UC leadership applauds Gov. Brown’s proposed funding increase for UC
January 13, 2014 •
Patrick Lenz, UC’s vice president for budget and capital resources, issued the following statement Thursday, Jan. 9, 2014, after Gov. Jerry Brown proposed a state budget for 2014–15:
“The leadership of the University of California appreciates Gov. Brown’s commitment to full funding for the second year of his multi-year budget plan for the university. The governor is proposing an additional $142.2 million from the state general fund, representing a 5 percent increase in state funding for UC over the previous year. The governor also proposes $50 million for Innovation Awards to increase the number of baccalaureate degrees, reduce the time to degree and ease the transfer process for California Community College students. This is a competitive grant program open to UC, California State University and the community college systems. UC already exceeds its national comparison institutions in time to degree; however, we welcome any funding that would increase the number of baccalaureate degrees awarded and create greater transparency for community college transfers.
“The governor’s proposed increase in state general funds and UC’s continuing efforts to achieve savings through administrative efficiencies will preclude any tuition increase in the 2014–15 academic year. In addition, UC students will benefit from the state’s new Middle Class Scholarship Program to be implemented in the fall of 2014. This program will provide a 40 percent reduction in tuition and fees for families with incomes up to $150,000. While only 30 percent of UC students pay full tuition and fees, the Middle Class Scholarship Program will provide greater assistance to students who may not qualify for financial aid or may qualify only for partial aid.
“The University of California will continue working with the governor and the Legislature to recognize funding priorities for enrolling more California first-time freshmen and community college transfers as well as the critical need to reinvest in the academic quality that allows more faculty hiring, graduate student support, and funding for instructional equipment, technology and UC libraries.”
The State of California Middle Class Scholarship program will be phased in over several years and will provide smaller amounts to eligible students for 2014-2015. See UCOP’s description of the program here:
http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/paying-for-uc/glossary/middle-class-scholarship/index.html
I am happy that the funds we approved in the Proposition are going where they are supposed to be allocated. I am also happy with the forward thinking of Governor Brown by paying off some debt and establishing a “rainy day” account. I hope we can keep our “paws” off of that money.