UC Postpones Board of Regents Meeting, Fears for Public Safety

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As University of California and Cal State students statewide prepare to protest impending tuition hikes today, UC has postponed its bi-monthly Board of Regents meeting due to security threats.

UC law enforcement officials approached the board last week after receiving "information indicating that rogue elements intent on violence and confrontation with UC public safety officers were planning to attach themselves to peaceful demonstrations expected to occur at the meeting" from various sources, according to a UC Newsroom release.

Officials believe that a "real danger of significant violence and vandalism" exists and could affect other members of the public, such as protesting students. They strongly advised the board to cancel or postpone the meeting.

The meeting agenda included updates from UC staff members on initiatives launched to offset state disinvestment in the school by identifying revenue options beyond tuition and taxpayer support.

Slated for Wednesday and Thursday of this week, the meeting may be rescheduled at an alternative venue. "Ensuring public safety must be a top priority," said the release.

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By Lauren Lloyd in News on November 15, 2011 8:40 AM 0 Comments

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perspective2

University of California Berkeley Chancellor Birgeneau hijack’s
our kids’ futures. I love University
of California (UC) having been a student & lecturer. But today I am
concerned that at times I do not recognize the UC I love. Like so many I am
deeply disappointed by the pervasive failures of Regent Chairwoman Lansing,
President Yudof, Chancellor Birgeneau from holding the line on rising costs
& tuition increases. Paying more is not a better education.

Californians are
reeling from 19% unemployment (includes: those forced to work part time; those
no longer searching), mortgage defaults, loss of unemployment benefits. And those
who still have jobs are working longer for less. Faculty
wages must reflect California's
ability to pay, not what others are paid.

Current pay increases
for generously paid University
of California Faculty is
arrogance. Instate tuition consumes 14% of Ca. Median Family Income!

Paying more is not a
better education. UC Berkeley(# 70 Forbes) tuition increases exceed the
national average rate of increases. Chancellor Birgeneau has molded Cal. into the most
expensive public university.

UC President Yudof, Cal.
Chancellor Birgeneau($450,000 salary) dismissed many much needed cost-cutting
options. They did not consider freezing vacant faculty positions, increasing
class size, requiring faculty to teach more classes, doubling the time between
sabbaticals, cutting & freezing pay & benefits for chancellors &
reforming pensions & the health benefits.

They said such
faculty reforms “would not be healthy for UC”. Exodus of faculty,
administrators? Who can afford them and where would they go?

We agree it is far
from the ideal situation, but it is in the best interests of the university
system & the state to stop cost increases. UC cannot expect to do business
as usual: raising tuition; granting pay raises & huge bonuses during a weak
economy that has sapped state revenues & individual Californians’ income.

There is no
question the necessary realignments with economic reality are painful. Regent Chairwoman Lansing can bridge the public trust
gap with reassurances that salaries & costs reflect California’s ability to pay. The sky above UC will not fall when Chancellor Birgeneau is ousted.

Opinions? Email the UC Board
of Regents marsha.kelman@ucop.edu