7thriv

California's public university system - despite it's many flaws - has actually managed to live up to the ideal of the public university - some of the campuses are indeed "world class" but tuitions have made them accessible to the general public. Now, however, the UC system has decided that the state of affairs in higher education and in the budget negotiations in Sacramento are such that they need to fight for their share of the funding pie. The Regents have approved a budget proposal which they say "represents the true cost of running the University of California, and maintaining it as an economic engine and beacon of excellence." That proposed budget asks for a 23% funding boost.

Now, this may indeed represent the "true cost" of operating UC. But, it does not represent an attempt to grapple with the very real funding issues that are testing government at all levels, along with the world of higher education. UC is asking for $3.6 billion per year to fund their operations "as is." Well, "as is" won't cut it right now. I would feel a lot better if there were any signs that UC is trying to economize, rather than keep things at an unsustainable level. Sure, keep UC Berkeley, UCLA, UC Davis, and UCSF. Those are great schools, each fulfilling a distinct mission. But, what's going on at UC Riverside that is so important? Or UC Merced? Why should we keep current levels of funding for the rich kids who go to UC Santa Barbara, or the tenured radicals at UC Santa Cruz? 

Honestly, given the choice between funding UC and funding the thousands of useless state boards, I'll choose UC every time. But, UC's haughty demand for an increase, even as the rest of us tighten our belts, is insupportable.