensuring access and affordability, its funding strategies and its research strategies. Members of the working groups include Regents, faculty, students, alumni, administration, staff and other experts not affiliated with UC. In March, the groups will give their recommendations to the full commission at their final meeting.

Harry Mok is principal editor in the UC Office of the President's Integrated Communications group.