It is no secret that the University of California is at a major crossroads in its history. The significant rise in student fees over the past several years, coupled with rapidly changing demands on major research universities, reflects the reality that the UC system is on the verge of an identity crisis. To draw an analogy — in the 1960s, the UC system was like a rebellious teenager demanding room to grow, whereas now, it is like an accomplished adult mapping out his or her future. Unfortunately, being held in high esteem doesn’t act as a shield against adversity, and the university faces a host of challenges in the coming years.
As a life-long Californian, UCLA alumnus, former Oakland middle school teacher, UC Davis law student and current regent-designate, I am greatly troubled about the future of public higher education in this state. In particular, I am concerned about how the university will maintain its legacy of excellence, access and affordability. Moreover, on an intensely visceral level, I worry that our world-class public university system may lose the magic that motivated my grandparents and millions like them to strive for a better life in California. Over the next few years, as the regents, students, faculty, alumni, staff and our elected officials in Sacramento set out a course for the future of our great university, I hope that we will all use the extraordinary values of excellence, access and affordability as our guides.
Perhaps the most pressing issue facing the university at this time is its relationship with the state of California. Though it is a public university, only 19 percent of the university’s budget comes from the state. Adjusting for inflation, in 1985 the state contributed $15,100 toward each UC student’s education, whereas today the state chips in $9,120 per student. In signing the compact with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger last May, the university was guaranteed that its funding stream from the state would improve after three years of dramatic cuts. I am concerned that if a dwindling tax base causes the governor to default on his funding promises, the state’s budgetary woes will continue to be placed on the backs of students.
A related issue that must be further addressed is whether the UC system, as a land grant institution, can claim to be truly accessible and in essence relevant to the majority of Californians. As underrepresented students continue to face a plethora of barriers to assuming their rightful place in the university, the UC system is in danger of going down a road toward further homogeneity. Furthermore, it is particularly troublesome that our professional schools (law, business, medicine, etc.), seem to be morphing into quasi-private institutions as fees have skyrocketed, raising further barriers to education for middle- and lower-income students.
Fortunately, the next few years will also bring great promise to the university. From a bold teacher-training initiative to efforts pushing the boundaries of stem cell exploration, the university’s mission of providing outstanding teaching, research and community service continues to be as important today as it has been throughout the state’s history. The challenge in this regard is to ensure that our campuses are prepared to meet these demands.
Recognizing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, I am honored to be on the Board of Regents at this vital time. I look forward to remaining in contact with you through regular pieces in this newspaper, and I am hopeful that many of you will contact me directly to highlight the issues you feel are important to the wellness of our university.